Diospyros digyna, the Black Sapote, is a species of persimmon that is native to eastern Mexico and Central America south to Colombia. Other names include Chocolate Pudding Fruit, Chocolate Persimmon and (in Spanish) Zapote Prieto.
Mature trees can grow to over 25 m in height and are evergreen. It is frost sensitive but can tolerate light frosts. The leaves are elliptic-oblong, tapered at both ends, dark green, glossy and 10–30 cm long. Some trees bear only male flowers. Others have both male and female flowers, though some of these are self-incompatible. Fruiting takes about 3–4 years from seed and the trees are heavy bearers.
Black Sapote fruit are tomato-like and measure 5–10 cm in diameter, with an inedible skin that turns from olive to a deep yellow-green when ripe and a pulp which is white and inedible when unripe but assumes a flavor, color and texture often likened to chocolate pudding when ripe. Fruits usually contain seeds, up to a maximum of 12. The texture has been likened to that of a papaya. Boning, describes the ripe fruit as having "the taste and consistency of chocolate pudding."
Unripe fruits are astringent, caustic, bitter, and an irritant
Black Sapote trees are normally found below 600 meters, but are not particular about soil, and can tolerate light frosts. They are sensitive to drought, requiring irrigation in dry areas, but are quite tolerant of flooding. The tree grows fairly slowly for the first 3–4 years, perhaps just 1 foot/year for the first couple of years. Later however it grows much more rapidly. Trees should be spaced 10-12m apart.
One large black chocolate sapote contains:2g Protein, 35g Carbohydrates, 0.01g Fat, 20mg Vitamin C, 400IU Vitamin A, 345g Potassium62% Water, 0.058mg Thiamin, 140 Calories.
Its low in fat does not promote cholesterol. Contains 4 times more Vitamin C than an orange.Protects against stroke and heart attack and a host of other ailments. Aids in wound healing.
Prevents periodontal disease. Enhances absorption of dietary non-heme iron. Maintains collagen and connective tissue in the body. Prevents diseases and strengthens the immune system.
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