Soursop

Origin country

Croatia

Origin region

Zagreb County

Quantity available

500 Unit

Courier delivery

Yes

Soursop is the fruit of the evergreen tree Annona muricata, native to Mexico, Cuba, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America: Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Soursop is also produced in Africa and on some Pacific islands. It belongs to the same family as cherimoya and the Indian banana or pawpaw.

Soursop is adapted to areas of high humidity and relatively warm winters; temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F) will cause damage to leaves and small branches, and temperatures below 3 °C (37 °F) can be fatal. The fruit becomes dry and is no longer able to ripen.

The taste is described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple with citrusy sour notes, contrasting with the underlying creamy flavor reminiscent of coconut or banana. Certainly a perfect taste.

Cultivation and Use

The plant is grown commercially for its 20–30 cm long, spiky, green fruit, which can weigh up to 6 kg.

Far from its native region, limited production occurs as far north as southern Florida—Zone 10; however, it is mostly grown for personal use. It is also cultivated in parts of Southeast Asia and abundantly on the island of Mauritius. Soursop fruit can be grown in pots, even in temperate climates, if protected from the cold.

The fruit consists of an edible part—white, fibrous flesh—and a core of indigestible black seeds. It is the only member of its family suitable for processing and preservation. The sweet pulp is used for juice, sorbet, ice cream, frappés, and shakes.

Health

Nutritionally, the fruit is rich in carbohydrates, particularly fructose, and contains significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2.