

\ 



; 



\ 



THE ABIU, A POPULAR BRAZILIAN FRUIT. 



This valuable fruit is produced by the abieiro, or 

 abiu-tree (pronounced ah-bee-u), botanically Pouteria caimito 

 (R. & P.) Radlk., commonly cultivated in gardens about Rio de 

 Janeiro and to a less extent at Bahia. The tree is up- 

 right, pyramidal in form, of small size and handsome ap- 

 pearance. The fruit ripens in February and March; exter- 

 nally it is deep yellow in color, occasionally overspread 

 with green around the base. The flesh is white, trans- 

 lucent, melting in texture and of a sweet, bland flavor 

 strongly resembling that of the sapodilla. The abiu is 

 eaten while fresh, without cooking or preparation in any 

 way. It is highly esteemed by all classes of Brazilians, 

 ana specimens such as the ones shown above sell in the 

 markets of Bahia for the equivalent of three cents each. 

 It should be given a trial in southern California and 

 Florida. Photo No. 2105, by Brazilian Expedition, taken 

 at Bahia, Brazil, March 3, 1914. 



