These sweet, juicy, aromatic and nutrient-rich fruits are some of the most delicious tropical fruits around. The green-yellow cone-shaped fruits growing on evergreen trees belong to the Annon family and the Annona genus [1]
General characteristics
Annona is a branched tree or shrub up to 3-8 meters high with greenish-yellow flowers [2]
- general characteristics
- Useful functions for the body
- Beneficial features
- How to choose and store Annona fruits
- How to prepare and serve fruit dessert
Annona fruits are irregularly oval or conical in shape with a dark green skin and polygonal depressions. The size of an average fruit is about 10 cm in diameter and about 15 cm in length, weight is about 350-500 g. True, some varieties give a larger harvest. Ripe fruits can be greenish to light brown. They are characterized by a sweet aroma, perceptible even from a distance. The ripe fruit is easily recognizable by its creamy pulp with smooth, shiny black seeds, which, like the rind of the annona, are inedible.
You should know that in nature there are about 166 species of annona, which, although they have a common characteristic, still differ in the appearance of trees and fruits, as well as in taste [3]
Annona reticulata L (cream apple) is also known as annona reticulum. This species with small smooth conical fruits grows mainly in India, Pakistan, some other regions of South Asia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia. Commercial cultivation of the fruit is practiced in Australia, South America, Asia, Spain, Italy and the USA (California).
The sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) is easily recognizable by the smooth conical ridges on the surface of the fruit (carpels). It has a traditional Annona taste and aroma, is less fiber, but more seeds.
Atemoya (Annona atemoya) is a hybrid of cherimoya (Annona cherimola) and a sugar apple. Its feature is improved resistance to temperature conditions and moisture, which makes it possible to grow the tree in tropics.
Sour cream apple (Annona muricata L.), also known as annona prickly, graviola, guanabana or soussep. The fruit of the graviola tree has a tart taste, and in size is much larger than the parameters of cherimoya fruits.
Among other popular species of this exotic tree, annona smooth, Senegalese, variegated, sonkoya also stand out.
Useful functions for the body
Sweet and fragrant, Annona fruit contains an impressive list of essential nutrients for the body, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. The calorie content of the fruit is almost identical to that of mango - 75 kcal. It is free of saturated fat and cholesterol.
Annona fruits can be used as an excellent source of fiber (contains an average of 3-8% of the required daily value), which is necessary for the proper functioning of the intestines, the rapid elimination of carcinogens, toxins and toxins from the body. And also to lower cholesterol levels.
Most fruits contain antioxidant substances that have been found to have anti-cancer, anti-malarial and anthelmintic effects [4] [5]
The balance of potassium and sodium contributes to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, regulates blood pressure. In addition, annona improves the functioning of the liver, nervous system, and also removes excess uric acid from the body.
| Energy | 75 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | eighteen |
| Squirrels | 1.6 g |
| Fats | 0.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 g |
| Cellulose | 3 g |
| Folic acid | 23 μg |
| Niacin | 0.64 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.35 mg |
| Pyridoxine | 0.26 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.13 mg |
| Thiamine | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12.6 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.27 mg |
| Sodium | 7 mg |
| Potassium | 287 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Copper | 0.07 mg |
| Iron | 0.27 mg |
| Magnesium | 17 mg |
| Manganese | 0.09 mg |
| Phosphorus | 26 mg |
| Zinc | 0.16 mg |
| Beta carotene | 2 μg [6] [7] |
Beneficial features
Eating anonna fruit can improve human health [8] [9]
Strong immunity. Annona fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for the functioning of the immune system. This nutritious fruit is a powerful natural antioxidant that helps the body resist infections and removes free radicals. Consequently, it develops the body's resistance to common diseases such as colds, flu, and also prevents infectious diseases [10]
Due to the high concentration of vitamin C, Annona fruits protect the body from all sorts of inflammatory processes.
The presence of potassium and sodium makes Annona a natural remedy for the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate. It turned out that these fruits are able to lower cholesterol levels, which means they can improve blood flow to the heart, prevent hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.
The high antioxidant content makes Annona trees useful in the fight against cancers [11] [12]
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which is one of the components in the chemical composition of these exotic fruits, improves brain function, controls the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, and therefore reduces irritability and depression. Headache of various origins, reduces the effects of stress and relieves nervous tension.
The fruit is also rich in calcium, an essential nutrient for maintaining bone health. Regular consumption of fruits can help prevent osteoporosis.
Fruits perform a cytoprotective function for the human body. Their extract increases the viability of body cells by releasing lactate dehydrogenase. High LDH levels indicate that the cell has survived trauma or illness.
As noted, these fruits are high in potassium, which is essential for the cardiovascular system. Annona contains many other minerals, including magnesium, sodium, zinc, manganese, and some sodium.
A medium-sized fruit can provide the body with about 5 grams of fiber, which is almost 90% of the daily value. Thanks to this, Annona is considered a remedy for constipation.
As you know, ascorbic acid is one of the many beneficial substances contained in the fruits of annona. Vitamin C makes these fruits very beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. Annona's unique chemical composition promotes wound healing, the production of collagen, which is necessary for the formation of new epidermal cells. Signs of aging, fine wrinkles and age spots are the result of free radicals on the body. The fruits of annona will also help to cope with this.
