Sapodilla helps in limiting conditions such as erosive gastritis, reflux-esophagitis, enteritis and irritating bowel disorders.Studies prove that tannins have potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic effects, thus, making sapodilla beneficial in several medicinal applications. Tannins are naturally occurring organic substances that neutralize acids by precipitating proteins. These fruits are very rich in the antioxidant polyphenolic compound called tannin.The fiber content in the fruit provides relief in case of constipation and also helps in protecting the mucous membrane of the colon from cancer causing toxins by firmly binding to them. Sapodilla is a good source of dietary fiber, which makes it a bulk laxative.However, in order to get a good fruit yield, irrigation is necessary during the summer season. The sapodilla tree grows fast and is resistant to the wind and drought hence making it suitable to withstand dry arid regions with scanty rains. This plant was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonization. Sapodilla grows naturally in coastal Yucatan in the Petenes mangroves eco-region, where it is a subdominant plant species. It has now spread across the tropical belt and is being commercially grown in a large scale in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia. Sapodilla is believed to have originated in the Central American rain forests, probably in Mexico and Belize.
Look through the different nutritious advantages that sapodilla possesses, as you browse through the following sections. Not only does sapodilla have a smooth textured and sweet tasting pulp, it also has a myriad of health benefits. While the fruit is great to eat, it can be blended into a delicious dessert sauce or mousse. The soft and creamy flesh of the fruit is made up of simple sugars that replenish energy and revitalize the body instantly.
The sapodilla has an exceptionally sweet and malty flavour, resembling a combination of peaches, pears, brown sugar, cinnamon and a little brandy. While the trees of this fruit can grow up to heights of 30 meters, the large ellipsoid berries are about 4-8cm in diameter. The tropical evergreen fruit, sapodilla, belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is botanically known as Manilkara zapota. Have you seen seasonal brown ellipsoidal fruits on display in vegetable markets and stores? These potato-like fruits are actually sapodilla, also known as ‘chikoo’ in India.