What is Eggfruit?
Canistel is also known as eggfruit, cupcake fruit, or zapote amarillo (yellow sapote). The technical name is Pouteria Campechiana. It is native to Central America and the Caribbean islands, but cultivated in many tropical climates (like South Florida).
Different varieties of the fruit have many shapes. Some are short and spherical, while others are long and thin. The canistel grows up to 10 m (33 ft) high, and produces orange-yellow fruit up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long, which are edible raw. The fruit may contain one to six large, brown seeds.
Canistel flesh is sweet, with a texture often compared to that of a hard-boiled egg yolk or custard. It can also be pasty, creamy or a mousse-like texture. It is closely related to the lucuma, mamey sapote, laula and abiu. It is often compared to pumpkin pie or roasted sweet potato.
It is very nutritious and healthy for you, containing:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Iron
- Carotene
- Niacin
- Fiber
- High in antioxidants
- Low in calories (about 100 per fruit)
The ripe flesh is blended with milk to make a shake or smoothie. It can be pureed and added to custards or used in making ice cream. It is also used in a milkshake known as "eggfruit nog."
Canistel is a very sustainable food. It requires very little pesticides as it does not attract pests and insects.
It can also be used to make natural rubber from the latex that is extracted from the tree bark. The seeds can be processed and used for treating stomach ulcers.
Learn more about canistels (eggfruit) and where to buy them
Use canistel in these delicious recipes!
Image courtesy of Everglades Farm
Where else can I buy canistel?
Miami Fruit (delivery)
Tropical Fruit Box (delivery)
Robert is Here Fruit Stand
Have different sizes of boxes of canistels shipped directly to your door from Miami, Florida. Great for those who don't live in a region where eggfruit is readily available.
Robert is Here Fruit Stand
Tropical Fruit Box (delivery)
Robert is Here Fruit Stand
A famous fruit stand in Homestead, Florida, conveniently located on your drive from Miami to the Florida Keys. They sell a huge selection of rare and exotic tropical fruits.
Tropical Fruit Box (delivery)
Tropical Fruit Box (delivery)
Tropical Fruit Box (delivery)
Miami women-owned business that sources tropical and exotic fruits and roots from all over the world and ships them directly to your door. Note: We receive a commission if you order through this link.
Preserving Canistel
Here are some great ways to extend the shelf life of your eggfruit
Remember that the quality and texture of canistel may change when preserved using some of these methods below, but it can still be used in various culinary applications, depending on your preferences and quality of preservation method.
- Refrigeration: Place ripe canistel fruits in a plastic bag or an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This can keep them fresh for up to a couple of weeks.
- Freezing: You can also freeze canistel for long-term preservation. Here's how:
- Peel and remove the seeds from the canistel.
- Cut it into smaller pieces for convenience.
- Place the pieces in an airtight container or a freezer bag.
- Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and date the container.
- Store in the freezer for up to 6-12 months.
- Puree and Freeze: Another option is to puree the canistel and freeze it in ice cube trays. This makes it easy to use in smoothies, desserts, or recipes later on.
- Dehydrating: If you have a food dehydrator, you can dehydrate canistel to create dried slices. This will preserve the fruit for an extended period. Follow your dehydrator's instructions for time and temperature.
- Cooking: You can also use canistel in various recipes, such as pies, custards, or jams. Cooking and canning can extend its shelf life.
Canistel Varieties
Popular varieties in Florida
- Bruce
- Fairchild
- Fitzpatrick
- Keisau
- Oro
- Ross
- Trompo
To learn more about these varieties, visit https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/hs299 or https://growables.org/information/TropicalFruit/canistelvarieties.htm