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.
Discover the Yellow Peach of Bajo Aragón: A Fruit of Great Flavor and Tradition
Welcome to another article, this time dedicated to one of our star fruits: the Yellow Peach, a celebrated name in Spanish horticulture. We’ll delve into its history and distinctive features, hoping that, just as it has claimed a special place in our hearts, it piques your curiosity about this velvety fruit.
The Eastern Journey of the Peach
The peach's scientific name is "Prunus persica", and it is also known as “durazno” in other countries. Its origins trace back to China more than 3,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest fruit trees known to humankind. It holds a prominent place in Chinese poetry and art, symbolising the idea of immortality.
Gradually, its cultivation spread to other countries via the Silk Road. The Romans introduced it to Europe, bringing it from Persia, hence the name "persica". In Spain, it began to gain importance during the Middle Ages, though it wasn’t until the 18th century that intensive cultivation began, expanding gradually throughout Spain, particularly in the regions of Catalonia, Aragon, Murcia, Andalusia, and the Valencian Community.
Each region is known for its varieties and colors, with over two thousand different types. In this article, we’ll focus on the yellow peach from the Bajo Aragón area, which has won over our taste buds. What makes this yellow peach so special? To understand its excellence, we must look at its history and the care with which it is grown.
The yellow peach from the Bajo Aragón region in Teruel is the result of a unique combination of climate conditions and special farming techniques. This exceptional quality fruit is especially known for its late-ripening yellow varieties, such as Guadalope (named after the region where it is grown), San Miguel, and others exclusive to Calanda, like Jesca, Evaisa, and Calante, which have held Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status since 1999, the only peach with this recognition for over 25 years.
The cultivation of this fruit follows a tradition passed down through generations. For centuries, farmers in this region have perfected production techniques, such as manually bagging each fruit in paper, which protects the peach from pests and impurities and supports optimal, chemical-free growth. This is one of the secrets behind the outstanding quality of this product.
What Distinguishes It?
The yellow peach from this area is known for its large size, golden yellow color, and velvety skin. However, its most distinctive characteristics are its incredible sweetness and aroma, which can fill a kitchen simply by sitting in the fruit bowl. Thanks to strict production methods and ideal climatic conditions, these peaches achieve a sugar level (Brix rating) above 12, making them a unique delicacy.
Its flesh is firm yet juicy, and when bitten into, the palate is flooded with an intense, refreshing, aromatic flavour. This peach is perfect for enjoying fresh or using in dessert recipes, jams, or even savoury dishes.
Nutrients and Health Benefits
Aside from its delicious taste, the peach is rich in nutrients, making it a healthy and recommended food for any diet.
It is rich in vitamin A, which supports eye health, and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and has antioxidant properties. Its fibre content helps improve digestion and supports a healthy digestive system.
It also contains minerals like potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and magnesium, which is important for muscle health.
The peach is ideal for weight management diets as it is low in calories despite its sweetness.
Regular peach consumption provides numerous health benefits, helping combat cellular ageing and supporting radiant, healthy skin.
Growing Area
The yellow peach cultivated in the Bajo Aragón region covers over 45 municipalities in the provinces of Teruel, Zaragoza, and parts of Tarragona. The semi-arid climate of this region, with its long, hot summers and the availability of irrigation water from the Guadalope and Ebro rivers, creates ideal conditions for peach cultivation.
This combination of fertile soil and climate endows the yellow peach from this area with its inimitable characteristics, making this fruit a true delicacy.
It Deserves a Place on Your Table
The yellow peach from Bajo Aragón is more than just a fruit; it is a genuine gastronomic luxury. Its artisanal cultivation, the tradition surrounding it, and its unrivalled flavour make it a product that embodies the best of Spanish agriculture.
By enjoying this peach, you’re not only savouring an exquisite fruit but also supporting local farmers who have kept a centuries-old tradition alive. If you seek quality, flavour, and health in one product, always choose a good peach—a Spanish gem worthy of a privileged place on your table. Try it and discover its authentic flavour!!