Eggfruit (Egg Fruit / Canistel)

Egg fruit is named after its appearance similar to a Chicken egg.  Botanically, the Canistel (Pouteria campechiana – part of the Sapodilla family) is an evergreen tree native to northern South America (from Mexico to Brazil) and parts of Asia (Taiwan and Vietnam), although is cultivated in many other tropical regions. Its binomial name is derived from the Mexican town of Campeche, where it is native. It is sometimes (wrongly) referred to as Lucuma campechiana.

The eggfruit (canistel) trees can grow up to 10 m high with wide spreading branches, alternate leathery leaves and small white flowers, producing orange-yellow fruit, typically around 7 cm long, which are edible raw.  Eggfruit flesh is sweet, with a texture often compared to that of a cooked egg yolk, hence its colloquial name of "eggfruit". 

Eggfruit are closely related to the Mamey sapote and abiu.  Leaves or branches, if cut, have a clear, milky sap which is an easy way of identification of this tree.  Small greenish-white flowers in small clusters are produced from late spring through early fall and the fruits mature primarily from September through to March.

The epidermis or the edible part has texture somewhat like the yolk of an egg, both in colour and feel, very soft and easily ruptured.  The fruit has a large seed.  Young fruit have a glossy appearance, while ripe fruits appear dull.

The taste and feel of the fruit is unique.  Egg fruit is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and protein.  The fruit is normally eaten without the skin.  The fruit give a rich flavour to milkshakes, ice cream and can even be used in pies.

Scientific evidence of eggfruit’s potential medicinal qualities cannot be found, however it is thought that consuming this fruit does good for your body and nervous system.  This fruit, like the sapote is best when made into a milkshake.

The tree is found to grow in a variety of soils, ranging from sandy to clay.  Loamy soil, moderate rainfall and good drainage stimulate better plant growth and yield.  It is also resistant to most plant diseases.

Seedling trees may take two years or more to begin production, while grafted trees usually provide fruit the next season. Occasional problems such as scale insects may affect trees, but usually these are not serious enough to kill it.

Propagation - Canistel seeds lose viability quickly and should be planted within a few days after removal from the fruit. If decorticated, seeds will germinate within 2 weeks; otherwise there may be a delay of 3 to 5 months before they sprout. The seedlings grow rapidly and begin to bear fruit in 3 to 6 years. There is considerable variation in yield and in size and quality of fruits.  Cuttings take a long time to root.
 

Cultivation - Mulching is beneficial in the early years. A balanced fertilizer applied at time of planting and during periods of rapid growth is advisable though the tree does not demand special care. Outstanding branches should be pruned back to avoid wind damage and shape the crown.

Fruit Storage - If kept at room temperature, the fruits will soften to eating-ripe in 3 to 10 days. They should not be allowed to become too soft and mushy before eating. Ripe fruits can be kept in good condition in the vegetable tray of a home refrigerator for several days.