Paete's Exotic Fruit = Chico-Mamei (Mexico)/Sapote/Zapote de Carne/Sapodilla

A fruit tree that's so reminiscent of Tutubi's childhood (besides the lanzones, santol, aratilis and guava) for his creek-side, childhood home has one tall chico-mamei tree that grew beside a caimito (star apple), indian mango, guyabano, guava and putat trees.

Locally called mami in Paete, the mami tree of Tutubi's childood is no longer there but Tutubi still finds the fruits being sold at Paete Public Market for P20 to P30 a piece.

A few years ago, his curious mind asked Google on the origins and uses of the fruit and tree and Google was able to answer, albeit after several attempts and keywords, that gave away the true name of the fruit, called chico-mamei in Mexico, plus medicinal uses of the chico-mamei leaves and bark.

the chico-mamei fruits with indian mangoes to give you an idea of its size plus its resemblance to chico fruits, thus the name

the chico-mamei fruit showing the big seed and the dark orange flesh

How does chico-mamei tastes like? It's a cross between papaya and chico and chesa.

Tutubi's mother, endearing called Sugar, loves chico-mamei even if it's a forbidden fruit for diabetics like her.

Next time you're in Paete public market, do ask around for this fruit to sample a native American fruit exported from Mexico by the Spaniards via the Galleon trade.