Soursop
முள்ளாத்தா Corossol
Tamil name | Mullatha முள்ளாத்தா or Mullu Seetha | முள் சீதா
Botanical name | Annona muricata
Other names | Graviola, Guanabana, Brazilian Pawpaw, Guyabano
Despite its delicious flavour and numerous health benefits, the soursop tree is not widely grown in our area. However, it can be found in some Auroville gardens as well as on farms like AuroOrchard, Discipline, Terrasoul, Integral Harmony and Solitude where it has been cultivated for several years. If you have any insights about its history in Auroville, we would love to hear from you!
Season
The best season:
Best planting time is during the monsoon season (October-November). Tree reaches fruit-bearing maturity in about 3–5 years (less time when grafted) depending on care, and soil.
After flowering, it takes 4–5 months for the fruits to mature and ripen. The tree can produce 1–3 harvests per year in ideal tropical conditions.
Ripe fruits are harvested between May and July.
Grow & Harvest
How to grow in your garden:
Soil, sun and water:
This tree is growing easily in most types of Auroville soils, it requires full sun for optimal growth and extra watering during summer.
Planting:
- @AuroOrchard has a nursery where you can get saplings and seedlings.
- Or try to grow from a seed. Some guidance here:
Harvest:
Soursop fruits are ready to harvest when they are slightly soft to the touch and their green colour has lightened. Typically, this occurs 4-5 months after flowering. The main harvest time is from May to July
Insects that love soursop
Common pests include fruit flies, scale insects, and mealybugs. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for organic pest control. Regularly check for infestations.
Store & Preserve
Best ways to store and preserve:
Storage before cutting:
If the soursop isn’t fully ripe, leave it at room temperature for a couple of days to ripen. To speed up the ripening process, you can wrap it in a newspaper or together with a banana.
Refrigeration:
Once the fruit is ripe, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cutting open. This helps to slow down further ripening and prevents spoilage.
Freezing:
Peel and deseed the fruit, cut into pieces, and store in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for several months.
Prepare & Eat
How to prepare and eat soursop?
Selecting the fruit:
Appearance: Soursop has a spiky green skin, sometimes with a slight yellowish hue when ripe.
Firmness: Choose fruits that are slightly soft to the touch. If the fruit is too hard, it isn’t ripe yet; if it’s too mushy, it may be overripe.
Size: Soursop varies in size; select one that feels heavy for its size, indicating it is juicy and fresh.
Taste and texture:
The flesh of soursop is creamy and fibrous with a sweet, tangy flavour reminiscent of a combination of strawberry, pineapple, and citrus fruits.
Wash and cut:
Rinse the fruit to remove any dirt. Place the fruit on a cutting board and cut it lengthwise into halves or quarters. The pulp contains numerous black seeds. Take out the seeds using a spoon or your fingers. Scoop out the white, creamy flesh from the skin. Avoid the fibrous core.
Serving suggestions:
Fresh soursop pulp can be enjoyed on its own or blended into juices and smoothies. It pairs well with other tropical fruits like banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut.
Health
Nutritional Values and Ayurvedic properties
Nutritional Values: Rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fibre.
Ayurvedic Properties: Known for its cooling properties. Used to alleviate conditions like fever, dysentery, and inflammation. Believed to boost immunity and improve digestion.
Traditional herbal medicine: The soursop leaves can be used for tea, it is said to be good for anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, help relax and promote sleep, support blood sugar regulation and blood pressure.
While traditional use is widespread, scientific studies are still limited, and high doses may carry side effects (e.g., neurotoxicity in some animal studies). It’s always best to consume in moderation and consult a healthcare provider if using regularly.
