In the shady hills of Appalachia, a small fruit tree grows in the shadow of taller oaks and maples. In the spring, maroon flowers droop from the branches. Little fruits emerge later in the summer and fall — alien green, bean-shaped, and about the weight of one or two large peaches.
The fruit is ready for picking once it's soft to touch and emits an aroma similar to tropical fruits. Inside, large espresso-brown seeds dot the yellow pulp, which tastes of tangy, mango-banana-pineapple and has the texture of custard.
