Sugar Apple: Everything you need to know about it
The sugar apple (Annona squamosa) is an edible tropical fruit within the Annonaceae family.
Similar to its relatives, the custard apple (Annona reticulata) and cherimoya (Annona cherimola), the sugar apple is popular for its enticing flavor and creamy texture.
Sugar Apple Origin
Sugar Apple is believed to have originated from the tropical regions of America and the West Indies.
The fruit has over time spread across different continents, with it being presently grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the World.
Sugar Apple Tree Description
The sugar apple tree, also known as Annona squamosa, is a small to medium-sized semi-deciduous tree that grows to a height of about 10-20 feet (3-6m) at maturity, depending on the growing conditions.
The stem of the sugar apple tree is sturdy and typically covered in a rough, grayish-brown bark. Its branches are brittle and grow in a zigzag and irregular form and spread out forming a lush canopy that provides shade for the fruits.
The sugar apple tree has simple, alternate, and glossy leaves that are oval-shaped, dark green on the upper side, and lighter green on the underside with smooth edges. They are about 5-11cm long and 2-5cm wide.
The tree produces fragrant pendulous flowers that emerge directly from the trunk and branches and can be produced in solitary or in clusters of 2-4. These flowers are one to half an inch long with three pale green or yellowish petals, with a distinct shape that sets them apart from other flowering plants.
The tree develops a network of shallow and deep roots that anchor it firmly in the soil, providing stability and access to nutrients.
Sugar Apple Fruit Description
The sugar apple fruit is a visual delight with its unique appearance and tantalizing aroma. It is typically small to medium-sized, measuring about 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
There are two varieties, which differ in color. The common green (Pinks Mammoth) variety has a pale to dark green hue skin and the red sugar apple (Kampong Mauve) variety that has a dark red to purplish hue skin.
Both varieties have a scaly and bumpy skin texture that resembles the surface of an artichoke.
On the inside, the sugar apple contains a creamy white flesh that is divided into distinct segments, each housing a shiny, oblong, black seed, about 1.2cm in length.
The texture of the flesh is smooth and custard-like, melting in your mouth with every bite. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweetness and hints of tanginess, often described as a combination of tropical flavors like pineapple, banana, and strawberry.
How to eat Sugar Apple
The sugar apple fruits are almost always eaten fresh as they have rich creamy and sweet flavor. To eat it, simply break it apart with your fingers and bite the flesh. The fruit easily breaks along the lines between the segments.
You can as well cut the fruit with a knife and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh.
The two varieties have a similar flavor.
The skin, the seeds, and the middle core (which runs from the stalk to about half the length of the fruit) are not eaten. The seeds easily separate from the fruit's flesh, just spit them out when eating.
Besides eating the fruit fresh, it can also be used to make puddings, ice creams, smoothies, juices, sorbets, and wines.
Nutritional Benefits of Sugar Apple
Beyond its exceptional taste, the sugar apple is packed with essential nutrients with health benefits.
Sugar apple is an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and preventing constipation. It is also rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps the body fight off infections. Additionally, sugar apples contain vitamin B6, which aids in brain health and the production of neurotransmitters.
The fruit's mineral content includes potassium, magnesium, and iron, which contribute to heart health, bone strength, and blood circulation.
Moreover, the natural sugars in sugar apples provide a quick and sustainable energy boost, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious snack.