The quenepa is a fascinating and nutritious tropical fruit known by many names, including Spanish lime, ackee, genipe, limoncillo, mamoncillo, and honeyberry. This small, juicy fruit offers a distinctive flavor, often described as a mix between lime and lychee.
Despite its name suggesting a citrus connection, the quenepa isn’t part of the citrus family. However, it shares a similar tropical habitat, growing abundantly in the Caribbean and South American climates.
A Burst of Tropical Flavor
Quenepa’s taste can vary from tart to sweet. Sour types are often paired with chili, lime, and salt for a spicy snack, while sweeter varieties are simply enjoyed by cracking the outer green shell and sucking out the pulp, much like eating a lychee.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Packed with essential nutrients, quenepas deliver a rich supply of vitamins A, B-complex, and C, along with important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
They also provide proteins, amino acids (notably tryptophan and lysine), healthy fats, phytonutrients, and dietary fiber.
Beyond the pulp, roasted quenepa seeds offer antioxidant and antifungal properties.
Traditionally, ground seeds mixed with water have been used as a natural remedy for diarrhea.
Both the pulp and fruit itself possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, with potential health benefits that include:
- Supporting digestion
- Lowering blood pressure
- Relieving asthma and other respiratory conditions, particularly where electrolyte imbalances (like low phosphorus) are present
- Helping with constipation
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Regulating blood sugar
- Easing symptoms of herpes simplex and labialis due to high lysine content
- Promoting sleep, thanks to tryptophan, which is needed for serotonin production, a key hormone for sleep regulation
Altogether, this vibrant fruit nourishes the body in many ways and can be eaten fresh, juiced, or cooked into spreads like jam.
How to Enjoy Quenepa: Juice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of peeled quenepas
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, blended and strained
- 1 quart of water
- Juice of 1 lime
- Raw, unfiltered honey (to taste)
Instructions:
1. While water is boiling, peel the quenepas and place the fruits in a large bowl.
2. Pour the hot water over the fruit and let it sit for around 20 minutes, or until cooled.
3. Use your hands to gently separate the pulp from the seeds, squeezing to extract as much juice as possible into the water.
4. Strain the liquid, then stir in lime juice and sweeten with honey to your preference.
5. Refrigerate and enjoy chilled.
Quenepa Jam Recipe
You’ll need:
Two 12-ounce sterilized glass jars
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of peeled quenepas
- 16 ounces of water
- 1½ cups of natural sugar (such as coconut or raw cane sugar)
- Zest of one lime
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the sugar, lime zest, and cinnamon. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Lower the heat and add the quenepas. Simmer for 25 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens into a jam-like consistency.
3. Remove from heat and carefully pour the hot mixture into sterilized jars. Secure the lids and turn the jars upside down to cool completely.
4. Store in the refrigerator.
Whether you enjoy quenepa in its natural state, as a refreshing drink, or as a homemade jam, this tropical gem offers a delightful way to boost your health while indulging in a taste of sunshine.
