Understanding the Difference Between Custard Apple and Soursop for Kenyan Farmers

Today we are going to compare the difference between Custard Apple and Soursop. These fruits are known for their unique flavors and health benefits. We get lots of questions about whether soursop is the same as custard apple. We are going to investigate soursop and custard apple! There are several differences between them that we are going to explore for you. We are going to talk about appearance, taste, nutrition and health benefits.

Appearance:

Soursop and custard apple, though belonging to the same family, showcase distinctive appearances.

Custard apples have small, scaly, greenish-brown exteriors, often taking on round or heart-shaped forms. The fruits are relatively small, typically ranging from 7 to 12 centimeters in diameter. What sets custard apples apart is their charming, scaly outer skin, which manifests in shades of greenish-brown. The texture of this skin adds a unique touch, providing a sensory experience as one runs their fingers across the surface.

The custard apple’s exterior can take on various forms, with the most common being either round or heart-shaped. These shapes contribute to the overall look, making them easily distinguishable in farms and fruit vendors. The small, black seeds nestled within the sweet and creamy flesh add an additional layer to the fruit’s visual composition.

In contrast, soursop stands out with its larger size and irregular, spiky green skin.

The soursop’s size surpasses that of custard apple, often reaching lengths exceeding 15 centimeters. The most notable feature of soursop is its irregular and spiky green skin. This unique exterior sets it apart in a crowd of tropical fruits.

The irregularities in the soursop’s skin, akin to soft thorns or spikes, create an intriguing texture that not only contributes to its visual distinctiveness but also serves as a protective layer for the succulent flesh within. The vibrant green hue of the skin adds to the fruit’s overall appeal, making it a standout choice for those seeking a tropical visual experience.

Taste:

There is one main difference between custard apple and soursop and that is their taste. Soursop has a unique sweet and sour taste Flavor-wise soursop is sweet although its sourness prevails. Many describe its flavor as a mix between strawberry and apple, but on the other hand is the taste of custard apple even sweeter than soursop and has also as the name implies a custard-like taste. custard apple taste a bit like banana, pineapple, and vanilla all mixed together. Imagine taking a bite and feeling the creamy, dessert-like goodness in your mouth. It’s not too sweet, just a perfect mix of tropical flavors.

Nutrition:

Custard apples are praised not only for their taste but also for potential health benefits. Some people believe they can help with digestion, making our tummies feel happy. They are also thought to be good for our breathing and might even help our skin stay healthy.
Custard apples are high on proteins. This specific characteristic nutritionally differentiates it from other fruits. It is also high on thiamine (vitamin B1), calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Now, soursop has something special too. It has these things called antioxidants, which are like little superheroes for our bodies. Antioxidants can help protect our cells from some not-so-good stuff. Scientists are also looking into soursop for something pretty big – they’re checking if it might help fight against cancer. So, soursop is not just a tasty treat; it might have some powerful things that could be good for our health.

Here is a list of all the vitamins and minerals for soursop vs custard apple.

Soursop (per 100 grams)

• 20,6mg Vitaminc C
• 1g Protein
• 17g Carbs
• 3.3g Fiber
• 0,3g Fat
• 66 kcal

Custard Apple (per 100 grams)

• 19,2mg Vitaminc C
• 1,76g Protein
• 25g Carbs
• 2.4g Fiber
• 0,6g Fat
• 101 kcal

Soursop is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Soursop may also help lower blood pressure and improve digestive health.

Climatic Preferences:

Soursop trees are like sun-seekers; they really thrive in warm tropical climates. They love soaking up the sunshine and enjoy when the weather is consistently warm. Picture a soursop tree basking in the tropical sun, with its leaves happily reaching for the rays. So, if you’re in a place with lots of warmth and sunshine, that’s the perfect spot for a soursop tree to call home.

Now, custard apple trees are a bit more easygoing when it comes to climate. They are known for being adaptable, which means they can be happy in different weather conditions. While they do well in warm and tropical climates like soursop, custard apple trees are also comfortable in subtropical regions. They’re like the cool friends who can hang out in various places and still be content. So, if you’re in a subtropical area, custard apple trees might just be the perfect companions for your orchard.

Cultivation Characteristics:

Soursop trees are like friendly giants in the orchard. They have a large and spreading nature, with branches that reach out in different directions. Picture a tree with wide arms, providing a generous amount of shade underneath. The big and open structure of soursop trees means they need some space to stretch out comfortably. When planning where to plant them, it’s good to give them enough room to grow their branches freely.

On the other hand, custard apple trees are a bit more compact. They don’t spread out as much as soursop trees do. Instead, custard apple trees have a more cozy and condensed growth pattern. They’re like the friendly neighbors in the orchard, fitting into spaces a bit more snugly. This compact nature makes custard apple trees a good choice for orchards where space might be a consideration.

Our Conclusion

So soursop and custard apple are two different tropical fruits that are often compared because of their similar appearance and taste. But now you know the main differences.
Whether you prefer soursop or custard apple, both are excellent choices for adding variety and nutrition to your diet.

So, if you’re looking for a new fruit to try, consider adding soursop or custard apple to your grocery list. You may just discover a new favorite!