Mhoro fruit

The Mhoro fruit (Noso Mhoro) is a species of fruit cultivated in T'vaqi.

Description

Mhoro fruits (colloquially referred to as Mhori) are near-spherical, with a small concavity at the top of the fruit where the stem is attached. Their flesh is incredibly juicy and crisp, and possesses a slight orange tint. The skin of a mature fruit is a vivid green, the brightness of which varies between cultivars; a darker green skin typically corresponds to a sweeter fruit. Four thin, oblong seeds can be found at the center of the fruit. Mhori grow from small, cream-colored flowers on thick-leaved trees. Mhoro flowers are sometimes grown separately, though they possess few notable qualities. Mhoro fruits possess a number of similarities to the apple (and the two are generally accepted to be related), though genetic engineering has rendered the seeds of most individual specimens incapable of germination, thus making the fruit difficult to farm sustainably without extensive resources.

Prior to human cultivation, Mhori possessed much thicker skin and denser, tougher flesh. Most farms capable of reliably producing the fruit have selectively bred it to be as sweet as possible, though some pre-industrialization Mhoro groves persist. The current largest producer of the fruit is the agriculture corporation Panqona, which produces an estimated 35% of the country's Mhoro fruits yearly.

Culinary uses

Mhoro fruits are most often eaten by themselves or with a drizzle of sugar-based syrup. Eaten raw, their taste is described as "bright, slightly acidic, and almost saccharine". Their convenience, size, and sweetness make them a popular snack across the nation, though Mhori are also incorporated into a variety of dishes. The most popular of these dishes is Pomhoro, a Mhoro fruit pie with a soft, flaky crust, typically baked in triangular tins. When baked properly, the pie and filling within are reported to taste "smooth and subtly sweet," with a flavor similar to vanilla. Pre-packaged, individually portioned Pomhoro pies are sold in stores and can be reheated as a light dessert or comfort food; the packaged pastries are notably popular among university students. Mhori are occasionally added to Tolia soup to sweeten the dish. Mhalo, a candy consisting of dried, candied Mhoro fruit slices covered in salted caramel, is sold by the confectionery company Qoqo. Mhoro syrup (derived from concentrated Mhoro puree) is commonly added to sweet desserts.

In culture

The city of Mholos is named for the Mhoro fruit, as it was the first settlement in the nation to produce a genetically modified version of the fruit. A Mhoro fruit is depicted in the city's emblem.