El black sapote, scientifically known as Diospyros digyna o Diospyros nigra, is a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America that is increasingly fascinating lovers of gastronomy and botany. Its flavor is surprisingly reminiscent of chocolate, hence its nickname chocolate pudding fruit, and has become one of the most sought-after exotic fruits. However, It is not easy to find in Spain nor in Europe, which is why more and more people are looking for ways to grow it at home, buy it online, or discover its many applications and nutritional benefits.
Characteristics and properties of black sapote
Black sapote belongs to the family of Ebenaceae, also related to the persimmon. It's an evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height in the wild, although in domestic cultivation they tend to be more manageable. It's characterized by fissured bark and simple, alternate, elliptical leaves. The flowers, generally white or cream, give off a gardenia-like scent.
Its fruit is between 5 and 10 centimeters in diameter, with a thin, green shell It turns brown and wrinkled when ripe. When the fruit is ready to eat, the flesh acquires a dark brown, almost black, color and a smooth, creamy texture. This peculiarity has fascinated great chefs and pastry chefs, as it allows for the creation of healthy chocolate-flavored desserts without the typical calories and fats.
- Very low in calories and rich in fiber.
- Great source of vitamin C and A: excellent for strengthening the immune system.
- Helps fight insomnia and anxiety thanks to its soothing compounds.
- It has properties anti-inflammatory that help relieve pain.
In its area of origin it is also known as dive and has been traditionally used in the natural medicine of the Mayan peoples.
How to get black sapote in Spain?
In Europe, and especially in Spain, black sapote is still a little-known fruit and rarely available through traditional distribution channels. Therefore, those who want to enjoy its flavors and benefits often seek it out in specialized nurseries. online stores of exotic fruits or, increasingly, decide grow the tree at home.
- In some subtropical nurseries on the Mediterranean coast and the Canary Islands, you can find seedlings or young trees Black sapote for planting in the garden or in pots. An example of this is nurseries specializing in exotic fruit trees.
- Some online stores and online nurseries offer the option of buy black sapote seeds (Diospyros digyna), although it is important to ensure that they are fresh and suitable for germination.
- Nurseries specializing in exotic fruit trees They also distribute plants and seeds of this tree.
- Fresh fruit is occasionally sold at local farmers' markets in the Canary Islands, Tenerife, and other islands during the harvest season.
- In agricultural wholesale stores, such as Fitoagricola, you can find references to black sapote plants or fruits, especially under the name of black sapote, black persimmon o chocolate tree.
Season and production areas in Spain
The harvest calendar for black sapote in Spain, especially in the Canary Islands and subtropical areas of the Andalusian and Levantine coast, may be extended. from November to April depending on the climate and variety.
- In Tenerife, production is concentrated in warm, sunny areas like Playa San Juan, but this can vary depending on the microclimate.
- Cultivation on the peninsula is usually experimental and limited to collectors or enthusiasts of exotic fruit.
Acquiring black sapote in Spain involves looking for specialized nurseries or online stores, or betting on its home cultivation as an alternative to supply.
How to Plant and Grow Black Sapote: A Practical Guide
If you decide to plant black sapote at home, it's important to know a few things about its growing needs. Despite its tropical origins, the black sapote tree is relatively hardy once established.
Seed preparation and sowing
- Black sapote seeds have limited viability (several months if stored well), so it is recommended to plant them as soon as possible after purchasing them.
- It is advisable to lightly sand the surface and soak the soil in warm water for 24-48 hours before sowing to facilitate germination. For more details, see our guide to planting sapote.
- Place the seeds in pre-moistened soil, 1 cm deep, preferably in individual pots. Keep the temperature around 20-25°C to accelerate germination.
- The germination process is slow and can take from 1 to 6 months. It first develops a taproot and then the aerial part.
- Transplant seedlings only when they have developed at least two true leaves.
Tips for growing an adult tree
- Floor type: It prefers soils rich in organic matter and good drainage, although it tolerates different types, including clayey soils and soils close to watercourses.
- Location: Full sun is ideal, although partial shade is tolerated. Protect young plants from strong winds.
