We were recently talking about jocote de pava or the Mexican plum tree and this time we are going to make it from its fruits, the jocotes. You have to know that in Mesoamerican countries, especially Brazil and Mexico, the jocotes or Mexican plums They are highly appreciated and not only for their flavor, but above all for their nutritional and even medicinal properties.
If you are from this beautiful part of the world, or you like to travel and are planning a trip through American lands, you have to know this fruit and see its tree up close, the jocote de pava, from which not only its fruits are used, but also its leaves and bark in traditional medicine. Knowing its virtues, you will not be surprised to know that it is one of the trees most admired by the ancient cultures of Latin America.
Keep reading, because we are going to present the characteristics of the fruit, such as its size, color, flavor and how it is produced and collected. In addition to, of course, what are their We take care of your rental property in Valencia. and its uses.
What are jocotes
Jocotes are tropical fruits which have an oval shape and a small size, very similar to common plums, but with slight differences that make them very special. They are born from the jocote de pava tree, which is also called Spondias purpurea.
It should also be clarified that you can find different types of jocotes, so there may be some differences between some fruits and others. Next, we are going to see the types of jocotes that there are.
They have a flavor between sweet and sour depending on the variety of jocote in question and also depending on the degree of ripeness. Additionally, jocotes can be red, orange and yellow. The shade is influenced by the ripening of the fruit, so that a ripe jocote will have a more yellow color.
The skin of these plums is thin but fleshy and becomes softer to the touch as they ripen.
It is a perfect fruit to eat when it is hot, because it is refreshing and very juicy and, hence, it is so valued both to eat fresh and to use in the kitchen in multiple preparations.
Types of jocotes that exist
If you talk about jocotes you are talking about the mexican plums. Now, within these you can find different varieties. The bone jocotes, the crown ones and the deer ones stand out. Let's see its peculiarities:
The bone jocotes: They are the most common jocotes. They are called that simply because these plums have a stone inside. They are sweeter than the rest of jocotes.
The crown jocotes: It has a rounder shape and is born red. When ripe, they turn orange. At the top of the fruit you can see a protuberance, a characteristic that farmers have taken advantage of to call them “crown.” They have a sweet and sour taste.
Venison jocotes: They have an elongated shape and are larger. They are yellow in color, both their skin and their pulp. And it has a sweet flavor but with a touch of acidity.
There is another type of jocote which is less known, but it is also worth knowing about its existence. Its about monkey jocote. Its size is medium and its shape is oval. You will recognize it because its skin is yellow but has red spots.
What culinary uses are jocote given?
Each type of jocote has certain qualities and these are used in the kitchen to make different products. For example, we have that the jocote corona is very appreciated for make jams, desserts and drinks.
The jocote de huesillo is usually used for preserve and later make sweets with it. While monkey jocote is usually reserved for making drinks and venison jocote for accompany salty foods in the form of sauces or to serve with marinades for meat, chicken, fish and seafood.
In any case, it is a matter of taste and nothing prevents using one variety or another for different uses. In addition, you can eat the fruit fresh and enjoy its flavor, texture, juiciness and freshness.
When is the harvest season for jocote
La jocote harvesting season is from August to October and, in fact, in October the famous jocote festival takes place, which is organized to celebrate its harvest.
Ideas to use jocote in the kitchen
We have seen the culinary uses of jocote, but if you are looking for more simple ideas to use this fruit in your kitchen, here are some:
- Fruit salads with slices of jocote.
- Jocote puree or jam to accompany cheeses.
- Sweet and sour sauces to turn a simple dish into a star dish.
- Add jocote to your smoothies.
Properties of jocote
Jocote is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In addition, it contains a lot of fiber, making it an ideal food for fight constipation and to improve digestion and colon health.
Eating jocotes will benefit your immune system, thanks to his contribution of Vitamin C. And it will also help you to have a healthier and more beautiful skin.
Antioxidants are another fundamental aspect when planning our diet. Our body needs them to combat oxidative stress. Jocotes are not one of the fruits with the highest antioxidant content, but they can help prevent heart disease and even chronic ailments and cancer.
In addition, jocotes or Mexican plums They are low in calories, so they are a perfect snack to kill hunger when you are on a diet, which together with their fiber content and vitamins, make them the perfect ally when it comes to losing weight.
Uses of jocote in medicine
We have talked about the properties that jocote has and which we can benefit from if we consume it. But, apart from all this, in medicine, this fruit has been known since ancient times as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.
Crushed can be applied to relieve headache and muscle pain. And even for heal ulcers and sores anywhere on the body, including canker sores.
This is all about the jocotes or Mexican plums. Have you tried them yet? What did you think of these fruits?