Rex Trulove
The araza fruit (Eugenia stipitata), also known as Amazon pears and Strawberry guavas, is another fruit that few Americans have seen or tasted. Many don’t know that this fruit even exists. It comes from the Amazon basin and is grown in Brazil, Colombia, and Equador.
This is another tree fruit. This tree has been introduced to Florida, Central America, some of the other South American countries, and Malasia, but it is rarely seen in the US. It also isn’t common in Europe, though it is sometimes sold in the UK.
The trees can grow to 45 feet in height and some appear as lower-growing bushes rather than trees. The fruit of wild Arazas is about 3 ½ inches in diameter and some of the cultivated fruit can be nearly double this size. The fruit is harvested 2-4 times per year.
When ripe, the fruit is soft and yellow. It contains several large seeds, which are discarded. The flesh has the consistency of ripe peaches, but the flavor is very tart and someone like passionfruit. Sugar is often added to this fruit because of the tartness and acidity. This fruit is even more acidic than lemons. It also has a very good nutritive value.
Unfortunately, this is a fruit that currently is unlikely to enjoy a much larger market because once it is ripe, it only has a shelf life of about three days.
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Have you ever seen or tasted araza?
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Yes
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No
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I’ve never even heard of this fruit
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Never heard of this fruit before
It is grown and eaten in many areas in the world, but it is known by many other names, too.
I haven’t heard of that fruit but I want to taste it.
I feel that way about almost all of the fruit that is seldom sold in the US. I want to taste it.
Never heard of this one either.
In the US, it is only sold in specialty stores that cater to Latin Americans.
Rex, To answer your question in a word – of two letters – No!
A market has been established in the UK, but it is probably only available in specialty stores, similar to in the US. That’s just a guess.