The Mysterious Black Sapote - What is It and How to Eat It
Have you ever heard of the mysterious black sapote fruit? It is a unique and exotic fruit that has recently started to gain attention in the culinary world. Its smooth, pudding-like texture and sweet taste make it a great addition to many dishes. But what is it, and how do you eat it? In this blog post, we'll discuss the mysterious black sapote, where to find it, and how to best enjoy it.
What is black sapote?
Black sapote, also known as chocolate pudding fruit, is in the same family as the persimmon and can be found growing in warm climates such as Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The fruit has a unique flavor and texture, resembling that of a baked custard or soft chocolate pudding.
The black sapote's exterior is a dark green color with small dimples. When the fruit is ripe it becomes very soft, almost mushy. Its pulp is a deep brown color with a sweet, but mild flavor that tastes like a cross between a banana and dates.
In its native regions, the fruit is a popular ingredient in smoothies and desserts. The pulp can also be dried and used as an ingredient for cakes, pies, and other sweet treats.
Where does black sapote come from?
Native to Mexico and Guatemala, this fruit has been around for centuries and was first found by Spanish conquistadors. It's now grown throughout tropical climates in South America, the Caribbean, and even parts of the U.S. This deep green fruit with a black center is a member of the persimmon family and grows on small evergreen trees. The exterior of the fruit is firm, but when ripe it becomes soft like a tomato. The pulp inside is dark brown and thick, similar to a rich chocolate pudding. It’s highly nutritious, low in calories, and packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
What does black sapote taste like?
Black sapote is a unique and exotic fruit that has an unusual flavor. It's often described as having a sweet and mild flavor, with hints of chocolate, prunes, and dates. When ripe, it has a creamy texture, and its sweetness intensifies. The flesh of the fruit can range from light yellow to deep brown in color.
The flavor of black sapote is best when eaten fresh. It can also be used as an ingredient in baked goods, smoothies, and ice creams. When baked, it has a rich, custard-like flavor. If you're looking for a unique flavor in your dishes, try incorporating black sapote!
How to eat black sapote
Black sapote is a delicious and nutritious fruit, but it can be intimidating if you’ve never tried it before. Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy this exotic delicacy. Here are some of the best ways to eat black sapote:
1. Fresh From the Fruit: The most common way to eat black sapote is simply to cut it open and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. It has a creamy texture similar to custard and tastes mildly sweet with hints of chocolate. Depending on how ripe the fruit is, it can be eaten slightly firm or completely soft.
2. In Smoothies: If you want to add a nutritious boost to your smoothies, adding a few chunks of black sapote is a great way to do so. Its mild sweetness and creamy texture blends well with other fruits like bananas, mangos, and pineapples. For smoothies, you can also try the All Natural Sapota Fruit Powder. It's 100% vegan and all non-gmo.
3. As a Pie Filling: You can make a delicious pie filling by combining mashed black sapote with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and spices. It will give your pies a rich and creamy texture and a sweet and chocolaty flavor.
4. On Toast: Spread some mashed black sapote on top of your toast for a quick and easy snack or breakfast. You can also add some sliced bananas for added sweetness.
5. As Jam or Jelly: If you have extra black sapote that you don’t know what to do with, you can turn it into jam or jelly. All you need to do is combine the fruit with sugar and water and let it simmer until it thickens. This makes a delicious topping for toast, scones, or ice cream.
No matter which method you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the unique flavor and texture of black sapote!
Recipes with black sapote
Black sapote is an incredibly versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes. Its mild flavor makes it an ideal ingredient to add to both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some delicious recipes with black sapote that you can make in the comfort of your own home!
For a sweet treat, try making black sapote cake. Start by creaming together 1 cup of butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Finally, fold in 1 cup of mashed black sapote and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the batter into a greased 9” round cake pans and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For a savory dish, try black sapote shrimp tacos. Start by marinating 1⁄2 pound of peeled shrimp in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat up a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated shrimp. Cook for 5 minutes or until cooked through. Assemble the tacos with warmed corn tortillas, black sapote salsa (see recipe below), and the cooked shrimp.
To make black sapote salsa, combine 1 cup of diced black sapote, 1⁄2 cup of diced red onion, 1⁄4 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1 minced jalapeno pepper, 1⁄4 cup of chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Serve with chips or use as a topping for tacos or other Mexican dishes. Enjoy!
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Where to buy black sapote fruit?
If you're looking to buy black sapote fruit, you have several options. First, you may be able to find it at your local grocery store, farmer's market, or health food store. The availability of this fruit varies by region, so it's best to check with the stores in your area to see if they stock it. If you live in South Florida, this might be easier to find. Usually farmers and/or Latin stores will most likely carry it. Check your area, you might be surprised where you can find black sapote now in days.
Another option is to buy the fruit online. Amazon is a great place to start, as they carry a variety of black sapote fruits from different vendors.
You can also look for specialty grocery stores or online retailers that specialize in rare and exotic fruits and vegetables.
If you're in the US, some Mexican markets may carry this fruit as well. Keep an eye out for it next time you're in a Mexican market near you. Finally, you may be able to find fresh black sapote fruit in your local Latin American neighborhood.
Another option is to simply buy the plant itself. Amazon again has a very nice option of a black sapote fruit tree.
No matter where you purchase the fruit from, make sure that the skin is still firm and not overly soft or wrinkled.
If the fruit is too ripe, it won't have a pleasant flavor. It's also important to store the fruit properly to keep it from spoiling quickly.
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