The Zapote

One of the favorite fruits of the Dominican People

Zapote, Dominican Sapote, “papaya carica papaya”, “mamey zapote”, which scientific name is “Pouteria sapota”, also called “Lucuma mammosa”, is a tree of the Sapotaceae family.
Description

The fruit can be from fusiform, elongated, and ellipsoidal to spherical, weighing up to 3 kg in some genotypes.

Are 10 to 25 centimeters long and 8 to 12 centimeters wide flesh varies in texture and color of red-orange or gray.
Inside is a seed usually very nice, long, smooth, shiny dark brown on the dorsal segment and tan on the ventral side and length approximately half the length of the fruit.
Tree

The zapote tree can reach 20-25 meters in height and it is ornamental.Its crown is usually symmetrical or irregular, thick branches and dense foliage.
The leaves are ovate or lanceolate forms are concentrated at the apex of the branches. The flowers are small, almost sessile; grow in large amounts under the new branches and along leafless branches.
Properties

The Dominican Sapote or sapodilla is used as a remedy for gastro-intestinal diseases. In the south of Cuba, is also used to treat headaches and venereal diseases.
There is much data that the zapote was used as an antiseptic during the Hispano-American War.

Dominican Sapote Dominican Sapote Dominican Sapote

Preparations

Zapote Milkshake: Whisk evaporated milk, sugar and zapote for about 30 seconds until creamy.

Dulce de Zapote or Zapote in Syrup: Pass through a sieve the pulp of a ripe zapote. Add orange and lemon juices, sugar to taste and flavored with rum or sherry. Mix ingredients thoroughly to unify the flavors and cool in the fridge for a couple of hours.

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