Sapodilla - (Manilkara zapota) is a long-lived, evergreen tree native to the New World tropics. The fruit is a large globose berry, 4-8 cm in diameter, very much resembling a smooth-skinned potato and containing 2-10 seeds. Inside, its flesh ranges from a pale yellow to an earthy brown color with a grainy texture akin to that of a well-ripened pear. The flavour is exceptionally sweet and quite delicious. The seeds are black and resemble beans, with a hook at one end that can catch in the throat if swallowed.
The chikoo trees yield fruit twice a year, though flowering may continue year round. The fruit has a high latex content and does not ripen until picked. Some are round and some are oval with pointed ends. It is a native of Mexico and was introduced to the Philippines during Spanish colonisation. Sapodilla was formerly often known by the invalid name Achras sapota. Still known as 'Sapota' in tamil nadu.
Answered by
Shobhaa
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5:13 PM on August 21, 2007
