I was so captivated when my hubby and I bumped into this fruit at the shopping mall. We were prompted to take a closer look at it to know exactly what type of fruit it is and then we later interrogated the seller about this exotic fruit. One major statement from the seller that drew our attention to this fruit was that it is highly medicinal and can help to detox the stomach from toxins. We were wowed!!!
There and then I figured out that if the seller could give out this vital information about this fruit, then this fruit is definitely a winning one. My quest to learn more about the guinep fruit prompted me to research more on it so as to share all the incredible benefits of genipe fruit with my adorable audience like you. Right!!!
So, I hope you are ready to ride with me on this journey as I share with you some important facts you ought to know about this fruit. If that’s the case, then I have no doubt that it will interest you to know that genipe is an edible fruit that belongs to the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family.
Genipe fruit, which is popularly known as the Spanish lime (GENIPS|QUENEPA) is believed to have originated from the South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Botanically referred to as Melicoccus bijugatus, the genipe fruit is characterised by leathery-looking green skin that encapsulates a fleshy orange salmon-colored tangy pulp known as sarcotesta with pasty and juicy consistency. The sarcotesta encloses the crustaceous seed coat that covers the embryo.
Researchers however reveal that the pulp of the genipe fruit pulp contains toxic substances that are not suitable for children. Different people have different names for the genipe fruit such as; skinip, quenepa, guaya, chenet, kenepa, genip, guinep, mamon, skinup, genipe, ginepa, quenepe, xenepa, ginnip, kenèp, ackee, anoncillo or canepa.
The xenepa tree is dioecious in nature and can attain a height of approximately 25 m with compound and alternate leaves. The flowers contain 8 stamens and 4 petals with greenish drupes that are approximately 2 cm wide to 2.5–4 cm long however, the leaves are made up of 4 irregular leaflets that are approximately 1-2 inches wide and 5 to 12.5 cm long.
The ginepa fruit usually matures and get ripen during the summer periods thus making it a seasonal fruit. The taste is somewhat sour or sweet and it is often eaten together with lime, salt, spices and pepper. Although the fruit is greenish in colour yet the juice changes to dark brown when opened and left for sometimes.
The pulp can possibly irritate the throat if eaten in a very large quantity. But the pulp can be firstly softened with the teeth before sucking the tangy tarty juice so as to prevent the irritation.
BENEFITS OF GENIPE FRUIT
Asthma Treatment
Genipe pulp contains resveratrol derivatives (inhibitor of NFκB) and caffeic acid that relieves inflammatory reactions in patients suffering from asthma.
Treatment of Constipation
The mamon fruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber thus can be used for treating constipation. The pulp tissues can also be used for treating constipation by reducing colon transit time due to the presence of ferulic acid derivatives in the pulp extracts.
Treatment of High Cholesterol Level
Kenepa fruit contains dietary fiber that is very helpful in reducing a high cholesterol level. Moreover, it contains low fat and no calories thus very good for the body system.
Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Xenepa fruit contains anti-diabetic properties thus suitable for diabetic patients as it contains special type of protein that helps to reduce the blood sugar level.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
The high antioxidant content of genipe makes it ideal for preventing cardiovascular diseases as well as strokes.
Immune Booster
The anoncillo fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin A that acts as an immune system booster. This helps to prevent the formation of urinary stones in human beings.
Culinary Purposes
The genipe pulp can be used for making jellies, marmalade, snacks, pie fillings, jam. It can also be used for making juice, beverages and drinks.
Treatment of Diarrhea
The guaya fruit can be used for treating diarrhea. The seeds can be roasted, squeezed and combined with honey for relieving diarrhea.
Decorative Plant
The chenet tree looks colourfully greenish thus can serve as an ornamental tree for decorating the house and the environment.
Anti-carcinogenic
Researchers agree that the genipe fruit contains cancer-fighting properties thus can be used for treating cancer patients.
Maintenance of Healthy Teeth
Genipe fruit is an excellent source of calcium thus very helpful in maintaining strong and healthy teeth as well as bones.
Hormone Regulator
Genipe fruit is an excellent source of phosphorus thus it helps in maintaining balanced hormone level.
Insomnia Treatment
Skinip fruit is a rich source of tryptophan, which helps to treat insomnia as well as facilitates good sleep.
Herpes Treatment
Ginepa fruit is an excellent source of lysine thus helps to prevent herpes.
High Blood Pressure Reduction
Chenet fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants including phenolic compounds, thus capable of lowering the blood pressure level.
Maintenance of Healthy Body Weight
Regular consumption of genipe fruit is recommended for shedding off excess weight and maintaining healthy body weight.
Treatment of Hypertension
The pulp of genipe fruit can be used for treating hypertension.
Treatment of Intestinal Problems
Genipe leaves can be infused into a tea and taken for treating intestinal problems.
DISCLAIMER
This post is for enlightenment purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional diagnostic and treatments. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or for counselling, guidance and treatment about a specific medical condition.
REFERENCES
Bystrom, L. M. (2012), The Potential Health Effects of Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. Fruits: Phytochemical, Chemotaxonomic and Ethnobotanical Investigations. Fitoterapia, 83(2), pp. 266–270.
Campbell, C. W. (1976), Selection and propagation of the Spanish lime in Florida, proceedings of the FLorida State Horticultural Society 89, pp. 227-228.
Francis, J. K. (1992), Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. Quenepa - Sapindaceae - Soapberry family, USDA Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry.
Martin, F. W., Campbell, C. W. and Ruberte, R. M. (1987), Perennial edible fruits of the tropics: An inventory, Agriculture handbook no. 642, US department of Agriculture, p.57.
