Sapodilla: An Exotic Fruit You Must Try & 5 Health Benefits

Sapodilla is known as an energy fruit. The reason for this is due to its rich sweetness.

The fruit looks like a small potato fresh out of the ground but with a scruffy brown peel. The flesh of the fruit is light brown with black, flat and glossy seeds. It has the texture of a pear, gritty, and exceptionally sweet with a pleasant malty flavour.

When it reaches its ripened stage, the skin will become soft and saggy. Then cut the fruit in half, discard the seeds and enjoy eating the flesh by scooping with a spoon.

three sapodilla fruit on the tree 2022 06 07 01 16 49 utc

Other names, history and where to find this sweet exotic fruit

Scientific name: Manilkara zapota.

Also known as sapotenaseberrynisperochicle, bully treemarmalade palm and chiku.

It’s grown in Mexico and in tropical countries such as India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, this fruit is usually available year-round but I haven’t seen it in abundance like other fruits. If you are lucky to spot some, then sample them and you won’t be disappointed. 

fresh ripe sapodilla cut in two parts 2021 08 26 16 56 36 utc

Did you know that CHICLE, the latex obtained from the bark sapodilla’s tree was used as the main ingredient of chewing gum?

Sapodilla also has a number of nutritional benefits

Sapodilla is also a perfect anti-inflammatory agent. It has a high content of tannins, which helps in improving conditions of the digestive tract through the prevention of diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis.

The chemical compounds found in the flesh of the fruit help remove the phlegm and mucus from the nasal passage and the respiratory tract.

The fruit is also packed with Vitamin C which has amazing moisturising properties and is great for the skin.

According to the USDA, Sapodilla contains Folate, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper and Pantothenic acid (B5).

There aren’t many publicly available studies conducted on humans that can prove one way or the other, however, some related studies show promising results.

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Super simple Sapodilla-shake

Ingredients:

  • 3 whole deseeded fruits
  • 3/4 cup of Almond Milk, preferably cold
  • 2 deseeded dates (optional)

Instructions:

Blend together and enjoy. That’s it.

chikoo milkshake SMN4EC
SAPODILLA SHAKE

Your questions

Are sapodilla seeds toxic?

Studies such as Acute toxicity of seeds of the sapodilla (Achras sapota L.) show that the seeds can be toxic due to saponin content.

Sources and Resources

Sundayt Tmes Sri Lanka – Medi Science

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/160918/mediscene/sapodilla-for-a-quick-energy-boost-208711.html

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – Sapodilla, raw

https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167759/nutrients

Protective effect of lyophilized Manilkara zapota fruit extract against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7451601/

Acute toxicity of seeds of Achras sapota L.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0041010184901478

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About the Author

<a href="https://strongwithplants.com/author/inga/" target="_self">Inga K</a>

Inga K

Inga became vegan in March 2018. After a series of documentaries that hit hard, she and her husband switched to a plant-based diet within a week and vegan soon after.Inga has a UK Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Diet and Nutrition.

Strongwithplants.com is a blog for anyone who strives for a healthy and happy life. We share 100% plant-based (and often healthy and oil-free) recipes and give you the best tips on finding vegan local food whilst travelling and living a plant-based lifestyle focusing on good health and spiritual wellbeing.

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Each individual’s dietary needs are unique. Please seek advice from a professional nutritionist or your doctor.

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