Edible Plants of the World

Genipa

Genipa

A tropical plant. It grows in the hot tropical lowlands. It is native to tropical America. It grows in rainfall of 1,500-4,500 mm per year. The temperatures are 22-30°C. It is common in swamp marshes. In Central America it grows from sea level to 1,000 m altitude. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Also known as:

Bi, Bii, Bilito, Bitu, Caruto, Crayo, Danipa, Genip, Genipapo, Genipayer, Genipe, Huito, Huitu, Iluale, Jagua, Jagua azul, Jagua blanca, Janipaba, Janipapeiro, Janipapo, Jenipapeiro, Jenipapinho, Jenipapo, Jinpa, Maluco, Marmalade box, Nanapabeiro, Nandipa, Nane, Ndia, Shagua, Tejoroso, Tejoruco, Wito, Xagua, Xahua, Yagua, Yaguare, Yoale, Yuale

Synonyms

Edible Portion

Where does Genipa grow?

Found in: Amazon, Antilles, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hispaniola, Honduras, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Martinique, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, North America, Pacific, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Indies

Notes: There are 7 Genipa species. The fruit sap blackens the skin. It has antioxidant properties.

Growing Genipa

Cultivation: Plants are grown from seed. They can also be grown from large cuttings or by grafting. For seed the ripe fruit are harvested and the seeds removed and washed under running water. They are dried in the shade. Seeds only remain viable for 4 months. Seeds germinate in 25-45 days. Seedlings can be transplanted into the field after 7-9 months.

Edible Uses: Fruit are eaten fresh. They need to be over-ripe. They are acid so are more often used for preserves. They can be made into marmalade or drinks. The fruit are fermented to make an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Production: Plants grow at a moderate rate. They can be 2 m high in 2 years. A fruit is 200-400 g weight. The fruit is often harvested before it is completely mature then stored in the dark until it is ripe.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part Energy (kcal) Protein (g) Iron (mg) Vitamin A (ug) Vitamin c (mg) Zinc (mg) % Water
Fruit 113 5.2 3.6 - - - 67.6
Fruit 71 0.8 0.6 - 8.9 1.9 80.1

Genipa Photos

Genipa Genipa

References

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