| Description |
Naranjilla, or Lulo, is a subtropical perennial shrub in the Nightshade or Solanaceae family grown for it's round, yellow-orange fruit. It is native to northwestern South America. The plant's stem and large, elongated heart or oval-shaped leaves are covered in short purple hairs. Some varieties have spiny stems. The plant takes 10-15 months to bear 100-150 fruit in it's first year. Naranjilla will bear fruit for 3 years. Fruit are 5cm in diameter and covered in brown hairs that are easily rubbed off to expose the yellow-orange skin. The juicy, seedy interior is green to yellow and has a citrus flavor similar to rhubarb and lime or pineapple and lemon. Fruit can be eaten raw, juiced, or added to desserts. It is quite sour if it is not ripe. Naranjilla benefit from trellising and must be protected from strong winds, direct sunlight, and frosts. Their ideal temperature range is 17-19° C. Naranjilla are susceptible to nematodes and can be grown in containers for protection.
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