Arrayan
Arrayan
In season from February until April.
Arrayánes were highly valued in ancient Greece and offered to Venus, goddess of love. During the early Olympic Games winners were distinguished with a crown made from the leaves of this tree, and to this day, it is also given to brides and grooms in some countries. Eleven species of Arrayán are present today in Mexico.
The name for the Arrayán tree comes from the Arabic Ar-Rayhan or Rihan. It is known in english as Sartre Guava. The Arrayán tree contains Mirtol in its leaves and fruit, because of its composition and properties it is similar to the Eucalyptus and both species belong to the same botanic family.
Arrayánes are an uncommon fruit tree that may reach up to 30 feet and is a slender tree with smooth bark the color of which may vary from almost white to grayish green. Its blossoms are white and very aromatic, similar to the guava blossom but smaller. The leaves of the tree are very thin and shiny, measuring approximately 1.5 centimeters wide and 5 centimeters long. The fruit is round and may resemble small guavas measuring about 1.5 centimeters in diameter, about the size of a glass marble. The taste is delicious, sweet and also a bit tart. The color of the Arrayán is green, turning a dull yellow-orange as it begins to ripen. Arrayánes are eaten in season and fresh juice and candy are manufactured with it. This tree is also known as the “guayabillo”, as it is considered a cousin of the guayaba and also the tejocote.