Annona muricata
Grown form 2 x seedlings (west-Arusha, east-Sweet)
A tangy cousin of the custard apple tree.
With an aroma similar to pineapple, the flavour of the fruit is a combination of strawberries, apple and sour citrus, contrasting with an underlying thick creamy texture reminiscent of banana.
The fruit has an edible, white pulp, some fibre, and a core of indigestible toxic black seeds. The pulp can be used to make smoothies, fruit drinks, and ice cream; infusion of the leaves can make a delicious herbal tea to aid sound sleep.
The fruit can be picked when it is still firm but has changed colour from dark-green to slightly yellowish-green, and then left to ripen in a dark corner.
The fruit & leaves are reputed to be one of the most potent anti-carcinogenic natural remedies in the world; however, Soursop can have many various health side effects, particularly when eating too much of the fruit.
Native to tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean.
Tree maintenance
Pruning - the tree can grow to 6-7m, so best prune to about 3m for access.
The tree goes semi-deciduous in winter; mulch well and fertilise with organic matter in summer and spring.
Grown form 2 x seedlings (west-Arusha, east-Sweet)
A tangy cousin of the custard apple tree.
With an aroma similar to pineapple, the flavour of the fruit is a combination of strawberries, apple and sour citrus, contrasting with an underlying thick creamy texture reminiscent of banana.
The fruit has an edible, white pulp, some fibre, and a core of indigestible toxic black seeds. The pulp can be used to make smoothies, fruit drinks, and ice cream; infusion of the leaves can make a delicious herbal tea to aid sound sleep.
The fruit can be picked when it is still firm but has changed colour from dark-green to slightly yellowish-green, and then left to ripen in a dark corner.
The fruit & leaves are reputed to be one of the most potent anti-carcinogenic natural remedies in the world; however, Soursop can have many various health side effects, particularly when eating too much of the fruit.
Native to tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean.
Tree maintenance
Pruning - the tree can grow to 6-7m, so best prune to about 3m for access.
The tree goes semi-deciduous in winter; mulch well and fertilise with organic matter in summer and spring.
August 2022