Kao Phuang

Description

Kao Phuang is a Thai pomelo variety, one of the classic white-fleshed pummelos of Southeast Asia where the pomelo is a staple salad and fresh fruit. The fruit is large and broadly pear-shaped with a distinctive neck and smooth apex, glossy lemon-yellow rind that peels easily, and many segments of large, firm, exceptionally juicy vesicles with a balanced sweet-tart flavour on the more acidic side for a pomelo. Thai white-flesh types carry tiny black seeds in small numbers. The tree is vigorous and, as noted in the existing record, hardy enough to be grown in most NZ citrus districts given a sunny, sheltered position - relatively forgiving for a pomelo, though it still wants warmth and a frost-free run to ripen fully. Fruit matures in the main winter-spring pomelo window and is eaten fresh as a dessert fruit or tossed through Southeast Asian-style salads. Thick rind keeps well. Self-fertile.