What Is the Difference Between Sugar Apple and Custard Apple? Key Cultivation Techniques Explained

The sugar apple (Annona squamosa) is a fairly typical tropical fruit, and it is cultivated on a large scale in Zhejiang, Taiwan, China, Guangdong, Guangxi and other regions of our country. Although its cultivation history in our country is already quite long, the sugar apple's place of origin is actually tropical America. With the advancement of human learning ability, sugar apples are now cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the world. So what are the differences between sugar apple and custard apple? Do you understand the cultivation techniques?

I. Differences Between Sugar Apple and Custard Apple

Many friends are somewhat confused about sugar apple and custard apple, because of the difference in names, everyone mistakenly thinks these are two fruits being compared.

1. The sugar apple is the custard apple; custard apple is the common name we use, and its scientific name is Annona squamosa. In many tropical regions people have always called it custard apple, and over time this has created a misunderstanding, making people think these are two kinds of fruit.

2. Whether you call it sugar apple or custard apple, the taste is the same: the outer skin is emerald green, the flesh is milky white, and it is mildly sweet and pleasant. Because of its unusual shape, the little bumps all over its surface attract a lot of attention.

II. Sugar Apple Cultivation Techniques

If you want to grow sugar apples well, it is very necessary to study and sum up the cultivation techniques in advance. Here the editor has summarised the main key points for friends who need them:

1. Light

Although the sugar apple is a tropical fruit and loves sunlight, it is also fairly shade-tolerant and its leaves are thick. During the early stage of the sugar apple's development, plenty of exposure to sunlight can improve the quality and sweetness of the fruit and is also very helpful for growth.

2. Temperature

Because the sugar apple grows in tropical regions, the temperature there is naturally very high, but the most suitable temperature is generally around 24-31°C. If the temperature is too high for a long time, it will cause the plant to lack water and dry out. In winter the temperature in tropical regions is not especially low, which is very friendly for tropical fruits. Especially under suitable temperature conditions in winter, it can also speed up leaf drop and the sprouting of new tender buds. During the fruit's ripening period, it is recommended that the temperature not be too low or too high; maintain a suitable temperature to avoid the fruit ripening too early or rotting due to high temperatures.

3. Water

The sugar apple is not a fruit that likes water; it is quite sensitive to water quantity, and if it is flooded it will be affected immediately, causing problems such as leaf drop or fruit that is not sweet. However, flowering and early fruit setting are very important irrigation periods; during this time remember to water, and do not delay the growth rate.

4. Soil

The sugar apple is not strict about soil and has fairly strong adaptability. If you want good quality, it is recommended to use sandy soil or sandy loam. Sandy soil and sandy loam have good drainage performance, and can meet higher standards for fertilising and irrigating sugar apples.

That is all for today's introduction to the sugar apple. Many fruit shops do not carry this fruit, so if you like it, it is recommended to buy it at large chain supermarkets or online.