PEPINO

Characteristics and History:

Pepino , recently being produced in Turkey, is originated in Peru and also grows in the other countries of South America. It is from the aubergine family. The production of this product has the chance of multi year production I its natural ecology but when produced commercials, single year production type is preferred.

Cultivation Locations:

Produced by seedlings and watered generously until the fruits reach to a certain size.In riping period the watering is lessened. Likes the sun and fresh air. The plant may grow in closed locations but the fruit will not be formed. It may be grown in sunny balconies in 7-10 no flowerpots and may give fruit. The sizes of pepino fruits vary according to their types and exposed cultural processes. For ex: on the conditions that fruit thinning is not executed, the weight of the fruit falls to 40-50 grams while the applications where only one fruit is left in the bunch it may go up to 1300 grams. But the fruit to be marketed should be weighting 250-500 gram. For a quality fruit and economic production 1 bunch should be having 2 or 3 fruits. The fruit thinning should be executed when the fruits reach to a size of a walnut. 3 main bodies are left in one seedling, other side branches and fruits are periodically pruned before they grow too large. Thus and with more lightning fruit holding quantities will be improving.

Uses:

By the A and C vitamins it contains, it improves the body resistance in urinary system, respiratory system infections . besides it is effective in injuries and feet infections. Provides the blood vessels to be strong.

Storing Conditions:

Closed garden production is recommended in commercial use. Garden production may be made in regions with less d temperature differences ( black sea, Aegean, Marmara, and Mediterranean) .

Pepino is sensitive to cold, the plant body is harmed in +5º and totally dries in 0º thus, and it should be protected against night frosts .

How and Where to Use?

The melon, banana, pine apple flavored fruit may be frozen in the fridge, its thin cover peeled and eaten like a melon it may also be served as appetizer, added to ice creams, garniture in fruit salads. Its jam is made and even in some South African countries, it is used as decorative plant.

Nutrition Facts:

1 kg. fruit gives 56 gr. Dissolving dry substance. Contains 57 gr. Soluble sugar, 1 gr. Protein, 480 mg. C vitamin, 107 mg. P, 1150 mg. K .