What Does Egg Fruit Taste Like?

The egg fruit (canistel) is an intriguing ingredient that’s worth getting to know. It’s like a sweet, creamy custard disguised as a fruit.

The taste is a blend of sweet potato and pumpkin with a hint of spice, making it a unique addition to your fruit basket.

You won’t typically find egg fruit in your everyday fruit salad. You’ll likely find it used in desserts, smoothies, or savory dishes. The taste is mild yet distinctive and pairs well with other flavors. And it’s best when it’s ripe and has a soft texture, similar to a ripe avocado.

This article is your guide to understanding and appreciating egg fruit. We’ll discuss its taste, what it looks like, and the best way to eat it and use it in your cooking.

How Do Egg Fruits Taste?

An egg fruit tastes like a sweet, creamy custard with a hint of nuttiness. The texture is smooth and custard-like, so it’s often compared to a cooked sweet potato or pumpkin.

But it doesn’t stop there. The egg fruit also has a subtle hint of papaya, adding a tropical twist to its flavor profile.

The sweetness of the egg fruit is not overpowering. It’s subtle, making it a great ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. The consistent taste, from the first bite to the last, provides a satisfying eating experience.

Types Of Egg Fruits

• Yellow Sapote: This variety of egg fruit has a slightly sweeter taste and a more custard-like texture.
• Mamey Sapote: Although not a true egg fruit, it’s often compared due to its similar texture. The taste is nutty and sweet.
• Green Sapote: This variety is less sweet than the yellow sapote, with a more mellow flavor.

Comparing Egg Fruits With Other Fruits

• Papaya: The egg fruit has a similar tropical flavor but is less juicy and more custard-like in texture.
• Sweet Potato: The egg fruit’s sweetness and texture are often compared to a baked sweet potato.
• Custard Apple: Both fruits have a custard-like texture, but the egg fruit is less tangy and more sweet.

Do Egg Fruits Taste Good?

If you’re a sweet potatoes or pumpkin fan, you’ll likely enjoy the taste of egg fruits. They’re not overly sweet, making them ideal for various dishes.

However, you might find the custard-like texture a bit unusual for a fruit. If you prefer crunchy or juicy fruits, egg fruits’ creamy texture might not be what you like.

The taste of egg fruits is also highly dependent on their ripeness. A perfectly ripe egg fruit is sweet and flavorful, while an unripe one can be bland and chalky. So, picking a ripe egg fruit is crucial for the best taste.

What Does Egg Fruit Look Like?

Egg fruits are oval or round in shape, similar to a mango or an avocado. The skin is smooth and color ranges from yellow to orange, depending on the variety and ripeness.

When you’re shopping for egg fruits, look for ones that have a uniform color without any dark spots or blemishes. The skin should be smooth and slightly firm to the touch, similar to how you’d check an avocado for ripeness.

If the fruit dents slightly under gentle pressure, it’s ripe and ready to eat.

One thing to note is that egg fruits are usually larger than most common fruits. They can be about the size of a small melon, so don’t be surprised by their size when you see them in the grocery store.

Remember, larger size doesn’t necessarily mean better taste. The color and feel of the fruit matter most when determining its quality.

Do Egg Fruits Have Seeds?

Yes, egg fruits do have seeds. You’ll find a large, shiny, dark brown seed inside the egg fruit. It’s quite hard and has a smooth texture, similar to the pit of an avocado.

While the seed takes up a good portion of the fruit, it’s easy to remove. You can simply cut the fruit in half and scoop out the seed. It’s important to note that the seed of the egg fruit is not edible, so make sure to discard it before consuming the fruit.

The presence of seed is also a good indicator of the fruit’s ripeness. If the seed is loose when you shake the fruit, it’s a sign that the fruit is ripe and ready to be eaten. So, the next time you’re handling an egg fruit, shake it and listen for the sound of the seed.

How To Make Egg Fruits Taste Good

Making egg fruits taste good is all about how you prepare and serve them.

• Choose Ripe Fruits: A ripe egg fruit has the best flavor. Look for fruits that are slightly soft, similar to a ripe avocado.
• Serve at Room Temperature: Egg fruits taste best at room temperature. If you’ve stored your fruit in the fridge, let it sit out for a while before eating.
• Pair with Complementary Flavors: Egg fruit’s sweet, custard-like flavor pairs well with other tropical fruits, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey.
• Remove the Skin: The skin of the egg fruit is not typically eaten. Peel the fruit before eating to enjoy the creamy flesh inside.
• Avoid Overripe Fruits: Overripe egg fruits can have an off-putting taste. If your fruit has dark spots or a fermented smell, it’s best to avoid it.

How To Use Egg Fruits In Recipes And Side Dishes

Here are some popular ways to use egg fruits in your cooking:

Recipes:

• Egg Fruit Smoothie: Blend ripe egg fruit with your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based) for a creamy, nutritious smoothie. Add a touch of honey or a ripe banana for extra sweetness if desired.
• Egg Fruit Dessert: Egg fruit’s sweet, custard-like flavor makes it a great base for desserts. Try making an egg fruit pudding or custard, similar to a mango pudding.
• Egg Fruit Pancakes: Add mashed egg fruit to your pancake batter for a tropical twist on a breakfast classic. The egg fruit adds a subtle sweetness and extra moisture to the pancakes.

Side Dishes:

• Egg Fruit Salad: Mix diced egg fruit with other tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and banana for a refreshing fruit salad. Sprinkle with a bit of lime juice to enhance the flavors.
• Egg Fruit Salsa: Combine diced egg fruit with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a unique salsa. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.
• Egg Fruit Yogurt Parfait: Layer diced egg fruit with yogurt and granola for a healthy and delicious parfait. The creaminess of the egg fruit pairs well with the tanginess of the yogurt and the crunch of the granola.

Egg Fruit FAQs