Achacha – the Amazonian fruit now grown in Australia

It’s always exciting to try a new food, and last weekend I tasted for the first time a fruit called an Achacha.   What an amazing taste sensation!  A cousin of the mangosteen, Achachas are tangy and refreshing, the taste vaguely resembling that of a passionfruit although the texture is completely different.

Originating from the Bolivian part of the Amazon basin in South America, the Achacha is grown in North Queensland and the first harvest is available now. The Bolivian name of the fruit is Achachairú and translated means “honey kiss”. An Achacha is egg-shaped in appearance about 4cm x 6cm, has a seed similar to a lychee and when ripe is bright orange in colour. Nutritionally, achachas contain a high Vitamin C content, as well as Folic Acid, Potassium and Riboflavin.

To eat fresh, score the skin with a sharp knife and remove (don’t throw them away though, as the skins can be used to make a refreshing drink – see below!). Enjoy the delicious flesh avoiding the seed. Achachas can be successfully frozen for many months and can be served frozen as a palate cleanser between courses (as you would serve sorbet).

Add them to a fruit salad for an exotic twist, or drop a peeled fruit into a glass of bubbly for some festive fizz!

The skins of the Achacha are also very nutritious and can be used to make a thirst-quenching drink. Try this recipe:

Ingredients:
Washed skins from 12 Achachas (skins can be collected and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for  up to a week)
2 litres water
1/2 cup honey or 1/2 cup raw sugar dissolved in 1 cup boiling water
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Method:
1. Place the Achacha skins in a blender or food processor and blend with 1 litre of water.
2. Add the honey or sugar syrup and the other 1 litre of water.
3. Place in a jug and leave in the refrigerator overnight.
4. Strain the drink, and keep chilled until ready to drink.
5. Serve with fresh mint leaves if desired. You can also serve with lime wedges or add some rum for a refreshing alcoholic drink!

Achachas are available from selected greengrocers, including Harris Farm.