Black Sapote (Diospyros nigra). This member of the persimmon family is native to Mexico and South America. It is also known as the chocolate pudding fruit and for good reason. A hardy and productive fruit tree for the sub-tropics.

It is absolutely delicious when fully (over) ripe, mixed with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of cream. It is also a very hardy tree, growing well with little attention but obviously likes a bit of a water in the dry times to ensure a good crop.

When ripe they get very soft, the callax lifts up and the skin becomes easy to poke your finger through.

Growing tip:

Thanks to the Brisbane Exotic Fruit Club for this hot tip to aid black sapotes to set fruit. “Mix 1 gm Borax in warm/hot water with ½ gm Urea and 1 litre of water. ” Spay onto flowers as they start to emerge to reduce the risk of them aborting.