In Florida, it survives winter temperatures as far north as Palm Beach and Punta Gorda and in protected areas up to St. Petersburg. It has the advantage of coming into season in late fall and winter when few other tropical fruits are available. The canistel generally matures from November or December to February or March in Florida. When left to ripen on the tree, the fruits will split at the stem end and fall. A severe drop in temperature will also cause fruit to split and drop to the ground.
Canistels are rich in niacin and carotene and have a fair amount of ascorbic acid.
Fruits are best clipped from the tree shortly before maturity. If kept at room temperature, the fruits will soften to eating ripe in 3 to 10 days. They should not be allowed to become too soft and mushy. Ripe fruit can be kept successfully in the vegetable bin of the refrigerator for several days. It is used in a variety of desserts such as, custard, ice cream, milk shakes, and cupcakes.