Charichuelo

What it is

The fruit is Garcinia madruno, also known as madroño in Colombia. Around Ixiamas, Bolivia, its oval fruits measure 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) long. The rind turns from greenish yellow to yellow when ripe. Inside, white flesh with a soft, cottony texture covers one or two large seeds.

Where it comes from

Charichuelo grows through Central America and tropical South America, including Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia. In Bolivia it grows wild in humid forest and is widely planted in family orchards.

Around Ixiamas in Bolivia’s La Paz department, fruit comes from home orchards and from forest toward Pando, including areas near the Undumo and Tequeje rivers.

How it's eaten where it grows

In the Amazon lowlands of La Paz, Bolivia, the white pulp is eaten fresh or made into camururu refresco. For the drink, uncooked pulp is blended with boiled water that has cooled, then sugar is added. The result is pale yellow, almost cream-coloured, with a sweet-acid taste.

One recipe uses 200 g (7 oz) of pulp, 50 g (1.8 oz) of sugar and 1.5 litres of water. The fruit is also made into jams and preserves.

How it's grown

The evergreen tree can reach 15 m (49 ft), with a dense, rounded or pyramid-shaped crown. It grows in the hot, humid tropics, in full sun or light shade. Fresh seed sprouts within 60–70 days. In rural Bolivia, trees are kept near houses for the shade of their thick foliage. In Colombian cultivation, growth is slow during the first two years.

When and where you'll find it

In Colombia, trees can begin bearing in their third year, with two harvests a year once established. In Ecuador the fruit is commonly sold in local markets. Around Ixiamas, home orchards and nearby forest provide fruit for fresh eating and refresco.