Healthy and Fresh Quenepas Juice Recipe

The quenepa, also known as the Melicoccus bijugatus, is a unique fruit native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It belongs to the group of stone-bearing fruits, meaning its edible parts surround a hard shell that contains a seed inside.

In the Caribbean, it goes by many names: quenepa, chennet, Bajan or St. Lucian ackee, and guinep in Jamaica. In Spanish-speaking countries, it’s often called mamoncillo, limoncillo, Spanish lime, mamones, or mamon fruit.

The fruit has a firm green peel that makes a popping sound when you break it open. Inside, you'll find an orange, gelatinous pulp that surrounds the seed. This pulp is the edible part and has a distinct tart-sweet taste, often described as a blend between lychee and lime.

To enjoy a quenepa, simply crack open the peel, pop the juicy pulp into your mouth, and gently suck it off the seed. Take caution, though, as the seed can be a choking hazard.

Quenepas are in season starting in early April and lasting until summer or fall.

The English name for Quenepas is Spanish lime.

To make Quenepas Juice, start by washing the quenepas and peeling them to reveal the pulp. Combine the quenepas and ginger in a large bowl and cover with water, letting it sit to enhance the flavor. For the hot method, pour boiling water over the fruit and ginger, allowing it to cool before straining. Once the liquid is ready, add lime juice and sweeten it to taste with honey or sugar. Strain the juice into a pitcher, chill, and serve over ice for a revitalizing tropical drink.

• High Phenolic Content: Quenepa pulp, seed, and seed coat contain various phenolic compounds. These compounds, especially in the seed coat, provide potent antioxidant effects, which may contribute to heart health by helping to reduce oxidative stress on blood vessels.
• Anti-Diarrheal Effects: Catechins and procyanidins in the seeds are noted to inhibit the CFTR channel, which may help prevent dehydration by reducing fluid loss in cases of diarrhea. These compounds have been traditionally used for treating gastrointestinal issues.
• Antimicrobial Properties: The presence of coumaric acid derivatives in the fruit pulp may offer mild antimicrobial effects, potentially beneficial for gut health. Coumaric acid is also known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Potential Laxative Effects: Ferulic acid derivatives in the pulp are noted for promoting colon health and may help alleviate constipation by improving bowel movement.
• Cardiovascular Health: Resveratrol, present in quenepa, is associated with anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation linked to respiratory conditions.
• Nutritional Support: The fruit is high in natural sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and contains vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron, contributing to energy and overall nutritional health. The 1:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio is considered gentle on the digestive system.

Sources

Bystrom, Laura M et al. "Characterization of phenolics by LC-UV/vis, LC-MS/MS and sugars by GC in Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. 'Montgomery' fruits.”

Bystrom, Laura M. “The potential health effects of Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. fruits: phytochemical, chemotaxonomic and ethnobotanical investigations.”

These studies underscore quenepa’s potential health value, especially for gastrointestinal support and antioxidant effects, although some compounds may irritate mucous membranes if consumed in excess. Further research is warranted to validate these effects comprehensively.