Pouteria caimito, the abiu (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈbiw]), is a tropical fruit tree in the family Sapotaceae. It grows in the Amazonian region of South America, and this type of fruit can also be found in Cuba, the Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia. It grows to an average of 10 metres (33 feet) high, with ovoid fruits. The inside of the fruit is translucent and white. It has a creamy and jelly-like texture with a taste resembling caramel custard.†
Description
P. caimito grows to an average of 10 metres (33 feet) high, and can grow as high as 35 metres (115 ft) under good conditions.
The leaves range from oblong to elliptical. They can be 10–20 centimetres (4–8 inches) in length and
Abiu may have several flowering periods a year, with potential for both flowers and fruit on the tree at one time. The development time from flower to ripe fruit is about 3 months. The main crop season varies by climate.
The flowers on the tree may occur either singly or in clusters of two to five flowers. They appear on the leaf axils on long, thin shoots. The flowers are small with four to five petals. The petals are cylindrical and are white to greenish in color. The flowers are hermaphroditic, meaning they are both sexes. The flowers open in the morning and can stay open for about two days.
Volatile profiling by GC–MS indicates defensive and aroma-related compounds vary by organ: leaves show compounds associated with plant protection, including capsaicin and 1-fluorododecane; Unripe fruit includes 5-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-hepten-3-one, methylcyclopentane, 2-hexenal and 3-hexanol; ripe pulp and peel are dominated by ketones and C6 aldehydes such as hexanal and 2-hexenal that contribute to ripening aroma.
In Ecuador, the fruits are in season during March and April, but may also produce in other times of the year. In some Brazilian markets, they are sold from September to April, but at this time, they are sparse. Bahia has a...