- Irrigation: It prefers constant moisture and tolerates occasionally waterlogged soils, but once mature, it withstands moderate periods of drought better than most tropical fruits. It's important not to let it dry out for too long during its initial growth.
- Temperature: Its optimum temperature range is between 20 and 27°C. A well-established tree can withstand temperatures as low as -2 to -3°C occasionally, but prolonged freezing temperatures can severely damage it.
- Fertilization: It doesn't require large amounts of fertilizer; organic fertilizer in spring and summer is sufficient.
- Pollination: Black sapote is a dioecious species, meaning only female trees bear fruit, and to obtain fertile seeds, it is also necessary to have at least one male specimen nearby.
The tree usually begins to bear fruit between 4 and 6 years after planting and is very long-lived. harvesting the fruit It should be done just before full ripening: the shell wrinkles and acquires a brown tone, a sign that the interior is at its best for consumption.
Black sapote in the kitchen: recipes and culinary uses
One of the reasons for the rise of black sapote is its versatility in the kitchenIts powerful sweet flavor, similar to chocolate, makes it the star ingredient for those looking for healthy alternatives in desserts and sweet recipes, and even as an energy supplement before physical exercise.
- It can be eaten fresh, directly with a spoon, as a dessert.
- It is used in creams, jams, smoothies, cakes, ice creams and sponge cakes.
- In Mexico, it is popular to serve it macerated and strained, accompanied by whipped cream or mixed with wine, cinnamon and sugar.
- It is perfect for vegans and celiacs, as it does not contain gluten or common allergens.
Simple recipe for black sapote candy with orange
- 5 ripe black zapotes
- Half a cup of natural orange juice
- Half a teaspoon of vanilla essence
- Half a cup of brown sugar
Scoop out the pulp from the zapotes and place it in a large bowl. Add the orange juice, sugar, and vanilla. Mix well until smooth and refrigerate for at least an hour to thicken. For more ideas, check out our Complete guide to successfully growing sapote.
Fresh black sapote water
- 1 cup of very ripe black sapote pulp
- 4 peeled oranges
- 3 liters of mineral water
- Sugar to taste
- Ice
Blend the sapote pulp and oranges in a blender, adding a little water to make it easier to blend. Dissolve the sugar in the remaining water and blend everything through a sieve. Add ice and serve very cold. You can lower the glycemic index by using sweetener or cinnamon.
Black sapote cake
- 300 g of pureed black sapote
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 170 g of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 beaten eggs
- 40 g roasted pumpkin seeds
- 30 g brown sugar
- 40 cl of orange juice
- Half a mashed ripe banana
- 180 g flour
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 70 g of yellow raisins
Mix the sapote puree with the sugar and juices. Stir in the banana and brown sugar. In another bowl, mix the flour, a pinch of salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add it to the sapote mixture, gradually stir in the eggs, a little oil, and finally, the seeds and raisins. Pour into a lined pan and bake at 180°C for 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Where to buy black sapote in Spain: nurseries and online stores
In addition to growing it at home from seeds or seedlings, there are options for purchasing black sapote directly in Spain, especially in subtropical regions:
- Physical and online nurseries specializing in exotic fruit trees: they supply young trees or seeds of Diospyros digyna (sometimes labeled as or chocolate tree).
- Subtropical nurseries on the Costa del Sol, Almuñécar, Málaga, Motril, Axarquía, and especially in Tenerife and other Canary Islands.
- Online stores selling exotic fruits and organic products, with home delivery.
- Organic farmers' markets and subtropical plant fairs in the Canary Islands, where fresh black sapote is in season.
Other varieties of sapote and their differences
The sapote genus encompasses several species and varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. In addition to black sapote, there are:
- White sapote (Casimiroa edulis): white pulp and sweet flavor, season from March to June.
- Mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota): reddish pulp, season from May to September, very popular in Central America.
- Other varieties: yellow, lucumo, chicozapote, among others, each with unique properties and different culinary applications.
Incorporating black sapote into your diet opens the door to an exotic fruit with extraordinary nutritional properties and an unparalleled flavor. Whether you choose to grow it or prefer to seek it out in specialty stores, you'll enjoy a unique and healthy culinary experience, ideal for innovating desserts, improving your well-being, and discovering new tropical nuances in Spanish cuisine.
