1-31-2014
Sapodilla.
Manilkara zapota, commonly
known as the sapodilla, is a long-lived, evergreen tree native to southern
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
It was introduced to the Phillipines during Spanish colonization. It is grown in huge quantities in India,
Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Mexico. The name “zapota” ultimately derives from the
Nahuatl word tzapotl by way of the Spanish zapote.
The fruit is a large
ellipsoid berry, normally 4-8 but up to 15 cm in diameter, containing two to
five seeds. Inside, its flesh ranges
from a pale yellow to an earthy brown color with a grainy texture akin to that
of a well-ripened pear. The seeds are
black and resemble beans, with a hook at one end that can catch in the throat
if swallowed.
The fruit has an
exceptionally sweet, malty flavor. The
unique fruit is hard to the touch and contains him amounts of saponin, which
has astringent properties similar to tannin, drying out the mouth.
This sapodilla is juicy
and sweet. Welcome to tropical fruit!
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Carolyn
ReplyDeleteLovely fruit. It looks delicious.
Andrew S ace
ReplyDeleteSounds devine! Looks tasty as well!