South American Sapote (Quararibea cordata)

Family: Malvaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

A fast-growing and natural pioneer species within its native range known as Quararibes cordata or South American Sapote is medium-sized tree growing about 30 m in height and 50 cm in bole diameter. The leaves are heart-shaped, green, and alternate. The flowers are creamy-yellow. Though the plant has no medicinal uses, it is valued for its edible, large, and round fruits with yellow-orange pulp and sweet flavor.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and is eaten raw. — The fibrous yellow-orange pulp of the fruit is sweet and is eaten raw.; The flavour is reminiscent of a very sweet pumpkin with overtones of mango and apricot.; Opinions vary widely over the quality of this fruit, with some people describing it enthusiastically as like a blend of mangoes, peaches and strawberries, whilst others have found it to be bland.; There are forms with very little fibre and these can be utilised for juice.

Habitat & North American Range

Rainforests on fertile soil from fairly high altitudes to lowland coastal regions. Found both in areas that are seasonally inundated, and also areas that are not. (Zone 10)