Cricket Ball Sapota

?? Shop Buy Cricket Ball Sapota (Sapodilla) Exotic Fruit Plant – Ivy Paradise ??

**Welcome to the world’s largest online plant community! ? Join over 15,000 delighted customers who have made Ivy Paradise their trusted destination for rare and exotic flora. For a limited time, enjoy **Over 30% Off** on this legendary heavyweight champion—the extraordinary Cricket Ball Sapota, a fruit so impressively large that it’s named after one of the world’s most beloved sports!**

Presenting the magnificent **Cricket Ball Sapota**—also known as **Calcutta Large** or simply the giant of the sapota family . This remarkable variety, scientifically known as *Manilkara achras*, earns its name honestly by producing fruits that are **large, round, and truly resemble a cricket ball** in both size and shape . And when we say large, we mean it—research has documented Cricket Ball fruits reaching an astonishing **123 grams**, making it one of the heaviest sapota varieties ever studied .

At **Ivy Paradise**, we are absolutely thrilled to offer you the chance to grow this heavyweight champion in your own garden. For collectors, fruit enthusiasts, and anyone who believes bigger is better when it comes to flavor, the Cricket Ball Sapota is an absolute must-have! ?

### ? What Makes the Cricket Ball Sapota So Special?

The Cricket Ball Sapota stands apart in the sapota family for its impressive size, scientific significance, and exceptional processing qualities. This is not just another chikoo—it’s a fruit that has captured the attention of researchers and food scientists alike.

– **Named for Its Impressive Size:** The name tells the whole story! Cricket Ball Sapota produces fruits that are **distinctively large and round**, closely resembling the size and shape of a cricket ball . Horticultural research confirms this variety’s claim to fame, with studies showing that Cricket Ball fruits achieve the **maximum fruit weight among all cultivars tested**—an impressive 123.20 grams on average . Other evaluations have recorded mean fruit weights up to **135 grams**, cementing its reputation as a true heavyweight !

– **A Star in Scientific Research:** The Cricket Ball variety has been the subject of extensive agricultural research. A comprehensive study on fruit development across different sapota cultivars revealed fascinating details:
– Cricket Ball fruits take approximately **257 days from fruit set to harvestable maturity**—one of the longest development periods among all varieties studied .
– This extended growing time contributes to its **superior size and weight** .
– The fruit development follows a **double sigmoid growth curve**, with maximum growth occurring between 150-210 days after fruit set .
– Cricket Ball also recorded the **highest seed weight** among varieties (5.81 grams), correlating with its larger fruit size .

– **Jam-Making Excellence:** Here’s where Cricket Ball truly shines! A 2019 study on the processing suitability of sapota cultivars compared Cricket Ball and Kallipati varieties for jam making. The results were remarkable:
– Jam prepared from Cricket Ball variety obtained **higher overall acceptability scores (7.86 on a 9-point hedonic scale)** compared to Kallipati .
– The superior scores were attributed to **higher values for appearance and taste** .
– The benefit-cost ratio for sapota jam was **1.87**, demonstrating excellent commercial viability .
– Cricket Ball’s physical attributes—average weight 51.63g, length 41.7mm, breadth 46.2mm, and thickness 46.3mm—make it ideal for processing .
– The variety boasts an impressive **TSS (Total Soluble Solids) value of 26.25°B** and low acidity of just 0.16% .

– **Rich, Caramel-Like Sweetness:** Beneath that impressive exterior lies flesh that is **rich in natural sweetness with a smooth, creamy texture and a delightful aroma** . The flavor profile features **caramel-like sweetness with a soft, grainy texture** that sapota lovers adore . It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, containing **vitamins A and C, minerals, and dietary fiber** .

– **Known as Calcutta Large:** The Cricket Ball variety is also known as **”Calcutta Large”** in some regions, reflecting its likely origin in eastern India . The ICAR-CCARI (Goa) notes that this variety **performs well in both arid and humid climates**, making it remarkably adaptable to diverse growing conditions .

– **Versatile Culinary Applications:** This sapota variety is perfect for:
– **Fresh consumption:** Enjoy the large, sweet fruits straight from the tree .
– **Smoothies and desserts:** The creamy texture blends beautifully .
– **Jam making:** Scientifically proven to produce superior jam with excellent sensory scores .
– **Natural sweetener:** Use in recipes as a healthier alternative to refined sugar .

– **A Parent of Prized Hybrids:** The Cricket Ball’s superior genetics have made it a valuable parent in breeding programs. It has been crossed with other varieties to create outstanding hybrids:
– **CO.1 (1972):** A hybrid cross between Cricket Ball and Oval, released by TNAU. This variety produces fruits weighing about 125g with TSS of 18°brix and yields 175-200kg per tree annually .
– **DHS-1:** A hybrid between Kalipatti and Cricket Ball, producing round to slightly oblong fruits with very sweet, soft, granular flesh .
– **DHS-2:** Another Kalipatti × Cricket Ball hybrid, yielding 25-30% more than either parent with very sweet, soft, granular, light orange-brown pulp .
– **PKM-3 (1994):** A hybrid between Guthi and Cricket Ball, adaptable to tropical plains with oval-shaped large fruits and tolerance to leaf spot and leaf webber .

