Although it is not yet very well known in Europe, the born or nanche is a fruit that is widely consumed in Mexico, where the main producing states are Guerrero, Nayarit and Michoacán.
Let's learn a little more about it and about the tree that produces these sweet and sour fruits that also stand out for their strong aroma.
Nance, a fruit with many nutritional benefits
Nance is a tropical fruit that originates from Central and South America, especially in MexicoAs we said before, it is characterized by its sweet and sour flavor and intense aroma.
It is a drupe very similar to a small plum, with a rounded shape and smooth skin. Once ripe, its colour varies between yellow and orange. Inside there is a large, hard bone, so you have to be careful when biting into it.
It has a flavor that combines sweet and sour, with a slightly resinous touch and a meaty texture.
Being a seasonal fruit, it can only be enjoyed between the months of April and late May or early June.
It is gaining great popularity outside its place of origin because it is very rich in nutritional properties. It provides the body with:
- Vitamins C, E and some of the B complex.
- Minerals such as iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.
- Fiber which contributes to improving digestion and intestinal transit.
- Antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
What are the uses of nance?
This is a very versatile fruit that can be present in various culinary preparations.
It can be consumed directly as a fresh fruit, but it is also suitable to add it to smoothies in combination with other fruits or vegetables.
In Mexico it is quite common to use it in the preparation of jams or compotes to increase its conservation. In addition, it is a common ingredient in the preparation of tepache, a traditional Mexican fermented drink.
Apart from its nutritional properties, nance is also popular because it is credited with medicinal properties for its diuretic effect and anti-inflammatory power.
How is nance grown?
This fruit grows on a tropical tree called Byrsonima crassifolia, which can measure between nine and 20 meters in height.
It is a tree with simple, alternate, elliptical leaves, with a fairly intense green colour. Its yellow flowers are not very showy in themselves, because they are small in size, but they are grouped in clusters and this makes them more visible.
One of its most notable features is that in this case the Pollination occurs through the process of cleistogamyThis means that the flower fertilizes itself before opening. Pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma within the flower bud itself, so it does not require external agents such as wind or pollination.
This is an evolutionary adaptation of great value, because it has allowed the nance tree to colonize diverse habitats and guarantees that its fruit production will be high.
In fact, a Byrsonima crassifolia is capable of producing between two thousand and four thousand fruits per harvestThese are collected by hand and placed in baskets, taking care to ensure that they are not damaged by impacts.
The nance tree grows wild in tropical areas of America, especially in dry forests, savannas and disturbed areas. Due to its great adaptability, it can grow in different types of soil and climatic conditions.
In addition to its fruit, this tree is interesting because Its wood is hard and resistant, making it perfect for building furniture and tools. On the other hand, its attractive foliage makes it a good choice for gardens and parks.
Byrsonima crassifolia care
Within the different exotic fruit trees that we can have in the garden, this is a good choice, because it is relatively easy to care for and we can propagate it both through seeds and cuttings.
If you want to make room for it in your home, this is what you need to know about it:
Ubicación
The nance is a tree that needs a lot of sun, at least six to eight hours each day. Because the more direct sunlight it receives, the more it flowers and the more fruit it produces.
The best thing you can do is plant it in an open, sunny spot, and it will reward you with thousands of its fruits.
Land
Needs a soil between slightly acidic and neutral, which has good drainage capacity and is rich in organic matter to provide the food it needs to grow.
Irrigation
The frequency of watering will depend on both the climate and the type of soil, but what we advise you is to always give it water. with moderationIt is preferable to water more often before flooding the soil.
Temperature
This is a tropical tree, so it will have a hard time if the winters in your area are harsh, because does not resist frost.
Byrsonima crassifolia is an option for your garden if you live in a region with warm winters, and even then, it may be a good idea to cover it during those days that are especially cold.
Pruning
It grows very quickly if it is exposed to good environmental conditions, so in addition to sanitary pruning you have to carry out pruning to shape it.
The priority is that pruning is directed to promote the entry of light into the interior of the canopy, because this way you stimulate greater flowering and fruiting.
Harvest
This tree bears many fruits, but the maturation is staggered and you cannot harvest the crop all at once. When you see that the nances are ripe to the touch and their color is intense yellow, then you can remove them.
Nance is a fruit that will surprise you as much as the beauty of the tree it comes from. You have already seen that it is not at all demanding in terms of care, so it can be a good choice for your garden if it is not too cold in your area.