Bahian pitomba

What it is

Eugenia luschnathiana belongs to the myrtle family. Its fruit measures about 2.5–3.2 cm (1–1¼ in) long, with four or five green sepals, the flower’s outer parts, sticking out at the tip.

The centre holds one round seed or sometimes two to four angular ones. Trees raised from seed vary in the size of fruit they produce. The golden pulp and thin, tender skin give the fruit its soft bite.

Where it comes from

This pitomba comes from Bahia in eastern Brazil. It grows in small-scale plantings there and in Rio de Janeiro’s botanical garden. Seeds travelled from Brazil to the United States in 1914.

The tree also grows in South Florida. At Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, it has grown for decades and stood up well to storms and wind.

How it's eaten where it grows

In Brazil, the fruit goes mainly into jelly, preserves and fizzy drinks. In South Florida, growers also eat the ripe fruit fresh, scooping the golden flesh from around the seeds in the centre, or turn it into jam and juice.

How it's grown

The evergreen tree carries dense, glossy dark-green leaves. Full sun and well-drained soil suit it, and generous watering and fertiliser help small trees bear fruit. Seedlings generally take three to four years to produce their first crop.

Selected trees can be grafted to keep their fruit qualities. Pitomba also grows and fruits in containers, giving gardeners with limited space a way to grow it.

When and where you'll find it

In Brazil, the fruit usually ripens in November and December. In Florida, it is a summer fruit, following flowers in late spring and early summer. Garden plantings offer a way to meet the tree itself: Fairchild’s pitomba grows in Plot 46.