Abiu (Pouteria caimito)

Tropical, Sweet, Custard-Like Fruit

Common Names: Abiu, Yellow Star Apple, Caimo
Family: Sapotaceae
Origin: Amazon Basin, South America

Abiu (Pouteria caimito) is a tropical fruit tree native to the Amazon Basin, known for its bright yellow, sweet, custard-like fruit. The fruit has a smooth, gelatinous texture and a flavor that is often compared to caramel or vanilla custard, making it a prized tropical treat. This fast-growing, evergreen tree thrives in warm, humid climates and is popular in home gardens and orchards throughout tropical regions. In addition to its delicious fruit, Abiu is an attractive tree with glossy, dark green leaves, adding ornamental value to tropical landscapes. Nutritionally, Abiu is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune health, skin health, and vision. It also contains dietary fiber, which promotes digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Fruits: The Abiu fruit is round to oval and bright yellow when ripe. The flesh is translucent, sweet, and custard-like, with a smooth, jelly-like texture. The fruit has a mild, caramel-like flavor with hints of vanilla. Inside, it contains several dark seeds.

Foliage: The tree has shiny, dark green, elliptical leaves that create a dense, evergreen canopy, providing shade and ornamental beauty in gardens.

Growth Habit: Abiu grows as a medium to large evergreen tree, typically reaching 20-40 feet tall, with a broad, spreading canopy.