Mamey Tree: A Tropical Fruit with a Unique Flavor
Have you ever heard of a mamey tree? It’s a tropical fruit tree that’s native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. Despite its delicious fruit, the mamey tree is relatively unknown in North America.
What is a Mamey Tree?
Mamey trees are medium to large trees that can grow up to 75 feet tall. They have dense, evergreen foliage with dark green, elliptic leaves. The flowers are fragrant and white with orange stamens.
Mamey Apple Fruit
The mamey apple is a round, brown fruit that’s about 4-8 inches across. It has a leathery skin with small, warty lesions. Under the skin is a thin, whitish membrane that should be removed before eating.
The flesh of the mamey apple is deep orange and has a flavor that’s similar to an apricot or raspberry. It’s intense and aromatic. The fruit is hard until it’s fully ripe, at which point it softens.
Growing Mamey Trees
Mamey trees require a tropical or near-tropical climate to grow. They can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or grafting. The seeds take about two months to germinate.
Mamey trees are relatively easy to grow and are resistant to most diseases and pests. However, they are susceptible to prolonged cool or cold temperatures.
Harvesting Mamey Apples
Mamey apples ripen at different times depending on the growing location. In the Caribbean, they ripen in April. In the Bahamas, the season lasts from May through July. In New Zealand, they ripen in October through December.
The fruit is ripe when the skin turns yellow or when it has a light yellow color when scratched. At this point, the fruit should be clipped from the tree, leaving a small bit of stem attached.
Using Mamey Apples
The flesh of the mamey apple can be eaten fresh, boiled, or cooked. It’s often used in salads, ice cream, sherbet, drinks, preserves, cakes, pies, and tarts.
Where to Find Mamey Trees
Mamey trees can be found in tropical and near-tropical regions around the world. In the United States, they are most commonly found in Florida and Hawaii.
Tips for Growing Mamey Trees in the United States
If you live in the United States and want to grow a mamey tree, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Choose a location that gets full sun.
- Plant the tree in well-drained soil.
- Water the tree regularly, especially during the dry season.
- Protect the tree from frost.
With a little care, you can grow a healthy mamey tree in your own backyard and enjoy its delicious fruit for years to come.
