Black Sapote: The Chocolate Pudding Fruit
When ripe, the black sapote's flesh tastes exactly like chocolate pudding. The story of this Mexican rainforest persimmon relative.
The black sapote (Diospyros nigra) is botanically a persimmon โ and when fully ripe, the soft brown-black flesh tastes uncannily like chocolate pudding. Native to southern Mexico and Central America, the fruit was cultivated by the Maya and has spread to tropical regions worldwide as a curiosity and a healthy chocolate substitute.
Origin and history
Native to southern Mexico and Central America. Cultivated by the Maya for over 2,000 years. Spread to the Philippines via Spanish colonial trade in the 1700s; later to Australia, Hawaii, and Florida.
Where black sapotes grow today
Mexico, the Philippines, Australia, and parts of the Caribbean. Limited commercial production; mostly home-garden and specialty market.
How to grow
Tropical to subtropical, USDA Zones 10-11. Tree 8-12m. First fruit in 4-6 years.
Bottom line
A genuine chocolate-pudding flavored fruit, with none of the sugar or fat. Worth seeking out if you can.