### ? Cricket Ball Sapota at a Glance

| **Characteristic** | **Details** |
|—|—|
| **Botanical Name** | *Manilkara achras* (Mill.) Fosberg syn. *Achras zapota* |
| **Common Names** | Cricket Ball Sapota, Cricket Ball Chikoo, Calcutta Large |
| **Family** | Sapotaceae |
| **Fruit Size** | Large and round, resembling a cricket ball |
| **Fruit Weight** | 51-135 grams depending on growing conditions |
| **Days to Harvest** | Approximately 257 days from fruit set |
| **Fruit Dimensions** | Length: 41.7mm, Breadth: 46.2mm, Thickness: 46.3mm |
| **TSS (Sweetness)** | 26.25°Brix—excellent sugar content! |
| **Acidity** | Very low at 0.16% |
| **Flesh Texture** | Soft, granular, sweet with caramel-like flavor |
| **Seed Weight** | 5.81 grams (highest among studied varieties) |
| **Tree Size** | Manageable, suitable for home gardens and containers |
| **Climate Adaptability** | Performs well in both arid and humid climates |
| **Special Feature** | Largest-fruited sapota variety; scientifically proven for superior jam making |

### ?️ Culinary Uses & Versatility

The Cricket Ball Sapota’s large size and excellent sweetness make it incredibly versatile in the kitchen:

– **Fresh Eating (The Classic Way):** The most popular way to enjoy Cricket Ball Sapota is fresh, simply cut open and scooped out with a spoon. Its large size means one fruit can satisfy a whole family!

– **Superior Jam Making:** Scientific research has confirmed that Cricket Ball variety produces jam with **higher overall acceptability scores** due to its superior appearance and taste . The low acidity (0.16%) and high TSS (26.25°B) create the perfect balance for preserves .

– **Smoothies & Milkshakes:** The creamy, sweet flesh blends beautifully into smoothies, milkshakes, and tropical fruit punches.

– **Desserts:** Use in ice creams, custards, puddings, and baked goods for natural sweetness and unique flavor.

– **Natural Sweetener:** The high sugar content makes it an excellent natural sweetener in recipes, reducing the need for refined sugar .

– **Fruit Salads:** Add chunks to fruit salads for a sweet, creamy element that pairs beautifully with other tropical fruits.

– **Dried Sapota Flakes:** The variety can be processed into dried flakes for longer storage and use in cereals or trail mixes .

### ? Health Benefits

Cricket Ball Sapota is not just delicious—it’s a nutritional powerhouse:

– **Rich in Vitamin A:** Supports eye health, immune function, and skin health
– **Excellent source of Vitamin C:** Boosts immune system and acts as an antioxidant
– **Good source of Dietary Fiber:** Aids digestion and promotes gut health
– **Minerals:** Contains essential minerals for overall health and wellness
– **Natural Sugars:** Provides quick, healthy energy—perfect for a natural energy boost
– **Digestive Benefits:** Traditionally used to support healthy digestion
– **Low in Fat and Cholesterol:** A heart-healthy treat

### ? How to Care for Your Cricket Ball Sapota Tree

Ready to welcome this heavyweight champion into your home? Sapota trees are rewarding and relatively easy to grow with the right care!

#### Sunlight Requirements ☀️
This sun-lover needs its daily dose of sunshine! Ensure it gets **6-8 hours of direct sunlight** daily for optimal growth and maximum fruit production . Full sun is essential for developing those large, sweet fruits!

#### Climate & Temperature ?️
Sapota thrives in warm tropical to subtropical climates. Ideal temperature range is **11°C to 34°C (52°F to 93°F)** . High temperatures can cause poor fruit set, so some afternoon shade in extreme heat is beneficial . The Cricket Ball variety is noted for performing well in **both arid and humid climates**, making it remarkably adaptable .

#### Soil Requirements ?
Plant in **well-draining, fertile soil**. Sapota can grow in all soil types, including alkaline soils, but well-drained soil is essential . It prefers deep alluvium, sandy loam, red lateritic soil, or medium black soil . The soil should not have a hard pan at 60-90 cm depth . A pH of neutral to slightly acidic is ideal .

#### Planting ?
Planting is best done during **May-June**, avoiding periods of heavy rain . Dig pits of **60 x 60 x 60 cm** at a spacing of **7-8 meters** between plants and rows . Fill pits with topsoil mixed with 10kg FYM, 1kg Neem cake, and appropriate fertilizers . Ensure the graft joint is at least 15 cm above ground level . Stake young plants for support .

