Kalapati Chiku (Sapota)

Here’s a detailed description of Kalapati Chiku (Sapota) including its characteristics, taste, fruiting time, and farming details:

🌿 Kalapati Chiku (Sapota) Description :-
Kalapati Chiku is a popular and high-yielding variety of sapota known for its smooth brown skin, excellent sweetness, and fine texture. It is one of the most preferred commercial varieties due to its long shelf life, good taste, and adaptability to various climates.

🍈 Fruit Characteristics:-

• Color: Light to dark brown skin with soft, grain-free pulp

• Weight: Each fruit weighs around 120–200 grams depending on maturity and growing conditions

• Shape: Oval to round

• Texture: Smooth skin with firm yet juicy flesh

🍯 Taste and Quality:-

• The taste is very sweet and aromatic, with a rich flavor similar to brown sugar or caramel.

• TSS (Total Soluble Solids): – Around 20–24° Brix, indicating high natural sweetness.

• The pulp is smooth, soft, and free from grittiness.

🍃 Fruiting Time:-

• Fruiting generally starts 3 to 4 years after planting.

• Major fruiting season:- January to March and again in July to September (depending on region).

• Some trees may produce almost year-round under good management and irrigation.

🌾 Farming and Cultivation:-

• Climate:- Grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with moderate rainfall.

• Soil: – Well-drained sandy loam or black soil rich in organic matter.

• Planting Distance: – 8 × 8 meters spacing is ideal.

• Propagation: – Usually done through grafting for true-to-type plants.

• Irrigation: –Regular watering needed, especially during fruit development stages.

• Fertilizer:- Apply organic manure and balanced NPK fertilizers annually for better yield.

• Yield:- Mature trees can yield 150–200 kg fruits per tree per year under good care.

🌱 Special Features:-

• High market demand for its sweetness and quality.

• Resistant to most common pests and diseases when managed properly.

• Suitable for both small farms and commercial orchards.