Have you ever wondered: “What does soursop taste like?”. Though soursop is not a common fruit that appears everywhere, you can still see it in some desserts and drinks. But, is it really delicious that so many people fall in love with it?
You’ll find the answer right in this article. Not only that, but I’ve also included other crucial information about soursop as well. For example, there are some vital tricks so that you can always pick the best soursop.
So, if you are interested in gaining this knowledge, don’t hesitate any longer!
Have You Wondered How Soursop Tastes?
For this big question, many people have wrecked their heads for years. But here is a short answer for you.
- Flavor: Sweet and sour at the same time
- Texture and aroma: Creamy yet fibrous texture and strong floral fragrance
With this, you can briefly grab hold of soursop flavor. But, the detailed truth is still waiting for you right below!
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Short Overview About Soursop
Soursop, also known as graviola, may look intimidating to some people because of rough skin with spikes on the surface. However, if you slice it open, you’ll be overwhelmed with its beautiful white flesh inside, totally different from the green exterior.
Soursops’ appearance varies from heart-shaped to oval like mangoes. But no matter what shape, they all change color to yellow when ripe. Also, those thorns will also soften, so you don’t have to worry about being pricked by them.
Though no one knows for sure where exactly soursop comes from, you can find this fruit in tropical regions in America and the Caribbean. It’s also famous in various Asian countries like Indonesia, Cambodia, or the Philippines.
Its season often comes between May and July, but you can find soursop at any time of the year.
However, aside from those tropical areas, you will hardly find soursop growing elsewhere as it can’t handle low temperatures. If the temperature drops below 41°F, its leaves and small branches will get injured. The fruits also turn dry as well.
Besides eating, people also use soursop for various purposes. For example, many take the soursop leaves and make them into brewed tea. In Brazil, those leaves are believed to even cure cancer. (1)
You’ll be surprised by all these facts about soursop! Watch this video to know more:
Watch this video: Soursop Fruit | Fruity Fruit Taste Test
It’s Time To Reveal Soursop Flavor!
As you can see, soursop is well-loved all around the world despite its unattractive appearance. So, let’s find out whether soursop is so yummy that people can ignore its look.
You’ll Fall In Love With Soursop Taste Right At The First Bite
There are thousands of explanations on the internet about soursop flavor; each one is a bit different from the others. Why is that? That’s because soursop taste changes based on its ripeness level. It can be tangy at one time and sweet at another.
But overall, eating soursop is like eating various fruits at once. It has the sweetness of mangoes or bananas, accompanied by the signature tartness from lemons, pineapples, and berries. One bite, and these flavors will burst right in your mouth.
Soursop is delicious on its own already. Take one spoon to enjoy this toothsome flesh. Just be careful with the seeds inside. But if you don’t like raw soursop, you can freely make it into numerous dishes like smoothies, ice creams, syrups, etc.
Bonus Information: How About Soursop Leaves?
As I’ve written above, soursop leaves can be brewed into tea. So how do they taste?
Soursop leaf tea is a bit robust like green tea, with a hint of sweetness. So, most of the time, you’ll need to add other sweeteners to it, like sugar or honey. But if you favor strong-flavored tea, you can drink it as it is.
Another way to enjoy soursop leaf tea is using ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg for a warmer feeling, 100% recommended for a winter beverage.
Don’t Forget About Soursop Texture And Aroma!
Do you know that sometimes people compare soursop with custard apples? That’s because of its creamy, custard-like texture. You can even use your hand to scoop out the flesh easily.
However, soursop is not as soft as guava or mashed banana. It’s still full of fibers, making this fruit so juicy and exciting to eat.
Also, even before you get to taste soursop, prepare to be blown away with its fragrance. Right after you slice it open, you’ll experience a strong sweet, floral scent that you can’t mistake for other fruits.
The Best-Tasting Soursop Will Be Yours With These Tips
Just like other foods, soursop flavor depends on its quality. If you pick the premium ones, it can surely take you to heaven with its taste. But the crucial question is how. Well, that’s exactly the reason I wrote this part. Let’s take a look at those criteria.
Where To Buy
Soursop is a tropical fruit. So, if your place is in tropical climates, then lucky for you, finding a soursop is not so difficult.
However, for people who don’t stay in these regions, it may take some effort to find a decent soursop. Stay away from commercial supermarkets, you have better chances with international markets. Remember to search for it in the tropical fruits section.
Other places like Asian grocery stores or vendors in China can also sell soursop.
Appearance
As soursops change their color when they ripen, you should leave green soursops aside. Pick ones with a yellow tinge, those are already matured. One small note: You can touch the spines as well. If the soursop is still green, it’ll be hard and can prick your finger.
