The canistel or Egg Fruit, is a member of the Sapotaceae (mamey sapote family). In English speaking parts of the tropics it is also known as Yellow Sapote.

This evergreen tree native to Central America is grown by some backyard growers. The canistel tree is erect and generally no more than 20 ft tall. Trees can be maintained at 10 feet with annual pruning. The tree is easy to grow in sandy soil or even in limestone soil conditions. Canistel trees are wind resistant and require minimal care. These trees do well during long dry periods once established.

‘Bruce’ is a large, uniform and atractive fruit shaped much like a Hersey’s chocolate kiss . Fruiting occurs in two major waves during August to October and again from February to March. There are 2 to 3 seeds in each fruit and plenty to eat.

Canistel is delicious when mixed with milk products, making it perfect for milk shakes, ice creams and natural smoothies. The fruit can be eaten fresh of course, but you must wait for the fruit to fully ripen to a soft texture and peel away the thin yellow skin. Immature fruit have sticky latex that is harmless, but sticky and annoying. Added flavoring such as lime juice and honey may be added to taste.

Canistel can be use as a replacement sweetner for baking, ice creams and other sweet treats. First the skinny on this product – as a sugar replacement, it is superior to sugar, being an excellent source of  fibre, vitamins and minerals. It is a flavor enhancer and can be added to any ice-cream, hot chocolate, smoothies, cakes, and all kinds of desserts.

Producing your own fruit in the home garden is easy. The tree is easy to grow with minimal care, given its superior wind resistance and tolerance to sandy or limestone soils.