Babaco (Vasconcellea x heilbornii)

Family: Caricaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Babaco, Vasconcellea x heilbornii, is a small evergreen tree that is short-lived and grows about 2 m high. It is a hybrid cultivar between Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis and Vasconcellea stipulata. Of all the species in the Vasconcellea genus, Babaco is the most tolerant to cold. It produces only female flowers and can produce 30-60 fruits in a year. The fruits are eaten raw or cooked. It is fragrant and flavorful, and seedless.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavourful. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Fragrant and flavourful.; The flavour has been likened to the taste of strawberry, with a hint of pineapple.; The fruit is usually seedless and can weigh 2 kilos.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 10)