Custard Apple is a sweet fruit, which is widely grown across the world. The fruit is compound in nature, measuring 3¼ to 6½ inches (8-16 cm) in diameter. The shape of the fruit may be symmetrically heart-shaped, lopsided, or irregular. It may be nearly round or oblate, with a deep or shallow depression at the base. The skin or covering of custard apple is thin but tough, which is usually yellow or brownish when ripe. Beneath the thin covering, a thick, cream-white layer of custard like, granular, flesh is present, which surrounds seeds. The flavor of the fruit is sweet and agreeable. Besides, custard apple has many health and nutritional benefits. Given below is the nutrition value of the fruit.
Nutritional Value of Custard Apple
Given below is nutritional value per 100 gm of custard apple
- Thiamine (B1) - 0.05 to 0.08 mg
- Vitamin A -1 mg
- Riboflavin (B2) - 0.08 to 0.1 mg
- Natural Sugar - 14 to 18 gm
- Niacin (B3) - 0.5 to 0.8 mg
- Carbohydrate - 23.71 gm
- Iron - 0.7mg
- Total Acidity - 0.4 mg
- Energy - 76 to 96 cal (310 to 420 kJ)
- Protein - 1 to 4.3 gm
- Zinc - 0.2 to 2.7mg
- Magnesium - 32 to 88 mg
- Copper - 2.4mg
- Potassium - 250 to 578 mg
- Sodium - 4 to 14 mg
- Calcium - 17 to 22 mg
- Vitamin C - 22 to 43 mg
- Fibre - 1 to 3.2 g
- Total Soluble Solids (Brix) - 22.3%
Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Custard Apple
- Custard apple is a storehouse of Vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant and helps in neutralizing free radicals.
- Vitamin A present in the fruit is good for hair, eyes and healthy skin.
- Custard apple contains magnesium, which plays vital role in relaxing muscles and protecting heart against diseases.
- Potassium and Vitamin B6 are also present in custard apple.
- Copper is yet another useful ingredient of custard apple.
- It is a rich source of dietary fiber, which helps in digestion.
- As it contains low fat levels, it is good for maintaining optimum health.
- The paste of the flesh of the fruit can be used for local application on ulcers, abscesses and boils.
- The fruit, in its unripe form, can be dried, crushed and used for treating diarrhea and dysentery.
- Custard apple serves as an expectorant, stimulant, coolant and haematinic and is even useful in treating anemia.
- The seeds of the fruit have insecticidal and abortifacient properties.
hi elizabeth.. we have this custard apple locally in malaysia, but not as many as it used to be. thanks for the health info, this fruit is highly nutritious and also very tasty
do visit my blog, would love to read a comment from you too. have a nice day
i love the taste of custard apple. this blog is really fun to read, lots of helpful information. thanks for posting.