Caimito (Star Apple / Milk Fruit)

Intro: Cut a ripe caimito across the middle and a star appears. The pulp is sweet, soft and milky, and the tree is a handsome shade tree.

Quick facts

• Botanical name: Chrysophyllum cainito
• Size: large, 30-50 ft if unpruned
• Fruit: purple or green skin, white to purple creamy pulp
• Typical harvest: late winter to spring 
• Cold tolerance: low when young; more tolerant when established

Growing notes

• Full sun, good drainage; fairly adaptable to limestone soils.
• Leaves have a golden underside that shimmers in wind.
• Prune to keep the height reasonable.
• Pick when the fruit is slightly soft and give it a gentle squeeze; unripe fruit is very astringent.
• Skin and core are not eaten; the latex-like sap in unripe fruit is sticky.

FAQ

• How do I eat it? Chill, cut in half and spoon out the pulp, avoiding the skin and seeds.
• Why is my fruit gummy? It was picked too early.