Abiu

Taxobox
name = Abiu


image_width = 250px
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Ericales
familia = Sapotaceae
genus = "Pouteria"
species = "P. caimito"
binomial = "Pouteria caimito"
binomial_authority = Radlk.

The abiu ("Pouteria caimito") is a tropical fruit tree native to the Amazon. The fruit has a round to oval shape, sometimes pointed, smooth bright yellow skin when ripe, and contains one to four ovate seeds. The flesh of the fruit is white, translucent, mucilaginous, fragrant, and described as having a creamy texture and a sweet caramel-like flavor. When not fully ripened the fruit has a gummy or astringent quality due to naturally occurring latex. Most often eaten out of hand, abiu can also be used in ice cream.

The abiu is closely related to other sapotes, such as the canistel and mamey sapote.

External links

* [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/abiu.html Abiu in "Fruits of Warm Climates"]
* [http://www.daleysfruit.com.au/plant/Abiu.htm Abiu - Pouteria Caimito]
* [http://www.capetrib.com.au/abiu.htm Abiu at "Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm"]