The sapodilla, popularly known as
chikku, is a favourite fruit in India.
But it is not only the fruit that
makes the sapodilla tree valuable.
Did you know that chewing gum
is made from the milky latex of
this tree? This latex is known as
chicle. The Mayans began chew-
ing it in the 2nd century AD. The
first chicle-based chewing gum
was developed in USA in 1869.
The sapodilla originated in Central
America. The Spanish carried it to the
Philippines, from where it spread into neigh-
bouring countries. Today, it is found through-
out the tropical regions of the world, including
India, the Philipines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the
West Indies, and Central and South America.
India is one of the largest producers of the
fruit.
The sapodilla is an evergreen tree that can
reach a height of 100 feet. The leaves are dark
green, glossy and
attractive. The fruit is
round or egg-shaped,
with brown and rather
scruffy skin like that
of a potato. The flesh
is yellowish or dark
brown, soft and very
sweet, with a grainy
texture like that of a pear. About
5-10 seeds – hard, black, and
inedible – are embedded in the
flesh.
The sapodilla is an ideal dessert
fruit. The ripe flesh can be eaten
or used in various desserts. In the
Bahamas, the mashed fruit pulp is
added to bread mix while baking.
In India, sapodilla pulp is used for
making sweets and halwas. It is
also an ingredient of fruit salads,
ice creams, and milkshakes.
Many health benefits are also provided by the
sapodilla. A good source of minerals like potas-
sium, copper, and iron, it is also rich in
Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Further, it is high in
dietary fibre and in calcium.
Sapodilla wood is prized for its strength and
durability. Beams made of this wood have been
found intact in the ruins of ancient Mayan tem-
ples in Mexico. The tannin-rich tree bark is
used to make dyes. The use of the latex, chicle
in chewing gum has already been mentioned.
Chicle is also used as an adhesive and as a
crude filling for tooth cavities.
The sapodilla also has many medicinal uses. A
decoction made from the fruits is used as a
remedy for diarrhoea. The crushed seeds are
used for treating kidney stones and for insect
bites.
