Jamaican Star Apple Purple Giant

Star apples, botanically classified as Chrysophyllum cainito, are rare fruits belonging to the Sapotaceae family. The fruits develop on large and fast-growing, evergreen trees that can reach 6 to 18 meters in height, and are found in tropical to subtropical regions worldwide, often planted along roadsides or in home gardens. There are two main types of Star apples, one with purple skin and one with green skin. Both types have similar cultivation requirements and share a comparable flavor, but fruit enthusiasts claim the purple is slightly sweeter and denser, while the green fruits are softer and more neutral in taste. Star apples cling tightly to the branches, even when ripe, and must be harvested by hand. Despite their apple moniker, Star apples are not true apples and were given their name for the star-like pattern in the center of the fruit, a pattern resembling the center of an apple. Star apples are known by many regional names around the world, including Caimito, Tar apple, Pomme de Lait, Cainito, and Gold Leaf tree, and are primarily viewed as novelty fruit. The soft, juicy fruits are consumed mostly fresh, out of hand, but they can also be incorporated into desserts, salads, and beverages.