Pouteria Sapota

Other names: Mamey sapote, sapayule oil

Pouteria sapota, also known as Mamey sapote, is a tree native to areas of Central and South America whose fruit has dark brown bark and bright orange fleshy inner parts. These fruits are considered a traditional part of diets in many Latin American, Caribbean and Southeast Asian cuisines. Mamey sapote fruits are sweet, with a taste that resembles a combination of peaches, apricots and prunes. In addition to eating the fruit, the seeds of the Mamey sapote are also used to produce an oil called sapayule oil.

Sapayula oil is obtained from the kernels of the mamey sapote, which are sun-dried after extraction and then pounded into a paste from which the oil is extracted. This oil is often used in the cosmetics industry, particularly in the manufacture of hair products, due to its specific scent and vitamin E content. Its nourishing properties help to moisturise and regenerate the hair, increasing its volume and shine. Mamey sapote and sapayule oil are also used for the production of various types of products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair masks or oil hair treatments. Its mild and pleasant aroma also makes it a popular ingredient in various perfumes and scented candles.