Love it? Add to your wishlist
Your favorites, all in one place. Shop quickly and easily with the wishlist feature!
[title]
[message]Veliyath Gardens
Couldn't load pickup availability
Red Nance (Byrsonima crassifolia): The Scarlet Gold of the Tropics
In the diverse family of exotic tropical fruit plants, Red Nance, also known as Golden Cherry or Yellow Nance, stands out with its unusual aroma, intense nutrition, and cultural depth. Native to the heartlands of Central and South America, this vibrant fruit is more than just a forager’s treasure—it is a symbol of tradition, health, and garden biodiversity. At Veliyath Gardens, we proudly cultivate and offer the rare Red Nance Fruit Plant (Byrsonima crassifolia) for those who value heritage-rich, wellness-boosting fruit trees that thrive with moderate care.
Botanical Name: Byrsonima crassifolia
Common Names: Red Nance, Nanche, Hogberry, Golden Spoon, Yellow Cherry, Golden Cherry
Native Regions: Southern Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Brazil
While commonly referred to as Nance across Latin American countries, this fruit is known by slightly varying names reflecting its flavor and visual appeal. In Mexico, it’s Nanche, while in Brazil it might be referred to as Murici. The Red Nance variety is rarer and noted for its vibrant reddish hue and more aromatic, richly textured pulp.
The fruit grows in dense clusters on large shrubs or small trees.
Red Nance matures from green to a deep yellow-orange or yellow-red tone, with glossy skin.
The flesh is white, soft, oily, and creamy, containing 1–3 small, hard seeds.
The aroma is notably soap-like, caused by its rich oil content—an acquired but admired characteristic.
The taste is uniquely starchy, moderately sweet with a mild acidity, and lingering floral notes.
This fruit does not follow the conventional "juicy-sweet" route. Instead, it offers a rustic, robust mouthfeel, often compared to fermented custard with hints of banana or guava.
The Red Nance fruit is not only culturally significant—it is a powerhouse of nutrition:
Rich in Vitamin C: Supports immune system health and skin repair.
High in Dietary Fiber: Promotes digestion and regulates bowel function.
Good Source of Manganese: Vital for metabolism and antioxidant function.
Contains Calcium and Phosphorus: Contributes to bone health and muscular function.
Packed with Antioxidants: Helps neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Tannins and Oxalic Acid (in unripe fruit and bark): Traditionally used for medicinal purposes like treating diarrhea and skin infections.
These elements work synergistically to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve gut health, and support long-term wellness.
Though unfamiliar to many outside the Americas, Red Nance is a traditional favorite across Central and South America. Its culinary uses are both creative and culturally rooted:
Raw Consumption: Often eaten fresh or with a sprinkle of salt and chili.
Traditional Beverages: Used in refrescos, fermented drinks like chicha, and syrups.
Desserts: A delightful addition to pastries, tarts, and tropical fruit compotes.
Jams and Preserves: The high oil content allows it to be transformed into long-lasting chutneys and jellies.
Cultural Dishes: Cooked with rice or meat in some traditional Panamanian and Nicaraguan cuisines.
Its strong aroma and flavor can be an acquired taste, but once embraced, it becomes a recurring favorite in health-driven, rustic, and traditional recipes.
The Red Nance fruit plant is suited to warm, tropical or subtropical climates, thriving with moderate attention.
Growth Type: Shrubby tree reaching up to 10–12 feet tall.
Time to Fruiting: 3–4 years from planting.
Soil Requirements: Tolerates poor, sandy soils; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Sunlight: Requires full sun to thrive and fruit profusely.
Watering: Moderate; drought-resistant once established.
Pruning: Occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage air circulation.
The tree is resilient and often used in reforestation projects because of its drought tolerance and ecological value, attracting birds and pollinators to the garden.
Due to its unique oily pulp, Red Nance has a medium shelf life and should be handled properly for preservation:
Fresh Use: Best consumed within 3–5 days of harvesting.
Storage: Refrigeration slows spoilage; fruits can be stored in perforated containers.
Preservation: Ideal for drying, canning, syruping, and fermenting.
Freezing: Pulp can be frozen and used in drinks or desserts months later.
In traditional homes, the fruit is soaked in honey or sugar syrup and stored in clay pots for long-term use.
In Latin American folklore, Nance trees are seen as protective and fruit-bearing symbols of community abundance. They are found near village homes, schoolyards, and temples—gathering places for people of all ages. The fruit is often distributed freely, and in some cultures, the bark and roots are used in natural medicine.
Seasonal festivals in Mexico and Central America often feature drinks and candies made with Nance, underscoring its cultural significance. It is common to find recipes passed down through generations that still include this fruit as a cherished ingredient.
A rare and culturally rich fruit seldom found in common orchards.
Offers nutritional and medicinal value with daily consumption benefits.
Low maintenance, yet high yielding and garden-enhancing.
Adds variety to your culinary palette with its distinct flavor and texture.
A talking point and attraction in any exotic fruit garden setup.
With its bold appearance, fascinating flavor, and traditional roots, the Red Nance (Byrsonima crassifolia) tree is a meaningful addition to home gardens and small orchards. For the fruit connoisseur, health enthusiast, or cultural gardener, this plant brings something unique to the table—both literally and symbolically.
Veliyath Gardens is delighted to introduce this rare gem to tropical regions across India. Add the Red Nance to your collection and enjoy a plant that blends tradition, taste, and tropical beauty in every cluster it bears.
