Mammee

The Mammee (also known as mammee apple, Santo Domingo apricot, mamey, or South American apricot) is the fruit of the evergreen tree Mammea americana. It is native to the West Indies and northern South America, and has been introduced to other tropical regions.

The tree itself is large, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. It bears broad, ovate leaves. The fruit is a berry, typically round or oval in shape, and can range in size from a grapefruit to a small melon.

The skin of the mammee is thick, rough, and brown. Beneath the skin lies a layer of dryish, bitter white pith. The edible flesh is located inside this pith and is typically orange or yellowish in color. The flavor is described as a combination of apricot, peach, and almond, though it can vary depending on the ripeness and variety. The fruit usually contains one to four large, brown seeds.

Mammee fruit is often eaten raw, or it can be used in desserts, jams, jellies, and beverages. In some regions, it is also used to flavor meats and stews. The seeds and other parts of the tree have been used traditionally in folk medicine, although their safety for consumption is not fully established. The bark contains tannins and has been used in tanning leather.