Black sapote is a fruit whose flavor is very similar to chocolate, which is why it is gaining a lot of popularity in the field of gastronomy. Originally from Central America, finding this fruit is not always easy in other places in the world, but let's see how. get the black sapote.
In addition to its flavor, this fruit is highly appreciated because it is a great source of vitamin C and vitamin A, which helps our immune system stay strong. And it is also a great ally to fight against insomnia and anxiety, and has an anti-inflammatory action on the body that calms pain. Let's see how to access it.
How to get black sapote in Spain?
This fruit is not well known in Europe, so it is not common to find it in supermarkets or specialized fruit stores. Therefore, the best thing if you want to enjoy it is to grow it at home.
The black sapote is a tree native to Central America, where it grows in tropical and subtropical climates. As you may have deduced from appreciating its fruits, it belongs to the same family as the persimmon. AND It is commonly called black khaki.
It is an evergreen variety that can measure up to 20 meters in height. The pulp of its fruit, which is also called “chocolate pudding fruit”, starts out green in color, but turns brown, almost black, as it matures. This is when it has a sweet and smooth flavor reminiscent of chocolate cream.
Curiously, when the fruit is ripe and ready to eat, its peel becomes wrinkled and turns from green to brown, so it almost gives the sensation that it has been overcooked. The ideal time for Harvesting is done just before it reaches maturity.
Tips for growing black sapote
- This tree adapts to all types of soils, but it develops best in those that are rich in organic matter and have good drainage capacity.
- The perfect location is one where it receives many hours of direct sun each day, but is protected from strong winds.
- Although this is a tropical variety, once the adult tree is established, it can withstand temperatures as low as two and three degrees below zero.
- As for fertilization, it does not need a large supply of nutrients.. Simply apply organic fertilizer once or twice a year, during the spring and summer months.
- The young trees of black sapote They need regular watering. Once the plant has established itself, it becomes quite resistant to drought.
- This is, in short, a very resistant tree that does not require too much attention, so It is not a bad idea that you consider planting it in your garden.
Use of black sapote in cooking
Due to its appearance and sweet flavor, sapote is mainly used in desserts and other sweets such as jams. Being a food rich in nutrients, experts advise taking it before practicing sports, mixed with a little cocoa.
In Mexico, it is common to extract the pulp, Marinate it and pass it through a strainer and then serve it accompanied by whipped cream. It can also be mixed with wine, cinnamon and sugar.
Recipe for sweet black sapote with orange
If you already know how to get black sapote, here is a delicious recipe that you can make quickly and easily. You need:
- 5 black sapotes.
- Half a cup of fresh orange juice.
- Half a teaspoon of vanilla essence.
- Half a cup of brown sugar.
Extract the pulp from the sapotes and put it in a container. Then, mix it with the orange juice, sugar and vanilla essence. Stir well until creating a homogeneous mixture and Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to gain consistency.
Fresh black sapote water
To make this recipe you need:
- 1 cup of very ripe black sapote pulp, which is quite watery.
- 4 peeled oranges.
- 3 liters of mineral water.
- Sugar to taste.
- Ice.
Start by blending the sapote pulp and the orange segments, add the water you deem necessary so that it does not end up with a very compact paste.
In the rest of the water dissolve the sugar and Add to the previous mixture, passing through a strainer. Stir well, add the ice and let it cool.
This is a very simple way to make an all-natural energy drink. If you want to reduce the sugar content, You can replace it with some type of sweetener, and even for cinnamon.
Black sapote cake
The preparation of this sweet requires:
- 300 grams of black sapote with the pulp pureed.
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
- 170 grams of granulated sugar.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
- 2 beaten eggs.
- 40 grams of lightly toasted pumpkin seeds.
- 30 grams of brown sugar.
- 40 centiliters of orange juice.
- Half a ripe banana, mashed.
- 180 grams of flour.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- 70 grams of yellow raisins.
To make the cake we start by mixing the sapote puree with the sugar and juices. Then we add the banana and sugar.
In another container we mix the flour, a pinch of salt, baking soda and cinnamon. To join it later with the sapote mixture. Little by little we add the eggs, a little oil and, finally, the seeds and fruit.
We pass this mixture to a lined oven mold and bake it for about 50 or 60 minutes at 180º C, huntil the cake is firm and spongy. Let it cool and it is ready to eat.
Now that you know how to get black sapote and how useful it can be for making all kinds of sweet recipes with a high nutritional value, you may be considering having this fruit tree at home. If so, you have already verified that its care is quite simple, so we encourage you to try growing it and tell us your experience.