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Basic Information: The sapodilla is an upright, slow-growing, long-lived evergreen tree. It is strong and wind-resistant and rich in a white, gummy latex. It can grow more than 30 meters tall but is usually only about 9-15 meters. The leaves are highly ornamental, medium in size, green, glossy, and alternately spiraled at the tip of forked twigs. The flowers are small, bell like flowers and are born on slender stalks in the axil of the leaves. The fruit is round to egg shape, 2-4 inches in diameter and brown and scruffy when ripe. The flesh can be yellow, brown, and sometimes reddish-brown and may be smooth or a granular texture. The flavor is sweet and pleasant, ranging from a pear flavor to crunchy brown sugar. The sapodilla is believed to be native to southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Nutrition, Traditional Use and Research
The statements below describe nutrition facts, traditional use and published research. They are not health claims for our products.
- Sapodilla contains calcium, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
- Sapodilla is a source of iron, which contributes to normal red blood cell formation and normal oxygen transport in the body.
- Sapodilla contains dietary fiber, which contributes to normal bowel function as part of a balanced diet.
- Sapodilla contains magnesium, which contributes to normal muscle function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Sapodilla is a source of energy-providing carbohydrates and nutrients that contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Sapodilla contains vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
- In traditional folk practice in some regions, sapodilla fruit, bark and seeds are used for complaints such as cough and cold, as a diuretic, or for relaxation. These are traditional uses only and have not been confirmed by sufficient scientific evidence.
Fun Facts:
- The latex of the sapodilla plant is the source of chicle, the chewing gum of the Aztecs
- The intake of unripe sapodilla causes irritation in the throat, breathing problems, and mouth ulcers
- In Chinese, the name is mistakenly translated by many people roughly as “ginseng fruit,” though that is also the name used for the pepino, an unrelated fruit
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manilkara_zapota
https://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/sapodilla.html
https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-health-benefits-sapodilla/
http://tonsoffacts.com/23-interesting-fascinating-facts-sapodilla/