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Black Sapote
The black sapote is native to Mexico and is cultivated in Australia and other tropical countries as a minor crop. It is grown on a very attractive evergreen tree that is often used as a windbreak. It is a recent introduction to Australia with seedling types. Selections of some larger seedless varieties have been made. Characteristics Black sapotes vary greatly in both size and shape. They can weigh from 200 g up to 1 kg and range between 60 mm and 130 mm in diameter. The fruit has a bright green, shiny skin and is hard when unripe, turning soft and dark brown when ready to eat. The flesh of a ripe fruit is black with a thickened cream-like texture. The vitamin C content of black sapote is more than twice that of an orange. Taste When fully ripe the flesh tastes like chocolate. Unripened it can be slightly bitter. Buying and Storing Similar to avocado, the fruits are usually purchased mature green. The crown on top of the fruit should be raised, indicating the fruit is mature. During ripening, visual changes to the fruit are dramatic. Overnight it turns dark green and later brown-black, and from hard to soft and mushy. Do not refrigerate until ripe. Ripe fruit or pulp may be refrigerated for a few days, but freezing is better. Fully ripe fruit, frozen whole or as pulp, retains its subtle flavour for more than six months and is suitable for use in any recipe where fresh fruit is used. Preparing and Serving Black sapote could be called a culinary fruit because it is normally used in a recipe rather than eaten from the hand. Fully ripe, the pulp can be eaten with a squeeze of lime or passionfruit. Ripe fruit has a delicate skin, which may disintegrate when cut. Depending on the variety, ripe fruit can be peeled or cut in half and the flesh scooped out. The seeds are then removed to leave a paste-like pulp. The flavour is enhanced by the addition of rum, vanilla, cream or coffee liqueur (Kahlua or Tia Maria). It makes a delicious ice cream and is also great in mousses, cakes, cheesecakes, muffins, breads and preserves. It is proving popular as an ingredient in tropical fruit wines. Availability July to December Varieties Black Beauty, Various seedling selections. Acknowledgement The information about avocados is mainly sourced from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland publication Tropical Tastes - Fruits, Foods and Flavours of North Queensland and is reproduced with due acknowledgement and authority.
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