Black Sapote, Chocolate Pudding Tree

Diospyros digyna

Physical Characteristics

Diospyros digyna is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northern S. America - Colombia, north through Central America to Guatemala.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[ 296 ]. Bitter and astringent when unripe, it should not be eaten until it is fully ripe and soft[ 303 , 331 ]. Soft, rich, dark chocolate brown in colour and somewhat sweet[ 301 ]. The black mushy flesh is repulsive in appearance, reminding one of dirty axle grease[ 331 ]. Rather bland, the fruit is best mashed with a little orange, lemon or lime juice and chilled before serving[ 296 , 301 ]. The immature fruit can be boiled and used as a vegetable[ 296 ]. The fruit is rather boring on its own, but delicious when used in smoothies, jams etc[ 296 ]. The dark olive-green fruit is a flattened globose to slightly lobed berry, 5 - 15cm in diameter[ 303 ]. The fruit turns a duller colour when ripe and the persistent calyx at the base, which is pressed against the developing fruit, becomes reflexed. At this stage the fruits are still firm. They soften 3 - 14 days after harvesting, individual fruits ripening suddenly and unpredictably within 24 hours[ 303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Febrifuge Skin Various preparations of bark and leaves have been used medicinally against fever and skin disease[ 303 ].

Known Hazards

The unripe fruit is used as a fish poison[ 418 ].