Its similar to custard apples but they are not cherimoyas, but Honduran sugar apples. This typical fruit of Honduras has a sweet taste and delicious and provides many health benefits, so you should keep it in mind if you are not afraid of discovering new flavors. In this article we are going to tell you everything about it, so that you know why you should introduce this fruit into your diet, what its cultivation is like and much more.
Hondurans speak with pride about them and confess that they have a flavor similar to that of soursop. Although we can find up to three types of apples depending on the region where we are, although all of them are equally sweet and delicious.
The bad news is that they are seen less and less in the markets and it is a fruit that seems to be disappearing. A shame, because in South America, where it is best known, they worship the custard apple.
Where is the anona grown?
We are facing a tropical fruit that It is harvested in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. These were the original places where the anona began to be harvested, although now they also do it in areas of Africa, Oceania and Asia.
You may have never heard of it, however, when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas, they were so fascinated by the fruit that they took it to Europe. We Europeans have been consuming sugar apples since the 16th century, although, as you might imagine, only the luckiest had the privilege of trying it, that is, the members of the royal courts.
What is sugar apple and what does it look like?
If you ask a Honduran about sugar apple, they will surely know what it is and will proudly show it off to you. But he will also explain to you that this fruit has other names, such as saramuyo, kidney or sugar apple. Belongs to the Annonaceae family and it is born from trees that are only about 3 or 6 meters high, with small branches from which these fruits hang. round or oval appearance, depending on the type, because there are several. They usually despite 100 to 230 grams and measure around 6-10 centimeters in diameter.
On the outside in greenish tones and, on the inside, it has a white pulp full of large, smooth, dark brown seeds. It is also possible to find another variety of pink-fleshed apples.
When is the sugar apple harvest season?
From end of July and until September is sugar apple harvest time. It must also be taken into account that this fruit does not tolerate cold temperatures or drought. Therefore, due to changes in the climate, these crops can be lost if the tropical climate that the sugar apple needs to bear fruit is not present.
What does Honduran sugar apple taste like?
The apple apple has a sweet flavor and creamy texture, which makes it an ideal fruit to eat fresh but also blended and to make ice cream. There are even alcoholic beverages that contain anona.
Other uses of pineapple
It's not just its flavor, but you can even take advantage of its seeds. The seeds and leaves do vermicidal properties and they act like excellent insecticides. On the other hand, the bark is astringent and, in case of constipation serious, the natives use the roots as purgative.
The pineapple in the kitchen
Cooking lovers have an ally in the sugar apple, because with it they can prepare tropical cakes and pies, in addition to making sweet and sour sauces to accompany meat and fish dishes and also adding it to marinades.
These are the most common uses, but you can let your imagination run wild if you are not afraid to experiment with flavors and add the pineapple cut into pieces to your salads, whether they are salty or sweet and sour or fruit salads. The anona will give it a very good creamy, sweet and refreshing touch.
What are the properties of pineapple?
The anona is a source of vitamins and minerals, among which its high content of vitamin B and C. These help strengthen the immune system, the functioning of the metabolism and the brain. In addition, the skin, hair and nails also benefit.
Among the minerals, the potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure y take care of the heart. He too phosphorus and calcium that strengthens the bones.
On the other hand, pineapple contains a lot of fiber, which it's promotes digestion and, it is said, that it helps maintain good cholesterol levels, helping to clean the arteries of bad cholesterol.
It is a antioxidant fruitlarvae, nymphs, and adults, so prevents premature aging and cancer, in addition to avoiding inflammation and pain. Consuming sugar apples helps wounds heal faster and keeps the virus at bay. blood sugar.
If you are on a diet, eating sugar apple helps you lose weight, thanks to their fiber content and they satisfy the appetite.
How to grow sugar apple
The anona can be grown by seeds or by grafting. As we said before, it is essential that it be in a tropical climate, where heat alternates with rain and temperatures not lower than 24º.
As for the soil, preferably sandy and clayey. Look for land that is clean, that is, without weeds around it that could steal space and nutrients. Sow the seeds about 2 cm deep. After 25 or 30 days it will have germinated.
It must be noted that the tree takes time to bear fruit and, especially if it was done by grafting, this wait can last for about 3 or 4 years. Once the tree is 6 years old, it is capable of producing more fruit.
Good irrigation is essential, avoiding excessive humidity. And prune, eliminating any defects and cleaning the weeds, because they are a breeding ground for pests.
Once the fruits are ready to eat, which will happen from the end of July to September, we will know that they are at their optimal moment because the skin will turn yellower. It is important to do the collection manually.
With this information, you already know everything about the Honduran sugar apples, their flavor and properties. We recommend you try them, because you will surely like them and, in addition, they are very healthy.