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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Mamoncillo, or Spanish limes, grow in clusters of 12 or more fruits at the end of the branches of large green, leafy trees. Individual branches are removed and the fruits are commonly sold in clusters. The small fruits measure 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter and are almost perfectly round. The thin skin is smooth, tough, and leathery with the occasional protrusion opposite the stem end. The pulp has a gelatinous and glistening appearance, similar to that of a lychee. The flesh is referred to as the “aril” and can range in color from salmon-orange to pale yellow. It clings to a large white seed (sometimes two) at the center of the fruit. Unripe Mamoncillo can be sour and have a slightly ‘hairy’ texture. When Mamoncillo are ripe, the pulp is sweetly acidic and can be compared to a cross between a lime and a lychee.
Seasons/Availability
Mamoncillo are available in the summer months.
Current Facts
Mamoncillo, or Spanish Limes, as they are known as in the United States, got their name from their resemblance to small, unripe limes. Their likeness to limes is limited to appearance only. Botanically referred to as Melicoccus bijugatus (and sometimes Melicocca bijuga), the small green fruits go by many names in their native region. They are called Quenepas in Puerto Rico, Mamones in El Salvador, and Gineps in Jamaica and Guyana. Mamoncillos are not a citrus fruit; instead, they are related to the more common lychee and rambutan. The Latin name literally translates to “honey berry”. The fruit is a considered a drupe, a fruit with an outer fleshy part, surrounding a hard shell that contains a seed, similar to most stone fruit.
Nutritional Value
Mamoncillo are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and fiber. The small fruits also contain tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin. Mamoncillo are also a good source of phenolic compounds, which act as important antioxidants. The fruit pulp has been used to help treat digestive issues and hypertension in the Caribbean.
Applications
Mamoncillo are most often eaten fresh, right out of the skin. To eat a Mamoncillo, bite into or puncture the thin skin so it can be peeled back to expose the pulp. The best way to eat it is to pop the whole fruit into your mouth and suck the pulp from the seed. The seeds can be roasted, and eaten like chestnuts. The small fruits can also be used to make beverages, desserts and jellies. Peeled Mamoncillo can be added to equal parts sugar and water, and simmered to make a simple syrup to use in desserts and drinks. In Puerto Rico, the fruits are soaked in rum and sugar to make a sweet alcoholic drink. In Ecuador, Mamoncillo are eaten with salt and chili. The juices from the fruit can stain, so use caution when eating or preparing. Because of its leathery skin, Mamoncillo will keep fresh for several weeks. Refrigeration is not necessary, unless the peel is removed.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The indigenous tribes of the Caribbean, the Arawak, used the juice from the Mamoncillo to dye cloth. The juices leave a darn brown, permanent stain. According to local lore in the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, young girls would learn the art of kissing by eating Guineps. Another legend says that if a woman discovers two seeds within her Quenepas, she is destined to have twins.
Geography/History
Mamoncillo are native to northern South America and the Caribbean, specifically Colombia and Venezuela, and the islands just off their coasts. They grow mainly in tropical areas, and are found in some parts of tropical Africa and the Pacific. The little green fruits are commercially cultivated in the very southern portion of Florida in the United States and in some home gardens. Mamoncillo may be found at the end of the summer in specialty stores catering to Caribbean and Cuban tastes in the northeastern United States.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Mamoncillo (Spanish Lime). One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Mrs. Dessert Monster |
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Champola de Mamoncillo |
| That Girl Cooks Healthy |
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Guinep Juice (Spanish Lime) |
Recently Shared
People have shared Mamoncillo (Spanish Lime) using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Woodman's Food Market
Near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United StatesAbout 155 days ago, 7/01/20 Sharer's comments : Dominican Grown haymana produce market owings mills md 21117 Near Glyndon, Maryland, United States About 457 days ago, 9/03/19 Sharer's comments : Mamoncillo (Spanish Lime) spotted at haymana produce market owings mills md 21117. 
Rincon Latino
Near San Pablo, California, United StatesAbout 489 days ago, 8/02/19 
Sasoun Produce
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 1-323-928-2829 About 505 days ago, 7/17/19 
Vallarta Supermarket
Vallarta Supermarkets - Foothill Blvd
Near San Fernando, California, United States13820 Foothill Blvd Sylmar CA 91342 818-362-7577 About 523 days ago, 6/29/19 
Vallarta Supermarket
Vallarta Supermarkets - Lincoln Ave
Near Stanton, California, United States2394 Lincoln Ave. Anaheim CA 92801 714-300-0778 About 530 days ago, 6/22/19 
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - Lincoln Ave
Near Anaheim, California, United States2030 E. Lincoln Ave. Anaheim CA 92806 714-507-7640 About 530 days ago, 6/22/19 
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - 4th Street
Near Santa Ana, California, United States409 E. 4th Street Santa Ana CA 92701 714-647-9310 About 531 days ago, 6/21/19 
Sanwa Farmer's Market
Sanwa Farmers Market
Near Tampa, United States2621 E. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa FL 33610 813-234-8428 About 538 days ago, 6/14/19 Sharer's comments : Guinep (Quenepas) 
1318 E. 7th St N26 Unit 83-84 Los Angeles, CA
Near Los Angeles, California, United StatesAbout 541 days ago, 6/11/19 Sharer's comments : “ LA Exotic Fruits “ At Old LA Market Phone: (805) 921-6130 |
