Canistel - Pouteria campechiana
Our Canistel trees are fruiting NOW and we’re excited to tell you about this delicious and unique fruit! Also known as eggfruit, due to its shape and deep yellow-orange color (like that of an egg yolk), Canistel is a creamy and decadent dessert-like fruit, whose flavor to us is somewhere between sweet potato pie and vanilla frosting. Other common names are “cupcake fruit” and yellow sapote. The Canistel tree thrives in South Florida’s subtropical climate, and produces its crop primarily in the winter months, a welcome addition to the harvest basket when other fruits are out of season.
As for its health benefits, Canistel fruit is packed with vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, as well as dietary fiber and healthy fats. The fruit is also high in carbohydrates, making it an excellent snack or breakfast option. Besides eating it fresh and ripe from the tree, Canistel’s culinary uses are where it really shines: this versatile fruit is a favorite for use in milkshakes (think eggnog shake, but an alternative and healthier option), baked goods such as pies and pastries, and is wonderful eaten dehydrated or freeze dried. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can really enhance the flavor and make the Canistel fruit into a true delicacy!
Our ‘Fairchild #2’ Canistel tree is loaded with fruit!
The tree grows best in full sun, and well-drained, sandy soil. Once established, Canistel trees are fairly drought tolerant, needing supplemental watering only in extended dry periods. The tree is attractive, with glossy green leaves and an upright, stately form, growing to about 20 ft, but easily kept in the 10-12 ft range by yearly pruning. It makes a great focal point in a landscape, especially in the winter months when laden with fruit. We see Canistel as an excellent and under-rated fruit tree, adding diversity and seasonal variety to any South Florida food forest. We highly encourage you to plant one!
