## 1 Introduction  
Adding value to natural resources and finding new sources of agri-food ingredients are crucial issues in the current context of sustainable development and diversification of food products, particularly in developing countries [1]. In the Caribbean islands, using local biodiversity resources as a substitute for imports is becoming increasingly important. Manyresources have substantial nutritional characteristics but remain little known and, therefore, little used due to the lack of studies on their use in agri-food processes. Moreover, increased consumer interest in health issues has impacted the demand for sustainable products. As a result, the food industry tends to adapt and innovate in product formulation [2; 3]. As a result, under-utilized fruits and vegetables and their waste products are the subjects of increasing interest in developing flours, extracts, pharmaceutical substances, or flavors. In addition, secondary plant metabolites, polyphenols, and phytochemicals in most tropical plants, fruits, or vegetables are responsible for most host health benefits [4; 5; 6] and help to preserve product quality, bringing health benefits [7]. The _Terminalia catappa_ (_T. catappa_) tree, also known as the tropical almond, seaside almond, Indian almond, or Singapore almond, belongs to the Combretaceae family. This large tree species from India, Malaysia, and Australia has spread to many other countries, tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and is widespread in tropical regions, particularly coastal areas. _T. catappa_ has a widespread natural distribution in coastal areas near the Indian Ocean, across tropical Asia to the Pacific Ocean [8; 9]. It is difficult to determine to what extent its distribution has been made, but it is assumed that it is due to human movement and dispersal. Thus, the tropical almond tree has been introduced and naturalized in many tropical regions, including Brazil, the Caribbean, and East Africa [10]. The tree can reach a height of 30 m, with leaves measuring between 8 and 30 cm long and 5 and 15 cm wide. Almost all the tree parts seem to be attractive for development. The red bark is an elastic, cross-grained wood widely used to construct buildings, bridges, cardboard boxes, etc. The trunk is one of the best sources of gum and resin. The kernels, known as almonds, are eaten raw or roasted and appreciated for their taste, like that of traditional almonds [11]. _T. catappa_ is very widespread in the coastal regions of the Caribbean islands, but its use remains very limited. Using its powder in developing areas could replace the almond powders derived from Prunus dulcis almonds imported from Europe. Previous studies have already described the characteristics of _T. catappa_ and we propose using its powder as a substitute in preparing pastries. According to [PERSON] et al. [12], _T. catappa_ kernels are attracting growing worldwide interest due to their high nutritional value and phytochemical content, which is beneficial to health. In Asia, it is considered a medicinal plant [13], and in African countries, it is used to manufacture medicines due to its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, nephprotective, and antibacterial action [14; 15; 16]. Moreover, according to another study conducted by [PERSON] [17] concerning the physicochemical, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of _T. catappa_ seeds, the flavonoids and tannins present in _T. catappa_ play a crucial role in its anti-diabetic properties by acting as powerful antioxidants, thus reducing cellular damage caused by free radicals. In addition, these compounds can enhance insulin action and modulate signaling pathways associated with glucose metabolism. One study also demonstrated the richness of the seeds in lipids, enabling the production of oil used in cooking or animal feed [18]. Despite all this, _T. catappa_ is still little used worldwide, as there are many gaps in knowledge about its bioactive composition and properties [19].