Chocolate Pudding Fruit (Black Sapote)

Black sapote, also known as chocolate pudding fruit or black persimmon, is a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America. It belongs to the same family as persimmons and is scientifically known as Diospyros digyna. Despite its name, it is not related to the true sapote fruit.

Black sapote gets its name from the appearance of its ripe fruit, which turns dark brown or black when fully mature. The fruit is about the size of a tomato and has a greenish-brown skin. When you cut it open, the flesh is soft and custard-like, resembling chocolate pudding in both texture and flavor. Hence, it earned the nickname "chocolate pudding fruit."

The flavor of black sapote is often described as a mix of chocolate, caramel, and pear, with a hint of vanilla. It is sweet, rich, and has a unique taste that some people find similar to chocolate. Because of this, black sapote is sometimes used as a natural substitute for cocoa or chocolate in recipes.

This fruit is typically consumed when fully ripe. To eat it, you can simply cut the fruit in half and scoop out the soft flesh, discarding the seeds. The flesh can be eaten as is or used in various culinary preparations, such as smoothies, desserts, ice cream, or as an ingredient in baked goods.

Black sapote trees thrive in warm, tropical climates and require well-drained soil. They are sensitive to cold temperatures and do not tolerate frost. The trees bear fruit after 5 to 6 years of growth and can produce a significant yield.