Black Sapote ‘Reineke’ (Diospyros nigra)
The delicious 'Reineke' also known as 'Merida' Black Sapote is a highly sought after rare tropical fruit tree. A popular name for Black Sapote is Chocolate Pudding Fruit, and rightfully so. The inner flesh of the fruit will amaze you with it's thick and custardy texture and warm and fruity cacao-like flavor. It really tastes just like Chocolate Pudding!
Black Sapote is in the persimmon family of plants, Evenacae, and are native to the tropical/subtropical regions of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Black Sapote trees grow leafy and dense, producing fruit prolifically in subtropical climates, where they do not need much coddling once established. Harvest Black Sapote fruit when the shade of the outside of the fruit turns from bright green to a muddy green color. It can be prepared raw for use in fresh desserts, cooked into pies and pastries, or blended into a fresh drink. We simply love to eat it fresh with a spoon!
Plant Type:
Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Summer, Fall, Winter
Mature Size:
25-30 ft on average but can grow up to 80 ft in their native region
Soil & Moisture:
Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil that can hold moisture.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+.
Propagation:
Large Pot Size: Grafted and capable to produce within 2-4 years.
X-Large Pot Size: Grafted and capable to produce within 1-3 years.
Shop all of our Black Sapote varieties.