Caimitos are widely distributed throughout Central America and the Caribbean. The trees also grow well here in South Florida and were introduced in the 1900’s. They do not like cold snaps and young trees are easily killed at temperatures in the low 30’s. Always plant your tree in full sun for best growth and fruit production.
We recommend you grow your tree in a container until it reaches a height of about 8 feet before planting. This makes it easier to protect the tree while it matures.
Caimitos are in season from late winter or early spring to early summer. They do not fall when ripe but must be hand-picked by clipping the stem. Be sure the fruit is ripe before harvesting. Unripe fruits will be gummy and inedible. A fully ripe Caimito fruit will have dull skin and slightly wrinkled.The fruit will be a little soft to the touch.
When you slice into the fruit do not allow any of the bitter latex of the skin to contact the edible flesh. Remember,the skin, seeds and rind are not edible. Caimitos are best eaten chilled. They are delicious all by themselves and you can enjoy a special treat when you prepare a fruit cocktail by adding mango and pineapple.
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