Papeda small fruit - Samuyao

Citrus micrantha is one of the most ancient citrus species that has survived to this day, thanks to its preservation in the Philippine islands of Cebu and Bohol, where it was discovered for the West by Peter J. Wester in 1915. It is the female progenitor of important citrus such as C. aurantifolia, C. excelsa, and C. macrophylla. The microcarpa variety is characterized by having very small flowers and fruits that remain very well on the tree.

Small and moderately vigorous tree, with slender branches and numerous thorns. Leaves with a prominent winged petiole typical of Papedas. Small fruits, spherical in shape, sometimes slightly flattened at both poles or may have a small basal neck. Rough, highly aromatic bark, yellow-green in maturity. Pale green pulp that can reach green-yellow, juicy, with very acidic and bitter juice. It has monoembryonic seeds.

Their essential oils are characterized by a high amount of bergapten, a phototoxic furanocoumarin also present, though in lesser amounts, in bergamot. The juice is used as a condiment in Filipino cuisine to prepare various sawsawan. The juice can also be used to make a refreshing sorbet combined with mint.