A Little History
The sugar apple comes from the Annona Squamosa tree, and has the appearance of an artichoke with a thick, ‘knobby’ and segmented surface. Also known as the ‘custard apple’ and ‘sweetsop,’ the flesh or fruit beneath its surface is described as soft and custard-like, somewhat grainy, and creamy yellow or white, with a number of seeds, although some varieties are seedless. The flavor of the sugar apple is described as being a combination of pineapple, strawberry, papaya and banana!
It is believed that this fruit is native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the West Indies, although today it can be found growing in tropical areas throughout the world, including such countries as India, the Bahamas, Madagascar, and African.
Since ancient times it’s been used as a tonic to enhance the immune system and reduce the ill effects of arthritis. Indigenous cultures throughout Asia still use the sugar apple to prevent cancer, scurvy and arthritis, and to strengthen bones, cleanse the blood, and beautify the skin. The sugar apple is also used in its unripe form as a curative for insect bites when pounded and applied directly to the skin. Decoctions of the leaves and bark are used to relieve pain and diarrhea. The fruit is also fermented to make a kind of cider.
Latest Research
In recent research the sugar apple was found to be cytotoxic to certain cancers. It was also found to boost thyroid health due to its quercitin content, as well as being linked to a number of other healthful functions in the body, including as a curative for liver damaged by pharmaceuticals.
Rich in vitamins A and C, the sugar apple strengthens vision, lowers the incidence of macular degeneration, and rids the body of harmful free radicals, thus reducing the effects of aging. The abundance of minerals such as magnesium are known to reduce the effects of arthritis by lowering inflammation, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Potassium in the sugar apple is known to lower blood pressure. High concentrations of natural fiber have been demonstrated to increase colon health.
Amazing Benefits
The sugar apple is said to have anti-inflammatory, immune-bolstering properties, assisting in reducing swelling.
The sugar apple contains approximately 80 grams of calories, and is rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fiber and carotene. They’re low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. Vitamins include A, C, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine). Sugar apples are also a good resource of the minerals calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and copper.
During pregnancy, the copper levels in the sugar apple assist the body in creating new blood cells and is believed to be good in moderation for both mother and child.
See Also
The Healing Power of Apple Juice
Why Juice Cleanse
Consider Adding Aloe Vera to Your Juice Recipes
Ingredients
- 2 Sugar Apples without the peel
- 1 wedge fresh lime with the rind
- 2 Mangos
- Dash of nutmeg and vanilla
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 20 oz.