Grower’s Reference Guide – Black Sapote (Chocolate Pudding Fruit)
Introduction
If you’ve ever dreamed of growing a tree that produces chocolate pudding—yes, actual pudding—then Black Sapote is your garden’s dream come true. Known as the “chocolate pudding fruit,” this tropical treat offers a sweet, custardy flesh with a flavor and texture reminiscent of rich cocoa mousse—without the caffeine or sugar crash.
Fun Fact: Black Sapote isn’t related to cacao at all. It’s a type of persimmon! But the ripe flesh looks, feels, and tastes like dessert straight from nature.
Scientific Information
Scientific Name: Diospyros digyna
Key Characteristics:
Evergreen tropical fruit tree
Glossy green leaves
Fruit resembles a green tomato, but ripens to reveal a soft, dark brown to black flesh
Eaten raw, blended into smoothies, baked into cakes, or used as a natural sweetener substitute
Growth Overview
Annual or Perennial? Perennial
Growth Form: Medium-sized tree
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets
Size & Growth Rate:
Reaches 20–50 feet in ideal climates
Moderate to fast grower when well-fed and irrigated
Growing Conditions
Ecosystem & Climate
Black Sapote thrives in warm, humid tropical and subtropical climates. It loves full sun and can tolerate short cold snaps but not hard frosts.
USDA Zones: 10–12 (can be grown in containers in cooler zones)
Soil & pH
Prefers well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter
Ideal pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Watering & Humidity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Loves high humidity, so mulching and companion planting help retain moisture
Companion Plants
Papaya, banana, and guava all thrive in similar conditions
Nitrogen-fixers like pigeon pea and legumes can improve soil fertility nearby
Pollination Needs
Some varieties are self-fertile, but many require cross-pollination for good fruit set
Attract pollinators with flowering herbs and native plants
Planting & Care
Propagation
From Seed:
Fresh seeds germinate in 3–6 weeks
Plant in a warm, humid environment
Grafting: Recommended for faster fruiting and desirable varieties
Organic Fertilizers
Compost, worm castings, and fish emulsion work beautifully
Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced organic fruit tree fertilizer
Mulching & Pruning
Use mulch (leaf litter, straw, or wood chips) to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Prune to shape when young and remove dead or crossing branches annually
Common Pests & Organic Solutions
Scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids are common
Treat with neem oil spray, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects like ladybugs
Fruit drop is often caused by irregular watering—keep it consistent
Harvesting & Storage
When & How to Harvest
Fruits are picked green and allowed to ripen off the tree
They’ll soften and turn dark olive/black when ready
Ripening takes 3–14 days after harvest
Storage & Preservation Methods
Ripe fruit keeps for 2–3 days in the fridge
Freeze blended pulp for smoothies or desserts
Dehydrate into leather or bake into energy bars
Usage & Nutrition Information
Edibility & Culinary Uses
Eat fresh with a spoon
Mix with vanilla, cinnamon, or coconut for a pudding-like treat
Use in smoothies, ice cream, muffins, or raw treats
Nutritional Information
Rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber
Low in fat and sugar, yet sweet and filling
Health Benefits
Great for digestion and gut health
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich
Energizing and low on the glycemic index
Recipes (if applicable)
1.Black Sapote Choco Smoothie: Blend 1 ripe fruit, 1 banana, 1 cup plant milk, and cinnamon
2. Guilt-Free Pudding: Just ripe sapote + splash of vanilla = instant dessert
Common Growing Issues & Troubleshooting
Fruit not ripening? Ensure you’re harvesting mature green fruit—not underripe
Yellowing leaves? Check for root rot or mineral deficiency
No fruit? Add another tree for pollination and improve pollinator habitat
FAQs
Q: How long until it bears fruit?
A: Seed-grown trees may take 5–7 years. Grafted trees can fruit in 2–3 years.
Q: Can it grow in pots?
A: Yes! Use a 20+ gallon pot, rich soil, and prune to maintain size.
Q: Is it actually chocolate?
A: Nope, but it tastes surprisingly close to chocolate pudding when fully ripe!
Resources & Further Reading
The Fruit Gardener’s Bible by Lewis Hill
CRFG (California Rare Fruit Growers): www.crfg.org
“Tropical Fruit Production” by Robert E. Paull and Odilo Duarte