#### Watering ?
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging . Allow the topsoil to dry slightly between watering sessions . For mature trees, irrigate at **32-day intervals in winter and 18-day intervals in summer** . Drip irrigation with two drippers per tree in early years and four drippers after year five can save 30-40% water .

#### Fertilizing ?
For full-grown trees, apply:
– **FYM:** 55 kg per year in May-June
– **N:P2O5:K2O:** 500:360:750 g per tree per year in two equal splits (May-June and August-September)
For young trees, follow age-appropriate fertilizer schedules .

#### Pruning ✂️
No heavy pruning is necessary, but in old trees, lower branches can be removed up to 1 meter height . Remove rootstock sprouts, water shoots, and criss-cross branches periodically . Train plants properly during the first 3-4 years .

#### Container Growing
Cricket Ball Sapota has **compact and manageable growth**, making it suitable for container gardening in small spaces, backyards, or patios . Choose a large container with excellent drainage. Grafted plants ensure quicker fruiting, typically within **2-3 years of planting** .

#### Pest & Disease Management ?
The variety is noted to be **resistant to common pests and diseases**, making it low-maintenance and ideal for organic gardening . Practice good orchard hygiene and monitor regularly. Some hybrids involving Cricket Ball (like PKM-3) show tolerance to leaf spot and leaf webber .

#### Harvesting ?
Fruits take approximately **257 days from fruit set to harvestable maturity** . Mature fruits are dull brown in color . To test maturity: scratch the skin—if the color immediately below is a lighter shade, the fruit is mature; if green, it’s immature . The brown scaly material disappears from fruit surface, and the dried stigma at the tip falls off easily when mature .

Harvested fruits should be stored for about **five days** to fully ripen before consumption . Ripe fruits can be kept for about **5-7 days** . A mature tree can produce **700 fruits by year seven, and 1000-1100 fruits by year ten** !

#### Intercropping ?
During the pre-bearing stage, short-duration crops like papaya, pineapple, vegetables, and legumes can be grown as intercrops .

### ? The Cricket Ball Legacy

The Cricket Ball variety’s superior genetics have contributed to several important hybrids:

| **Hybrid** | **Parentage** | **Characteristics** |
|—|—|—|
| **CO.1** | Cricket Ball × Oval | Released 1972; fruit weight ~125g; TSS 18°brix; yield 175-200kg/tree/year |
| **DHS-1** | Kalipatti × Cricket Ball | Vigorous tree; round to slightly oblong fruits; very sweet, soft, granular flesh |
| **DHS-2** | Kalipatti × Cricket Ball | High yielder (25-30% more than parents); very sweet, soft, granular, light orange-brown pulp |
| **PKM-3** | Guthi × Cricket Ball | Released 1994; oval-shaped large fruits; cluster bearing; tolerant to leaf spot and leaf webber |

### ? Why Ivy Paradise is Your Green Paradise

We know you’re passionate about unique, rare plants with exceptional qualities. Here’s why thousands trust us:

1. **? Lightning-Fast Shipping to Your Doorstep:** We offer **fast, secure, and reliable shipping**. Your Cricket Ball Sapota plant will be packed with expert care—ensuring it arrives at your home healthy, happy, and ready to thrive. No long waits, just green goodness, fast! ??

2. **? Unbeatable Value – Over 30% Off!** This is a scientifically recognized heavyweight champion—a variety documented in research journals for its exceptional size and processing qualities. Right now, we’re offering this magnificent tree at an incredible **over 30% discount**! ??

3. **? World’s Largest Online Plant Shop (15,000+ Strong!):** With a community of over 15,000 happy plant parents, our reputation is rooted in trust. We offer premium quality, expert guidance, and peace of mind. ??

### ? Bring Home the Heavyweight Champion of Sapotas Today!

Don’t just grow a sapota tree—grow a fruit that has earned its place in scientific research and the hearts of food enthusiasts. Imagine the pride of harvesting massive, cricket ball-sized fruits from your very own tree—fruits that weigh up to 135 grams each and have been scientifically proven to make the finest jam. Imagine the delight on your family’s faces as they taste the rich, caramel-like sweetness of a fruit you nurtured from blossom to harvest. ??

This is the sapota that defines the category. This is the fruit with the highest fruit weight, the longest development period, and the best jam-making scores. This is the tree that will make your garden truly extraordinary.

With **over 30% off** and our famous **fast shipping**, your very own Cricket Ball Sapota tree is just a click away.

**? Shop Buy Cricket Ball Sapota now and grow your own heavyweight champion!**

[**ADD TO CART – GROW YOUR OWN LEGEND!**] ??

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*Happy Gardening! From our Ivy Paradise family to yours.* ??