MARCEL MBAMALUTucked away in the Annonaceae family, alongside cherimoya and sugar apple, lies the enchanting custard apple, also known as soursop (Annona muricata). Native to the West Indies and Mexico, this tropical treasure has been cultivated in Africa since the 17th century, where it thrives as a dooryard fruit tree in South Africa.
At first glance, the custard apple’s dark green, oblong-shaped exterior, adorned with shiny spines, may seem intimidating. However, beneath its prickly skin lies a creamy, sweet, and nutritious pulp, perfect for adding a unique twist to desserts and drinks. With its flavor often likened to a combination of pineapple and strawberry, it’s no wonder this fruit is a favorite among fruit enthusiasts.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBeyond its culinary appeal, the custard apple boasts an impressive array of benefits. For those with dairy allergies or intolerances, this fruit offers a delicious and nutritious alternative, with a similar creamy texture and nutritional profile.
The leaves of the custard apple tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in subtropical countries like India, Malaysia, and Vietnam. They’re employed to treat a range of ailments, from fever and dysentery to cardiac issues and worm infections.
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Recent studies have shed light on the custard apple’s impressive medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antidiarrheal, and antitumor activities. These properties make it an exciting prospect for combating chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
While some parts of the fruit are inedible, the custard apple’s unique combination of culinary and medicinal benefits makes it an excellent addition to any fruit tree collection. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, cultivating a custard apple tree can be a rewarding experience, providing you with a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious fruit, as well as a natural source of medicine.
Dr Mbamalu, a Jefferson Journalism Fellow, Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Media/Communications Consultant, is the Publisher of Prime Business Africa (PBA).
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a communication scholar, journalist and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is the Chief Executive Officer Newstide Publications, the publishers of Prime Business Africa.
A seasoned journalist, he horned his journalism skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of News Editor at the flagship of the Nigerian press. He has garnered multidisciplinary experience in marketing communication, public relations and media research, helping clients to deliver bespoke campaigns within Nigeria and across Africa.
He has built an expansive network in the media and has served as a media trainer for World Health Organisation (WHO) at various times in Northeast Nigeria. He has attended numerous media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and Reuters/AfDB training on Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development of Africa.
A versatile media expert, he won the Jefferson Fellowship in 2023 as the sole Africa representative on the program. Dr Mbamalu was part of a global media team that covered the 2020 United State’s Presidential election. As Africa's sole representative in the 2023 Jefferson Fellowships, Dr Mbamalu was selected to tour the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) as part of a 12-man global team of journalists on a travel grant to report on inclusion, income gaps and migration issues between the US and Asia.
