Think, Eat, Be Healthy

Mamey Sapote For A Nutritious, Delicious Dessert

Mamey Sapote

Mamey sapote is a delightfully sweet and refreshing tropical fruit.

Mamey sapote is a tropical fruit native to southern Mexico and Central America. It now grows throughout the Caribbean Islands, southern Florida, Texas, California and Hawaii. The outer brown husk is fuzzy like a peach. The flesh is salmon colored with the texture of firm pudding. One large seed pit fills the center of the mamey sapote. I found this one in the produce department of a large chain grocery in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

Mamey sapote fruit cut in half

Mamey sapote fruit cut in half, exposing the sweet flesh and the large single seed.

This fruit ranges from softball sized to as large as a football. Most are smaller and provide two to three servings per fruit. The flesh of mamey sapote is quite filling because of the high fiber and water content.

mamey sapote seed

The single large seed or pit of the mamey sapote.

It is easy to eat mamey sapote. Cut the whole fruit in half starting at the stem. Twist the halves apart and remove the single seed. Scoop out the flesh one delicious bite at a time with a spoon. The flavor is honeyed pumpkin with a touch of cinnamon. It is hard to not eat the whole thing once you take the first bite.

mamey sapote

The easiest way to eat mamey sapote is to scoop the flesh directly out of the husk with a spoon.

For whole food health, this tropical fruit is a great dessert. They are packed full of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium. This is a potent combination of anti-inflammatory compounds. Protein comes in at 3-4 grams per serving. What is missing is fat, cholesterol and sodium. Quite a nutritious package for around 300 calories.

Sapodilla, or Dilly Fruit, is a close relative of the mamey sapote. Both grow from large trees that can reach over 60 feet tall. They only bear fruit when mature. The fruit forms close to the branches and falls to the ground when ripe.

Reference links:

https://www.slowfoodusa.org/ark-item/pantin-mamey-sapote

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pouteria_sapota

http://www.nutritionvalue.org/Sapote,_raw,_mamey_nutritional_value.html