Abstract
Canistel (Pouteria campechiana) (Sapotaceae) is a fruit tree species native to Central America. It is grown in many Central and South American, African, and Asian countries. It is also grown in some U.S. states (Morton, 1992), but nowhere on a large scale. The canistel is commercially a minor fruit crop in South Florida. The attractive color, high carotene content, sweet flavor, and moist flesh of superior types can increase canistel's potential to be grown on a larger commercial scale. The objective of this study is to deliver a reliable overview of the suitability of a canistel industry based on cottage industry products and services. Cottage industry products have been tested using different canistel varieties at the Fairchild Farm in Homestead, Florida, where we have a collection of 12 superior cultivars. 'Bruce', 'Fairchild 2', 'Keisau', 'Oro', and 'Trompo' were tested. Trees have been in production for 9-10 years, with a high, stable yield capacity. The results include recommendation of harvest, postharvest, and processing of the fruit.
