Mamey: El Fruto Tropical que Debes Probar
As we have done with our previous articles on fruits, this one is dedicated to a lesser-known, exotic fruit. We hope this article sparks your interest and encourages you to try it.
Mamey (Pouteria sapota), also known as Zapote, is a tropical fruit of great historical, cultural, and economic significance in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. With its unmistakable flavor and creamy texture, this exotic fruit has captivated those seeking a natural and nutritious delicacy.
Origin and History
Archaeological evidence suggests that mamey has been part of indigenous diets for over 2,000 years. It was highly valued not only for its sweet taste and high energy content but also for its medicinal properties. Pre-Hispanic codices and colonial chronicles reference this fruit as a key element in Mesoamerican trade.
With the arrival of Spanish colonizers, mamey spread to other tropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and parts of South America. Today, it is a popular fruit in various countries and is primarily cultivated in warm, humid climates.
The leading producers of mamey include Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and several Caribbean and South American countries, where tropical climates support optimal growth.
What Are Its Health Benefits?
Mamey is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that offer numerous health benefits. Some of its key components include:
Rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, supports eye health, strengthens the immune system, and protects the skin against aging. Rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, supports eye health, strengthens the immune system, and protects the skin against aging.
Loaded with Natural Antioxidants– The presence of carotenoids and polyphenols makes it an excellent ally against free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Contains Healthy Fatty Acids , these natural oils benefit cardiovascular health and help keep the skin hydrated.
Su contenido en carotenoides y polifenoles lo convierte en un excelente aliado para combatir los radicales libres y reducir el riesgo de enfermedades crónicas. Además de ácidos grasos saludables, contenidos en su pulpa, estos aceites naturales benefician el sistema cardiovascular y mantienen la piel hidratada.
How to Identify a Good Mamey Fruit
Mamey is a medium to large-sized fruit with a thick, rough brown skin that protects its vibrant orange or reddish pulp. The flesh has a creamy, smooth texture, similar to that of an avocado, and its sweet flavor carries hints of almond and vanilla, making it highly prized in culinary applications. At its center lies a large, dark seed, often used in traditional remedies and mamey oil production.
Mamey Consumption in Europe
In recent years, mamey has gained popularity in Europe due to the growing demand for exotic and healthy foods. Although its distribution remains limited compared to other tropical fruits, it can be found in specialty markets and Latin American food stores. Countries like Spain and France have shown increasing interest, particularly within Latin American immigrant communities and gourmet cuisine, where it is used in desserts and beverages.
Mamey in the Industry
One of the standout byproducts of mamey is its seed oil, widely used in hair and skincare treatments. This oil is known for:
- Preventing hair loss
- Acting as a natural conditioner
- Controlling frizz
- Strengthening eyelashes and nails
- Providing heat protection for hair styling tools
For skincare, mamey oil serves as a natural emollient with moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for skin protection and regeneration.
Additionally, it has therapeutic and medicinal uses, such as:
- Treating various scalp and skin conditions
- Relieving insect bites and irritations
- Moisturizing chapped lips
- Enhancing relaxation through massages
Culinary Uses of Mamey
Mamey is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. It is often eaten fresh by simply cutting it in half and scooping out the flesh with a spoon. It is also a key ingredient in smoothies, ice creams, desserts, jams, and even savory sauces. Its natural sweetness makes it a great alternative to refined sugars in various recipes.
Our top recommendation is a mamey smoothie with skim or plant-based milk—no added sweeteners needed, as the fruit is naturally sweet.
To fully enjoy its flavor and benefits, it is best to select mameys at their peak ripeness when their skin slightly yields to pressure and emits a sweet aroma.
Dare to try mamey and find out why it is considered a tropical treasure full of flavor and nutrition! Get to know our products, just with a click.
Divine Fire Fruit: The Persimmon
A very familiar name in our shopping basket during the autumn-winter season, also called Sharoni (Triumph), Persimon, Kaki, or Palo Santo.
We’ve decided to dedicate this space to delve a little into its history and how it has earned a special place in consumers’ preferences.
Where Did It Originate?
Divine Fire Fruit: The PersimLike several fruits we’ve discussed in our blog, its origin lies in Asia—specifically China and Japan. Its scientific name is "Diospyros kaki", which means "fruit of the divine fire." In Japan, it is associated with longevity and good fortune, and in many cultures, it symbolizes perseverance and inner strength.
Beyond its symbolism, it is a fruit with rich traditions, sweetness, and numerous health benefits.
