Sugar apples are a delicious and
nutritious fruit. They are also known as Annona squamosa or custard apples. The
flavor of this fruit is very sweet and the texture is creamy. They have a
unique look. Their skin is green and scaly and there is soft and segmented
flesh inside. Moreover, sugar apples are full of valuable nutrients and
have many health benefits. In this article, I will share everything you need to
know about the sugar apple from its taste, nutritional benefits, and
growing tips. So, let's read the article.
Sugar Apple
What is a Sugar Apple?
Sugar apples are native to the
America and the Caribbean regions. They are also known as the Annona squamosa
or custard apples. They belong to the Annonaceae family and are related to the
cherimoya and soursop.
Sugar Apple Taste
Sugar apples taste mild,
sweet, tangy, and aromatic. They have a custard-like creamy texture. Usually,
their flavor is a mix of pineapple, banana, and vanilla.
Nutritional Value of Sugar Apple
Sugar apples are packed with
valuable nutrients. These nutrients are very beneficial for our health.
Usually, sugar apples contain vitamins A, B6, B9, and C, potassium, magnesium,
iron, calcium, phosphorus, natural sugars, mainly glucose and fructose, dietary
fiber, antioxidants like polyphenols, and flavonoids. It also contains small
amounts of healthy fats and protein.
Top 10 Superb Health Benefits of Sugar Apple
Sugar apples have superb
health benefits. Now let’s know the top 10 health benefits of sugar apples:
1. Protect Cells from Oxidative Stress
Sugar apples contain antioxidants
like vitamin C, flavonoids, and polyphenols. These protect cells from oxidative
stress and reduce the risk of serious diseases like heart disease and cancer.
2. Boost Immunity
The high vitamin C content of
the sugar apples boosts the immune system. It also helps the body fight
infections, colds, and common illnesses.
3. Keep the Heart Healthy
Sugar apples contain potassium
and magnesium. These help control blood pressure and reduce heart disease.
4. Help in Digestion
Sugar apples contain a lot of
dietary fiber. It helps in regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and
keeps the intestines healthy. It is very beneficial for digestion.
5. Improve Eyesight
This fruit contains riboflavin
and vitamin C. These are very beneficial for the eyes. Regular eating of sugar
apples reduces the risk of age-related eye-vision problems.
6. Strengthen Bones
Sugar apples are a good source
of calcium and magnesium. These strengthen bones and reduce the risk of
bone-related diseases like osteoporosis.
7. Keep Skin Good
The antioxidants, vitamin C,
and other nutrients in the sugar apples improve skin condition, reduce aging
problems, and help in collagen production.
8. Reduce Inflammation
Sugar apples have
anti-inflammatory ingredients. These help reduce inflammation in the body which
is beneficial for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
9. Increase Energy Levels
This fruit is a good source of
natural sugars and carbohydrates. They boost energy quickly. This fruit is an
ideal fruit for a quick natural energy source.
10. Improve Brain Function
Sugar apples contain vitamin
B6. It improves brain function and helps in regulating mood. Eating sugar
apples regularly increases memory and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative
diseases.
Read More
How to Grow Sugar Apple
Best Time to Grow Sugar Apple
The best time to grow sugar
apples depends on the climate. In tropical regions, plant sugar apple
seeds or seedlings at the beginning of the monsoon, usually between May and
July. In subtropical regions, spring is the best time to grow it.
Choosing Suitable Place
Choose a sunny spot with
well-drained sandy or loamy soil to grow sugar apples.
Selecting Sugar Apple Varieties
African Pride, Phet Pak Chong, and Red Sugar Apple are the best varieties of sugar apple. African Pride is
High-yielding. It bears medium-sized sweet fruits. Phet Pak Chong produces
large, creamy, and sweet fruits. And, The red Sugar Apple is an attractive red-skinned
variety with a rich flavor. You will choose one of the three varieties.
Suitable Soil
Sugar apples grow well in
well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Avoid heavy clay or
waterlogged soils because the plants are sensitive to root rot. Make soil for
sugar apples with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to
improve fertility.
Planting and Care Tips
Planting
Dig a hole twice the root ball
for each plant. Then keep the plant in the hole and fill the hole with soil.
Watering
After planting, water the
plants properly. In this way, water them regularly. During the dry season,
provide extra water.
Fertilizing
Use organic fertilizers every
few months to grow well.
Controlling Pests and Diseases
Sugar apples are attacked by
insects like aphids and mealybugs. So, apply organic pesticides to control
them. Neem oil is the best remedy for this. Besides, prune the tree
occasionally for good air circulation. And, to prevent fungal diseases of the
sugar apples, stop overhead watering and spray them with fungicides.
Harvesting Sugar Apple
Sugar apples are ready to
harvest when they are slightly soft. Usually, they ripen in late summer.
Storing Sugar Apple
Store the sugar apples at room
temperature until they are soft. They ripen quickly. And, once ripe, store them
in a bag or container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to keep them fresh.
Finally, sugar apples are a
juicy nutritious fruit with many health benefits. They are a popular fruit for
their creamy and sweet custard-like flesh. You can enjoy them in different
ways. However, from this article, I hope, you have learned about the sugar
apple in detail. So, always stay with my blog site to read more such
informative articles.
Do you want to eat the sugar
apple or grow it? Share your wishes in the comments below.
Related Posts
