Mamoncillos are usually found growing in clusters of 12 fruits or more on large green, leafy trees. These are usually available in the summer months and can be harvested from July to October. Let’s further see what these pulpy fruits taste like and what nutritional benefits they offer.
Taste And Nutritional Value
Mamoncillo usually tastes tangy when unripe and can be sweetly acidic with an underlying starchiness when ripe. The carbohydrates in the pulp make it sweet while the astringency is due to its polyphenolic compounds. The taste is somewhere in between lychee and lime (1). Mamoncillo is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, phosphorus, and calcium. These tiny fruits are also a good source of tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin (1), (2). The phenolic compounds in the mamoncillo pulp act as important antioxidants and have been traditionally used to help treat hypertension and digestive issues in the Caribbean (1). Let’s have a look at a few of its other key benefits.
Health Benefits Of Mamoncillo Fruit
Antimicrobial Activity
The pulp extracts of mamoncillo exhibit antimicrobial activity based on their dose. The pulp and embryo extracts also exhibit antifungal activity against a variety of yeast (1).
Rich In Antioxidants
The edible pulp of mamoncillo shows high levels of antioxidant activity according to research (3). Antioxidants help the body get rid of toxic free radicals by boosting the immune system and also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
May Support Cardiovascular Health
The phenolic compounds in mamoncillo might have cardioprotective properties as they help reduce your blood pressure by dilation of blood vessels. High blood pressure can damage your arteries by making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease. Animal studies on rats fed with mamoncillo extracts report a reduction in systolic blood pressure (4). The phenolics p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid seem to have anti-platelet activity as well that might help in blood clotting (5).
May Help Improve Digestive Health
Mamoncillo seeds are traditionally used in Venezuela to help ease certain digestive health issues. They are roasted, crushed, and mixed with honey. This mix is then given to help stop diarrhea (1). The glucose to fructose ratio in mamoncillo extracts also seems to play a key role in helping ease gastrointestinal problems (6). With a range of such benefits, you might want to grow mamoncillo in your backyard. There are certain things that you should keep in mind to help you grow these trees better. Let’s check out what they are.
How To Grow Mamoncillo
Mamoncillo is usually well adapted to warm temperatures and subtropical climates. It is a tough tree that can withstand drought but is vulnerable to frost and extreme drops in temperatures. You would need plenty of space to grow this tree, as it can reach up to 85ft in height. These should be planted in well-lit open spaces away from tall buildings or wires for best growth and fruit production. It does well on most soil types and is drought-tolerant as well. You need to water it regularly for the first four years. If you want to grow a Spanish lime tree, you should get a plant from a nearby nursery rather than starting from a seed. It takes 8-10 years to start bearing fruit so if you buy a grown plant, you can harvest the fruits in 4-5 years.
Sustainability Of Mamoncillo
Mamoncillo is widely grown in home backyards and wild varieties can be found all through the tropical and subtropical parts of America as well. Consequently, most fruits that appear in your farmer markets are, more often than not, grown without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides making them easily sustainable and environment-friendly.
Harvest And Ripening
Mamoncillo fruits grow and sell as clusters on their individual branches. The fruits should feel firm but not hard under the skin. Fruits that seem mushy or withered must have become overripe. You should also avoid fruits with bruised or broken skin. Spanish lime trees can be harvested around June and July when they ripen and are ready to eat. The easiest way to eat them is to bite open the skin and suck on the pulp directly to get the most of the pulp and the juice. Some fruits might seem too tangy to eat directly and can be had with salt and chili powder. Mamoncillo’s seed is edible as well and can be eaten roasted, crushed, or mixed with honey. Let’s further understand how you should store and preserve mamoncillos to make the most out of these tiny green fruits.
Storage And Preservation
You should let the fruits remain on the branches until you eat them. The fruits don’t ripen further after being picked, so you should try to eat them as early as possible. They can last for up to a week at room temperature, and may also be refrigerated if you prefer them cold. Mamoncillo can be preserved for later use by soaking it in alcohol. They can also be made into jams and jellies. Let’s have a look at a few of its popular recipes.
Recipe Ideas
Mamoncillo is consumed mainly raw but there are few other ways to enjoy these fruits as well.
Guinep (Mamoncillo) Juice
This is the easiest way to have a refreshing drink made of Spanish lime. Next, we have another popular Caribbean drink made from Mamoncillo.
Kenep (mamoncillo) Trempe
Kenep trempe refers to “rum-soaked kenep” wherein mamoncillo fruits are soaked in white rum with sugar, star anise, and cinnamon. You can choose to try a different flavor by adding vanilla beans instead of the lemon rind. You should use a bottle with a wide mouth and can enjoy this drink after 2 to 3 days of preparing it. Ingredients
Mason jar or bottle Kenep (mamoncillo) White rum – about 1 cup or more Cinnamon stick – 1-2 Star anise – 1-2 Sugar to taste Lemon rind – optional Vanilla bean – 1-2
Instructions
To Sum Up
Mamoncillo or Spanish limes are tangy tropical fruits native to Caribbean islands. They are known by different names in various parts of the world. The trees need huge open spaces and plenty of sunshine to grow well. While the best way to enjoy the fruits and their benefits is by eating them raw, they can also be prepared and preserved as jams and jellies for later use. How many calories are in a mamoncillo? Mamoncillo is low in calories. A 100 g of edible portion contains only around 58 calories. Is guinep good for diabetes? It is said that certain proteins in guinep may help control diabetes. However, studies are being done to figure out whether guinep is an anti-diabetic food. Are guinep seeds poisonous? Guinep seeds may show toxicity if consumed unripe. These seeds are roasted before consumption to avoid toxicity.
