The Lemon Gold white sapote is a notable cultivar of Casimiroa edulis with several distinctive characteristics:
Origin: The Lemon Gold variety originated in Escondido, California, developed by Martin Reinecke in 1958.
Fruit Appearance: As the name suggests, the fruit has a light yellow colour when mature.
Fruit Size: It produces large fruits, often reaching 10-12 cm in diameter.
Flavour Profile: The Lemon Gold is known for its excellent flavour. It’s described as mildly sweet with a slightly tangy undertone, offering a unique taste experience.
Texture: The fruit has a smooth and custard-like texture, making it well-suited for fresh consumption or cooking.
Harvest Season: It’s considered a late-season variety, with fruits typically maturing from late autumn to early winter.
Tree Characteristics: The Lemon Gold tree is less vigorous compared to some other varieties, producing moderate crops.
Handling: This variety has a thick skin that endures handling well, which can be advantageous for harvesting and transportation.
Picking: One notable feature is that the Lemon Gold can be picked early and still ripen to good flavour, which is not true for all white sapote varieties.
Popularity: Due to its excellent flavour and large fruit size, Lemon Gold is considered one of the top white sapote varieties available in Australia.
The Lemon Gold white sapote is valued for its tasty fruit, good handling characteristics, and ability to be picked early, making it a popular choice among growers and consumers alike.
