A fruit that resembles a lime. A few people have even heard of it, and that's a major loss

Exotic fruits always spark a lot of curiosity. Nowadays, most of them are available in nearly every supermarket, but there are varieties about which we still know very little. One such mysterious fruit is the mamoncillo, also known as cotoperí or mamon.

This is a small, exotic tree that grows in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Its fruits grow in elongated clusters and resemble limes in appearance. However, the taste of mamoncillo is completely different, and this plant has many health benefits.

Mamoncillo fruits have a diameter of about 0.8-1.6 inches. Their flesh is orange and gelatinous, and inside there are one or two seeds. Ripe fruits have a sweet-bitter taste, described as "sweet with a twist".

Mamoncillo is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin C, which strengthens immunity, resveratrol, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects, as well as iron and phosphorus, which are important for proper body function.

Research suggests that resveratrol, also found in grapes, may help protect the heart from various diseases. Mamoncillo may help regulate the digestive system and is recommended for people suffering from constipation, although care must be taken not to overdo the amount of fruit to avoid diarrhea.

It's best to eat mamoncillo fruit raw. Mamoncillo can be used in the kitchen in many ways. You can eat them raw, or add them to salads, desserts, or cocktails. You can also make jam, sauce, syrup, or liqueur from them.

If we are buying mamoncillo, we should choose fruits with yellow or orange peel. Ripe ones are soft to the touch.