Mamey Spote is a sweet, creamy fruit; it is exceptionally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and beta carotene and is high in vitamins C, A, & B and minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Mamey contains antiseptic properties and is often recommended to help calm the nervous system, soothe an upset stomach, and alleviate headaches.
Mamey has been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer, improve immune function, and help to protect against heart disease and osteoporosis.
It is also excellent for helping to alleviate hypertension and the symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
Mamey is a great food for eye and skin health and can help to prevent age related macular degeneration, cataracts, and skin cancer.
It is a wonderful food to help rebuild and nourish the body after a long illness as it is easy to digest and rich with healing properties.
Mamey fruit can range from a softball size to a football size and are ripe when soft all the way around. They have a rough brown exterior but a deep orangey red flesh that is decadently sweet and satisfying.
Mamey fruit is completely fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium free and makes an excellent addition to smoothies, puddings, pies, fruit salads, and ice creams.
It is often said that mamey tastes just like pumpkin pie in terms of its flavor and texture. Its tastes are complex, like a mix of sweet potato and cherry with undertones of honey and vanilla. Its also a nutrient-dense fruit and is highly satiating for its relatively few calories, the perfect food for weight management.
When in season, mamey can be found in the tropical fruit section of most supermarkets, as well as in specialty Caribbean and Mexican food stores. Mamey is a fruit treasure with wonderful health properties that should not be missed.
Growing
Mamey sapotes have been grown or cultivated in Central America, Mexico, northern South America, and the West Indies for centuries.
The first recorded introduction into southern Florida was during the mid-1880s. The trees may grow in Florida and Hawaii although a freeze will kill the tree. A greenhouse is an ideal place to grow a mamey apple, but keep in mind, the tree can grow to quite a significant height.
Propagate by seeds which will take two months to germinate, in almost any type of soil; the mamey is not too particular. Cuttings or grafting can be performed as well.
Water the seedling regularly and place in a full sun exposure.
Provided you have the proper temperature requirements, the mamey tree is an easy tree to grow and is resistant to most diseases and pests. Trees will bear fruit in six to 10 years.
Harvesting varies according to growing location. For instance, fruit begins ripening in April in Barbados, while in the Bahamas the season lasts from May through July.
Some trees produce two crops per year in Puerto Rico and Central Columbia.
The fruit is ripe when a yellowing of the skin appears or when lightly scratched, the usual green has been replaced by a light yellow. At this point, clip the fruit from the tree leaving a small bit of stem attached.
For More Information:
http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/health-benefits-mamey-sapote-15963.html
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1951/2
http://www.shareremedies.com/mamey-fruit/
http://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Mamey_Sapote_109.php
