Mammee Apple

Mammea americana

Mammee apple is a distinctive tropical fruit from Central America and the Caribbean with rich, golden flesh and exceptional nutritional profile. Rich in vitamin C (34% DV) and beta-carotene, mammee apple supports immune health, vision, and antioxidant protection. At 67 calories per 100g with excellent nutrient density and traditional medicinal properties, mammee apples are treasured in Caribbean, Central American, and South American cuisines. Perfect for fresh eating, traditional preparations, jams, smoothies, and comprehensive nutritional wellness.

Calories

2.4g

Fiber

34%

Vitamin C

Photo Gallery

Explore Mammee Apple in stunning detail

Mammee Apple - Main View

Nutrition Facts

Calories

per 100g

Carbs

16.2g

per 100g

Protein

0.4g

per 100g

Fiber

2.4g

per 100g

Sugar

14.8g

per 100g

Fat

0.6g

per 100g

💊Vitamins

Per 100g

Vitamin C

34% DV

27 mg

Immune enhancement, powerful antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, wound healing

Vitamin A

17% DV

500 IU (150 mcg RAE)

Exceptional vision support, immune function, skin health, antioxidant defense

Folate (B9)

4% DV

14 mcg

Cell division, DNA synthesis, neurological health, methylation support

⚡Minerals

Per 100g

Potassium

6% DV

266 mg

Heart health, blood pressure regulation, muscle function, electrolyte balance

Manganese

11% DV

0.25 mg

Bone development, metabolism, antioxidant enzyme function, carbohydrate metabolism

Copper

10% DV

0.09 mg

Iron metabolism, antioxidant defense, connective tissue formation, nerve function

🛡️Antioxidants

Beta-CaroteneVitamin CPolyphenolsCarotenoidsPhenolic compounds

🌿Phytonutrients

Beta-Carotene - exceptional vitamin A precursor supporting vision, immune function, and skin health with powerful antioxidant propertiesCarotenoids - fat-soluble nutrients providing cell protection, antioxidant defense, and vision supportPolyphenols - antioxidant compounds supporting cardiovascular health and inflammation reductionPhenolic compounds - diverse antioxidants supporting digestive health and microbiome balance

📊Glycemic Index

Per Serving

Nutrition breakdown for one serving

📏

Serving Size

100g fresh mammee apple

Calories

67kcal

Breakdown

Carbs

16.2g

Fiber

2.4g

9% DV

Sugar

14.8g

Protein

0.4g

Fat

0.6g

Vitamin C

💊

27mg

34% DV

Potassium

⚡

266mg

6% DV

Health Benefits

Exceptional vitamin C content (34% DV) provides robust immune support, powerful antioxidant protection, and comprehensive cellular defense

High beta-carotene and total vitamin A (17% DV) supports exceptional vision health, reduces age-related eye disease risk, and enhances immune function

Excellent carotenoid profile provides additional antioxidant protection and fat-soluble nutrient absorption for comprehensive wellness

Manganese (11% DV) and copper (10% DV) support bone development, metabolism, antioxidant enzyme function, and immune response

Moderate glycemic index (48) and load (8) support stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy

Potassium (6% DV) supports cardiovascular health, blood pressure regulation, and healthy muscle function

Polyphenols and phenolic compounds reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and enhance cellular protection

Traditional use in Caribbean and Central American medicine supports immune wellness, vitality, and comprehensive health

Excellent fiber content (9% DV per serving) promotes digestive health, supports healthy microbiome, and aids satiety

Low calorie density (67 cal/100g) with exceptional nutrient concentration supports weight management and metabolic wellness

Origin & Distribution

Native Region

Central America and Caribbean

Global Presence

Mexico

Guatemala

Belize

Jamaica

Puerto Rico

Dominican Republic

Colombia

Venezuela

Top Producers

MexicoJamaicaCaribbean Islands

Historical Background

Mammee apple has been cultivated for centuries throughout Central America and the Caribbean, deeply embedded in traditional cuisines, folk medicine, and cultural practices. Valued by indigenous peoples and Caribbean communities for its exceptional nutrition, distinctive flavor, and medicinal properties, mammee apple represents the rich tropical fruit heritage of the Western Hemisphere.

