English/ Common name- Custard apple, Sugar apple.
Local name- ಸೀತಾಫಲ
Botanical name- Annona squamosa
Appearance- Green-black outer scaly appearance, these delicious custard apples have a thick flesh within, which surrounds several dark-colored seeds and not only has a pleasant aroma with a mildly sweet taste but is also a treasure trove of nutrients.
Origin- No one is exactly sure where sugar apples hail from, but they are commonly cultivated in tropical South America, southern Mexico, the West Indies, Bahamas, and Bermuda. Cultivation is most extensive in India and is wildly popular in the interior of Brazil. It can be found growing wild in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and in the drier regions of North Queensland, Australia.
Conditions required for growth- Custard apple trees have a tropical origin and grow well in hot and dry climates with varying degrees of difference. Custard Apple requires a hot dry climate during flowering and high humidity at a fruit set. Flowering comes during the hot dry climate of May but the fruit set takes place at the onset of the monsoon.
Uses- Custard apple provides lutein, which may promote eye health and protect against conditions that can lead to poor eyesight or vision loss. It also contains over 30% of the RDI for vitamin B6, a nutrient that regulates mood and may help prevent depression. It is high in vitamin C, which may boost immunity and help your body fight infections.
Common remedies-
According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. An imbalance in the Vata dosha causes joint pain.
- To reduce joint pain (Part of the tree used - Fruit): Regular consumption of Custard apple (fruit) prevents joint pain because it has Vata balancing property. Custard apple is also rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus which helps in building strong bones and thus reduces joint pain.
- For Diarrhea (Part of the tree used - Fruit): Take dried Custard apple pulp. Crush it and make homemade powder. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of this powder with water twice a day to get rid of diarrhea.
