Abiu

Abiu fruits are small in size, averaging 4 to 10 centimeters in length, and have a round to oval shape, sometimes showcasing a distinct nipple at the fruit’s apex, depending on the variety. The fruits typically range between 283 to 708 grams in weight and transition from shades of green, yellow-green, yellow, and dark golden yellow as they ripen. Some young Abiu fruits have a downy surface, and as they mature, the skin becomes smooth, taut, and faintly glossy. The skin is leathery and inedible but can be easily bruised and damaged if roughly handled. Underneath the skin, a layer of white, viscous, latex-like liquid resides between the flesh and skin. Younger fruits have a higher latex content, lessening as the fruits age. The pale, translucent clear to white flesh is aqueous, soft, and jelly-like with a melting, slippery, and succulent consistency. Depending on the variety, the flesh also contains 1 to 5 black-brown seeds. Abiu fruit is harvested when ripe or is picked once the fruits have shown a color break, transitioning from yellow-green to almost solid yellow. The fruits should only be eaten ripe and will have a soft give when gently squeezed combined with a yellow hue. Ripe Abiu fruits have a sweet, sugary taste with subtle nuances of caramel, maple syrup, vanilla, brown sugar, and custard. The fruits are also said to improve slightly in flavor when kept in storage for a few days.