Peak Season

Best Time to Enjoy

Peak season May-August

3 Varieties Available

Explore Varieties

Each variety offers unique flavors, textures, and culinary applications

Caribbean Mammee

Caribbean Islands

Color

Golden orange, smooth skin

Taste Profile

Sweet with subtle tartness, distinctive flavor

Best For

Fresh eating, jams, traditional preparations

Mexican Mammee

Mexico

Color

Deep golden orange

Taste Profile

Slightly sweeter, milder tart notes

Best For

Fresh eating, contemporary recipes

Premium Golden Mammee

Central America

Color

Bright golden-orange, pristine appearance

Taste Profile

Intensely sweet, complex flavor profile

Best For

Premium preparations, specialty recipes

Storage & Selection Guide

Keep your fruit fresh and delicious for longer

How to Choose the Perfect Fruit

Select golden-orange mammee apples that yield slightly to gentle pressure

Avoid soft, bruised, or discolored fruits with visible damage

Choose fruits with smooth, glossy skin indicating ripeness and quality

Ripe mammee apples should emit pleasant, distinctive aromatic fragrance

Look for fruits of consistent golden color with no green areas remaining

Proper Storage Methods

Store fresh mammee apples at room temperature for 2-5 days until fully ripe

Refrigerate ripe fruits in produce drawer for up to 1-2 weeks

Freeze mammee puree in ice cube trays for up to 6 months

Dried mammee apples store for 1+ years in airtight containers in cool, dry conditions

Traditional Caribbean preservation: mammee jam stores refrigerated for 2-3 weeks or frozen for 6 months

Freeze fruits on parchment-lined trays before transferring to freezer bags to prevent clumping

Shelf Life Guide

Refrigerated

1-2 weeks in refrigerator (ripe fruit)

Average Shelf Life

14 days

Freezing Instructions

Preserve freshness for months

2-3 months

Wash and dry mammee apples thoroughly before freezing

Remove seed and blend flesh into smooth puree for optimal preservation

Freeze puree in ice cube trays or freeze whole halves separately

Freeze on parchment-lined trays for 2-3 hours, then transfer to freezer bags

Frozen mammee maintains nutritional integrity and antioxidant potency for 6-8 months at 0°F (-18°C)

Thaw in refrigerator; use frozen mammee directly in smoothies or cooked preparations

Pro Tip

Label frozen items with the date to track freshness. Most fruits maintain quality for 2-3 months when properly frozen. For best results, use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Culinary Journey

Discover delicious possibilities

Common Uses

Fresh eating as delicious tropical snack

Traditional Caribbean and Central American desserts

Contemporary gourmet cuisine applications

Jams, preserves, and traditional compotes

Smoothies and beverage applications

Desserts, tarts, and baked goods

Toppings for yogurt and breakfast preparations

Ice cream and frozen dessert applications

Perfect Pairings

Lime - brightness and acidity balance

Coconut - tropical pairing

Honey - natural sweetness balance

Vanilla - classic dessert pairing

Cinnamon - warming spice enhancement

Ginger - warming spice complement

Dark chocolate - intensity enhancement

Almonds - texture and nutrient density

Passion fruit - complementary tropical fruit

Popular Recipes

Traditional Caribbean mammee jam

Mammee and yogurt parfait

Mammee smoothie bowl

Contemporary mammee dessert or mousse

Mammee ice cream or frozen preparation

Mammee compote with spices

Mammee and coconut preparation

Mammee preserve with lime

Fusion mammee culinary applications

Refreshing Beverages

Fresh mammee juice

Mammee smoothie

Mammee and coconut drink

Traditional Caribbean mammee preparation

Contemporary mammee wellness shot

Mammee and honey refreshment

Mammee antioxidant tonic

Safety Information

Allergy Information:

Mammee apple allergies are rare. Some individuals may have sensitivity to tropical fruits or specific plant families.

Pesticide Concerns:

Mammee apples from certified growers are typically pesticide-free due to traditional cultivation methods. Purchase from reputable Caribbean and Central American sources specializing in traditional fruit cultivation.

