| Keyword |
Description |
| Tejocote |
Small yellow-orange hawthorn used in traditional holiday punch |
| Black Sapote |
Very soft when ripe; tastes like chocolate pudding |
| Cherimoya |
Creamy “custard apple” with tropical flavors |
When winter arrives in Mexico, markets trade summer favorites for seasonal stars like guava, citrus, tejocote, mamey, black sapote, cherimoya, passion fruit, and sapodilla. Guava perfumes the air and tastes sweet-tart, while mamey has creamy orange-pink flesh with notes of pumpkin and vanilla. Black sapote is nicknamed “chocolate pudding fruit” because when fully ripe, it turns very soft, dark, and dessert-like. Cherimoya (custard apple) is silky and tropical, and passion fruit adds a bright, tangy punch that wakes up juices and yogurts. Around the holidays, tejocote (Mexican hawthorn) often shows up in warm punch with guava and sugarcane, making winter feel festive and cozy.
Smart shopping makes these fruits even better. Use all the senses: look for even color, feel for gentle give without mushiness, and sniff for a sweet scent near the stem. Guava should smell fragrant and yield slightly; mamey should feel tender, and its flesh should be richly colored when cut. Black sapote must be very soft and dark before eating; cherimoya ripens like an avocado — soft but not collapsed. Citrus should feel heavy for its size, a clue to juiciness. In the kitchen, keep it simple: spoon out cherimoya or black sapote, slice guava into salads, blend passion fruit into aguas frescas, or simmer tejocote in holiday punch.
Seasonal fruit supports the body with vitamin C, fiber, and hydration, which is helpful during cooler months. Buying in season also means better prices and brighter flavors, so trying one new fruit each week can turn winter into a mini food adventure. Ask market vendors for ripeness tips, as they know what to eat now and what to save for later. Store softer fruits on the counter until ripe, then refrigerate briefly to keep quality, and enjoy them fresh, blended, or warmed in simple desserts.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Juice |
Jugo |
| Citrus |
Cítrico |
| Fresh |
Fresco |
Time to discuss
- Which winter fruit would be most exciting to try, and how would it be prepared?
- What signs best show ripeness for guava, mamey, or black sapote?
- Why are seasonal fruits good choices for winter wellness and budget?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Describe a market visit where three winter fruits are chosen and how ripeness is checked.
- Write a review comparing the taste and texture of cherimoya and black sapote.
