Nancite nicaraguense
The Nancite Fruit: An Almanac Guide
The nancite fruit, also widely known as nance, nanche, hogberry, yaca, or changunga, is a vibrant, small tropical fruit native to Central and Latin America, as well as the Caribbean.1 Belonging to the Byrsonima crassifolia tree, this fruit is a beloved staple in its native regions, prized for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits.2
What is Nancite?
Resembling a small, golden-yellow to orange cherry, nancite fruits are typically less than an inch in diameter. Beneath their thin, easily peelable skin lies an oily, white pulp that surrounds one to three inedible seeds.3 The flavor is distinctive and can range from sweet to acidic, often described as a unique blend of banana, lychee, and pear, with some even detecting a mildly cheese-like note. While it can be eaten raw (with the pit removed), its strong odor and sometimes astringent taste when unripe often lead to it being preferred in cooked or processed forms.
Growing Conditions and Cultivation
The Byrsonima crassifolia tree is a resilient, semi-deciduous shrub or small tree, typically growing 10-20 feet tall. It is remarkably drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, humid, tropical and subtropical climates.4 It prefers well-draining soil, including sandy and rocky grounds.5
Zones: Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+.6 It is not very cold hardy, so in cooler climates, overwintering indoors is recommended.7
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (6-8 hours daily) but can tolerate partial shade.8
Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during the growing season, though the tree is highly drought-tolerant once established. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.9
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
Propagation: Most commonly propagated from seeds collected from ripe fruits. Seed scarification (gently rubbing the seed coat or soaking in warm water) can aid germination, which can take weeks to months.10 Cuttings are also possible for faster results and genetic clones.
Bearing Fruit: Trees grown from seed can produce fruit within 2-3 years.11
Harvest Season
Nancite fruit generally harvests during the summer and fall.12 In its native regions, the flowers typically bloom from spring to summer (monsoon season).13 For instance, in Mexico, flowers bloom from April to July, with fruits ripening from September to October. In Brazil, flowering occurs from December to April.
Harvesting Tips: Nancite fruits are considered fully ripe and ready for collection once they have fallen from the tree. After gathering, it's common practice to submerge them in water for at least a day to minimize any astringent flavors.
Culinary Uses
Nancite fruit is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, particularly in Central and Latin American cuisines.14
Raw Consumption: Can be eaten raw after removing the large, inedible pit.15
Desserts: Commonly used in sweet preparations due to its unique flavor.16
Dulce de Nance: A popular sweet preserve made by simmering nance fruits in sugar and water, often with cinnamon or cloves.17
Pesada de Nance: A sweet-tart custard or pudding, often thickened with cornstarch and sometimes served with salty queso fresco.18
Used in marmalades, jams, and as an ingredient in pies or cheesecakes.19
Beverages:
Juice (Jugo de Nance): Blended with water and sugar for a refreshing drink.
Chicha: A fermented, beer-like alcoholic beverage made from the fruit in Panama and other parts of Latin America.20
Crema de Nance: A rum-like liquor made in Costa Rica.21
Savory Applications: Can be incorporated into savory dishes, and in Mexico, it's often enjoyed with a garnish of chili powder and a lime wedge.22
Preserved: Available frozen or preserved in syrup (though the preserved version will have added sugar) or brine, with a texture sometimes compared to an olive.23
Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits
Nancite fruit is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.24
Rich in Vitamin C: A single cup (112 grams) provides over 100% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C. This contributes to immune system boosting, collagen production for skin health, and may help reduce blood levels of lead when combined with other nutritional approaches.25
Dietary Fiber: High in fiber, aiding digestion, promoting healthy gut bacteria, and contributing to feelings of satiety.26
Antioxidants: Contains other antioxidants that help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like cancer, stroke, and heart disease.27
Minerals: A good source of calcium (for bones and teeth), magnesium (for blood pressure), potassium (for fluid balance), copper (for connective tissues), and other nutrients including iron, folate, and vitamin K.
Vitamins A and E: Contribute to nourished and youthful-looking skin.28
Potential Health Benefits:
Supports Digestive Health29
Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (due to fiber content and white-fleshed fruit consumption)30
Supports Skin Health31
May help reduce blood levels of lead
Boosts the immune system32
Precautions
Pits: The nancite fruit contains one large, inedible pit that can be a choking hazard, especially for young children. Always remove the pit before consumption.
Allergies: Nancite is a botanical cousin to acerola cherries.33 If you have an allergy to acerola cherries, you may also be allergic to nancite fruit and should avoid it.34
Medication Interactions: Not enough is known about potential interactions with medications. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Preserved Versions: Be mindful of portion sizes when consuming nancite fruit preserved in syrup, as it will contain additional sugar.35
Enjoy the unique taste and health benefits of this wonderful tropical fruit!