Soursop 'Arusha & Sweet' at LCG, January 2025 (photo credit: Graham Bond)
Soursop 'Arusha & Sweet'
Annona muricata
This particular plant has been grown from 2 x seedlings. The western plant is 'Arusha' and the eastern plant is '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
Annona muricata
This particular plant has been grown from 2 x seedlings. The western plant is 'Arusha' and the eastern plant is '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.
Soursop 'Arusha & Sweet' at LCG, December 2024. Note two tree trunks (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
Soursop 'Arusha & Sweet' at LCG, August 2022 (photo credit: Graham Bond)
