When it comes to tropical fruits, the soursop and the custard apple often get confused due to their similar appearance and creamy texture. However, these two fruits come from different plant families and offer distinct flavors, health benefits, and uses. Let’s break down what makes each fruit special and how to tell them apart.
What Is Soursop?
The soursop (Annona muricata) is a green, spiky fruit native to Central and South America. It’s known for its soft white pulp and sweet-sour flavor, often compared to a mix of pineapple and strawberry.
Key Characteristics:
• Spiny green skin
• Tart, citrusy taste
• Used in juices, smoothies, and desserts
• Grows on a small evergreen tree
What Is Custard Apple?
The custard apple (Annona reticulata), also called sugar apple, has a heart-shaped appearance with smoother skin. Its flavor is sweeter and milder than soursop, with hints of vanilla and banana.
Key Characteristics:
• Knobby or bumpy green exterior
• Creamy, custard-like pulp
• High in natural sugars
• Commonly eaten raw with a spoon
Soursop vs Custard Apple: What Are the Main Differences?
Health Benefits of Both Fruits
Both fruits are packed with nutrients and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Soursop
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- May support immune health
- Rich in fiber and vitamin B1
Custard Apple
- Boosts energy levels
- Good source of magnesium and iron
- Helps with digestion
Fun Facts About Soursop and Custard Apple
- The soursop tree can grow up to 30 feet tall.
- Custard apples are part of the same botanical family as cherimoya.
- Soursop seeds are toxic when consumed raw—always remove them before eating.
- Custard apple trees prefer dry tropical climates and need less rainfall than soursop.
- Soursop is often used to make herbal tea in the Caribbean.
- In Ayurvedic medicine, custard apple leaves are used to treat cold symptoms.
- Both fruits are low in fat and naturally cholesterol-free.
- Soursop’s taste becomes sweeter as it ripens off the tree.
- Custard apples ripen quickly and should be eaten within a few days.
- Both are increasingly popular in natural health supplements and skincare.
While the soursop and the custard apple may share a few similarities, they are truly unique fruits in their own right. Whether you’re drawn to the tangy, tropical flavor of soursop or the creamy sweetness of custard apple, both are nutritious and delicious additions to your diet.