Balata (Manilkara bidentata)

Family: Sapotaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

A native to northern South America, Central America, and the Carribean is a large tree of up to 45 m tall known as Balata or Manilkara bidentata. The bole can be up to 2 m in diameter and branchless for up to 18 m. It has broad and rounded buttresses at the base. Balata has a dense crown of horizontal branches. Its leaves are shiny green above and light brown underneath, alternate, elliptical, and 10-20 cm long.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, gummy pulp. — The globose berries about 25mm in diameter, and usually contain a single, shiny, black seed, surrounded by a sweet, gummy pulp.; Although no specific information has been seen for this species, the sap from some of the other species within the genus can be used as a substitute for cow's milk.; The latex has the consistency and taste of cream, but overindulgence in it can result in severe constipation.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist coastal and limestone forests to lower mountain forests at elevations from near sea level up to 600 metres. (Zone 10)