Sapotille, also known as sapodilla or chiku, is a tropical fruit often overlooked. It offers a delightful experience with a distinct flavor and texture, making it a worthwhile addition to a diverse diet. Understanding its characteristics and how to best enjoy its sweet offerings is key.
Understanding Sapotille
Sapotille (Manilkara zapota) originates from tropical Central America and Mexico. It has spread globally, thriving in warm climates across Southeast Asia, North and South America, and the Caribbean. The fruit is also known as sapodilla, chiku, naseberry, and chico sapote.
The fruit ranges from 4 to 12 centimeters, and can be oval, round, or conical. Its skin is thin, semi-smooth, and brown. Inside, the flesh varies from pale yellow to reddish-brown, often with a slightly grainy consistency, similar to a ripe pear. The taste is sweet, described as malty, with notes of brown sugar, pear, honey, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie. Each fruit contains 2 to 12 glossy, black, inedible seeds.
Selecting and Enjoying Sapotille
Identifying a ripe sapotille is important for enjoyment. A mature fruit feels soft, like a peach, and its skin might appear slightly wrinkled. If unripe, sapotille can be left at room temperature for 7 to 10 days to ripen. Placing it in a paper bag can accelerate this process.
Once ripe, consume sapotille within a few days or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To eat, wash the fruit, cut it in half, and scoop out the flesh, discarding the seeds. The skin is usually removed. Sapotille can be enjoyed fresh, added to smoothies, milkshakes, or fruit salads, or incorporated into desserts like pies, custards, or sauces.
Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits
Sapotille is a nutrient-rich fruit. A 100-gram serving provides 72 to 83 calories, with carbohydrates, particularly natural sugars. It is also a notable source of dietary fiber, offering 5 to 9 grams per fruit, which is beneficial for digestive health.
The fruit contains various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Sapotille also provides minerals such as potassium, iron, and copper. These nutrients contribute to supporting the immune system and providing energy. The presence of antioxidants further enhances its health-promoting properties.