BLACK SAPOTE
HISTORY
The black sapote (Diospyros digyna) has a rich
history, primarily rooted in
Mesoamerica. Here's a breakdown of its historical
journey:
1.
Origins:
·
It is native to tropical regions of Mexico and
Central America.
· Evidence suggests it has been cultivated for
over 2,000 years.
2.
Ancient Civilizations:
· The Maya and Aztec civilizations highly valued
the black sapote, incorporating
it into their diets and cultural practices.
· The Nahua people of Central Mexico also had a
long history of consuming this fruit.
3. Spread by Colonization:
· Spanish colonists played a significant role in
spreading the black sapote beyond
its native range.
· They introduced it to the Philippines during the
17th and 18th centuries, from
where it further spread to other parts of
Southeast Asia.
·
It was also spread into the Caribbean.
4. Modern Distribution:
· Today, black sapotes are found in various
tropical and subtropical regions,
including:
·
Mexico and Central America
·
The Philippines and other parts of Southeast
Asia
·
Parts of the Caribbean
·
Hawaii and Florida in the United States
NUTRITIONAL BENEFIT
The black sapote, often referred to as the
"chocolate pudding fruit," offers a range
of nutritional benefits. Here's a breakdown of its
nutritional value:
1. Basic Composition:
·
It contains a moderate amount of calories.
· It provides carbohydrates, protein, and a small
amount of fat.
·
Key Nutrients:
· Vitamin C: Black sapote is a good source of
vitamin C, which is essential for
immune function and collagen production.
· Vitamin A: It also contains vitamin A, important
for vision and skin health.
· Potassium: It provides potassium, which plays a
role in maintaining healthy
blood pressure.
· Fiber: The fruit contains dietary fiber, which
aids in digestion.
· Minerals: It also contains minerals like calcium
and phosphorous.
2.Specific Nutritional Information examples:
· Information varies slightly from source to
source, but here are some examples.
· One cup of fresh pulp contains: approximately
142 calories, 2.6 g protein, 0.8 g
fat, 34 g carbohydrate, 360 mg potassium, 22 mg
Vitamin C and 420 IU Vitamin
A.
· Information regarding 100g of black sapote,
shows approximately 134 calories,
3g of protein, less than 1g of fat, and 35 grams of
carbohydrates.
HEALTH BENIFITS
Black sapote, texture and flavor when ripe, offers
several potential health benefits. Here's a
breakdown based on available
information:
1. Rich in Antioxidants:
· Black sapote contains antioxidants that help
protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
This may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic
diseases.
2. High in Fiber:
· Its high fiber content promotes digestive health,
aids in regular bowel movements, and can help
maintain a feeling of
fullness.
3. Vitamin C Source:
· Black sapote is a good source of vitamin C,
which supports immune function, skin health, and
acts as an antioxidant.
4. Vitamins and Minerals:
· It also provides other essential vitamins and
minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and iron,
which are important for
various bodily functions.
5. Heart Health:
· The potassium content can help regulate blood
pressure, contributing to heart health.
6. Iron
Content:
· The Iron content helps with the formation of
red blood cells, and can help prevent anemia.
VARIETY AND TYPES
The black sapote is the general fruit is well-known,
there are indeed variations and named cultivars.
Here's a breakdown of some of the notable ones:
1. Key Cultivars:
·
'Bernicker' (also 'Bernecker'):
·
Known for being a prolific producer.
·
Produces nearly spherical, medium to large
fruit.
·
Characterized by few seeds and high-quality
flesh.
2. 'Mossman':
·
Produces very large, round fruit.
·
Has a high pulp content and few seeds.
·
Capable of high yields.
3. 'Maher':
·
Produces very large, flattened fruit.
·
Known for good to very good quality.
·
Also has few seeds.
·
Unique for being a smaller, yet prolific tree.
·
'Merida' (also 'Reineke'):
·
Produces fruit of a medium size.
·
Known for a very sweet and good to excellent
quality fruit.
4.'Ricks Late':
·
Originated in Australia.
· Produces heavy, late crops with excellent
quality fruit.
5. 'Cocktail':
·
Is known for having an excellent flavor.
6. General Characteristics:
· Variations can occur in fruit size, shape,
sweetness, and seed count.
· Cultivars are often selected for desirable traits
like high yield, superior flavor, and fewer seeds.
BOTANTICAL DEFINITION
To give you a botanical definition of black sapote,
here's a breakdown:
1. Scientific Name:
· The black sapote is scientifically known as
Diospyros nigra. In some older references you may
see Diospyros digyna.
·
Classification:
·
Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
·
Clade: Tracheophytes (Vascular plants)
·
Clade: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
·
Clade: Eudicots
·
Clade: Asterids
·
Order: Ericales
·
Family: Ebenaceae (Ebony family)
·
Genus: Diospyros (Persimmons)
·
Species: Diospyros nigra
2. Key Characteristics:
· It is a tropical fruit tree native to eastern
Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and
Colombia.
· The fruit is known for its dark brown to black
pulp when ripe, which has a custard-like texture and
a sweet flavor.
· It belongs to the Diospyros genus, which also
includes persimmons.
· It is important to note that although it has the
common name of Sapote, it is not related to other
fruits with the name Sapote, such as White Sapote, or
Mamey Sapote.
3. Ebenaceae Family:
· The Ebenaceae family is known for trees and
shrubs, many of which produce valuable timber (like
ebony) and edible fruits.
· In essence, the black sapote is a species of
persimmon (Diospyros nigra) within the Ebenaceae
family, recognized for its unique dark, sweet fruit.
DIETARY GUIDANCE
Black sapote, offers some unique nutritional
benefits. Here's a breakdown of dietary guidance:
Key
Nutritional Aspects:
1. Relatively Low in Fat:
· This makes it a potentially healthier alternative
to high-fat chocolate desserts.
·
Good Source of Vitamin C:
· It contains a significant amount of vitamin C,
which is an important antioxidant.
·
Fiber Content:
· The fiber in black sapote can aid in digestion
and promote feelings of fullness.
·
Carbohydrates:
· It does contain a significant amount of
carbohydrates, so portion control is something to
consider.
·
Potential Benefits for Blood Sugar Management:
· Some sources indicate that the complex
carbohydrates in black sapote may help manage
blood sugar levels. However, it is always best to
consult with your doctor, or a registered dietician,
especially if you have diabetes.
2. Dietary
Guidance:
·
Enjoy in Moderation:
· While healthy, it's still a fruit with natural
sugars. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
·
Healthy Dessert Alternative:
· Use it as a base for smoothies, puddings, or
other desserts to satisfy sweet cravings with fewer
unhealthy fats.
·
Combine with Other Healthy Foods:
· Pair it with other fruits, vegetables, or nuts for a
more complete and nutritious snack or meal.
·
Consider Portion Control:
· Because of its carbohydrate content, especially
if you are monitoring carbohydrate intake, be
mindful of the amount
you consume.
·
Ripening:
· Ensure the fruit is fully ripe before consuming
it. The unripe fruit is not palatable.
3. Consult Professionals:
· If you have specific dietary concerns or health
conditions, consult a registered dietitian or
healthcare professional
for personalized advice.
IN SUMMARY
The black sapote, a persimmon species (Diospyros
nigra), has a history rooted in indigenous
cultivation and expanded through colonial
influence, becoming a valued fruit in tropical areas
globally. It's a nutritious fruit, offering
antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, which can
support a healthy diet. However, cultivar
availability varies regionally. Consumed in
moderation, the black sapote can be a beneficial
part of a balanced
diet.