Yellow sapote
Casimiroa tetrameria
Family: Rutaceae
What it is like
A medium sized deciduous tree. It can grow to 17 m high or higher. The leaves have a dense, white, furry underside. The small flowers occur in large groups. A large yellowish fruit. The pulp is yellow.
There are 5 Casimiroa species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It can tolerate cold. It grows in tropical or subtropical America. It does best with moderate humidity. They need sunny locations in cooler places and shade in warmer places. They have a deep taproot which requires deep soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Belize, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, North America, USA, West Indies
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh. (Some forms are bitter). They are baked in pies, chilled and served in fruit salads or made into butter. The fruit can be dried and eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Fruit should be picked as they soften. They can also be grown by budding and grafting.
It is fast growing. Seedlings produce fruit after 6-8 years. Budded or grafted trees produce fruit after 3-4 years. Fruit ripen 6-8 months after flowering.
Its other names
Local names
Hyuuy, Matasano, Woolly-leaf white sapote, Yuuy, Yuy, Zapote blanco