Tracy Hawthorn (Crataegus tracyi)
Tracy hawthorn (Crataegus tracyi), grown in Morelos, Mexico, and selected as #Jumbo for its larger fruit size and development. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and the genus Crataegus. Mexico's SNICS specifically recognizes C. tracyi among the hawthorn species included in its national tejocote network.
Organoleptic Properties
Round to slightly oval fruit resembling a small apple, selected for its large size within the commercial Jumbo category. The skin is firm, developing yellow to yellow-orange tones according to maturity. Flesh is firm, fleshy and aromatic, with a characteristically sweet-tart and mildly acidic flavor. Seeds are contained within hardened structures characteristic of the genus Crataegus.
Suggested Uses
Tejocote is a traditional Mexican fruit and an essential ingredient in Mexican fruit punch (ponche), particularly during Christmas-season celebrations and posadas. It can also be prepared in syrup or cooked with piloncillo and cinnamon, and used for fruit pastes (ates), jellies, jams, preserves, compotes and traditional confectionery. Cooked fruits may also be caramelized or sugar-coated, while other regional applications include fruit liqueurs.
For easier preparation, the fruit may be briefly blanched in hot water to facilitate peeling before being incorporated into punch, syrups and preserves. Its natural pectin content makes tejocote particularly suitable for jellies, jams and other preparations requiring a naturally thick consistency.
Format
Bulk saleper Kilogram (BLK) of fresh tejocote, #Jumbo selection. Fruit count per crate may vary naturally according to individual fruit size and weight.
Storage and Handling
Store in a cool, dry place protected from direct sunlight, avoiding impacts, excessive moisture and condensation. For extended storage, refrigeration with adequate relative humidity is recommended to minimize moisture loss and preserve fruit firmness. Once cooked or processed, keep refrigerated in a clean, sealed container according to the preparation.
Quality and Selection Criteria
Select large, firm and well-developed fruits with characteristic coloration and intact skin. For the #Jumbo category, larger and visually uniform fruits are preferred. Avoid excessively soft, dehydrated, bruised, perforated or fermented fruit, as well as fruit showing mold. Minor natural variations in surface coloration and shape are characteristic of the product.
Origin
Mexico.
Tejocote has a deep connection with Mexican food culture and has been consumed since pre-Hispanic times. Its name derives from the Nahuatl texócotl, associated with tetl, meaning “stone,” and xocotl, referring to a sour or sweet-tart fruit, giving rise to interpretations such as “sour stone fruit” or “stone fruit.” Gob.mx Mexico possesses considerable hawthorn diversity: SNICS reports approximately 13 species of Crataegus occurring in the country and specifically includes Crataegus tracyi among the species covered by its national Tejocote Network.
