Blighia sapida (Akee)

Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia

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

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Blighia sapida (Ackee)

Botanical names: Blighia sapida, Cupania sapida

Common names: Akee, Ackee, Seso Vegetal, Arbre a Fricasser (Haiti)

Family: Sapindaceae

Origin: West tropical Africa - Gold Coast & Ivory Coast

USDA Zone: 9-11?

Hardiness: 30°F

Blighia sapida (Ackee) is an evergreen tree native to tropical West Africa and now widely cultivated in the Caribbean, especially Jamaica, where it is the national fruit. It typically grows 30-40 feet tall with a rounded crown of glossy, pinnate leaves. The tree bears distinctive pear-shaped pods that split open at maturity to reveal bright red or yellow arils surrounding shiny black seeds. Only the creamy white arils are edible when fully ripe, and they form the basis of Jamaica's famous dish, ackee and saltfish. The unripe fruit is toxic, making ripeness and careful preparation essential.

Blighia sapida thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, with moderate watering once established. It flowers in warm months, and fruits ripen from late summer into winter in many tropical climates. Hardy only to USDA Zone 11, it cannot tolerate frost and should be protected or container-grown in cooler regions. Gardeners value it both as an ornamental shade tree with unusual fruit display and as a productive edible species where climate allows. With proper care, it rewards growers with a striking visual presence and one of the Caribbean's most iconic fruits..

See Articles about Akee:

What is Akee?

Akee Tree.

Watch the video: How to cook perfect Akee?

Image gallery: 33 images

Link to this plant:

https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/blighia_sapida.htm

2052 Akee (Ackee) tree (Blighia sapida)

Akee (Ackee) - 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?

See Planting Guide & Care Tips

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