Sugar apple (annona squamosa)

Sugar apple, also known as Annona squamosa, is a tropical fruit that is highly valued for its health benefits and medicinal uses in many Asian and South American countries. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants.

According to a source, sugar apple is an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which helps to minimize the risk of asthma attacks.

Another source suggests that sugar apples can be added to the diet to deal with breathing problems associated with inflamed bronchial tubes.

However, it’s important to note that while sugar apple may have potential health benefits, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

The potential health benefits of sugar apples:

Improving skin health: Sugar apple is loaded with antioxidants that can protect the skin cells from damage, thereby making your skin shinier ¹.
Reducing blood sugar levels: Despite its name and sweet taste, eating sugar apples can help reduce blood sugar in the body.
Regulating blood pressure: The potassium and magnesium in the fruit can help regulate your blood pressure.
Reducing bad cholesterol levels: Sugar apples may help control cholesterol.
Promoting good digestion: Sugar apple contains dietary fibre that helps to promote good digestion.
Preventing anaemia: Sugar apple is a good source of iron, which helps to prevent anaemia.
Containing antioxidants: Sugar apple contains phytochemicals and antioxidants that help to protect against oxidative stress.
Preventing asthma: Sugar apple can be added to the diet for dealing with breathing problems associated with inflamed bronchial tubes

Here are some ways to use sugar apples:

Eating it raw: Sugar apple can be eaten raw by cutting it open and scooping out the flesh with a spoon. The flesh can be eaten as is or mixed with other fruits to make a fruit salad.
Making juice: Sugar apple can be blended with water to make a refreshing juice. You can add sugar or honey to sweeten the juice if desired.
Making smoothies: Sugar apples can be blended with other fruits and yoghurt to make a delicious smoothie.
Making ice cream: Sugar apple can be used to make ice cream by blending the flesh with cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Making desserts: Sugar apples can be used to make desserts such as pies, tarts, and custards.

Some ways to cultivate sugar apples:

Growing from seed: Sugar apples can be grown from seed. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them in a well-draining soil mixture of peat moss, perlite, and native soil. The seeds should be planted 2-3 cm deep and spaced 1.5 cm apart. The plants should germinate within 30 days.
Growing from cuttings: Sugar apple can also be propagated from cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy sugar apple tree and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture of peat moss, perlite, and native soil.
Providing the right environment: Sugar apple trees require a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight to thrive. They grow best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11
Watering: Sugar apple trees require regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot.
Fertilizing: Sugar apple trees benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.

The video below explains how to use sugar apple to treat Asthma