Custard Apple is a fruit that we have found in various poems in childhood. The fruit is green in colour, cone-shaped, and has a sweet taste. Due to its creaminess, it is often called a sweet apple. It is grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, like Central America, South Asia, Australia and North Africa. However, a recent study shows that it originated from Central America. It is grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world like Central America, South Asia, Australia and North Africa. ‘Fino de jete’ a variety of Custard Apple from Southern Spain, has been awarded the prestigious European protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
According to American writer Mark Twain and prominent botanists, Custard Apple is considered to be the finest fruit in the world. The fruit can taste mellow and sweet, tangy or acidic, depending on its freshness and variety. It is often eaten chilled with a spoon, earning the nickname ‘ice cream fruit.’ It is made up of 79% water, 18% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and 1% fat. It is a rich source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, dietary fibre and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). The nutrients like potassium and magnesium in it help keep blood pressure under control, while the flavonoids in it reduce the risk of cancer.
A custard apple contains 60% of the daily recommended vitamin C intake, boosting the immune system. Its dietary fibre helps with the digestive system. Vitamin B6 in it works wonders to uplift a person’s mood as it plays the role of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Finally, it contains the carotenoid antioxidant lutein, which helps eye vision by protecting against conditions like macular degeneration.
A custard apple seed takes 3 to 4 years to bear fruit, typically. It is cultivated from August to December in the South Asian region. Custard apple is used to prepare different kinds of drinks by mixing them with bananas, pineapple, or other tropical fruits. Lima, a delightful and delicious dessert from the Peruvian capital, is made with white Custard Apple flesh. It has become a popular milkshake in Latin America by mixing with milk, yoghurt, and ice cream. It is also served as a fruit salad and custard pudding in many parts of the world.
