Mamey sapote / Zapote

Zapote is a tropical, ornamental, and evergreen tree native to Mexico and Central America cultivated for its fruits. 

The skin of this plant's fruits is wooden and sandpaper-like. However, the flesh is soft and creamy, pink to orange in color, and tastes like kiwi.

Zapote fruit is a good source of nutrients. Its nutritional components include:

Iron, Protein, Fat, Carbs, Fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Copper, Vitamin E, Potassium, Riboflavin, Niacin, Manganese, and Pantothenic Acid.

This fruit can be used raw or in salads or desserts and served as ice cream, smoothies, sauces, and jams.

Zapote evergreen trees are fruitful; one tree can bear 200 to 600 fruits and are potential alternative commercial crops for tropical and subtropical regions. This plant is well appreciated in Mexico and Central and South America, and there is an apparent demand for the fruit in these countries, as reported in other countries such as Australia, Israel, the Philippines, and Spain.

Annual Yield

Each Zapote tree produces 40 to 1500 kg of fruit per year. Zapote trees can live for a century and produce fruit almost the whole time.

• Zapote seed kernel oil is used as a skin ointment; it also prevents hair loss.¹

• Zapote is rich in vitamin B6 and therefore positively affects protein metabolism, brain function, immune system health.

• It is rich in copper, iron, and vitamins, which the body needs to produce red blood cells.

• Zapote helps the digestive system due to its high fiber content.

• High amount of vitamin C in the plant strengthens the immune system, in addition to several other health benefits.²