Around the World in 40 Fruits – Volume 22 – By Dr. Marli Botha – Article 22 of 40
By Dr. Marli Botha
The Mamey sapote, also known as the Mamey Cuban fruit, is the national fruit of Cuba and has a strong cultural significance, especially for Cubans and Cuban Americans. It’s widely used in Cuban cuisine, particularly in the form of batidos (milkshakes) and ice cream.
Let’s dig into this tropical treasure – where culture, cuisine, and caramel vibes collide!
- Mamey fruit goes by many names. Its scientific name is Pouteria sapota
- Eaten fresh, the orange-fleshed fruit has a taste that some match to a brown sugar-covered sweet potato, with notes of pumpkin, caramel and cantaloupe. The fruit is equally delicious in juices, smoothies and milkshakes. Creative cooks can find a place for the fruit in tarts, pies and puddings as well.
- Mamey sapote is an excellent source of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, protect against free radical damage, and reduce inflammation.
- The fruits are also a good source of potassium to balance fluid levels in the body and contain other nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, copper, iron, phosphorus, and riboflavin.
- Mamey sapote seeds are toxic when raw due to their cyanide content, but in Mexico, the seeds are treated, removing the toxins, and are utilized as a traditional culinary ingredient.
