Mamey Sapote Market Summary

Mamey Sapote Market Overview

Originating in Mexico and Central America, mamey or mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) is a tree fruit grown in parts of Florida and other tropical locales. Trees have thick trunks, large leaves up to 12 inches long, and typically reach an average height of 40 feet in Florida, but may grow to 60 feet in more tropical locations. Trees produce white flowers that cluster towards the ends of branches. Seedling trees begin to bear fruit after 7 years or longer while grafted trees begin in 3 to 5 years. Most mamey varieties are 3 to 8 inches in length and considered a berry, with a circular or egg shape. The fruit has thick brownish skin with a rough surface and pink-orange, reddish pulp when mature. The pulp is soft, with a smooth to finely granular texture. The fruit generally contains a single large seed, but may have up to four with a shiny, hard, dark brown exterior.

Types & Varieties of Mamey Sapote

There are multiple cultivars with variations in shape, size, and pulp quality, as well as color of the fruit. Pantin and Magana account for the most acreage in Florida; other varieties that can produce at different times of the year include Tazumal and Pace.

Cultivation of Mamey Sapote

Mamey sapote has been cultivated in United States, Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies, including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. In the United States, mameyis grown in southern Florida, with most acreage found in Miami-Dade County. Since mamey sapote generally requires high moisture levels, it is planted just prior to the rainy season for root development. Florida plantings are spaced 15 to 20 feet between trees with 25 to 30 feet between rows. Branches too close to each other are pruned; wider-angled branches will support greater weight and are less likely to su?er wind damage. In Florida, harvest can occur all year with the exception of March, as varieties have different peak dates. Fruit should be harvested only when mature and pulp is orange or red. If pulp is green, fruit should be left on the tree to ripen. If picked immature, fruit will not soften, and pulp will turn dark brown and be inedible. Growers may brush and clean skin to improve the fruit’s appearance. Trees are picked by hand or with a long pole with workers using ladders and/or hydraulic lifts as necessary.