Canistel 'Bruce' (Pouteria campechiana)
Common Names: Bruce Canistel, Eggfruit, Yellow Sapote
Family: Sapotaceae
Origin: Central America (Cultivar developed in the USA)
The Bruce Canistel (Pouteria campechiana 'Bruce'), commonly known as Eggfruit, is a unique tropical fruit tree prized for its bright yellow, egg-shaped fruits that have a rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor. This variety, developed in the United States, is particularly known for its consistent fruiting and high-quality fruit. The Bruce Canistel is a favorite among tropical fruit enthusiasts and is perfect for enjoying fresh or incorporating into various culinary creations.
Distinctive Features and Uses
Leaves: The Bruce Canistel tree features large, dark green, glossy leaves that create a lush, tropical appearance. The dense foliage provides an attractive canopy, making the tree as ornamental as it is productive.
Fruits: Bruce Canistel fruits are medium to large, with a bright yellow, smooth, and slightly waxy skin. The flesh inside is vibrant yellow-orange, with a creamy, custard-like texture and a flavor that is often compared to sweet potato or pumpkin with hints of vanilla and caramel. The fruit has one or two large seeds in the center. Canistel is often enjoyed fresh, but it’s also used in smoothies, milkshakes, pies, and other desserts.
Uses: The versatility of Bruce Canistel makes it ideal for a variety of culinary uses. It can be eaten fresh, scooped out with a spoon, or used in recipes that call for a creamy texture, such as custards, pies, and ice creams. The fruit’s sweet, rich flavor also makes it a popular choice for blending into smoothies and milkshakes.
Quick Care Guide
| Plant Type | Perennial Fruit Tree |
| Harvest Season | Late Fall to Winter |
| Mature Size | 15-30 feet tall, 15-25 feet wide |
| Soil & Moisture | Well-draining, sandy loam soil; moderate watering with good drainage |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Self-fertile | Yes |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection until well-established; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation | Our Canistels are grafted and capable of fruiting now. |
Full Growing Guide
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Climate: Bruce Canistel thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. The tree prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate brief periods of cooler weather, but it is sensitive to frost. In slightly cooler regions, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors or into a greenhouse during colder months.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). The tree benefits from soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost, to improve fertility and water retention while ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Planting
- Location: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Bruce Canistel performs best in full sun, which is essential for vigorous growth and abundant fruit production.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by tilling and adding compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage.
- Planting Time: Plant in the spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up. If planting in containers, ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the tree’s growth and has adequate drainage.
- Spacing: Space trees 15-25 feet apart to allow adequate room for growth and air circulation.
Watering
- Consistent Moisture: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Bruce Canistel requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure the soil remains evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Sunlight and Fertilizing
- Full Sun: Ensure the tree receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Supplement with additional nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which are important for fruit development. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season for best results.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Routine Pruning: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Regular pruning helps to maintain a manageable size and promotes better air circulation and light penetration.
- Maintenance: Bruce Canistel is relatively low-maintenance once established. Keep the area around the tree clear of weeds and debris to prevent pests and diseases.
Pest and Disease Management
- Common Pests: Monitor for pests such as aphids, scale, and mealybugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
- Diseases: Bruce Canistel is relatively disease-resistant, but it’s important to watch for signs of root rot and leaf spot. Ensure proper spacing, good air circulation, and avoid overwatering to reduce disease risk.
Harvesting Fruit
- When to Harvest: Bruce Canistel fruits typically ripen from late fall to winter. The fruit is ready to pick when it reaches full size and the skin turns bright yellow. The flesh should be soft to the touch but not mushy.
- How to Harvest: Gently twist or cut the fruit from the tree. Allow the fruit to ripen at room temperature if needed. Enjoy the fruit fresh, in smoothies, or incorporated into desserts.
Plant Type:
Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Winter, Spring, Year-round
Typically December - March (sub-tropics) but varies slightly based on variety. Some cultivars even fruit year-round! Canistel fruit should be harvested when it turns yellow-orange. Allowing fruit 3 to 10 days to ripen at room temperature (76–82°F; 24–28°C). Ripe fruit is soft but not mushy.
Mature Size:
15-30 ft.
Will grow well in a container as long as you provide enough space for root growth. .
Soil & Moisture:
Well-draining, sandy, soil rich in organic matter. Likes consistent watering especially during flower and fruiting but is completely intolerant of flooding.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun (highest production), Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast, Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+.
If taking on the task of growing this tropical fruit tree in colder climates, can be dwarfed with the right amount of commitment and can be overwintered indoors. During the coldest winter in the last ten years, the Canistel's planted in our food forest survived severe damage at 24 degrees, growing back from the base and are back to fruiting!
Propagation:
Large Pot Size: Grafted and capable of producing fruit within 2-3 years.
X-Large Pot Size: Grafted and capable of producing fruit within 1-2 years.
See More:Shop all of our Canistel varieties.
Shop all of our Pouteria varieties.
