ABIU – Pouteria caimito
This succulent fruit is an example of Mother Nature’s absolute best. A favourite with many, the Abiu is deliciously sweet and delicate on first taste, then develops at the back of the throat into a toasted/caramel hint. Some say it has a little hint of toffee apple, reminiscent of a Creme Caramel.
The fruit is generally round in shape, smooth to the touch, and ripens to a glowing yellow colour. The perfectly ripened fruit will have a touch of green remaining around the stem area. The seeds are large, black and inedible.
The Abiu is best eaten chilled, and cut around its equator before gently twisting and pulling apart. The fruit is very pleasant to the nose with a distinct hint of honey. The transparent flesh is silky and custard like with a very balanced flavour. A squeeze of lime does much to enhance the flavours. A real taste treat when simply eaten out of the skin with a spoon.
This fruit will produce a white sticky latex around the skin area, which should be avoided.
The Abiu is a native of Sth America, growing wild around the Amazon region. It was not introduced to Australia until the 1970s, however it fast became one of the most popular ultra tropical fruits grown in our North Queensland region. It is certainly a favourite with the visitors to our Mission Beach Tropical Fruit Safari, at 1.00pm every Monday and Tuesday at the Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre.
Terri Scarborough
Tropical Fruit Safari Presenter
