Region of Origin
Commodity:
Tejocote
Description & Origin
Tejocote are small fruits that come from a species of hawthorne tree. They resemble knobby crabapples with mottled, green-tinged yellow-orange skin. The flesh is off-white with a texture like a mealy apple and they have a few clustered seeds in the center. Tejocote have an apple-like flavor with unique bitter undertones. Their skin and flesh are high in pectin. They are primarily cooked rather tha...
Other Names
Manzanita
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Tejocote fruits are believed to have high contents of vitamin A and C, as well as other minerals. They have been used in traditional Mexican medicine for various conditions for centuries, particularly coughs and respiratory disorders.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Tejocote are most known for their use in the Mexican holiday drink ponche. This warm beverage is made by simmering a variety of traditional ingredients, including tejocote, guava, tamarind, prunes, and sugar cane until rich and syrupy. It is often spiked with brandy or rum. Tejocote are also made into jellies, marmalades, and candies.
Flavor Pairings
Guava, Orange, Tangerine, Apple, Tamarind, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
How to Prepare
Wash tejocote well before use. Tejocote can be simmered or cooked whole, halved, or quartered. Some choose to trim the blossom end of the fruit. They core and seeds will need to be removed from the dish prior to consumption.
How to Store in the Kitchen
Store tejocote in a warm area of the refrigerator.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Tejocote are perfect for processing into jellies for future use. Don’t let any go to waste!
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
45-48°F
TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
40-54°F (Cool Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING:
Unknown
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
50-60%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Unknown
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Unknown
RIPENS AFTER HARVEST:
No – tejocote is not known to ripen after harvest.
Quality Assessment
Tejocote should be firm and free from decay. Variation in color and shape, including some bulbous or “indented” fruits, is normal and expected.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, tejocote may last up to 10 days.
