Black Sapote | The Chocolate Pudding Fruit

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Nature never ceases to amaze me! The flora and fauna in Jamaica are so diverse it is hard to find two fruits that look and taste exactly alike. The Black Sapote or Chocolate Pudding Fruit is one I’ve never seen anything even close to before now. Ms Junie, who we met at the Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay, St. James, was the first to introduce us to this mystery fruit. She then invited us to speak with herself and her husband, Mr Mack at their home to learn more about the fruit.

What is the Black Sapote?

This is a species of the Persimmon family of plants most commonly found in Mexico and the Caribbean. It grows on a tree that quite resembles an Otaheite apple but its bearings couldn’t have been any more different. It bears a large green fruit similar to a starapple that can weigh up to 2 pounds! Even when it is ripe and ready to eat, the outside remains green and instead of other fruits that usually turn yellow when ripe, the inside changes from yellow to a deep brown, with a pudding-like consistency (hence the name, chocolate pudding fruit).

While this look is a little off-putting at first one taste of it and you’ll forget all about your concerns. Mr Mack speaks about his first time having the first and how he too was a bit sceptical at first. He, however, decided to try it despite his qualms and he has been enjoying it ever since!

Medical Benefits of the Black Sapote

Not only is the Chocolate Pudding Fruit tasty, but it is also packed with health benefits! It’s high in fibre, potassium, calcium, iron and has 4 times more vitamin C than an orange. It is also great in preventing and treating Lupus, heart disease and cancer, promotes weight loss and a healthy digestive system and improves vision. It doesn’t stop there, it also builds the nervous system and increases muscle mass in the body.

FAQs About the Chocolate Pudding Fruit

How long does it take for the Black Sapote tree to mature?
Answer: It usually takes around 3-5 years, but that depends on the soil and other elements such as the environment it is planted in.

How long does the fruit take to mature after blossoming?
Answer: It usually takes around 3 months for the fruits to be ready for picking.

Does the fruit actually tastes like chocolate?
Answer: it tastes nothing like chocolate. It is mildly sweet and has the texture of a pudding.

Can you eat the Black Sapote when you’re hungry?
Answer: Generally speaking, it is best to eat fruits on an empty stomach, to receive all the vitamins and nutrients. The Black Sapote is no different.

How do you know if the fruit is ripe?
Answer: The fruit should be soft and not shiny, easily cut open, except for the seeds and be a dark brown almost black on the inside.

How should the Black Sapote be eaten?
Answer: Cut open the ripe fruit and remove the seeds. From there you can either scoop it out of the skin and into a container or just eat it directly from the skin.

What does it smell like?
Answer: You would expect something that looks like this to have an overpowering smell. It is quite the opposite though, there isn’t a distinct smell from the fruit.

How is it stored?
Answer: Ripe fruits can be removed from the skin and stored in a container in your freezer. It can last up to a year!

When does the Black Sapote tree bear fruit
Answer: The tree usually bears once a year from November to December for about 6 weeks.

What can the Black Sapote be used to make
Answer: This fruit is great when making Stouts, Punches, Smoothies and Puddings.

Ms Junie was gracious enough to share her recipe for her Black Sapote drink with us. So if you would like to try it, here are the ingredients:

• Black Sapote(of course)
  
• Dragon/Guinness
  
• Supligen
  
• Nutmeg
  
• Vanilla
  

The measurements are really up to you and your preferences. Ms Junie also shared that the Black Sapote pairs well with soursop and carrot so you can consider adding them to your drink too.

When asked what makes Jamaica special both Mr and Mrs Mack said the availability of fruits and the freedom we have to eat them, and I am inclined to agree. Jamaica is really a special place filled with all kinds of zesty organic fruits and tasty foods for everyone to enjoy.

If you feel so intrigued by this fruit and would like to contact Ms Junie you can reach her at (876) 406-1266 or visit her at the Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay St. James on a Friday.

Watch Video Here!

I also recommend you read, What fruit do they eat in Jamaica?.

Regards,
SS

Editor's Note
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