(Annona muricata)
Soursop (Annona muricata) is a relative of Cherimoya. Soursop trees average about 15 - 20 feet in height here in Florida. The fruit is the largest of the annonas and can weigh more than 5 pounds. The fruit is considered to be one of the finest for making sherbets because of its delicious flavor. Some people describe the flavor as a blend of pineapple and mango. This tree is propagated by seed and occasionally grafted varieties are available.
Trees propagated from seed produce fruit in about three years. One of the best varieties is called Fibreless Cuban. The tree is also called Guanabana and also known as Graviola in Jamaica.
Soursop can be grown in South Florida but young trees must be protected from the cold. Trees experience leaf damage and leaf drop at temperatures near
40-42 degrees and they will not tolerate freezing! Plant near the south side of a property and provide some additional wind protection.
Many studies are being conducted on using the extracts of Soursop to treat cancer and other less serious health issues. Some people swear it's a miraculous fruit!
Caution:
Seeds can be toxic don't eat them or blend them into shakes or smoothies.
Trees propagated from seed produce fruit in about three years. One of the best varieties is called Fibreless Cuban. The tree is also called Guanabana and also known as Graviola in Jamaica.
Soursop can be grown in South Florida but young trees must be protected from the cold. Trees experience leaf damage and leaf drop at temperatures near
40-42 degrees and they will not tolerate freezing! Plant near the south side of a property and provide some additional wind protection.
Many studies are being conducted on using the extracts of Soursop to treat cancer and other less serious health issues. Some people swear it's a miraculous fruit!
Caution:
Seeds can be toxic don't eat them or blend them into shakes or smoothies.
Tip: A mature Soursop is ready to harvest when the soft pliable spines are set far apart and the green shiny color breaks to a slight yellow. Some fruits turn a dark purple when left on a kitchen counter for a few extra days. Each fruit will mature on the tree at different times. Cut off and leave a piece of the stem on the fruit until ready to eat. They are great chilled and in shakes.
