Innovations in Achras Sapota Linn Processing: From Fresh Fruit to Value-Added Products: A Review

This review systematically explores the multifaceted attributes of Manilkara zapota L. (sapota), highlighting its comprehensive nutritional profile, medicinal uses, cosmetic value, ethnomedicinal significance. Rich in essential macro and micronutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidants, sapota demonstrates substantial therapeutic potential, including anti- inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties. The fruits complex nutraceutical phytochemicals and biochemical composition, comprising of necessary sugars, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and bioactive compounds such as, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, sterols, saponins, terpenes and vitamins etc underpin its high good health promoting effects. Due to its limited postharvest shelf life, sapota is predominantly processed into value-added products such as jams, jellies, chutneys, and fruit bars, expanding its utility in the food industry. Furthermore, ethnomedicinal uses highlight its role in managing ailments like cough, fever, and metabolic disorders., helping in increase and strengthen the bones quality, providing relief during constipation, lowering blood pressure, stress relief, immune system boosting properties, and beneficial effects on cardiovascular health as well. The latent potential of sapota in cosmetic formulations by the presence of certain vitamins which have moisturising effect, that helps in reducing the wrinkles and help in making the skin healthy, marking its importance as a resilient, health enhancing tropical fruit. This review amalgamates scientific investigations spanning nutritional analysis, pharmacological insights, and food technology innovations, fostering a deeper understanding of sapota’s role in promoting health and its diverse applications, which could inspire future research and development initiatives in nutrition, medicine, and agribusiness sectors.