TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


Pictogram Guide · Mouse over pictogram for definition

Blighia sapida, Cupania sapida, Akee, Ackee, Seso Vegetal, Arbre a Fricasser (Haiti)

Blighia sapida, Cupania sapida

Akee, Ackee, Seso Vegetal, Arbre a Fricasser (Haiti)
Family: Sapindaceae
Origin: West tropical Africa - Gold Coast & Ivory Coast
USDA Zone: 9-11?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapBig tree taller than 20 ftFull sunModerate waterEdible plantPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Season: May fruit twice a year, heaviest crop in summer. National fruit of Jamaica. Rather large, handsome, fast growing, evergreen tree, may be kept at a reasonable height through regular pruning. When fully mature the fruit opens revealing a crisp, cream colored, glossy aril, somewhat nutty-flavored attached to large, black, shiny seeds. Fruit is poisonous until allowed to open naturally. Makes a very tasty side dish: boil for five minutes and fry in butter. The plant is somewhat hardy to light frost.

See Articles about Akee:

What is Akee?

Akee Tree.

Watch the video: How to cook perfect Akee?





Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/blighia_sapida.htm

Akee tree, Blighia sapida

Akee - rare fruit tree, hard to find National fruit of Jamaica. Delicious when fried! This showy fruit is a close relative of Lychee, Longan, and Rambutan. The tree is easy in cultivation, fast growing and can be maintained compact. It is not bugsy or picky about soil/water conditions, and is relatively cold tolerant for being a tropical tree. You can find delicious akee meals only in Jamaican restaurants. But no need to search for it - grow your own tree, it can't be easier. It will start fruiting for you the next season, you don't have to wait long. Sometimes it fruits twice a year! However remember, the fruit is used as a vegetable, and is not eaten raw. It must be picked AT THE RIGHT TIME after the fruit has opened naturally so the flesh is fully exposed to light, otherwise it is poisonous. When the fruit has "yawned", discard the seeds (or better plant them to grow more trees - to share with your friends!). The arils, while still fresh and firm, are best parboiled in salted water or milk and then lightly fried in butter. Then they are really delicious. Just add Bacon to complete your meal! Somewhat cold-hardy once established.
See Articles about Akee:
What is Akee?
Akee Tree.
Watch the video: How to cook perfect Akee?

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE C-Cibus - Crop Nutrition Booster
SUNSHINE-Honey - sugar booster

This item is certified for shipping to California.
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot
In stock
$49.95