The Quenip is native to South America and is thought to have spread throughout the Caribbean in Pre-Columbian times. It is referred to by many names, most with only slight differences in the spelling: Genip, Guinep, Genipe, Ginepa, Quenepa, Canepa, Kenip, Kenipa, Xenipe, and on. It's also called Limoncello, Mamoncillo, Mamon, Skinnip, Chennete, Guaya and many other names.
They are also called Spanish Limes, possibly because they look like under-ripe limes, the similarities end there however, because once you crack open the thin leathery peel with your teeth, you will encounter an impossibly smooth apricot colored pulp covering a very large seed. The way you eat it is just to suck it into your mouth and kind of scrape off the flesh with your teeth and then spit out the seed. The flavor is unique, sweet, but tangy, sometimes a little sour, but in the best way, and it leaves that kind of dry feeling in your mouth that you get from some Tropical fruit, like Tamarinds.
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Quenips, are the fruit of the Quenip tree, the scientific name for which is Melicoccus Bijugatus, they are one of the fruit of the Sapindaceae species of fruit bearing trees of which only six of the fruit are Edible.
The other five are: Ackee, Longon, Lychee, Rambutan and Korlan. If you have are lucky enough to live here in St. Maarten year round, or visit during the late Summer months, you likely have come across little bands of young children selling these delicious drupes. Usually on the side of the road, not far from wherever the tree is growing, you can buy a bunch, like the ones above for about $1.00. Buy them and eat them, you will love them, but whatever you do don't get the juice from the fruit on your clothing or it will leave a stain that is almost indelible.
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