eggfruitSo again, a mysterious fruit with a bizarre and potentially off-putting name. Eggs and fruit are generally kept quite separate in American cuisine. But an eggfruit is an entity all its own.

These fruits grow in a tropical and subtropical climate. They are roughly the size of an apple with a yellowish to orange color. The pulp is similar in both appearance and texture to a cooked egg yolk hence the fruit’s name. The fruits’ color does not change as it matures, but the skin texture does turn from glossy to dull. Eggfruits must be harvested in order to ripen completely. It takes approximately one week after harvesting for the fruit to ripen.

But how does it taste? It has been described in a number of ways. First, some say it tastes like mashed egg yolks sprinkled with sugar. Yams and cooked pumpkin have also been mentioned. Most commonly, eggfruits have been noted to taste of a unique flavor of maple and sweet potato. Eggfruits can be eaten fresh without removing the skin or can be peeled and sliced. The pulp is often used in preparation of milk shakes and provides a lovely color and flavor. Recently it has become popular as a dried powder flavoring. Health benefits of the eggfruit include the amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and protein in the fruit.

One way to eat eggfruit is to try making eggfruit ice cream. Here’s the recipe below. It will serve 4 people.eggfruit-icecream-575x352

1/4 ltr of Milk
1 no of Eggfruit
3 tbsp of sugar
1 1/2 tbsp of Cornflour
2 tbsp. of cream
1 spn. of Milk powder(optional)

Step 1 - Add milk, cornflour, sugar and milk powder in a bowl. Mix well.

Step 2 - Boil the mixture for 2-3 minute in low flame. Stir continuously.

Step 3 - Allow to cool. Remove seeds of egg fruit. Put eggfruit and milk mixture in a blender and process to fine paste.

Step 4 - Transfer the paste to a freezer safe bowl. Freeze it for 5-6 hours.

Step 5 - Take the ice cream from refrigerator. Add cream and again blend for 2-3 minute. Repeat step 4.eggfruit cocunut bread

If you’re not looking for dessert, here’s a recipe for Eggfruit Coconut Bread. It will serve 10-12 people.

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon clove

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup softened butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups mashed ripe eggfruit

1 cup grated coconut

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2 - In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda and spices.

Step 3 - In a large bowl, blend butter and sugar, then blend in eggs. Slowly stir in milk, then vanilla and eggfruit.

Step 4 - Stir in flour mixture, and mix in coconut.

Step 5 - Spoon into a greased 8½ X 4½ x 2½ in loaf pan, making sure to leave ¾ inch at the top to allow the bread to rise.

Step 6 - Bake 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


Images courtesy of:                                                                                    http://theindianvegan.blogspot.com/2013/03/all-about-egg-fruit-canistel.html                                Hygeena Shameer at http://www.spicykitchen.net/recipe/eggfruit-ice-cream/        CocinaCubana at http://www.food.com/recipe/egg-fruit-canistel-coconut-bread-347215/photo