Casimiroa, White sapote
It is a subtropical tree. It is not suited to the coastal tropics nor the desert regions. It grows in the tropical highlands above 600 m. They tolerate a range of soil types. They need well drained soil. They show some frost, drought and salt tolerance. But trees fruit better if well watered. Sites protected from wind are best. They prefer a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. In Central America trees grow up to 2,500 m altitude. Deep, acid, sandy soils rich in compost are best. In Hobart Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 10-11.
Also known as:
Cochitzapotl, Masuku, Matasano, Mexican apple, Pohon sapota putih, Tha-gyar-tee, Zapote, Zapote blanco
Synonyms
- Casimiroa sapota Oerst.
Edible Portion
- Fruit, Seeds, Nuts
Where does Casimiroa grow?
Found in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Central America, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Hawaii, Hispaniola, Honduras, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Malawi, Mediterranean, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Panama, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South Africa, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Tuvalu, United States, Venezuela, West Indies, Zimbabwe
Notes: There are 5-6 Casimiroa species.
Status: It is a cultivated food plant. Only recently introduced to Papua New Guinea. It should be planted in mid altitudinal zones.
Growing Casimiroa, White sapote
Cultivation: Plants do not grow true to type from seed. They can be grafted or budded. Air layering can be used. Seed need to be cleaned and planted fresh. A spacing between 4 and 8 m is recommended. Plants establish easily and grow quickly. Picking out the terminal bud can increase branching. Frequent light pruning is suggested to increase the number of fruiting arms but pruning should not be too heavy.
Edible Uses: The fruit is mainly eaten raw after removing the skin. They can be used in drinks. They are not suitable for cooking. They can be dried, frozen, served with cream and sugar or used in ice cream, milk shakes and salads. The seed can be eaten when fully dry and roasted. CAUTION The seeds are reported to be poisonous raw.
Production: Trees from seeds take 10 years to bear. Grafted or budded trees bear after 3-4 years. It takes 6-9 months from flowering to mature fruit. Fruit are picked when colour changes occur and ripened off the tree. They can be stored at 5°C for 3-6 weeks. Adding potash prior to fruiting and nitrogen prior to vegetative regrowth is suggested. Fruit yields are high. A large tree can produce a ton of fruit in one year. Fruit do not handle easily without damage.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 65 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 53 | 28 | - | 78.3 |
| Seed | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Casimiroa, White sapote Photos
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