Black Sapote

The black sapote tree will deliver you a tropical fruit often referred to as the ‘chocolate pudding fruit’.

The black sapote tree originated in Mexico. Subsequently, it spread to Central America, Cuba and the Philippines. It is cultivated in many tropical countries as a crop.

There are many improved varieties now available. However, the most popular varieties (cultivars) and their characteristics are as follows:

• Bernicker – Prolific fruiting with medium to large fruit.
• Mossman – Large round fruit with high pulp content.
• Maher – Large, flattened fruit with few seeds.
• Ricks Late – Produces heavy, late crops of high quality fruit.
• Superb – A North Queensland variety that has large quantities of small fruits (sometimes completely seedless).

Taking good care of your tree is fairly easy and will ensure a healthy crop of fruit.

Black Sapote Tree Height

This tropical evergreen can grow up to 12 metres (40ft) tall in outdoor tropical climates. Left to its own devices it will grow into a quite large tree.

Black Sapote Tree Size

It is a well-branched tree and does not need regular cutting. However, pruning is often done to keep the tree manageable in a suburban environment or to achieve better penetration of sunlight across the branches.

Black Sapote FAQ’s

Black Sapote Tree Growing Zone

The black sapote tree can fruit all year around in the tropics. Consequently, there is no problem planting your black sapote seedling direct into the ground. That is what it wants!

Black Sapote trees can grow in a range of soil types but they really love moist sandy loam.

However, make sure your location drains well and is not too swampy. So if this is a problem, you could use soil to build a mound to plant the tree in, guaranteeing drainage. Also, locate your tree in full sun, away from other trees or buildings.

Black Sapote Tree Propagation

There are about 4-6 seeds in each fruit. These will grow into new trees if sown in seed raising mix. Sow about 3 cm deep soon after taking them from the fruit. Please note that it may take 5-7 years before this tree fruits well.

Grafting is the best way to propagate the black sapote. We recommend buying a tree that has been grafted or grown by marcotting from your local nursery.

Black Sapote Tree Pollination

The black sapote is an andromonecious tree with both male and female blooms for reproduction. But you can find some of them with only male flowers and will not bear fruit unless pollinated by insects. We recommend you buy a grafted tree from a nursery for best results.

Black Sapote Tree Care

Fertilising

Black sapote is not a ‘hungry’ fruit tree. We apply an organic fertiliser just once each year, during the dry season.

Growing in a pot

If you grow a black sapote in a pot, it is likely to grow quickly. Consequently, within a few years it will need a much bigger pot, or a permanent home outside a pot, if you want it to continue to grow and increase fruit production.

Watering

Water regularly throughout the dry season. However, during the ‘wet’ they will be fine without any additional water.

Pests and Diseases

Black sapote tree care includes looking out for pests and disease. Apart from scale, it has very few pests or diseases. Mealybugs, whitefly and aphids can also be a problem, but the black sapote is fairly pest resistant.

However, regular application of ‘white oil’ can help address these pests. White oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home.

Black Sapote Taste

The best thing about the black sapote tree is the fruit. Indeed it is a tropical delight often referred to as the ‘chocolate pudding fruit’. Hence it is delicious to eat and has many health benefits.

The fruit can be eaten fresh, but peel off the skin before consuming. It can also make a delicious ice cream. In addition, it is also used in mousses, cakes and cheesecakes.

Black Sapote Health Benefits

There are many health benefits of eating black sapote. Accordingly it helps strengthening the immune system, improving digestion, promoting weight loss and improving your cardiovascular health.

Weight Loss

Carotenoids and catechins in the fruit work to turn fat into energy. As black sapote is a complex carbohydrate, it provides long-term satiety due to the fact it takes longer time to digest. As a result, this makes it a good weight loss food.

Fibre

Black sapote has a large amount of dietary fibre. As a result, it helps with digestion and regularity. In addition, it also assists with the peristaltic movement of the intestine.

Immune System

The fruit is loaded with vitamin C. This is proven to strengthen immunity to help the body in fight toxins and diseases.

Antioxidants

The fruit of the black sapote tree is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to fight free radicals or bad cells in the body.

Black Sapote Tree for Sale

If you live in the tropics, why not consider supporting a local nursery? They often have what you need and a lot more besides. Also, often local nurseries sell products suited to the local climate. In tropical areas, local nurseries often sell this tree.

Black Sapote Tree Bunnings

This plant is occasionally sold at Bunnings. You may find one in a small pot in the nursery section.

Other Tropical Fruits

• Custard Apple
• Dragon Fruit
• Grumichama
• Guava Tree Care
• Jaboticaba Tree
• Kumquat Tree
• Lemonade Tree
• Mamey Sapote
• Mulberries
• Natal Plum
• Passion Fruit
• Paw Paw Tree
• Rambutan
• Star Apple Tree
• Watermelon

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