Guanabana, Soursop (Annona muricata)

Guаnabana is a small tree or shrub of the Annonaceae family.

In the Annonaceae family there are many species with wonderful fruits. Some of them are also known in Bulgaria, such as cherimoya and pawpaw (Asimina or Indian banana). Unlike all others in this plant family, however, the guanabana fruit has a pronounced sour note in the taste, which, in combination with the high sugar content, gives a wonderful taste. Therefore, it is no wonder that many consider the fruit of the gunabana to be the tastiest of the fruits in this family.

The fruits must be soft and well-ripened before being cut for consumption. The inside is creamy, with a pleasant flavor combination between pineapple, apple, strawberries and citrus notes. The seeds in the fruit are not edible!

Young gunabana plants begin to flower and bear fruit between 3 and 5 years of age or when they have reached a sufficient size to be able to bear fruit weighing between half and one kilogram. Like the rest of the plants in the family, they can also bear fruit in a pot.

The plants on sale are about 3 years old and about 50-70 cm tall.

In winter, they must go indoors in a warm place. Any temperature below 10 degrees affects the health of this type of plant. Damage to the leaves and leaf drop begin, and unripe fruits lose their qualities. Ideally, in winter they are kept at a temperature of about 20 degrees.