Description/Taste
Sapodillas are generally small, averaging 4 to 12 centimeters in length, and vary in shape from oval, conical, round, to oblate, depending on the specific variety. The skin is thin, semi-smooth, and tan to light brown, sometimes covered in a rough, textured coating that dissipates as it ripens. Underneath the surface, the flesh is firm, dense, and astringent when young, containing a high saponin content, causing the sensation of cotton mouth if consumed. The fruits must be ripe before eating, and as the fruit matures, the yellow-orange to red-brown flesh will soften and develop an aqueous, pulpy texture. The flesh will also contain a granular, somewhat grainy consistency and encase 3 to 12 glossy, oval, and hard, black-brown seeds in a central cavity. The seeds are inedible and should not be consumed as each seed bears a small hook on one end that can catch in the soft tissue of the throat. Sapodillas have a faint squash-like scent when sliced open, and the flesh is sweet, musky, and malty with molasses, pear, and brown sugar nuances. When selecting Sapodillas, the skin should be lightly scratched. If the scratched portion reveals green skin, the fruit is young; but if the skin is yellow, the fruit is mature and ready to be further ripened.

Nutritional Value
Sapodillas are an excellent source of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and act as a natural cleanser for the body. The fruits are also rich in vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, provide some vitamin A to protect against vision loss, and contain lower amounts of iron, copper, and potassium. In addition to vitamins and minerals, sapodillas are a source of tannins, which are compounds known as polyphenols that have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sapodillas have a unique sugary and malty flavor and a soft, grainy texture that is showcased when consumed straight, out-of-hand, chilled or at room temperature. The fruits can be sliced in half, and the flesh scooped with a spoon, discarding the seeds. Sapodilla seeds should not be consumed as they bear a small hook-like protrusion that can catch and become stuck in the throat. The raw flesh can be mixed into fruit bowls, tossed into green salads, or blended into smoothies and milkshakes. It can also be pureed and strained into sauces or churned into ice cream. In addition to fresh preparations, sapodillas can be simmered into jams and syrups, fried as a simple dessert, mashed into muffin, cake, and pancake batters, or stewed with lime juice. The fruits can also be incorporated into custards and puddings or baked into tarts and pies. Sapodillas pair well with fruits such as bananas, passion fruit, oranges, and limes; spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves; cacao powder, vanilla, honey, brown sugar, and whipped cream. It is important to note that the fruits are harvested from the tree when they are mature but not ripe for eating. Once the fruits are picked at maturity, they should be kept for 7 to 10 days at room temperature to allow the starches in the flesh to convert into sugars. The flesh will soften after the ripening period, and once ready, the fruits can be consumed immediately or stored for a couple of days in the refrigerator. Sapodillas can also be frozen, but the texture of the flesh will be altered. Frozen sapodillas are best used for smoothies, sauces, ice cream, and other blended applications.

Sapodillas are available year-round. The fruits are grown worldwide, and the peak fruiting season will vary depending on the region and climate.