Red custard apples are a
delicious and nutritious fruit. They are becoming popular day by day for their
sweet and creamy taste and unique appearance. The fruit is full of vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants. These valuable nutrients are very beneficial for
health. In this article, I will share everything you need to know about the red
custard apple including their taste, health benefits, and tips for growing
them. Now let's know about red custard apples in detail.
Red Custard Apple
Red Custard Apple Origin
The red custard apple tree is
native to America. The fruit of this tree is called red custard apples. They
are also known as Annona reticulata. Their skin color is deep red or pink and
their flesh is creamy like custard. This fruit has a unique flavor profile
which is a mix of mild sweetness and tartness. Everybody likes the soft sweet
flesh of red custard apples.
Red Custard Apple Taste
The taste of red custard
apples is excellent. Usually, red custard apples taste sweet and mildly tangy.
Their taste is similar to the combination of banana, papaya, and berries. Their
flesh is soft and smooth. They have a custard-like creamy texture. When
they ripen, they have a fragrant aroma. However, red custards are a popular
fruit for their fascinating taste and texture.
Red Custard Apple Nutrition
Red custard apple is a
nutritious fruit packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains
vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, dietary fiber, natural sugars,
iron, etc. It also contains small amounts of zinc, phosphorus, and B
vitamins.
Red Custard Apple Benefits
Red custard apples are very
beneficial for health. Now let's know the 10 amazing health benefits of red
custard apples.
1. Fights Free Radicals and Reduces Oxidative Stress
Red custard apples contain
sufficient vitamin C. It helps fight free radicals and reduces oxidative
stress. It is also beneficial for cellular health.
2. Boosts Immunity
The vitamin C of red custard
apples boosts the immune system. It also helps your body fight infections and
common illnesses.
3. Helps in Digestion
Red custard apples are a great
source of fiber. The fiber helps in digestion, prevents constipation, and keeps
bowel movements smooth.
4. Keeps the Heart Healthy
The potassium and magnesium in
the red custard apples reduce the risk of high blood pressure and
cardiovascular diseases. These also control blood pressure. As a result, the
heart remains healthy.
5. Keeps Skin Healthy
The vitamins and antioxidants
in red custard apples keep skin healthy and glowing and prevent wrinkles,
dryness, and other signs of aging from the skin.
6. Keeps Eyes Healthy
The vitamin A in red custard
apples keeps eyesight good. It also reduces the risk of macular degeneration
and night blindness.
7. Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels
Red custard apples have a low
glycemic ingredient. They are also rich in fiber which helps control blood
sugar levels. They are a good alternative to sugary foods for diabetic
patients.
8. Strengthens Bones
The calcium and magnesium in
the red custard apples strengthen bones and increase bone density. They are
very beneficial for the skeleton.
9. Increases Energy Levels
The carbohydrates in this
fruit are a natural source of energy. They provide a quick and energy boost to
the body. They are an ideal food for a standard lifestyle.
10. Improves Mood
Red custard apples contain
vitamin B6 which helps in the production of serotonin. It improves mood,
relieves depression, and reduces stress.
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How to Grow Red Custard Apple
Suitable Climate and Soil
Red custard apples grow well
in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures and well-drained
soil. So, to plant them, you will mix a lot of organic fertilizer with the
soil.
Planting Guide
1.
Choose a sunny place to plant it. However, plant the red custard apple in a
spot that gets sunlight all day long.
2.
Prepare the soil by mixing compost or organic fertilizer into the soil.
3. You
can sow seeds or plant seedlings. You had better plant seedlings to get fruits
fast.
4. Dig a
hole twice with the root ball, keep the red custard apple plant in the hole,
and then fill the hole with soil.
5. Water
the plant properly. Always water it regularly to keep the soil moist. But don't
supply it with excess water.
6. Fertilize the plant twice a
year for faster growth and bumper fruits.
Control Common Pests and Diseases
Mealybugs, aphids, and fruit
flies are the main pests of red custard apples. To control them, use neem oil
or insecticidal soap every 15 days or apply biological controls. On the other
hand, anthracnose and powdery mildew are the mentionable diseases of red
custard apples. To control them, manage proper drainage, prune timely, and use
fungicides.
Harvesting Tips
Harvest red custard apples
when their skin turns red and slightly soft to the touch. Don't pick unripe
fruits because they won't ripen off the tree. Gently cut the fruit early in the
morning for the best quality.
Storage Tips
It is better to eat red custard
apples fresh. However, you can store them in the fridge for a few days. To
preserve them for a long time, scoop out the pulp and store them in the fridge.
It will last in the fridge for up to three months.
Finally, red custard apples
are one of the most wonderful nutritious fruits. If you eat this fruit, you
will look for it again and again. There are very few delicious fruits in the
world like the red custard apple. So, you can grow it at home or buy it
from the market. No matter how you eat this fruit, you will get its health
benefits. After eating it once, its creamy taste and texture will be stuck in
your mouth for many days. Once eating, you will never forget the taste of red
custard apples.
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