In Spain, it was introduced in the 18th century and was warmly received, eventually earning a strong foothold in the fields of Spanish farmers. This is particularly true in the Ribera Alta region of the Valencian Community, where it has flourished with great success and is now the second-largest persimmon-producing region in the world. This effort resulted in the creation of the "Kaki Ribera del Xúquer" Designation of Origin, which we will discuss in greater detail in this article.
Today, Spain, along with Italy, are the largest producers in the European region.
A Unique Flavor?
This is a topic of much discussion among consumers, as persimmons can sometimes be slightly bitter in certain varieties. This characteristic is due to tannins, which give the fruit its astringent taste, leading to classifications as astringent or non-astringent varieties.
Some astringent varieties include: Rojo Brillante, Eureka, Hachiya, and Koushu-Hyakume, which must be eaten when very ripe to avoid astringency. At this stage, the fruit’s texture becomes so soft that it can even be eaten with a spoon. In the case of the Rojo Brillante variety, once the astringency is removed, it is known as Persimon, a protected brand name. After post-harvest treatment, it retains its firmness and develops a sweeter taste.
Non-astringent varieties include: Jiro, Sharon, Honan Red, and Fuyu, which naturally mature until the fruit becomes softer and sweeter.
However, the fruit's soft flesh posed a challenge for commercialization, leading to the search for alternative ripening techniques to produce a sweet yet firm-textured fruit.
With the support of the Valencia Agricultural Research Center and based on the Rojo Brillante variety, a fruit oxidation process was developed, resulting in the Kaki Ribera del Xúquer Designation of Origin mentioned earlier. This product is characterized by firm consistency, an intense orange skin and flesh, a good size, and a sweet flavor.
This innovation has been a great success, enabling easier handling and access to international markets, significantly expanding over the last twenty years.
What Are Its Health Benefits?
The persimmon harvest season in Spain runs from October to January, coinciding with colder weather and the onset of colds and flu. Maintaining a strong immune system is crucial during this time. Nature provides us with many fruits to strengthen our immune systems, from delicious citrus fruits to flavorful berries like persimmons, which offer numerous nutrients.
It contains:
- Antioxidants– Fight free radicals, thereby boosting the immune system.
- Calcium– Strengthens bones.
- Potassium– Improves heart health, blood pressure, and arteries.
- Vitamin A - Enhances eye health.
- Vitamin C - Improves iron absorption and skin appearance.
- Flavonoids - Beta-carotenes that boost the immune system.
- Fiber – Improves digestion and regulates intestinal transit, as soluble fiber retains water and reduces cholesterol levels.
These nutrients make persimmons an excellent addition to your diet, especially during the autumn and winter seasons when they are at their peak. We encourage you to maintain a balanced and healthy diet along with regular exercise. We encourage you to maintain a balanced and healthy diet, as well as a regular exercise routine.
We invite you to explore our products.
Discover the Date or Cocktail Avocado
The date or cocktail avocado, a gift of nature and a delight for avocado lovers. Seedless and boasting an unparalleled creamy texture, this exotic fruit will transport you to a world of subtle and delicate flavors. Perfect for creating gourmet dishes and unforgettable culinary experiences.
What makes the date avocado unique is that it is the immature fruit of a common avocado variety, such as Fuerte or Bacon. Due to a natural or induced process, the fruit's embryo fails to develop, resulting in a seedless, smaller avocado.
The date avocado is a variety originally from Israel It is smaller than conventional avocados and has an elongated shape, similar to a finger or a small cucumber. Its skin is thin, edible, and dark green, while its flesh is light green and very creamy. To enjoy it, it must be soft to the touch. To enjoy it, it must be soft to the touch.
Where is it grown?
In regions like Andalusia (Málaga, Granada), the cultivation of date Date avocados are grown in Israel and other Mediterranean countries, including Spain. avocados has significantly increased in recent years and is gradually expanding to areas like Valencia. The warm and sunny climate of these regions supports its growth.
The fruit is hand-harvested and carefully selected to ensure quality. It is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, whether eaten on its own, in salads, sandwiches, guacamole, or smoothies.
What are its nutritional benefits?
Like other avocados, the date or cocktail avocado is an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins such as vitamin E, potassium, and folic acid—essential nutrients for good health.
It is a fantastic choice for those seeking a healthy and delicious fruit.
"Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food." – Hippocrates
Considered an exotic fruit with limited production, it is classified as a gourmet product.
You can find various recipes on our social media channels. And for more information about the date avocado, feel free to contact us here.