Who Should Avoid:

• People with fruit allergies should exercise caution and test in small amounts
• Individuals with kidney disease should moderate potassium intake (consult healthcare provider)
• Those taking anticoagulant medications should be aware of vitamin K content
• Pregnant individuals should consult healthcare providers before consuming in medicinal preparations
• Individuals with latex allergies should note potential cross-reactivity with some tropical fruits

Possible Side Effects:

•Generally very well-tolerated in normal amounts
•The seed should not be consumed; remove and discard properly
•Skin contact with unripe fruit may cause temporary irritation in sensitive individuals
•Excessive consumption may cause mild digestive effects in sensitive individuals
•Very rare sensitivity reactions in individuals with tropical fruit allergies

Preparation Safety:

• Wash fruits thoroughly under running water before consumption
• Cut in half and remove seed completely before eating
• Do not consume seeds or kernels; discard or compost
• Scoop flesh directly with spoon for easy consumption
• Store properly to prevent mold development in humid conditions
• Purchase from certified suppliers ensuring food safety standards

Fun Facts

Surprising trivia you'll love!

Mammee apple has been cultivated in the Caribbean and Central America for over 400 years, representing colonial-era fruit heritage

The fruit's exceptional vitamin A content (17% DV) makes it one of the most vision-supporting tropical fruits

Traditional Caribbean cultures used mammee apple in healing preparations for centuries before modern science validated its benefits

Mammee apple's golden color indicates exceptional carotenoid concentration rivaling or exceeding carrots

The fruit is sometimes called 'mammey apple' or 'mameya' in different Caribbean dialects and cultural traditions

Modern Caribbean chefs are reviving mammee apple in contemporary cuisine, honoring traditional food practices and tropical ingredient excellence

The fruit's distinctive fragrance is so recognizable that it's used in traditional Caribbean perfumery and natural cosmetics

Mammee apple wood from the tree was historically used for shipbuilding and fine furniture crafting in the Caribbean

The fruit contains compounds that have been studied for potential antimicrobial and immune-enhancing properties

Research increasingly validates Caribbean traditional food wisdom about mammee apple's superior health benefits and comprehensive nutritional profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mammee apple and where does it come from?

General

Mammee apple (Mammea americana) is a golden tropical fruit native to Central America and the Caribbean. Valued for centuries by indigenous peoples and Caribbean communities, mammee apple is celebrated for its distinctive sweet flavor, exceptional nutritional density, and traditional medicinal properties supporting comprehensive health.

What are the nutritional benefits of mammee apple?

Nutrition

Mammee apple delivers exceptional vitamin C (34% DV per 100g) for immune support, high vitamin A/beta-carotene (17% DV) for vision health, excellent fiber (9% DV) for digestive health, and notable mineral content including manganese (11% DV) and copper (10% DV). At only 67 calories per 100g with comprehensive antioxidant protection.

Is mammee apple good for eye health?

Health

Yes, mammee apple is exceptional for eye health with 17% DV vitamin A from beta-carotene per serving, exceptional carotenoid content, and vitamin C support. The comprehensive antioxidant profile reduces oxidative stress in eyes, supports vision clarity, and may prevent age-related macular degeneration.

How does mammee apple taste?

General

Mammee apple has a distinctive sweet flavor with subtle tartness and complex fruity notes. The taste varies by variety: Caribbean varieties are balanced sweet-tart, Mexican varieties are sweeter with milder notes, and premium varieties have intensely sweet, complex profiles. The flavor is often compared to apricot with tropical undertones.

What is the glycemic index of mammee apple?

Nutrition

Mammee apple has a moderate glycemic index of 48 and glycemic load of 8 per 100g serving. Combined with fiber content, this makes mammee apple suitable for blood sugar management, stable energy release, and sustained satiety, particularly beneficial for metabolic wellness.

Where can you buy fresh mammee apple?

Shopping

Fresh mammee apples are available at Caribbean markets, tropical fruit shops, and specialty grocers (May-August peak season). Year-round options include frozen mammee puree, dried mammee, jams, and supplements from tropical fruit retailers, health food stores, and online specialty markets.

What traditional uses does mammee apple have?

Health

Mammee apple is deeply embedded in Caribbean and Central American culinary traditions, folk medicine systems, and cultural practices. It's traditionally used in jams, beverages, medicinal preparations, and wellness applications. Modern research increasingly validates traditional uses in immune health, vision support, and antioxidant protection.

How should mammee apples be prepared?

Recipes

Eat fresh mammee apples raw by cutting in half, removing the seed, and scooping flesh with a spoon. Blend into smoothies, prepare traditional jams, or use in cooked desserts. The distinctive flavor pairs beautifully with lime, coconut, vanilla, and warm spices in both traditional Caribbean and contemporary recipes.