2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The sugar apple / Annona squamosa / belongs to the family Annonaceae. Its exact place of origin is unknown. Although previously thought to have come from India, today it is thought to be of Central American descent. Sugar apple cultivation is now most common in Brazil and India, where it is one of the most important fruit crops.
Sugar apple is a low-growing tree or large shrub that reaches 3-7 m in height. It has a scattered or open crown formed by branches that grow in an irregular shape.
The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical and 5-11 cm long, 2-5 cm wide. They are dark green at the top and light green at the bottom.
Sugar apple blossoms are fragrant. They have a green tint on the outside and a cream color on the inside. They have six petals.
The fruits are oval, between 5 and 12 cm in diameter, yellowish. Their pulp is white or yellowish, with many seeds. They are sweet, fragrant.
Growing a Sugar Apple
The sugar apple can be grown in a pot like some citrus, but requires regular pruning.
The sugar apple tree begins to produce fruit at the age of 3-4 years and decreases after 12-15 years. Medium-aged tree produces between 100-180 fruits per year.
Fruits do not ripen at the same time and the collection time may vary. An indication of ripening is the change in color of the seeds, which change from light brown to almost black in the mature phase. The fruits of the sugar apple are very delicate and must be picked very carefully.
Composition of Sugar Apple
The fruits are consumed mainly fresh, as they have a rich and sweet taste. They are very tasty, nutritious, rich in sugar, protein, iron, potassium and phosphorus. Sugar apple is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Sugar apple in cooking
The fruits are used in pastries, juices, sorbets, desserts, wine and ice cream. Sugar apple can also be used in recipes for smoothies, baked fruits, homemade jellies, shakes, fruit salad and more.
Benefits of Apple Sugar
The sugar apple is rich of vitamin C, which helps neutralize free radicals in the body. The content of vitamin A in the fruit makes your skin and hair healthy.
Magnesium, which is found in apple puree, helps protect the heart from cardiovascular disease and muscle relaxation.
The sugar apple balances the water balance in the body. Relieves the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. Improves digestion and fights constipation effectively.
Potassium, which is contained in it, normalizes blood pressure and fights muscle weakness.
The fruits can be consumed on their own or in the form of shakes, smoothies, desserts and ice cream. In addition, this delicious fruit is an excellent alternative to dairy products, making it ideal for those who are allergic to dairy products, as it provides the same nutrition. If you suffer from lactose intolerance, you can use the sugar apple as a substitute for dairy products. We must admit that in recent years, alternatives to animal products have become very popular. Some people, such as vegetarians and vegans, choose to give them up because of their compassion for animals and their unwillingness to exploit them for milk. But others are stopping animal products for health reasons. Whatever your reason for giving them up, know that the sugar apple can be very helpful in this regard. It is delicious and can be used in a wide range of dessert recipes.
Here are some of the most famous benefits of sugar apple:
1. Strengthens hair and skin
Thanks to the high levels of vitamin A, the sugar apple is a great tool in the fight for healthy skin, strong hair and better vision. It plays a role in moisturizing and slows down aging. The creamy part of the fruit or pulp can be used as a balm to treat boils and ulcers. The outer shell of the sugar apple is useful in the fight against caries and gum pain, according to Stylecraze.
2. Helps maintain a healthy weight
The delicious ones sugar apples are useful for those who need to gain weight because they are overweight. Remember that both being overweight and being underweight is not good for your overall condition. In the latter case, the sugar apple can be very useful. A mixture of sugar apple, honey and egg custard (when consumed regularly) will help add the necessary weight and those much needed calories. All this will happen in a healthy way. Of course, you can gain weight quickly if you overdo it with fried chicken, delicious pizza, pasta, but it will hurt your figure.
3. Sugar apple is useful for pregnant women
Apple cream helps the effective development of the brain, nervous system and immune system of the fetus. Regular consumption of sugar apple cream also reduces the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy and minimizes the degree of pain at birth. The fetus also helps the expectant mother to cope with morning sickness, tingling and mood swings. The regular consumption of sugar apple during pregnancy is excellent for milk production.
4. Useful fruit for asthma
Apple cream is rich in vitamin B6, which helps reduce bronchial inflammation and helps prevent asthma attacks.
5. Sugar apple reduces the risk of heart attack
The magnesium content in apple cream helps protect the heart from heart attacks and can help relax muscles. Moreover, the vitamin B6 in apple cream helps prevent the accumulation of homocysteine, which also minimizes the risk of heart disease.
6. Supports digestion
Sugar apple cream is rich in honey and dietary fiber, which help digestion, help relieve bowel movements and prevent constipation. Sugar apple puree can be consumed with water and thus will help cure diarrhea.
7. Excellent for diabetics
Having sugar apple cream for diabetes is considered very effective. The abundance of dietary fiber in sugar apple cream helps to slow down the absorption of sugar and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
8. Controls blood pressure
Sugar apples are good sources of potassium and magnesium, which help control blood pressure levels. For those with variable blood pressure levels, sugar apples are a good solution.
9. Reduces cholesterol
Sugar apples contain high levels of niacin and dietary fiber, which help to effectively lower cholesterol levels.
10. Sugar apples are useful in anemia
Sugar apples serve as a stimulant, coolant, expectorant. In addition, they are a rich source of iron and are very useful in the treatment of anemia. Of course, to fully deal with the problem, you must rely on a special diet for anemia.
Sugar apple during pregnancy
The sugar apple is rich in honey. This is useful for pregnant women as they need about 1000 micrograms of honey every day. Therefore, consuming these apples during pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and child.
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