Sapodillas, commonly known as Manilkara zapota, are tropical fruit-bearing trees native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. They belong to the Sapotaceae family and can grow up to 30 meters in height. Sapodilla trees have a dense, evergreen canopy and produce oval-shaped fruits, also called sapodillas, which average around 4 to 8 centimeters in diameter.
The fruits have a rough, brown skin with a slightly grainy texture and are known for their sweet and caramel-like flavor. The flesh of sapodillas is creamy and custard-like, often compared to a mix of pears and brown sugar. Inside the fruit, there are typically one to eight black, shiny seeds. When ripe, sapodillas have a slightly soft texture and are easy to eat by either halving them and scooping out the flesh or peeling their skin and consuming the fruit directly.
Sapodillas are highly nutritious, containing a good amount of fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron. Besides their pleasant taste and nutritional value, sapodillas have also been used for various medicinal purposes such as relieving constipation, improving digestion, and treating skin ailments. Additionally, the sapodilla tree is valued for its strong, durable wood, which is often utilized in construction projects.
Due to their delicious taste and versatile uses, sapodillas are popular in many tropical cuisines and are enjoyed fresh, in desserts, or as a flavoring for various dishes.
