A Cambodian product: Sapodilla, healthy and tasty

The Sapotille (Manilkara zapota) is the fruit of the sapotil tree. In Chinese it is called 人心果 (rénxīnguǒ), in English sapodilla, and in Khmer ល្មុត l (must). Sapodilla is a popular fruit because of its sweet taste, and is found in abundance on market stalls in Cambodia and Asia. A kilo of sapodilla costs between 8 and 10,000 Riels.

Sapodilla, the fruit of the sapodilla tree

Origin

Originally from southern Mexico, the fruit tree was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period and then cultivated in large quantities in India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam, where it adapts wonderfully to the climatic conditions.

Tasty

The sapodillo resembles a small oval apple the size of a lemon. It weighs on average between 75 and 120 grams. Its brown, cracked skin covers a succulent, melting flesh that is yellow to reddish-brown when fully ripe. When fully ripe, the fruit has a very sweet, caramel-like flavour. The sapodillo may contain several pits. Because of the high saponin content of the pits, it is best to avoid eating them.

Savoury flesh

Good for your health

The high sugar content makes this fruit an excellent source of energy. But it also has many other health benefits. Sapodilla also contains large quantities of tannins, antioxidants known for their antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Sapodilla also contains vitamins A and C. When the fruit is fully ripe, it is enriched with iron, copper and potassium. Perfect for invigorating yourself or before sport...

In the markets

Cooking

Although it doesn't require any special preparation to be delicious, sapodilla can be used in a fruit salad, to spice up a tart or jam, as long as it isn't cooked, as this could cause it to lose its flavour.