Mamoncillo

Mamoncillo, or Spanish Limes, as they are known in the United States, got their name from their resemblance to small, unripe limes. Their likeness to limes is limited to appearance only. Botanically referred to as Melicoccus bijugatus (and sometimes Melicocca bijuga), the small green fruits go by many names in their native region. The Latin name literally translates to “honeyberry”. The fruit is considered a drupe, a fruit with an outer fleshy part, surrounding a hard shell that contains a seed, similar to most stone fruit.

Mamoncillos are huge green, leafy trees that bear clusters of 12 or more fruits at the ends of their branches. The fruits are frequently offered for sale in clusters after being cut from individual branches. The little fruits are almost perfectly spherical and range in diameter from 3 to 4 cm. With the odd protrusion in front of the stem end, the thin skin is leathery, strong, and smooth. The pulp resembles lychee in appearance, being gelatinous and sparkling. Mamoncillo which is still unripe has a slightly "hairy" texture and can be sour. Mamoncillo has a pulp that, when mature, is pleasantly acidic and tastes like a cross between lychee and lime.