A Custard apple tree – is it a custard, an apple, or what? Read on to find out.
Custard Apple Tree Origins
Believed to have originated from the West Indies (now commonly called the Caribbean), the Custard apple tree has found its way to other parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Although some grow in the wild, many are found in farms and are cultivated mainly for their fruit.
Custard Apple Tree – Unusual in Looks
The Custard apple tree and its fruit do not resemble an apple tree and an apple fruit at all. It does not require chill to grow, unlike a usual apple tree. A Custard apple tree actually grows in a tropical or semi-tropical climate. The standard tree reaches a height of up to 35 feet with leaves having a peculiar odor.
Custard apple tree
The fruit of the Custard apple tree looks somewhat a bit extraordinary. It lacks the smoothness and luster you may find in an apple. The shapes and color of the fruit vary. Some can be round, others heart-shaped, and still there are some without an even shape. Fruits are usually green and turn to either yellow or purple when ripe. On some varieties, it somewhat resembles a traditional hand grenade. See the picture below of a green-colored custard apple hanging from a branch.
Custard Apple Tree – Nature’s custard
What the appearance may lack in allure it certainly makes up for it through its taste. Try to tear open a Custard apple. You will discover that its flesh is soft, creamy, and sweet – hence the name Custard apple. Best eaten when fresh, it somewhat reminds you of custard when it is tasted. A drawback, though, of the fruit is the unusual number of dark-brown seeds you will find within. Many find this to be annoying when eating the fruit.
Well, the Custard apple tree, it seems, wants to ensure its survival through its seeds. It need not worry, really. With trees growing in the wild and those cultivated for production, this tree is unlikely to make it to the endangered species list.
The fruits of a Custard apple tree are not known to have a long shelf life so it is recommended to purchase them in smaller amounts and only do so when needed. When examining your purchase, refrain from getting small and dark green fruits as these are immature and are not supposed to have been harvested. In case you want to ripen your purchase, the recommended temperature for storage is between 18 to 24 C.
Custard apple tree – Unusual Facts
An interesting fact to note about the Custard apple tree is that the sap from its trunk and branches are eye irritants. Many have fallen victim to its sap which is why pruning this tree ought to be tackled with extreme care.
In some areas of the world, some of the parts of the Custard apple tree are used as traditional remedies for common ailments. For instance, dried fruit is used to alleviate stomach ailments like diarrhea.
So, is it custard or apple? It is both. The Custard apple tree is custard to the palate and an apple of the eye for those who love it.