ANNONA SQUAMOSA – Sugar Apple

The fruit is a greenish-yellow heart shape, round, hanging on a thickened stem; The fruit is small in size ranging from 5 to 10 cm in diameter with many round protuberances covered by a dusty bloom. The fruits are formed by vaguely coherent or almost free carpels (the ripened pistils). The pulp is white dyed, edible and sweetly aromatic. Each carpel contains an oblong, shiny and smooth seed, from dark brown to black, from 1.3 centimeters to 1.6 centimeters.

The scaly is a product of plant origin that includes the VII group of foods; The other foods in this group are ascorbic acid.

In addition to nutritional properties, cherimoya is distinguished by an important phytotherapeutic feature, namely the presence of annonacin (acetogenin), a polyphenol. This molecule is known for its antioxidant and antitumor capacity; however, it is suspected of being responsible for atypical parkinsonian forms observed in Guadeloupe (probably, following chronic and significant exposure).

It is native to tropical areas, but at altitudes above 1000 m (Andean highlands of Ecuador and Peru), therefore it grows well even in subtropical and warm temperate climates. The optimal temperatures for anona development are 18-25 ° C in summer and not less than 5 ° C in winter, while if they fall below zero the plant is affected by serious damage; it is also sensitive to frosts. In fact of soil it is preferable a rich, deep and fresh, slightly humid substrate but since it is an adaptable plant, it also grows on clayey and calcareous soils, provided they are well drained. The position must be in full sun.