Garcinia humilis, known commonly as ****achachairú or achacha, is a small, prolifically fruiting tree related to the mangosteen. It grows in the southern part of the Amazon basin in the central area of Bolivia and is cultivated in northern Australia.

Appearance

The achacha has an appealing colour and form and is decorative. It is egg-shaped, up to 6 cm long by 4 cm in diameter. It takes on a reddish-orange shade when mature. There is usually one significant coffee-coloured seed, but larger fruit may have more than one seed.

Eating the fruit

The taste is strongly sweet and tart, with more citrus-like acidity than the purple mangosteen. The rather tough, bitter rind can be split open with a knife or with the teeth, and the edible part of the fruit consumed with the seed. The Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has found that the fruit keeps well for four to six weeks as long as it stays out of the fridge. It recommends storing the fruit at 15 to 20 degrees Celsius with a high relative humidity. If these conditions are not met, the fruit will shrivel. The glossy orange rinds of the achacha may be put in a blender with water. Once pureed and then strained to remove all of the solids, this liquid may be diluted and sweetened to one's taste, then chilled for a refreshing summer drink.

Season

The achacha is in season from November to January in Bolivia and from December to mid-March in Australia.