Nance Fruit Red Live Plants (Byrsonima Crassifolia)

Common Names

Golden Spoon, Yellow Cherry, Golden Cherry, Red Nance, Nanche, Hogberry

Botanical Name

Byrsonima crassifolia

General Information

The Nance Fruit Tree, native to Central and South America, grows from southern Mexico to Peru and Brazil along the Pacific coast. Nance fruits cluster on large shrubs, and the unique Red Nance cultivar changes from green to yellow-red as it ripens. The fruit has 1–3 small, inedible white seeds and an oily white flesh with a “soap-like” scent when fully ripe. Nance fruits have a starchy, sweet, and slightly acidic taste.

Healthy Benefits

• Rich in Vitamin C, fibre, calcium, and phosphorus.
• Contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease.
• High in manganese, with tannins and oxalic acid in the bark and unripe fruit.

Cultivation

• Blooming/Fruiting Time: 3–4 years
• Maintenance Required: Moderate
• Planting and Care: Drought-resistant and suitable for tropical and subtropical climates, the tree thrives in sandy and rocky soils but is not cold-hardy.

Unique Feature

Nance fruit is high in vitamins K, C, thiamine, E, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, folate, manganese, protein, iron, fat, carotene, phosphorus, and soluble fibre.

Uses/Benefits

Nance fruit can be enjoyed fresh or cooked. Preserved in syrup or brine, it develops a texture similar to olives.