The antioxidant effect and the richness of the fruit with beneficial substances also have a positive effect on the health and appearance of hair. The presence of copper in Annona prevents premature gray hair.
The benefits of the fruit:
In addition to a long list of beneficial properties, these tasty and aromatic fruits, consumed in large quantities, can be dangerous for pregnant women, as they have abortive properties. And scientists from Latin America suggest that excessive interest in Annona increases the risk of Parkinson's disease [13] [14] [15]
How to choose and store Annona fruits
In its natural habitat, the annona fruiting season lasts from November to May. It is at this time that it is worth buying the fruits. They should be intact, greenish-yellow in color, strong, of medium size. You can determine how ripe the fruit is by lightly pressing your finger (it should be soft).
At room temperature, the fruits deteriorate quickly. It is better to store whole fruits in the refrigerator, and put pureed or too juicy fruits in the freezer (so they can be stored for several weeks).
How to prepare and serve fruit dessert
With its unique aroma and taste, these fruits are excellent desserts. They should be rinsed with cold water before use.
The easiest way to serve is to cut the fruit lengthwise and eat it, picking out the pulp with a spoon. Discard seeds and peel.
In addition, they can be used to prepare:
- juices;
- cocktails;
- fruit salads;
- fillers for dairy desserts or ice cream;
- fillings for pies.
This exotic fruit, slightly reminiscent of pineapple in appearance, confidently wins the hearts of people in different countries. As consumers learn about the benefits of this unusual fruit, the number of its fans only grows. And one has only to try it once - it is already impossible to forget this delicious taste.
Things to know (Q&A)
What is Annona good for?
Annona muricata and other plants have been shown to have promising compounds that can be utilised in the treatment of cancer . Native to the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, A. muricata plant extracts contain compounds that are particularly effective against cancer cell
Is Annona edible?
The fruits are the most common edible part of the sugar apple tree . It is normally eaten fresh which has a sweet and creamy taste. The fruit pulp, therefore, can be used in dessert preparations to add flavor.
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Nutrition Data.
| Energy (Kcal) KJ | (92) 388 |
|---|---|
| VitC (mg) | 35.9 |
What is an Annona fruit?
Annona, or more commonly known as Sugar Apple , is a tropical aggregate fruit botanically classified as Annona squamosa. It is the most widely cultivated Annona species. The fruit is related to the cherimoya and soursop and is often planted in home landscapes throughout the tropics.
Where does Annona fruit grow?
Description. Annona species are taprooted, evergreen or semideciduous, tropical trees or shrubs. The plants typically grow in areas where air temperature does not drop below 28 °F (−2 °C), especially Cuba, Jamaica, Central America, India the Philippines and Calabria (southern Italy) .
Does eating custard apple increases weight?
Avoid excessive consumption of Custard apple fruit as it may lead to weight gain due to its high sugar content .
Can custard apple reduce weight?
Helps in Weight Loss
Custard apple fruit is indicated in slimming diets . Custard apple calories are negligible in amount with zero cholesterol and hence is a great addition for balanced diet intended for weight loss. Custard apple has a glycemic load score of 10 and hence it is essential for diabetes.
What does Sweet Apple do to the body?
Custardapples contain anti-oxidants like Vitamin C, which helps to fight free radicalsin our body. It is also high in potassium and magnesium that protects our heartfrom cardiac disease. Not only that, it also controls ourblood pressure. Custard apples contain Vitamin A, which keeps your skin and hairhealthy.
Which part of Annona is edible?
Aril is the edible part of some fruits like Annona and Litchi.
Are Annona seeds poisonous?
We conclude that the seeds of A. squamosa are highly irritant and toxic to human corneal epithelium and conjunctiva with a high incidence of secondary infection, and these patients should be treated aggressively with topical fortified antibiotics while avoiding topical steroids.
What is Annona good for?
Annona muricata and other plants have been shown to have promising compounds that can be utilised in the treatment of cancer . Native to the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, A. muricata plant extracts contain compounds that are particularly effective against cancer cells.
Where can I find Annona fruit?
Today, they are cultivated in most tropical regions of the world, more commonly in India, Malaysia, Brazil and the Caribbean . In the United States, they are cultivated in south Florida and Southern California. The tropical Annona fruits are most often spotted at specialty and farmer's markets in these areas.
Where do sugar apple trees grow?
Can You Grow Sugar Apple Trees? Sugar apples need a tropical to near-tropical climate (73-94 degrees F. or 22-34 C.) and are unsuited to most areas of the United States with the exception of some areas of Florida, although they are cold tolerant to 27 degrees
Where do custard apples grow?
The Custard apple is native to the West Indies . However, this tree was likely transported to South America as it successfully grows throughout Peru and Brazil. This tree was also brought to the Bahamas and Southern Florida. Early Spanish Traders transported Custard apples from the West Indies and Philippines to Chin
How do you grow Annona trees?
Growing Guide: 'Annona' Fruit Trees
Rich, well-drained soil with light acidity suit these warm-weather plants best. Provide regular moisture and humidity, but be careful not to over water. Annona's are intolerable to water-logging . Requires deep watering during growing/fruiting seasons and less during winter dormancy.