Manilkara zapota, commonly known as sapodilla, is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. Native to Mexico and Central America, it is widely cultivated for its fruit, also called sapodilla.
The tree typically reaches a height of 15-35 meters and has dark brown to grayish bark with deep vertical furrows. The leaves are glossy, simple, and leathery, obovate to oblong in shape, and arranged alternately along the branches. The small, inconspicuous flowers are pale yellow, and the fruits they bear are round to oval in shape, measuring about 5-10 centimeters in diameter. When ripe, the fruit has a rough, brown skin and holds a sweet, juicy pulp that is yellowish-orange to brown in color. Embedded within the pulp are several shiny, black, oval seeds.
The sapodilla fruit is renowned for its deliciously sweet flavor, reminiscent of caramel with undertones of pear and brown sugar. It has a custard-like texture, giving it the nickname "naseberry" in some regions. It is often consumed fresh, either alone or incorporated into various culinary creations such as desserts, smoothies, and ice creams.
Besides its culinary use, Manilkara zapota also holds medicinal value. Traditionally, different parts of the tree's bark, leaves, and even its latex have been used to treat ailments such as coughs, diarrhea, skin infections, and fever. Moreover, sapodilla is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, making it a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.
Overall, Manilkara zapota is a tropical tree celebrated for its flavorful fruit, which has both gastronomic
