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Turquoise Puya

Mamey Sapote fruit - Pouteria sapota

This is one of my favorite of all fruits!  The Mamey Sapote makes large, unusual fruits with a taste and texture of pumpkin pie.  The fruits often have overtones of almond, vanilla or honey.  Most people who try it agree that it's delicious!  The tree is very attractive, although it does require tropical or near-tropical conditions.  Fresh seeds are rarely seen for sale online.

Mamey Sapote fruit - Pouteria sapota

The fruits sold at a Mexican market

The Mamey Sapote (pronounced ma-MAY sa-POE-tay) is a handsome tree that grows to be quite large, although it may be pruned to a small size if necessary.  The fruits typical weigh 1 to 3 pounds and have a large seed inside, which has a short viability.  The vibrant, salmon-orange flesh is creamy like custard, and is typically eaten with a spoon like a melon.  Some make it into ice cream, shakes, or other desserts.  A video on the Mamey Sapote tree and its fruit is here.

Mamey Sapote fruit - Pouteria sapota

The tree comes from tropical Mexico & Central America and enjoys warm growing conditions.  It cannot handle frost.  It's grown in southern Florida, and it occasionally fruits in frost-free parts of southern California.  If grown in a pot, it should be given a large, deep container.  It's not particular about soil provided that it's well-draining and kept evenly moist.  Full sun is best.

Mamey Sapote fruit - Pouteria sapota

Photo # 1 & 3 by Eric Bronson, #2 by Meutia Chaerani & Indradi_Soemardjan, #4 by Peggy Greb

 

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