Sapote Fruit

A soft edible fruit, sapote is native to Central America and the northern parts of South America. There are many different species of the sapote fruit and most of these belong to the Ebenaceae and Sapotaceae family. These fruits are highly nutritious and one should therefore, make use of sapote fruit recipes like salads, desserts, smoothies, etc. Sapote is also an important member in the list of fruits. Let us understand more about the sapotes through following paragraphs.

Facts about Sapotes

The freshly served sapotes are best to eat. A chilled and fresh sapote cut into a wedge shape is used for serving. Many people find the flavor of sapotes similar to that of caramel. Owing to the different varieties and types of sapotes, their flavor and skin color vary a lot. Let us understand more about these differences through information presented below.

White Sapote Fruit
This fruit belongs to the type called drupe. White sapotes belong to the Rutaceae family and the botanical name is Casimiroa edulis. The drupes have an outer fleshy part that surrounds a hard shell. Development of these fruits take place from a single carpel. The diameter of white sapotes is 5-10 cm. Their skin turns red at the time of ripening from its initial yellow; the skin is not edible and very thin. The fleshy pulp of this fruit is edible. Taste of the pulp is different for different varieties. The flavors of sapote fruit could be that of banana, vanilla flan, pear, etc. Color of the pulp too changes with different varieties. The yellow skin varieties of sapotes have a beige-yellow pulp, while the fruits with a green colored skin have creamy-white pulp. The number of seeds contained in this fruits ranges from 1-5.

Black Sapote Fruit
The black sapote which has a botanical name, Diospyros dignya belongs to the Ebenaceae family. This plant is native to Central America and the surrounding regions. Alternative names for black sapote are Zapote Prieto (Spanish) and Chocolate Pudding Fruit. Size of this fruit ranges from 5-10 cm and its shape resembles that of tomato. Skin of black sapote, just like that of other sapotes is inedible. The skin changes its color from olive to yellow-green as the fruit ripens. Color of the pulp too changes from white to a shade of chocolate pudding. Flavor of the fruits is also similar to that of chocolate pudding.

Sapote Nutrition
The sapote fruit is rich in nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. The minerals contained in this fruit include sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Vitamins found in sapotes include thiamin, niacin, folate and riboflavin. The vitamins present in sapotes play an important role in the different metabolic processes of the body. It is one of the fruits high in fiber. Dietary fibers present in sapotes are good for the digestive system. This fruit is therefore, considered as one of the best laxatives. Fibers present in sapotes serve the purpose of protecting colon from toxins that cause cancer and keeping the problem of constipation in check. The poly-phenolic compounds like tannin possess antioxidants and are therefore, important from the point of controlling parasites and bacteria. This fruit is also known for its anti-hemorrhoidal, hemostatic and anti-diarrheal properties. Since the fruit contains vitamin A, prevention of oral and lung cancers is possible with regular intake. The paste of sapotes is used in the treatment of bites and stings of poisonous creatures.

Sapote Tree
The sapote plants grow well in warm conditions of tropical regions. The soil in which the sapotes flourish includes clay and clay-loam. However, it has been observed that there is no problem whatsoever in growing the sapotes in porous and infertile soils. Seeds are used for the propagation of sapotes. Since, the seeds lose their viability quickly, it is advisable to plant/sow the seeds as early as possible. A spacing of 9 m between two plants of sapotes is considered ideal.

Facts about sapote fruits presented in this article include the descriptions of different types and varieties. These fruits are highly nutritious and should therefore, be included in the regular diet.