Pouteria caimito

The amazing Abiu fruit!! Considered one of the best of the Sapotes. The fruit is considered a delicacy for those who can grow it successfully. Also a cousin of the Star Apple tree.

When ripe, it has smooth, bright yellow skin.

It's delicious flavour is reminiscent of creme caramel, maybe mango & honey, or lemon merangue pie.

Cut in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon and enjoy. The flavour is enhanced when eaten slightly chilled.
It can be used in fruit salads or added to yoghurt, to flavour ice cream, or used in sorbets with coconut milk and raw cane sugar. Good source of calcium, vitamin A & vitamin C.

    It is native to the Amazonian region of South America.

The Abiu (like many fruit trees) will produce larger crops when cross pollinated with a second tree.

Tree maintenance

Pruning - the tree should be lightly pruned when young to remove the central leader and promote well spaced branches. Keep to 3m high to facilitate harvesting, and branches should be not lower than 1m from the ground. Remove all suckers.

Watering is required in periods of drought, and during fruit growth, or fruit will split during rapid maturation.
Feed regularly with organic manures & fertiliser.

Mulching is highly recommended to keep the soil moist.

A windbreak is very helpful.

​August 2022