Also, the ripe skin will have a little give when softly you press it.
Storage
When you have earned premium soursop, you wouldn’t want to waste it with improper storage. The best way to maintain soursop’s quality is to store it in an airtight container and place it in your fridge. Normally, a mature soursop will last 4 days if refrigerated.
Two Best Ways To Enjoy Your Soursop
Now, you’ve had one of the best soursops in your hand. So, what should you do with it? Those who are unfamiliar with this fruit may have some trouble getting the best of its taste. But don’t worry, I have these suggestions for you already.
Eat It Raw
Yes, why not? Eating soursop right away is one of the best ways to enjoy its full flavor. You’ll get a mouthful of its unique sweetness.
Remember, don’t try to cut soursop flesh. Since it’s pretty stringy and fibrous, you can’t cut it even if you want. And make sure you pick out all the seeds as they taste so bitter and contain a bit of toxin as well.
Here are some tips for you to enjoy soursop to the fullest.
Watch this video: SourSop Fruit - How to Eat Soursop
Use It For Other Recipes
Not everyone loves the flavor of raw soursop. Some feel it is oversweet, whereas others think it too sour for their likings. If you are one of those people, don’t miss out on this part.
Since soursop’s texture is somewhat stringy, it doesn’t click well with salads. Soursop also goes better with desserts and beverages than savory recipes due to its creamy and sweet flavor. You’ll get to enjoy soursop’s enticing aroma and unique tropical taste.
To extract juice from the soursop, put its flesh on a cheesecloth and press down until the juice oozes out.
You’ll Love These Soursop Recipes Right At First Sight
Even when you know how people often cook soursop, this knowledge will go to waste if you don’t really make some dishes yourself. So, take out your cooking tools and prepare for these flavorful recipes below!
Soursop Smoothie
That’s right! On a hot day, nothing is better than a glass of soursop smoothie. Whether it’s just soursop with condensed milk and ice or other fruits included like coconut, this drink can relieve your thirst immediately.
Soursop Juice
Unlike soursop smoothies, which are only suitable for summer, you can enjoy this soursop juice at any time of the year. Nutmeg or almond milk are two of the most common components to enhance this juice’s flavor.
Make this soursop juice to relieve your throat!
Watch this video: Jamaica Soursop Juice
Soursop Ice Cream
If you don’t like soursop’s stringy texture, let’s make it into ice cream! Making soursop ice cream is simple and ten times tastier than those commercially-made that are full of artificial flavor. You can add some lime for a more refreshing feeling.
You don’t even need an ice cream maker to make this soursop ice cream!
Watch this video: Soursop Ice cream Without Ice Cream Maker
Soursop Sorbet
Isn’t sorbet similar to ice cream? Well, sorbet is actually a different dessert. The most significant gap between sorbet and ice cream is that sorbet doesn’t contain any dairy ingredients. So, sorbet is an ideal frozen dessert for people allergic to milk.
Soursop Vs. Jackfruit: Which Is The Winner?
I’ve seen many people mistaking these two fruits for each other. It’s hard to blame them since soursop and jackfruit look really alike in terms of appearance: Both have a green skin with spikes on the surface.
However, can you truly use them interchangeably? Let’s look at their differences before reaching the answer.
Flavor
Of course, when differentiating these two fruits, you need to look at their flavors first. Based on this article, you already know that soursop tastes both sweet and sour.
And though jackfruit’s flavor is also a combination of various tropical fruits, it’s more on the sweet side. It’s nearly impossible to find a tangy jackfruit. When unripe, this fruit tastes pretty mild.
Flesh Color
If you aren’t confident about your palate, you can just look at their flesh. Soursop’s flesh has a creamy white, whereas jackfruit is bright yellow when it’s ripe.
Smell
Here is another factor that sets soursop and jackfruit apart. Many people love soursop for its floral aroma. Then, the number of people avoiding jackfruit because of its smell is almost the same. Since jackfruit contains lots of sulfur, its scent is somewhat unappetizing.
Nutrients
For those who care about their health, this part is really vital. While soursop and jackfruit share the same amount of minerals, jackfruit is richer in vitamins than soursop, especially vitamin A, E, B1, and B6.
But vitamin C content is higher in soursop. Also, soursop doesn’t contain as many calories, fats, and carbs as jackfruit. So, you should look at your dietary requirements before choosing one of these two. (2)
For a quick review, you can use this chart below:
| Aspects | Soursop | Jackfruit |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Sweet and sour | Sweet |
| Flesh color | White | Yellow |
| Smell | Strong floral scent | A bit unpleasant scent |
| Nutrients | More vitamin C Less calories, fats, and carbs | More vitamin A, E, B1, and B6 |
Bonus Information: How About Other Fruits?
