Quenepas, mamones or suckers?

Actually, they're in the same family as lychees, which makes sense considering their similarly leathery skin. Beneath this green skin is a large seed coated in a slimy, peach colored flesh, which actually tastes a bit like a lime. (see photo below) The most common way of eating them is to remove the skin and suck the pulp from the seed. Some fruits

are worth climbing trees to enjoy. A fruit from my childhood that is not widely known in the United States but is considered a delicacy in the Caribbean and tropical regions of Central and South America (Colombia, Venezuela) are called mamones, or quenepas in the Caribbean. Mamones grow in clusters on tall upright trees. The flesh is more or less sucked off the seed which is then discarded. The edible portion is sweet but tart enough to pucker the mouth. It is difficult to liken the flavor to another fruit; perhaps it is bit like a combination of lemon and cantaloupe. Suffice it to say that mamones are one of those taste sensations residing in my childhood memories that I treasure most.

As we were driving in the city one day I drove past a young man holding up a clear plastic bag with them in it for sale and I was ready to jump our of my car with excitement! Oh boy, they have those here I have to get some! And I did. Everyday I feel more and more at home. Brings so many memories of my childhood and growing up years, sitting under a tree and instead of eating mangos which I also did, we ate quenepas or mamones!