When is the ripening time of sugar apple?
Sugar apple is a tropical fruit, also known as custard apple, Laiqiu fruit, Buddha head fruit, etc. The fruit is similar in size to a pomegranate, and the ripe fruit is pale green-yellow. Because of its shape characteristics, its surface is covered with polygonal, finger-sized soft wart-like protrusions. It is sweet and delicious when eaten fresh, with excellent flavor, and has extremely high edible value. Now let us take a look at when sugar apple ripens!
When does sugar apple ripen?
The flowering period of sugar apple is from May to June, and the ripening period is from June to November. It is native to tropical America and was first introduced by the Dutch. According to the “custard apple” poem by Shen Guangwen of the Ming Dynasty, it can be proven that it was introduced no later than the Ming Zheng period and was planted in the Tainan area, then spread to central and southern Taiwan, China, but only planted in small areas. It is also planted in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan, Fujian and other places.
How do you best choose sugar apple?
1. The color of fresh sugar apple is generally not very bright. If the head of the sugar apple is relatively pointed and the “nails” on the skin are relatively dense, it means the sugar apple is not ripe enough; otherwise, it is a ripe sugar apple.
2. When purchasing, choose sugar apples with large fruit, large scales, and round shape. If you do not need to eat them immediately after buying, choose ones that are slightly harder. If the protrusions on the skin are worn, it does not matter much for eating, because what you eat is the flesh inside. If you want to eat them immediately, you can choose ones with small cracks and softer texture; this kind is ripe sugar apple.
3. When choosing, you can first gently squeeze it in your hand. A good sugar apple should feel firm and elastic. If the areoles on the shell of the sugar apple are flat and the suture line is obvious, the taste will definitely be very sweet.
Efficacy and effects of sugar apple
1. Delaying skin aging: Custard apple is rich in vitamin C and has the effect of lowering blood sugar. It is the best antioxidant fruit and can effectively delay skin aging and whiten the skin.
2. Promoting bowel movements: Custard apple has a high fiber content and can effectively promote intestinal peristalsis and expel accumulated stool stored in the intestines.
3. Lowering blood sugar: Custard apple has the effect of activating brain cells and lowering blood sugar. It is often used abroad to treat brain atrophy and diabetes. Diabetic patients who regularly eat custard apple experience an obvious auxiliary dietary therapeutic effect in reducing symptoms.
4. Anti-cancer: Since 1970, experts have conducted more than 20 studies on custard apple. The research results show that the extract of custard apple can effectively fight malignant cells of 12 types of cancer, including colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, etc. At the same time, custard apple also has antifungal and antiparasitic effects. In addition, it can help regulate blood pressure and is also an antidepressant and a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
5. Promoting children's growth and development: Custard apple fruit is a food with very balanced nutrition, containing rich carbohydrates, protein, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, flavonoids and crude fiber arginine. Acid can promote insulin production and secretion and enhance the immune function of cells. Lysine is an amino acid for the regeneration of brain nerve cells. Arginine can stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone, can promote the synthesis of collagen tissue, and has an effect on promoting children's growth.
6. Maintaining neuromuscular excitability: Custard apple fruit contains a variety of mineral elements. The contents of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc are all high, and potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium maintain a certain ratio, which can promote muscle contraction and maintain neuromuscular excitability.