'Maher' produces large fruit with a flattened shape, great flavor, with few seeds.

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Latin name - Diospyros nigra

Black Sapote, also lovingly known as “Chocolate Pudding Fruit” is actually a tropical relative of Persimmon!  Unlike persimmon, the Black Sapote tree is a tropical evergreen tree, but just like its cousin, the fruit ripen late in the year, and are usually in season in December and January.  Thriving in steamy tropical climates, but hardy down to just below freezing (damage occurs at 30º), the Black Sapote tree is an ideal fit for South Florida and will reward those who choose to plant it with an abundance of fruit.  Black Sapote admittedly doesn’t taste *exactly* like chocolate pudding right off the tree, rather the fresh ripe fruit has a milder flavor, not overly sweet, but creamy and satisfying.  You wouldn’t think it, but Black Sapote fruits have a surprisingly high amount of vitamin C– four times the amount of an orange!

Black Sapote is picked from the tree when the fruit is mature, but not ripe.  Allow it to ripen on the counter until very soft, which can take up to 2 weeks. The skin will turn from a verdant green to a darker olive tone, with some wrinkles.  Our favorite way to eat it (besides straight with a spoon) is to make “Chocolate Pudding Fruit Pudding”:  Simply scoop out the pulp into a bowl, and whisk with cream, maple syrup, and a bit of cacao powder.  Delicious!  Black Sapote can also be used to make baked goods (Black Sapote Bread, muffins, etc) or frozen and added to smoothies.

When planting Black Sapote trees, full sun and well-draining soil are best.  Black Sapote is very hardy and drought tolerant, and will grow well in marginal soils.  A grafted tree will tend to start producing at about 4 years of age.  You can expect your tree to reach at least 15-20 feet when mature, but size is somewhat manageable with routine pruning.  

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Size: 15-20’

Sun Requirements: Full Sun 

Cold Hardy: 30º

Harvest Season: Winter  

Watering requirements: Very drought tolerant 

Food Forest Layer: Canopy