Coochie coo chiku

I tried chiku fruit this week for the first time in about 20 years! And they're yummy. OK, they might not look that yummy - but like so many things in Asia, you can't judge by looks alone!

Chiku (sometimes spelled ciku in Singapore/Malaysia) grow all over the tropics, and are called variously sapodilla, zapote, chiko, sapoti, sapota, dilly, lamoot, and chicosapote in other places. It seems the fruit originated in Latin America and might have been introduced to Asia via the Philippines. 

 Chiku require peeling, and the flesh is caramel coloured, with cold, black seeds/stones. In fact the fruit texture and flavour is not unlike a custard-apple - soft and sweet, and slightly gritty, but the chiku has a sort of burnt-caramel undertone. The glassy black seeds are similar too (and should not be chewed or eaten). But the two fruits are not related. 

If you see chiku on your tropical travels, give them a try! 

English learners: Coochie coochie coo is a meaningless, affectionate, phrase usually used with babies. Especially if they're being tickled or cuddled. :)