Zapote is an exotic tropical fruit that originates in Mexico and is related to Mamey sapote, neither of which can you come across very often, but both of which are health-positive and unique tasting.
Zapote, called sapote in English and chapote in South and Central America is a smaller fruit compared to the Mamey sapote, has yellow flesh and a more floral aroma. The skin is, however, the same in both cases: brown, thick and woody.
A harder to find, worth buying fruit
Zapote is a delicate fruit, which makes retailing a bit challenging, and explains why this exotic produce is so difficult to find in the U.S.
There are, nonetheless, people who successfully purchase tropical fruits such as zapote via online commercial platforms. Successfully means that retailers usually deliver decent-size and well ripe fruits within acceptable delivery time slots.
Find zapote on Amazon or from tropical fruit farms that also sell online. Other places to find zapote are farmers’ markets, gourmet food stores, health food stores and Latin American supermarkets.
Zapote is grown in Florida, although only a few trees, and in southern California where the fruit is often more available than in any other part of the country. Altogether, there are approximately 20 acres of zapote trees planted in America, therefore a limited selection of the fruit.
Zapote is available year-round, but peaks in October through January. Varieties include the white zapote, dark green or Vernon zapote that turns yellow when ripe, the Lemon Gold, which is not as sweet as the Vernon but provides a finer texture, the Marney zapote that has orange flesh, and the black sapote that has chocolate pudding color when ripe.
Zapote nutrition facts and benefits
Vitamins
Folate 7.0 mcg
Niacin 1.432 mg
Pantothenic acid 0.397 mg
Riboflavin 0.116 mg
Thiamin 0.013 mg
Vitamin A 143.00 IU
Vitamin B6 0.720 mg
Vitamin C 23.0 mg
Vitamin E 2.11 mg
Minerals
Calcium 18.00 mg
Copper 0.213 mg
Iron 0.78 mg
Magnesium 11.00 mg
Manganese 0.204 mg
Phosphorus 26.00 mg
Potassium 454.00 mg
Sodium 7.00 mg
Zinc 0.19 mg
Low in fat and low in sodium, zapote is good for losing weight, gaining weight and maintaining good health. It is also cholesterol-free but provides some protein – 3 percent of the daily recommended intake, and fiber – 22 percent of the daily value.
Rich in potassium and a good source of several other minerals, plus containing good amounts of a number of relevant vitamins, zapote is a heart-healthy fruit that promotes healthy cholesterol and proper blood pressure levels.
Other health benefits include:
- Efficient weight management: providing a decent amount of nutrient content for only a few calories, the zapote fruit helps you feel fuller, longer, while also promoting good digestion.
- Boosting the immune system: containing powerful antioxidants and a blend of relevant vitamins, zapote fruits improve immune system function and can prevent infections in the body, chronic diseases such as cancer, and may even eliminate foreign pathogens.
- Glowing skin: because of the amount and the variety of wonderful and potent nutrients, the fruit is very good for enhancing the complexion and moisturizing the skin. Rich in antioxidants, the zapote reduces wrinkles and prevents premature aging.
- Good heart-health: there are several ways in which consuming zapote impacts heart health. First, the fruit promotes a constant flow of the blood, maintaining firm blood vessels. Second, it prevents plaque from building up in blood vessels, which consequently ensures a lower risk of stroke and other similar diseases.
The zapote fruit is best enjoyed fresh and preferably chilled before serving time, although due to its unique flavor it is often added to ice creams and desserts.