Aside from jackfruit, soursop also gets compared with several different fruits like: durian, sweetsop, etc. In order not to take too much time, I’ll make an overall comparison right here for you.
- Durian: Durian is more like jackfruit than soursop since it also has yellow flesh and an off-putting smell. However, its texture is somewhat as creamy as soursop.
- Sweetsop: While its texture and flavor is almost the same as soursop, sweetsop’s appearance is utterly different. This fruit is smaller than soursop and doesn’t have any spikes on its skin.
Knowing their differences makes it easier for you to choose the suitable soursop substitutes when needed.
Fantastic Health Benefits From Soursop
Let me tell you something: Not only is soursop delicious, but it is also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Other nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin B1,… appear in soursop as well. That’s why eating soursop can provide these health benefits below:
- Boost digestive health
- Prevent cancer, especially breast cancer
- Lower blood pressure
- Get rid of various kinds of bacteria (3)
FAQs
Don’t leave this article yet! There is still so much to know about soursop and its taste. With these commonly asked questions, I’ll reveal other information regarding this topic.
Is soursop skin edible?
No, it isn’t. Soursop skin is too tough to eat. Not to mention, all the spikes on the surface can hurt your mouth.
Is soursop bitter?
Most of the time, soursop will taste both tangy and sweet. However, if your soursop is somewhat bitter, this could mean it’s unripe and of low quality.
Should I eat soursop everyday?
Absolutely not. According to doctors, you should only consume at most ½ cup of soursop for a week, whether it’s eating pulps or drinking juice.
What happens if I eat too much soursop?
If you repeatedly eat soursop for a long time, it can harm your kidney or liver. That’s why people with kidney/liver issues should avoid soursop.
Can I pick soursop before it ripens?
Yes, you can. Soursop can still keep maturing for four or five days after harvest.
At what time should I drink soursop tea?
That depends on how much you drink it per day. If you consume only one cup per day, morning would be the most suitable time. In contrast, from two cups of tea, you’d better divide it throughout the day.
Why does my soursop turn black?
That’s because it’s affected by fungus. Once it happens, your soursop will either stop developing (if unripe) or start turning rotten (if matured).
Can I reuse my soursop leaves?
Absolutely yes, especially if your area doesn’t have many soursops or their leaves. But limit it to three or four times at most. And you’d better resteep those leaves 6-8 minutes after brewing the first time for the best result.
Are You Ready To Experience Soursop?
With all this information, I’m sure you want to try soursop right now. However, make sure you wait until your soursop turns 100% ripe before eating. This way, your fruit’ll taste tastier and it doesn’t release any harmful chemicals as well.
So, what do you think about this article? If you like it, feel free to share it with your relatives. And please write down all your ideas or issues about soursop in the comment section below.
References
- Anon, 2021. Soursop. Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soursop
- Anon, Soursop vs jackfruit – health impact and nutrition comparison. Food Struct. Available at: https://foodstruct.com/compare/soursop-vs-jackfruit
- Contributors, W.M.D.E., Soursop: Health benefits, nutrients per serving, preparation information and more. WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-soursop
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Contents
- Have You Wondered How Soursop Tastes?
- Short Overview About Soursop
- It’s Time To Reveal Soursop Flavor!
- You’ll Fall In Love With Soursop Taste Right At The First Bite
- Don’t Forget About Soursop Texture And Aroma!
- The Best-Tasting Soursop Will Be Yours With These Tips
- Where To Buy
- Appearance
- Storage
- Two Best Ways To Enjoy Your Soursop
- Eat It Raw
- Use It For Other Recipes
- You’ll Love These Soursop Recipes Right At First Sight
- Soursop Smoothie
- Soursop Juice
- Soursop Ice Cream
- Soursop Sorbet
- Soursop Vs. Jackfruit: Which Is The Winner?
- Flavor
- Flesh Color
- Smell
- Nutrients
- Bonus Information: How About Other Fruits?
- Fantastic Health Benefits From Soursop
- FAQs
- Are You Ready To Experience Soursop?
- References
FAQs
What do soursop taste like? ›
What Does Soursop taste like? Its name only describes part of this evolving flavor profile. Soursop in your mouth, moves through tastes, from tangy to sour to sweet, similar to pineapple. All the while, the strawberry-esqe aroma floods your nostrils.
