Fruits in the World: Annona Fruit Species and Varieties

Annona Fruit Species and Varieties

Cherimoya

Annona is a genus of tropical fruit trees belonging to the family Annonaceae. There are approximately 119 species. Seven species and one hybrid are grown for domestic or commercial use. Commonly Annona fruits are heart-shaped or round, and measure between 5 and 15 centimeters in diameter. They are compound fruits, like pineapples, with knobby segments covered in a thin skin most often covered in a light, silvery bloom. Most fruits segments will contain a hard, oblong, black seed that is inedible. A few seedless cultivars exist, but they tend to be of lesser quality. The creamy white pulp is aromatic and has a succulent, custard-like consistency, with a sweet, tropical flavour.

Annona is a genus of flowering plants in the pawpaw, sugar apple family. It has several common names, including Guanabana, and Soursop. One fleshy, ovate to spherical fruit is produced per flower. Each fruit consists of many individual small fruits or syncarps, with one syncarp and seed per pistil. Seeds are bean-like with tough coats; the seed kernels are some toxic.

Annona Chrysophylla

Annona fruit are typically eaten raw and chilled, as a snack or dessert. The fruit can be broken apart and the segments can be removed easily when ripe. The seeds can also be separated from the pulp using a sieve or by hand. Annona pulp can be added to fruit salads, ice creams and sherbets, smoothies or other beverages. It can also be used to make jams or syrups. Store Annona in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

Annona glabra

Annona is a good source of vitamin C, carbohydrates, calcium and phosphorus. The fruits also contain fiber, vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, iron, a small amount of protein, and the amino acids tryptophan, methionine, and lysine. Annona pulp, seeds and leaves contain beneficial flavonoids, phenolic compounds and tannins, and have antioxidant properties.

Annona muricata

Annona spinescens

Annona reticulata

Annona fruit has been widely prescribed in ayurvedic medicine for a variety of ailments. Unripe and dried fruits are antidysentric, while bark and leaves are used as an astringent. Research has demonstrated various health benefits in the pulp, bark and leaves of the Annona tree. Annonas, a versatile plant with multiple use, are hardy and deciduous in nature, very easy to cultivate with minimum inputs, require comparatively little care and do not suffer from serious pests and diseases. Annona species are generally disease-free. They are susceptible to some fungi and wilt. Ants are a problem, since they promote mealybugs on the fruit.

The following is a list of some of the more important species. Many of them have significant agricultural, medicinal, pharmaceutical, and other uses.