The mamey is a native fruit of the American continent and specifically from the Antilles. Scientifically it is known as: "American Mammea L”And belongs to the group of clusiaceae, known for being shrubs that bear elongated fruits. This fruit was initially found in countries such as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico, although it is said that its cultivation was extended by the indigenous people who at that time were settled in the Antilles, the Arawaks.
This fruit can not only be called "Mamey"It can also be referred to as" Zapote Mamey "," Mata serrano "," Mamey de Cartagena "," Mamey yellow "and" Mamey de Santo Domingo "and is even known in other languages as:" Comomammee "," mammee apple "," Saint Domingo apricot "and" South American apricot "in English. “Abricote”, “Abricó do Pará”, “Abricó selvagem” or “Pecego de São Domingos” in Portuguese; and in French "Abricot d 'Amerique", "Abricot des Antilles", "Abricot pays", "Abricot de Saint-Dominque" or "Abricotier sauvage".
Characteristics of the mamey
The fruit of this tree measures approximately 20 centimeters long and weighs approximately 700 grams and grows in climates of tropical regions. It has a single internal seed that becomes almost half of the fruit, measuring approximately 10 centimeters, representing 20% of the total weight of the fruit.
For people who like history, you should know that this tree is considered as one of the most beautiful trees in the world due to the shape and number of branches, its height and its beautiful green leaves that grow in a fan shape on the top of the branches. These, also manifest with respect to the fruit (Mamey) and declare that it is a fruit of kings for its smell and its delicious taste.
This fruit according to its appearance, has been confused numerous times with apricot, although the color of the pulp also largely resembles the milky, although the difference is that the mamey has a higher proportion seed.
Taking into account the previous idea, we also mention that this fruit with its brown skin does not give the slightest impression of the beautiful orange pulp that it has inside. The mamey It has a shape on the outside and another shape on the inside, which is highly appreciated by those who delight it. This shrub not only takes advantage of the delicious flavor of its pulp, but also its resistant and slender stem and the general aesthetics provided by this tree with its 20 meters high and its intense green leaves, which is why it is used as part of the decoration in homes, parks, roads, etc.
Properties and uses of mamey
To enjoy the charms of this delicious fruitIt is better to eat it between the months of February and July, which is its season date.
It can be eaten in its natural state, accompanied or included in the preparation of a recipe or exquisite dish, as is currently done in restaurants where chefs intend to project native fruits.
Previously, mamey was used in different ways, as an insecticide (infusions prepared with the powdered seeds and peel of the green fruit), in traditional medicine (treatment for infections, diarrhea, eye problems and digestion). Today, this fruit is used to make ice cream, smoothies and desserts because of its delicious flavor.
Continuing with the above, mamey is not only used for its exquisite flavor, but also for the properties that it brings to the body. This fruit is very rich in minerals such as iron and phosphorus, vitamin A and others that we will detail below according to a serving of 100 grams:
For every 100 grams of mamey 124 calories are consumed, 0,5 total fat distributed in 0.2 grams of saturated fat, 0.1 gram of polyunsaturated fat, 0.1 gram of monounsaturated fat and 0.1 in trans fat. 7 mg of sodium, 454 milligrams of Potassium, 25 grams of Carbohydrates distributed in 5 grams of Fiber and 20 grams of sugars, 1.5 grams of Proteins between Vitamin A and Vitamin B12, Calcium (18 mg), Vitamin B6 (0.7 mg ), Vitamin C (23 mg), Iron (0.8 mg) and Magnesium (11mg).
The contributions already mentioned that this fruit has to the body are of special and important consumption because they contribute to the formation and health of the skin covers and protects the outside of the body and the membranes that protect the internal part of the body, hair growth, bone growth, eye health as well as other benefits thanks to the contribution of vitamin C as an antioxidant effect, caring for cartilage, bones and teeth, as well such as promoting the formation of collagen.
The color that this fruit presents is due to the carotenes that compose it, this antioxidant is particularly important in health since improve the immune system, which is the one who defends the body from bacteria and infections.
Mamey cultivation
For the cultivation of this delicious fruit it is necessary to take into account the following:
- It is a fruit native to tropical climates, so it is very sensitive to cold.
- According to point one, you need clay soils that allow drainage.
- Rich organic matter that provides vitamins to the plant.
- It needs moist soils, but not stagnant and water-filled soils, that is why drainage is necessary, since standing water can rot its root.
- The altitude of this tree ranges from 0 to XNUMX meters.
- It is not a tree that needs too much care, since with just a few minimal attention you can grow this beautiful tree and enjoy its delicious fruits.
How is it planted?
It is very simple, since if you are going to plant it from seed then the first thing you should do is extract it from a fresh fruit.
Recommended directly start the germination process, since it loses its ability to germinate after 7 days. Following this, a seedbed is planted with moist, organic and fertile soil.
Experts suggest splitting the seed so that it has a slightly faster germination process. Then, the seedbed is covered with plastic wrap until this seed germinates, but what aboutWhy this plastic wrap? This role is used as it helps the hormones focus and increase their ability to germinate.
Once this germinates, the paper is no longer necessary and you just have to wait for this beautiful tree to beautify the place where it is grown. The fruits are given after seven years of having been cultivated. The fruit is collected once it is ripeSince raw they are not edible, they could even be toxic. One way to distinguish when the fruit is ripe and ready to eat is because its skin becomes lighter and when you want to detach it, it comes out easily.
But if it is a commercial reason, this fruit is removed from the bush at least four days before its sale so that when it is bought, it can be ingested.
I like it, it has been very instructive in the knowledge of the potential and health benefits of this fruit, as well as the treatment and cultivation of the plant. Thanks.