What happens when you eat soursop? ›Soursop may provide antibacterial effects. One study found that an extract may be able to kill many different types of bacteria, including strains that cause gum disease and cavities. Another study found that soursop extracts may help to fight cholera and Staphylococcus bacteria.
Is soursop fruit safe to eat? ›Safety/Precautions:
The delicious fruit is safe to eat and nutritious, but the seeds are toxic and should not be consumed. Tea made from the leaves should be avoided during pregnancy.
Known as a tried-and-true “immunity booster,” soursop tea hails from the tropical regions of the Americas, as well as the Caribbean and parts of Africa. The fruit itself tastes similar to a mango or pineapple, but when its leaves are used to brew a tea, it embodies a muskier, less intense flavor.
What does soursop cure in the body? ›Practitioners of herbal medicine use soursop fruit and graviola tree leaves to treat stomach ailments, fever, parasitic infections, hypertension and rheumatism. It's used as a sedative, as well. But claims of the fruit's anti-cancer properties have attracted the most attention.
Does soursop clean you out? ›In addition, soursop's antiviral and anti-parasitic properties prevent intestinal worms and other parasites from infiltrating your GI tract. The fruit's juice serves as a diuretic, which cleanses the gastrointestinal tract and removes excess sodium that often causes bloating.
What happens if you eat soursop everyday? ›Believe it or not, it is possible to consume too much of this exotic fruit. Studies have shown that overdoing it with soursop, whether it's the fruit, drinking tea made from the leaves, or taking soursop supplements, can kill nerve cells and cause nervous system disorders similar to Parkinson's disease, Brissette says.
Who should not take soursop? ›...
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center advises that you don't consume soursop or soursop leaves if you:
- Are taking blood pressure medication2
- Are taking diabetes medication.
- If you are having any nuclear imaging studies performed2
Although more research on humans is needed, these findings suggest that soursop could be beneficial for those with diabetes when paired with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Summary: Some animal studies have found that soursop extract could significantly reduce blood sugar levels.
Does soursop fruit make you sleepy? ›The effectiveness of Soursop plant in enhancing sleep is not backed by enough scientific research but there is a lot of anecdotal material and lay writings in its support. Apart from being known to render perfect sleep, Soursop fruit offers other health benefits.
Can you take soursop on an empty stomach? ›
The juice of the fruit is diuretic and when it is taken on an empty stomach helps with hepatic illnesses.
Is soursop good for kidneys? ›Soursop supplementation did not affect kidney functions and serum potassium levels, yet could lower blood pressure and SUA levels after 12 weeks of treatment.
Does soursop lower blood pressure? ›Soursop (Annona muricata) is one plant that is traditionally used for maintaining health, as well as preventing and treating diseases. It can reduce blood pressure and uric acid and is beneficial for renal and cardiovascular functions.
Is soursop good for your liver? ›Popularly, soursop leaves are used to treat hypertension, inflammation, liver disease, cystitis, insomnia, headache, hyperglycemia, diabetes and parasitosis.
How long does it take for soursop to lower blood pressure? ›Results: The first group with treatment showed a significantly lowered mean systolic blood pressure after 7 weeks (p = 0.007), lowered mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 13 weeks (p = 0.00 and p = 0.026, respectively) compared to the second group without treatment.
Is soursop an antibiotic? ›The soursop is a natural antibiotic for the four strains of bacteria used. Data showed that the leaves were the most efficient part of the Annona Muricata plant for bacterial control.
Does soursop interact with medications? ›This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures.
Can you drink soursop everyday? ›Soursop is not safe for humans as a supplement or as a food or drink in large amounts. I recommend you avoid soursop supplements and tea. If you eat soursop pulp, desserts, or drink the juice, try limiting it to ½ cup a few days a week.
Is soursop good for bones? ›- Soursop contains phosphorus and calcium, which helps in maintaining strong bones and prevents osteoporosis.
Is soursop a laxative? ›Generally, it is known that soursop has a broad spectrum antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, astringent, cardio tonic, diuretic, emetic, galactagogue, immunity boosting, laxative, liver tonic, sedative and activities.
How long can you take soursop? ›
As the potency of soursop leaves is a little stronger than other conventional teas, it's recommended to take a break of at least ten days after daily consumption up to thirty days. Soursop leaves are extremely beneficial to treat different health conditions like high fever and breathing difficulties.
Does soursop make you gain weight? ›Soursop leaves contain natural minerals which can bind fat and calories. It helps the body to derive out all the components that prevent weight loss.
Is soursop good for your heart? ›Soursop is also high in antioxidants, substances that protect cells from damage. Antioxidant-rich diets may help protect against diseases like heart disease or cancer.
