Mamey Sapote

Mamey Sapote is a large, slow-growing tree. It was known as the “fruit of the gods” by ancient Central American peoples.  The fruit ranges in size from 10-25 cm and can weigh up to 3 kilograms.

The fruit is typically oval-shaped, sometimes with tapered or pointed ends. It has a rough brown skin with vibrant pink-orange-red coloured flesh. The texture is creamy and soft, with a unique sweet flavour compared to pumpkin or sweet potato. The fruit can take more than a year to ripen. Unripe fruit can be cooked as a vegetable. Raw seeds are toxic.

The tree itself is highly ornamental having an open dome canopy with whirls of dark green leaves at the branch tips. While it is generally evergreen, it can drop leaves when stressed. Be careful of the gummy white sap which can irritate the eyes and skin.

Other uses: wood, medicine