Black Sapote (Diospyros nigra)

Black sapote Bernicker is a prolific producer , a medium to large fruit with few seeds, sweet and creamy and excellent quality.

The black sapote is a fantastic fruit and highly sought after. There's a clue as to the reason for the excitement surrounding black sapote in its nickname, 'chocolate pudding fruit'. The ripe flesh of black sapote certainly does look like chocolate mousse and has virtually the same texture too.

Whilst the flavour is not the same as chocolate mousse some people do note subtle chocolate-like flavours amongst other flavours including honey, date and caramel. We would regard this fruit as medium-sweet to sweet with a subtle delicate flavour.

The skin of the fruit is bright-green turning to olive-green as they mature on the tree and finally very dark green to brown once ripe and ready to eat.

The gloss dark brown flesh of the fruit is soft, loose and buttery. It's like a really soft, slightly-mashed avocado. There are usually a few medium sized seeds in the middle of the fruit. A must have for the Plant Enthusiast.

Disclaimer:
Although some seedlings are not true to type they will still be producing a great tasting fruit in years to come. Black Sapote seedlings are known to produce a great tasting fruit.

Plant Care

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich soils with a neutral pH.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, with more frequent watering in hot, dry weather.
• Temperature: Ideal temperatures are between 20°C and 30°C. Needs protection from frost.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Fertilising: Use a balanced NPK fertilizer like 8-3-9 every three months during the active growth period.
• Pruning: Prune to remove dead or overcrowded branches and to maintain the tree’s shape.
• Mulching: Use organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and provide nutrients as it decomposes.
• Pest Control: Look out for pests such as scale and mites. Treat with eco-friendly options if infestations occur.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Flowers are small and inconspicuous, with fruits maturing to a chocolate pudding-like consistency when fully ripe.
• Potting: Can be grown in containers but requires ample space and frequent feeding to thrive.
• Feeding Regime: Regular application of a balanced NPK fertilizer promotes healthy growth and fruiting.