General Information
This fruit, prized by many, is difficult to find in distribution. The flesh may be light pink to a deep salmon color when fully ripe. The flavor has been described as a “sweet pumpkin with almond flavors.” Use in tropical shakes, daiquiris, or add to fresh fruit salads.
History
Mamey is native to Mexico and Central America where it still grows prolifically today. In other countries, the trees bark is harvested for tinder. The first Mamey sapote fruit was brought into the United States to Florida in 1887. Despite favorable trials and exceptional fruit production, only scatterings of Mamey sapote tree orchards would evolve over the next century. Currently, in the very same state, small Mamey sapote farms are under the threat of becoming endangered due to uncontrolled land development, hurricane damage and escalating land prices. As with most fruit trees, Mamey sapote is propagated by grafting, which ensures that new plants have the same characteristics as the parent, especially its fruit. This method also induces far quicker fruit-bearing crops.
