Advances in Germplasm Resources, Bioactivities, and Comprehensive Utilization of Canistel (Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni)

Canistel (Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni) is a tropical evergreen fruit tree native to Mesoamerica and increasingly cultivated in southern China for its high-value, nutrient-dense fruits. Despite growing commercial interest, comprehensive knowledge of this species remains fragmented. This review systematically synthesizes current research on canistel, covering its botanical characteristics, germplasm resources, propagation and cultivation techniques, nutritional composition, phytochemical diversity, pharmacological bioactivities, and food processing applications. The fruit is rich in carbohydrates, carotenoids (particularly lycopene and β-carotene), phenolic compounds (including gallic acid, catechin, and myricitrin), and essential minerals, while the seeds represent an underutilized source of high-amylose starch (up to 68.1%) with superior thermal stability. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, analgesic, and immunomodulatory activities, largely attributable to its polyphenolic and triterpenoid constituents. Recent advances in encapsulation and oil-based fortification have improved the stability and bioaccessibility of canistel carotenoids, opening new avenues for functional food development. However, critical research gaps remain, including limited germplasm characterization, insufficient molecular breeding tools, narrow product diversification, and a lack of long-term toxicological and clinical data. This review identifies these challenges and proposes future research directions to facilitate the sustainable industrial development of canistel.