Quenepas?

[michele cindy]

I'm looking for quenepas. I'm in Soho, but thought Chinatown might be a good place to start. Do they have a Chinese name as well?

[JungMann]

I've never seen quenepas in Chinatown. Longan, yes, quenepas no. Mostly I find them at random fruit stands on the UES.

[small h]

I've seen them both in Chinatown and on the Upper East Side, packed in a cellophane sleeve. I first encountered them on Nevis, where they were called guineps (which is probably a West Indian way to say quenepas). And according to wikipedia, mamoncillo is another name for them, as kathryn notes.

If you're around Soho, check that fruit stand on the south side of Houston near Lafayette. I'm not sure if you're a fan looking to satisfy a craving, or just curious about this fruit. But I don't think it's all that. It's kind of like a grape with an enormous pit. Nevisians chew them like gum.

[michele cindy]

I'm not a fan, but my 11 year old just became one. So it's all for her! :)

[small h]

Oh, that makes sense. They're like the gobstoppers of fruit. Hope you find them soon.

[mitchleeny]

The fruit carts on the corner of Grand and Clinton and Essex and Rivington both have them.

[michele cindy]

Thanks everyone! Now one more question, how do you know when they are ripe?

[small h]

And 14th and 5th Ave. - saw them moments ago.

[LNG212]

The random fruit-guy cart on my corner here on the UWS usually has them. I haven't noticed lately but when I go by there tonight, I'll check it out and let you know.

[kathryn]

Maybe mamoncillo?
http://www.eatingintranslation.com/2008/07/vaquero-fruits.html

I bet buttertart can help...
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7863...

[RebelWithaCause]

Is it a lychee?

[michele cindy]

I would think it is in the same family but it's not the same.