Black Sapote (Diospyros nigra) is commonly called the chocolate pudding fruit. This neo-tropical member of the Persimmon family is a large tree with shiny green foliage. It makes a great shade tree with the added benefit of producing a delicious fruit.

Take care not to plant it directly over a walkway — it is no fun being bombed by a ripe Black Sapote, as a member of the Fruit & Spice Park staff found out not too long ago. The fruit resembles a large green tomato hanging on the branches and should be harvested when mature and left to ripen on the counter for a few days.

The trick: Wait until it looks like it should be thrown out to harvest. The pulp resembles dark chocolate and has a complex flavor that is complemented by a little honey or sugar, or better yet as a topping for vanilla ice cream.

Black Sapote trees can be found in the Tropical Americas fruit forest area.

http://redlandfruitandspice.com/whats-in-season/black-sapote/