The Produce Quiz – What Am I?

Native to Central America I am a tropical evergreen that can grow as tall as 33 feet but because my long trunk is not sufficiently woody and my leaves only grow on top I am technically not a tree. Though I am ripe when my green skin is streaked with yellow I am often picked green and ripened at room temperature. This allows me to survive the long distances I often have to travel to get to your market. Long enjoyed by Latin American Indians and the Spanish the Portuguese made me famous worldwide and now I am cultivated in most subtropical climates from Brazil to India. I am cylinder shaped, can have a bulbous end like a pear or be 18 inches long. My weight can range anywhere from 12 ounces to 20 pounds. I always have a center cavity filled with tiny edible black seeds that resemble peppercorns and actually have a peppery taste. My flesh ranges in color from brownish-red to pink to golden-yellow. I can be eaten like a melon and often doused with Port, Rum, lime or lemon juice. When added to fruit salads I help keep other fruits firm. I am regularly pureed, pressed to make juice, cooked to make jam, chutney or ketchup. You will also find me stuffed with other fruits, chicken or seafood. I am also used as a meat tenderizer. When unripe my green ripe rind is often baked or boiled and eaten like a sweet squash. While my seeds clear the intestines, my flesh is an excellent source of Vitamin C and a good source of Potassium and Vitamin A.

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Produce Quiz courtesy of
Richard Liebowitz
Culinary Specialty Produce
 934

The answer to last week's quiz: HEDGHOG MUSHROOM
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