Is soursop banned by the FDA? ›The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not approve soursop or agree with any claims that it can treat conditions such as cancer. There are also reports of safety issues associated with cytotoxic drugs, such as hair loss and immune system suppression.
What is the safest fruit for a diabetic? ›- berries — Both citrus and berries are recommended as superfoods by the American Diabetes Association.
- cherries.
- plums.
- grapefruit.
- peaches.
- apples — High fiber fruits like apples and pears help to slow a spike in blood sugar, Rose says.
- pears.
- kiwi.
Diabetics should avoid fruits with a high GI or eat them in moderation so that their blood sugar levels do not spike abruptly. Pineapple, watermelon, mango, lychee, and banana have a high GI, so these are the worst fruits if you are diabetic.
What is the best way to consume soursop? ›If you want to eat it raw, it's best to simply cut your soursop in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon (you'll have to work around the seeds or spit them out as you go). Because of its stringy texture, soursop is going to be difficult to cut up into cubes, hence the need to scoop it out with a spoon.
Is soursop good at night? ›In the West Indies, soursop leaves are commonly used as a calming agent. In the Netherlands Antilles, the leaves are brewed to make a beverage that enhances sleep. The leaves can also be put into one's pillowcase to enhance sleep.
Is soursop good for pain? ›Graviola, also known as soursop or Brazilian paw paw, is a small evergreen tree. Native to tropical areas of Central and South America, it serves as a dietary supplement that people use to treat many conditions. Graviola is gaining popularity as a natural remedy for viruses, pain relief, and even some types of cancer.
Is soursop high in sugar? ›Fats. Although soursop's sugar content is high, the fruit is very low in fat and also keeps a two-to-one ratio of good (unsaturated) to bad (saturated) fats.
Is soursop good for infections? ›
It also has a rich list of antimicrobial qualities, which can help fight infections. Soursop contains compounds such as dihydrochalcone and chrysin, which have antimicrobial properties. These compounds can kill a wide variety of bacteria and fungi, including Legionella pneumophila and Candida albicans.
Is soursop good for high cholesterol? ›Soursop fruit is also a great source of Phytosterols, which helps reduce blood cholesterol levels; tannins, a source of antimicrobial effects and Flavonoids, which help regulate cellular activity and fight against free radicals.
What fruit can clean your liver? ›Citrus Fruits: Fruits like grapefruit, oranges, limes and lemons all boost the liver's cleansing ability. Even consumed in small amounts (we know some of these can be tart!), citrus fruits help the liver to produce the detoxifying enzymes that flush out pollutants.
Should I drink soursop tea hot or cold? ›Your fresh soursop leaf tea is ready to be consumed. You may drink it hot or cold. Some people add milk to give it a more traditional tea taste, but the choice is yours.
Can you eat raw soursop? ›Soursop is typically eaten raw by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the flesh. Fruits range in size and can be quite large, so it may be best to divide it into a few portions. A typical serving of this fruit is low in calories yet high in several nutrients like fiber and vitamin C.
Who should not drink soursop? ›Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center advises that you don't consume soursop or soursop leaves if you: Are taking blood pressure medication2 Are taking diabetes medication.
What happens if you drink soursop everyday? ›Believe it or not, it is possible to consume too much of this exotic fruit. Studies have shown that overdoing it with soursop, whether it's the fruit, drinking tea made from the leaves, or taking soursop supplements, can kill nerve cells and cause nervous system disorders similar to Parkinson's disease, Brissette says.
Can soursop damage nerves? ›Side effects
It may cause nerve changes and movement disorders. The nerve changes may cause symptoms like Parkinson's disease. Laboratory research has found that some substances in graviola can cause nerve damage. It crosses into the brain from the bloodstream.
In the West Indies, soursop leaves are commonly used as a calming agent. In the Netherlands Antilles, the leaves are brewed to make a beverage that enhances sleep. The leaves can also be put into one's pillowcase to enhance sleep.
Does soursop affect blood pressure? ›Soursop (Annona muricata) is one plant that is traditionally used for maintaining health, as well as preventing and treating diseases. It can reduce blood pressure and uric acid and is beneficial for renal and cardiovascular functions.
Is soursop good for liver? ›
Rich in soluble fiber, antioxidants like vitamin C and beneficial anticancer phytochemicals, the benefits of soursop are believed to help your liver detoxify and support immune function.
Is soursop an anti inflammatory? ›Plants with phenolic compounds are known to improve venous tone and anti-inflammation. Soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) known contain phenolic compounds and have been used to cure inflammation.