Mammy-apple

Mammy-apple – From Tree to Plate

The mammy-apple tree is an iconic fruit tree in the southeastern United States that is loved for its ease of growth and sweet, nutritious fruits. In fact, it’s been enjoyed since colonial times, where it was believed to have been given its name due to the shape of its fruits resembling a “mammy” (an affectionate term for a maternal figure). This beloved tree can still be found throughout the south, typically in home orchards where it’s cared for and harvested for its juicy, tart-sweet fruits. Therefore, if you find yourself in the south and a mammy-apple tree is nearby, knowing how the fruit is developed, harvested, and travels to arrive on someone’s dinner plate can help to create a better appreciation for the sweet and tart fruit.

Starting with the mammy-apple tree itself, this species is typically a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20-30 feet tall by 18-25 feet wide when fully mature. Its glossy leaves are typically oblong with jagged edges, while its bark is generally smooth and light grey in color. The mammy-apple tree can be found thriving in climates with warm summers and cool winters, such as the southeastern United States, as well as parts of California, Arizona, and Utah among other areas. It’s relatively easy to care for when compared to other fruit trees, requiring minimal pruning and fertilizing throughout the year.

Now that we’ve learned about the physical features and preferred climate of the mammy-apple tree, the next step is learning about the fruiting process. During the spring months, the mammy-apple tree typically begins to flower, producing white/pink blossoms that contain both male and female organs. These blossoms are pollinated by various insects and animals, including bees, birds, and even deer. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits, which can take up to four months to ripen. During this time they’ll gradually turn from green to yellow and eventually begin to show a blush color, indicating the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked.

Now that the fruit is fully ripe, it’s ready to be picked and enjoyed! Harvesting mammy-apples is relatively simple and typically involves simply picking the fruit off of the tree by hand. It's important to ensure the fruit is fully ripe as to ensure the best flavor, texture, and nutrition. Once the fruit is picked, it should be handled gently and stored properly (in a cool, dark place) in order to maximize freshness and reduce spoilage.

Once the fruit has been harvested, it’s time for it to travel to a dinner plate! The first step is often for the mammy-apple to be sent to a processing plant, where it can be washed, sorted, and packaged for distribution. From there, it’s shipped to local grocery stores, farmers markets, and other stores, where consumers can purchase the fruit in a variety of forms, such as fresh (whole), juice, and canned (in syrup). Regardless of the form, it’s likely that the mammy-apple will only stay fresh for a few days, so it’s important to use it soon after purchase.

Once the mammy-apple is purchased and at home, it’s time to prepare it for a meal! Depending on the particular recipe and the form of the fruit, this can involve a varied amount of work. If the mammy-apple is being used for a baked good, such as a pie, it’s likely that the skin and core need to be removed before slicing or dicing it up as desired. For smoother recipes, such as sauces, purées, or smoothies, the skin and core are generally left intact and then processed in a food processor in order to break it down further. Finally, if the mammy-apple is to be eaten fresh, it’s simply a matter of cutting, peeling, and eating!

Now that the mammy-apple is prepped, it’s ready to be added to a dish and enjoyed! Whether it’s a savory tart, a creamy smoothie, a sweet pie, or simply enjoyed fresh, the mammy-apple’s sweet and tart flavor is sure to be enjoyed. It’s easy to see why this beloved fruit has remained a staple in many parts of the United States for centuries and why it should continue to be enjoyed for many more years to come!