By Ratna
What shake? I know your thoughts, exactly. Chickoo, Sapota. Nope, never heard that before. Well, I don’t blame you. It grows only in tropical climates like India, Thailand, Vietnam, Southern Mexico, Central America. It has been cultivated in Florida in the US.
I was in the city recently. The food blogger inside me always likes to visit ethnic supermarkets. I like trying new or revisit old favourites. This was my find this time.
This brown beauty is like a big berry. Inside the plain skin is the sweet, meaty and a bit grainy pulp. Tease the few long black seeds out and you are ready to enjoy the fruit.
It did bring back memories of long summers years back. Not only was the market flooded with Sapotas, but also tribal women street vendors were seen carrying deep wicker baskets filled with these fruits on their heads . Defying the mid day heat they would ferry their wares calling out ” Sapota paka, libi go.” Ripe Sapotas, anybody…
Next time you see these unfamiliar fruit, do not shy away. Abundant in fructose and fibre it is good for the bowels. It contains Tannins, the polyphenolic antioxidant. There is Vit C, minerals like Iron, Calcium and Magnesium. So let the boring exterior not fool you. As is said, don’t judge the book by its cover.
Recipe: Yielded two long glasses
Ingredients;
Chickoo, skinned, pitted and cut in pieces 2 cups
Homo milk 2 cups
Honey 1 Tbsp
Almond pieces 2 Tbsps
Method;
Put all the above ingredients in a blender and enjoy. I did not add any ice cubes here, but feel free to add it. Garnish with almond flakes.
Inside Scoop;
Adjust the thickness of the smoothie to your choice. Some like it runny, I like it thick, you may even need a spoon to enjoy.
Substitute with coconut milk for DF option.
Love this post, Ratna. Thanks for blogging about this fruit. I never heard about it and seems quite exotic. Next trip to Florida, I will look for it.
I’m curious and intrigued by it! 🙂
Thanks Elisabeth. Indian supermarkets may carry it. I have seen frozen Chickoo too in these stores. Good luck.