Sapodilla
Fruit
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
Yes
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have sapodilla?
Sapodilla may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Like canistel and zapote, sapodilla grow on evergreen trees that originated in Central American rainforests, where the plant has provided communities with food and medicine since ancient times. For the Aztec and Mayan peoples, sapodilla not only offered abundant fruit, but leaves to boil into medicinal tea, wood to build structures, and a sticky white resin that could be processed into chewing gum called chicle. Sapodilla remains a beloved food in the Caribbean, where the fruit is known by different names—chico zapote, dilly, mispel, muy, naseberry, and nispero, to name a few. It’s also called baramasi, chico, and chikoo in Asian tropics, where the seeds were introduced in the 16th century. Today, most sapodilla comes from India, the world’s top producer.
How do you serve sapodilla to babies?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
6 months old +:
Offer ripe, peeled, and de-seeded sapodilla cut into quarters or spears. Sapodilla can be slippery, so try rolling the fruit in ground-up nuts or coconut flakes to add grip. Alternatively, mash the fruit and mix it into soft, scoopable foods like porridge or batter for baked goods like muffins or pancakes.
9 months old +:
At this age, babies develop their pincer grasp (where the thumb and forefinger meet), which enables them to pick up smaller pieces of food. When you see signs of this development, try moving down in size to smaller, bite-sized pieces of ripe sapodilla (seeds and skin removed) rolled in ground-up nut or coconut flakes to add grip. If you prefer, keep offering peeled quarters or spears, which give baby the chance to practice taking bites and learning how to spit when the bites are too big.
12 months old +:
Continue to serve small, bite-sized pieces of ripe sapodilla and show the child how to pierce the fruit with an age-appropriate fork. Alternatively, serve ripe, de-seeded sapodilla halves in their skin, which acts as a natural cup for the sweet fruit, and show the child how to use a spoon to scoop the flesh.
24 months old +:
Smoothie time! Ripe sapodilla is naturally sweet, so try mixing it with coconut milk and tart tropical ingredients like lime, passion fruit, or tamarind to balance the sweetness. Of course, you may also continue serving sapodilla halves, quarters, or spears and remove the seeds before serving. In some cultures, sapodilla is eaten before the seeds are removed and the seeds are spat out. Only offer sapodilla with the seeds if you are confident in your child’s chewing and listening skills, and practice coaching your child to spit out the seeds.
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Is sapodilla a choking hazard for babies?
No. Ripe sapodilla presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, although unripe sapodilla and the hard seeds inside certainly pose an increased risk. To reduce the risk, remove the seeds and prepare and serve sapodilla in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals.
Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.
Is sapodilla a common allergen?
No. Allergies to sapodilla are not common. However, there have been rare reports of individuals experiencing localized Oral Allergy symptoms after consuming fresh sapodilla. Such reactions may be more likely in individuals with pre-existing allergy to olive, grape, kiwi, bell pepper, or tobacco. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking the fruit can help minimize the reaction.
As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.
Is sapodilla healthy for babies?
Yes. Sapodilla is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, fluid, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C. Together, these nutrients support energy for baby’s movement and exploration, digestive function, hydration, neurodevelopment, healthy red blood cells, electrolyte balance, metabolic processes, immune function, and iron absorption.
Make sure to remove the seeds before offering sapodilla to babies, as sapodilla seeds are a choking hazard and may be toxic when ingested.
★ Tip: If you can’t find the fresh fruit, look for canned sapodilla (often labeled as chikkoo pulp), a convenient and more accessible option.
What are some great first foods for babies?
There are many wonderful options. Look for foods that are easy for baby to feed to themselves, that are low in choking risk, and that offer nutrients babies need, such as iron. A few of our favorite first foods include cooked broccoli, oatmeal, and mango pits.
How much food should I serve to baby?
When first getting started, offer a small amount and trust that baby knows how to show interest in wanting more by grunting, pointing, or reaching out. Keep in mind that most babies between 6 and 9 months of age do not consume much solid food at first. For babies between 10 and 12 months of age, work toward what a balanced adult meal would look like, just with smaller portions than what you might have. Follow the child’s lead: when baby indicates “more”, offer more food. When baby shows signs that they are finished, stop offering food.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Rachel Ruiz
Pediatrician & pediatric gastroenterologist
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatrician & pediatric allergist/immunologist
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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