CONSUELO

Pepino «Consuelo» – an exotic type of pineapple guava (Solanum muricatum), belonging to the Solanaceae family and being a relative of pepper, tomato, eggplant, and potato. This evergreen shrub grows up to 0.8 to 1.5 meters in height, characterized by flexible stems up to two meters long and lanceolate leaves with a fuzzy surface. The plant is self-fertile, unpretentious in care, and suitable for both open ground and growing at home with good lighting.

The fruits of «Consuelo» have an egg-shaped or flat-round shape, weighing from 150 to 750 g. The skin is bright yellow with longitudinal purple stripes; in some variants, purple and orange shades are present. In cross-section, the flesh is light yellow-orange, very juicy and tender, resembling a pear in texture, but at the same time possesses a rich pineapple aroma and flavor, which combines notes of strawberry and mango. Seeds inside the fruit are almost absent, making it especially pleasant for fresh consumption.

To grow pepino «Consuelo» requires a mild or moderate climate with nighttime minimum temperatures not lower than 18 °C and daytime maximums up to 25–28 °C. The plant prefers sunny spots but can grow in partial shade; the soil should be ordinary, of normal quality – sand, chernozem, or a mixture. The distance between plantings is about 60 cm. Irrigation does not require frequent replanting, however, the plant needs regular, moderate watering and good ventilation. Suckering and removal of overgrown shoots help form clusters and increase yield.

The fruits of «Consuelo» are suitable for both fresh consumption and culinary purposes: they can be used in compotes (with apples, apricots, plums), jams, as well as in canning. Thanks to the tough skin, they are preserved for up to 1.5–2.5 months when stored in the refrigerator. The vegetative period of the plant is from 120 to 150 days, after which it can continue to live for up to five years, although the yield in the second year is usually reduced.