About Annona mucosa Jacq.
Biribá, scientifically named Annona mucosa Jacq., is a fast-growing, flood-tolerant, sun-loving tropical tree. Its leaves can grow up to 35 cm (14 in) long, and the tree reaches a mature height of 4–15 m (13–49 ft). Trees grown from seed can begin bearing fruit within 3 years. Biribá fruit is large, and shaped either conical or round. Unripe fruit is green, and ripens to a yellow color. The fruit surface is covered in soft spines or protuberances that bruise and turn black when handled, giving the fruit an unappealing appearance. Its status as a food delicacy combined with a shelf life of less than a week has limited commercial cultivation of the species. Despite this, it is becoming an increasingly popular tree for homestead cultivation in tropical areas. The fruit's pulp is very soft and sweet, with a flavor that is often compared to lemon meringue pie. Some reports describe the flavor as extremely favorable, while others rate it more moderately. The fruit is generally eaten fresh by hand, though some chefs have used it in cooking, and wine has been produced from it in Brazil. The durable wood of the biribá tree is suitable for use in boat construction.
