White sapote

The white sapote (Casimiroa edulis), also known as the Mexican apple or custard apple, is a species of flowering plant in the rue family, Rutaceae, native to the highlands of southern Mexico and Central America. The fruit of the white sapote is typically round or oval, with a smooth, thin skin that turns from green to yellow when ripe. The flesh is white, soft, and sweet, with a texture similar to that of a cooked apple or a ripe pear, and a flavor reminiscent of a combination of banana, pear, and vanilla custard. In Hebrew, the white sapote is known as ספוטה לבנה or תפוח מקסיקני. In Spanish, it is called mamey or zapote blanco, while in Portuguese, it is referred to as mameia or zapote-branco. The tree itself is small to medium-sized, typically growing to a height of 6 to 12 meters, with a dense, rounded canopy. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptic to ovate, measuring 5 to 10 centimeters in length. The white sapote is cultivated for its edible fruit, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus. The fruit is often eaten fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and other culinary preparations. The tree is also valued for its ornamental qualities and is sometimes planted as a shade tree in tropical and subtropical regions.