Sapota

Description

Sapota (Achras zapota) commonly known as chiku is mainly cultivated in India for its fruit value, while in South-East Mexico, Guatemala and other countries it is commercially grown for the production of chickle which is a gum like substance obtained from latex and is mainly used for preparation of chewing gum.

Uses

Sapota is good for curing piles. It strengthenes bones and teeth. Prevents nervous debility. It cures sore – throat, dry cough, dryness in the tongue etc. Purifies blood, strengthenes the body. Good for children, improve, their brain. It is diuretic, anthelmintic.

The gum, called chicle is extracted from the stem by tapping and is used in the manufacture of cheuring gum. Jam and Jellies are prepared from sapota and sold in tins. The bark of sapota tree contains Tannin, which is used in leather tanning Industries and in the manufacture of Ink. Glucose and pectin are extracted from the fruit.