SOURSOP

Soursop (Annona muricata), has a rich history and is native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean and is widely propagated in tropical areas all over earth. The fruit has been cultivated and consumed for centuries, with its use spreading beyond its native regions due to its unique flavour and health benefits of both the fruit and the leaves.

The soursop tree is part of the custard apple family (Annonaceae) and grows well in areas with high humidity and relatively warm winters. My own soursop tree loses its leaves in winter and does not thrive at all welI with frosts.

Soursop is also known by regional names such as Guanabana, Guanaba in El Salvador, Cabeza de Negro or Zopote de Viejas in Mexico, Sorsaka or Zunrzak in the Netherlands Antilles, Huanaba in Guatemala, Graviola, Araticum do Grande or Jaca do Para in Brazil, Catuche or Catoche in Venezuela, Thu-rian-khack in Thailand, Corossol in Vietnam, and Durian Belanda in Malaysia.

In addition to its culinary uses, soursop has been part of various folkloric practices, where its flowers and leaves are used to relax the body and release emotions.

Health benefits:
• Parasite Control
• Anti-inflammatory: joint pain, arthritis, gout
• Respiratory: coughs, colds, clears the airways, relieves congestion, soothes irritation, eliminates phlegm / mucous, reduces inflammation
• Stress, anxiety: sedative, insomnia, restless sleep
• Skin: astringent, reduces lines and wrinkles, age spots, blemishes (can be used topically)
• Cancer: cuts off blood flow to foreign or non-normal cellular growths, breast, pancreatic, prostate, lung
• Immune System Booster: stimulates production of white blood cells, neutralises free radicals
• Gastrointestinal: scurvy, dysentery, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, relieves pain/irritation in the stomach and colon
• Analgesia: topically for wounds and injuries, internally to relieve pain and speed healing