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When Are Quenepas In Season? – The Incredible Health Benefits Of Quenepas

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The Melicoccus bijugatus is a tree with stone-bearing fruits known as Quenepas. This tropical plant is in the soapberry family Sapindaceae and is native to South and Central America, Mexico, and all way up to Canada.

It is also known by several names, including mamoncillo, genip, ginepa, kenèp, ackee, Quenepa, quenepe, quenette, chenet, talpa jocote, limoncillo, mamón, skinip, canepa, kinnip, or huaya. This article is going to discuss “when are quenepas in season.” Read on to know.

When Are Quenepas In Season
Melicoccus bijugatus via Wikimedia

When Are Quenepas In Season?

The Quenepa is a refreshing and easy-to-grow fruit that you can find throughout the year. It is a tropical fruit, and it’s often eaten raw. Its most common season covers spring into autumn. However, depending on where you live, it may appear during warmer weather as well.

When the quenepa fruit is peeled, a gel-like peach-colored filling can be seen. The delicate but powerful flavor of this substance has found its way into many desserts and sauces. However, you cannot relish the sweet taste of this fruit unless you consume it in its season.

Quenepa Tree and fruit

Quenepas tree belongs to the soapberry family with the scientific name Melicoccus bijugatus. Its common name is Spanish lime.

It originated in the New World tropics and has become an integral part of Caribbean culture and cuisine. The round Quenepa grows in bunches on the tree and gives a stone-like appearance.

This fruit has green skin with an almost transparent appearance and is small enough to fit in your hand. Its taste is similar to lychee and lime and lies somewhere in between. A tangy treat with crisp flesh bursting at each corner of your mouth – it does have something special!

After removing the skin of Quenepa, a soft and creamy pulp is revealed. The jelly-like pulp has a delicious taste, and it has a sweet and tart flavor mixed. The seed of Quenepa is also edible, although people don’t prefer eating it commonly.

Melicoccus bijugatus Tree When Are Quenepas In Season
Quenepa Tree Tree in full bloom via Flickr

Quenepa Incredible Health Benefits

Quenepa has been found to have many health benefits for humans, including being rich in minerals and calcium that are crucial for human health. As a result, it is one of the best nutritional fruits you can find on store shelves.

Low in fat and calories, it provides an excellent source of sustainable energy with every bite. Below are the few main health benefits of this heavenly fruit.

1.     Strengthen Bones

Quenepas is a calcium-rich fruit that can help to maintain your bone strength as you age. So, if osteoporosis concerns are bothering you, then this fruit may be what’s needed. This nutrient-rich supplement prevents you from bone weakness by providing iron as well.

2.     Boost Immune System

Quenepas happen to be full of many key vitamins that help our immune system function properly, such as vitamin A or C. Vitamin C can help keep your immune system in check by stimulating the production of blood cells. Both vitamins are the most powerful antioxidants, which can function as anti-inflammatory agents to ease the stress on our bodies.

3.     Improves Blood Circulation

Iron is one of the most important minerals in our bodies, as it helps produce red blood cells. When we are low on iron reserves and suffer from anemia, symptoms like weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, or upset stomach can occur.

The importance of having enough iron cannot be overstated because this nutrient enables you to carry oxygen around your body with ease. Quenepas contains an amount of iron that will help you stay nourished and feel great.

4.     Improves Digestive System

Quenepas not only taste great but also can improve digestion. The high concentration dietary fiber present in this delicious fruit can bulk up stool and stimulate peristalsis. In addition, eating Quenepa treats stomach-related ailments like constipation or bloating with their high fiber content.

Moreover, it also stimulates nutrient uptake in the stomach.

5.     Cure Insomnia

Quenepa has been noted for its ability to treat insomnia, and it is due to the presence of a sleep triggering hormone Tryptophan. This hormone is known to help you fall asleep as it stimulates serotonin production, which regulates sleep patterns in humans.

6.     Lowers Blood Pressure

Quenepas is a natural plant that can be used to lower blood pressure. It contains many active ingredients, including flavonoids and tannins, shown in research studies to help protect against cardiovascular disease. In addition, eating quenepas reduces cholesterol levels for people who have high cholesterol.

7.     Keeps Your Mood Good

Serotonin is also the key hormone that keeps our moods stabilized, feelings of well-being happy, and feeling calm. Furthermore, it helps with sleeping, eating habits as well as digestion in general. So, it is not wrong to say that eating Quenepa keeps your mood stabilized and happy.

8.     Aids In Weight Loss

This tropical fruit from Mexico with no fat or carbs and an incredible low-calorie count means you can enjoy this delicious treat guilt-free. In addition, the fiber in quenepas will make your body feel full, which reduces snacking between meals.

Different Ways To Consume Quenepa

  • Generally, the easiest way to eat Quenepa is to bite through its outer skin to eat the pulp. However, it is best to eat the whole fruit and suck the pulp off the pit until you reach the seed.
  • You can also eat the seed by boiling it.
  • Consume Quenepa by making its refreshing juice which can be the perfect summer treat.
  • Eating only the ripe Quenepa will help you improve health, while the raw one will do the opposite.

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Conclusion

Quenepa is a small delicious, and beneficial fruit, which can be eaten raw. Quench your appetite with this flavorful treat without worrying about calories because they’re low on fat too.

  • Quenepas grow best during the start of the spring and go through hot summers into the fall. So, this all duration can be considered as Quenepa’s season.
  • There can be a little variation depending on the area where you live and the cultivator.
  • This tropical fruit has various health benefits, i.e., it improves heart health, immune system, digestive system, and sleep.

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