OVERVIEW ON THE PRODUCT
Manilkara zapota, commonly known as the sapodilla, is a long-lived, evergreen tree native to southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. An example natural occurrence is in coastal Yucatán in the Petenes mangroves Eco region, where it is a subdominant plant species. It was introduced to the Philippines during Spanish colonization. It is grown in large quantities in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Mexico.
Manilkara zapota, commonly known as the sapodilla, is a long-lived, evergreen tree native to southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. An example natural occurrence is in coastal Yucatán in the Petenes mangroves Eco region, where it is a subdominant plant species. It was introduced to the Philippines during Spanish colonization. It is grown in large quantities in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Mexico.
Sapodilla
can grow to more than 30 m (98 ft) tall with an average trunk
diameter of 1.5 m (4.9 ft). The average height of cultivated
specimens, however, is usually between 9 and 15 m (30 and 49 ft) with
a trunk diameter not exceeding 50 cm (20 in). It is wind-resistant and the bark is
rich in a white, gummy latex called chicle. The ornamental leaves are medium green and glossy. They are
alternate, elliptic to ovate, 7–15 cm long, with an entire margin. The
white flowers are inconspicuous and bell-like, with
a six-lobed corolla. An unripe fruit has a firm outer skin and when picked,
releases white chicle from its stem. A fully ripened fruit has saggy skin and
does not release chicle when picked.
The fruit is a large ellipsoid berry, normally 4–8 but up to 15 cm
in diameter, containing two to five seeds.
Inside, its flesh ranges from a pale yellow to an earthy brown color with a
grainy texture akin to that of a well-ripened pear.
The seeds are black and resemble beans,
with a hook at one end that can catch in the throat if swallowed.
The fruit
has an exceptionally sweet, malty flavor. The unripe fruit is hard to the touch
and contains high amounts of saponin,
which has astringent properties similar to tannin, drying out the mouth.
The trees
can only survive in warm, typically tropical environments, dying easily if the
temperature drops below freezing. From germination, the sapodilla tree will
usually take anywhere from five to eight years to bear fruit. The sapodilla
trees yield fruit twice a year, though flowering may
continue year round.
This product is renowned for its delicious taste. It should be therefore disseminated to every region for its taste and health benefits as well.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed enterprise will generate profits, and provide satisfaction as well.
CHALLENGES
Many competing products are in line with this proposed enterprise. Also, constraints brought about by certain factors may affect it adversely. These restrictions were the primary ones which the goal of this proposal spearheads.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed enterprise will generate profits, and provide satisfaction as well.
CHALLENGES
Many competing products are in line with this proposed enterprise. Also, constraints brought about by certain factors may affect it adversely. These restrictions were the primary ones which the goal of this proposal spearheads.
