Canistel 'Fairchild #2' (Pouteria campechiana)
Canistel, also known as Eggfruit, Yellow Sapote or Tiesa, is a tropical evergreen tree that produces a delicious fruit with a really unique flavor. Canistel fruit tastes like maple syrup coated sweet potatoes with a texture that's simultaneously smooth, dry, creamy, and flaky. This grafted Fairchild #2 Canistel cultivar produces a slightly smaller fruit than other varieties, but can be harvested year-round! The fruit is deliciously moist, not at all chalky, and has a great quality flavor. Canistel fruit should typically be harvested when fruit turn yellow-orange. Allow fruit 3 to 10 days to ripen at room temperature. Ripe fruit is soft but not super mushy.
Canistel is commonly found in Southern Mexico, Central America, parts of Southeast Asia and tropical biomes throughout the world. In the wild it can generally be found in wetland forests in areas of low elevation. Canistel can grow well in a container as long as you provide enough space for root growth. 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.
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.
