The Ramayana, a great epic is so much a part of the Indian  culture, that the heroes and heroines are commemorated in the daily life activities….. A certain family of fruits have been named after Sita, as Sitaphal. In layman’s language its called the custard apple, scientific name being ‘ANNONA  SQUAMOSA’. Its very much popular in India.

A custard apple is packed with goodness of Vitamin C, iron and dietary fibre. Simply put, the green fruit with a bumpy skin, sweet white flesh , hard black seeds is  called Custard Apple. Whatever the name, its a gourmet’s delight. A little messy to eat with your fingers, the fruit is best had with spoon, its fleshy scoop, its seed discarded. The best way to separate the seed is to scoop the flesh with a spoon, put it in a bowl and use the potato masher.

Custard Apple is called Bullock’s heart in England,Atis in Philippines, Srikaya in Indonesia, Pinha in Brazil and Budda Head in Taiwan. In Thailand, it is called Luk Noi-Na, which is also the common name for a hand grenade!!!! However, in most countries, custard apple remains just a fruit. Not many people use it as an ingredient for exquisite recipes. Perhaps not many can imagine that it can lend itself to some great mock tails, smoothies and even teacakes. When summer bids adieu and gold touches the leaves that’s when you find  the custard apples in the market. It doesn’t last too long!! .

Image via Wikipedia

Health Benefits of Custard Apple

Its natural sugar content is much better than that of the processed sugar.it doesn’t overreact with the body’s insulin. Its called a well balanced food because it contains proteins, fibre, minerals, vitamins and energy and little fat. 100 gm of custard apple flesh provides energy nearly 110 percent of our daily requirement of Vitamin C. It is a good source of dietary fibre, magnesium and potassium. Though high in calories, rich in iron. Its leaves and flesh in paste form can treat boils, abscesses and ulcers. Bark fragments, packed against the gums, relieves toothache.

U can say that this ‘Sitaphal’ as in Hindi  is a total package!!!!!!