Sapodilla or the Manilkara zapota / Manilkara achras is a tropical long-lived tree commonly grown in India, Mexico, Central America, Philippines (introduced during the colonization of Spain)and the West Indies.
It is popularly referred as ‘Chikoo’ or ‘Chiku’ in Hindi, the national language of Indians, ’Zapota’ or ‘Sapota’ in major parts of South India and also in South Asia and Pakistan. The normal Sapodilla tree grows to a height of 3-4m. White gummy latex called Chicle is found in the bark of the tree.
This tree bears fruit twice a year, flowering all year round. The fruit’s skin color is brown, resembling a potato. It grows to about 4-8 cm in diameter, and may contain a minimum of two seeds. Having high latex content, it does not ripen until picked. Sweet to taste, it tastes very much like cotton candy or caramel and has a grainy texture.
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