Custard Apple (Sitaphal) - India's Creamy Treasure

Experience the unique sweetness of India's beloved Custard Apple, also known as Sitaphal. Its soft, creamy pulp and fragrant aroma make it a delightful treat. Enjoy this seasonal fruit, packed with natural goodness, delivered fresh to your door.

From the sun-drenched orchards of India comes the Custard Apple, a fruit deeply ingrained in our culinary traditions and cherished for its distinctive flavour. We work closely with dedicated local farmers who nurture these trees, ensuring each fruit develops its signature taste and texture. Our commitment to direct sourcing means you receive sitaphals that embody the true essence of their origin.

The Sitaphal presents itself with a beautifully irregular, bumpy skin, typically a pale green that softens to a slightly yellowish hue as it ripens. Don't let its rustic exterior fool you; inside, a treasure awaits. It's a fruit that feels substantial in your hand, hinting at the rich bounty within.

Once opened, the Custard Apple reveals its stunning interior: a creamy white, almost custardy flesh interspersed with shiny, dark brown to black seeds. The pulp is incredibly tender, melting in the mouth with a flavour profile that's uniquely sweet and mildly tangy, carrying a floral, almost pear-like aroma. It's truly a sensory experience – a natural dessert that needs no embellishment.

At Terra Fresh, our passion for exceptional fruit drives us. We bypass intermediaries, sourcing our Custard Apples directly from trusted farms. This direct relationship ensures we select only the finest, naturally ripened fruit, bringing you closer to the farm with every bite. We handle each Sitaphal with care, ensuring its journey from tree to your table is swift, preserving its delicate freshness and flavour.

Custard Apples are a seasonal delight, typically available from August through February. This generous window allows us to bring you this cherished fruit for several months, making it a staple for many during the festive and cooler seasons. Embrace the sweetness while it lasts!

Nutrition Information

These numbers tell a great story: Custard Apples are a good source of natural energy, primarily from carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for a quick pick-me-up. The dietary fiber content aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Rich in Vitamin C, they contribute to your body's immune function. They also provide valuable minerals like Potassium, which is important for muscle and nerve function, and Magnesium, known for its role in bone health and energy production.

How to Eat & Store

How to tell it's ripe

• A ripe Sitaphal will yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe avocado.
• The skin might start to show a slight yellow tinge, and the bumps will be less pronounced.
• A strong, sweet aroma will emanate from the fruit when it's ready to eat.

How to cut and eat it

1. Gently rinse the fruit under cool water.
2. You can simply tear or cut the fruit in half by hand or with a knife.
3. Scoop out the creamy white flesh with a spoon, being careful to avoid the inedible black seeds.
4. Enjoy the pulp directly, or use it in various recipes.

Storage instructions

• Store unripe Custard Apples at room temperature until they ripen.
• Once ripe, consume within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
• To extend shelf life slightly, ripe Sitaphal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, but consume quickly as the texture can change.

Ripening at home guide

Place unripe Custard Apples in a paper bag at room temperature, ideally between 20-25°C. You can add a ripe banana or apple to the bag to speed up the ripening process, as these fruits release ethylene gas. Check daily for softness and aroma; typically, it takes 2-5 days to ripen fully.

Recipe Ideas

Sitaphal Rabri

A rich, creamy Indian dessert. Slowly reduce full-fat milk on low heat, stirring frequently until it thickens and reduces to half. Stir in sugar to taste and a pinch of cardamom. Once cooled, gently fold in the deseeded, mashed Sitaphal pulp. Chill thoroughly before serving for a truly decadent treat.

Creamy Sitaphal Smoothie

A refreshing and nutritious drink. Blend the deseeded pulp of one ripe Custard Apple with a cup of cold milk (dairy or plant-based), a tablespoon of honey or jaggery, and a few ice cubes until smooth and frothy. For extra protein, add a spoon of Greek yogurt.

Sitaphal Kulfi

Homemade frozen delight. Blend deseeded Sitaphal pulp with condensed milk, a touch of cream, and a dash of cardamom powder until smooth. Pour the mixture into kulfi molds or small bowls and freeze until solid. Demold and enjoy a taste of traditional Indian summer.

FAQ

How do I know if my Sitaphal is ripe? A ripe Sitaphal will feel soft to the touch, similar to a ripe avocado, and will release a sweet, aromatic fragrance.

Are the seeds of Custard Apple edible? No, the black seeds of the Custard Apple are not edible and should be discarded.

What are the health benefits of Custard Apple? Custard Apple is a good source of Vitamin C, which supports immune function, and Potassium, important for muscle and nerve health. It also provides dietary fiber, beneficial for digestion.

Can I store ripe Custard Apple in the refrigerator? Yes, ripe Sitaphal can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it's best consumed fresh for optimal flavour and texture.

What is the best way to eat a Custard Apple? Simply cut or tear the fruit in half and scoop out the creamy pulp with a spoon, being careful to avoid the seeds.

When is Custard Apple in season? Custard Apples are typically in season from August to February.

Can I use Custard Apple in desserts? Absolutely! Its sweet and creamy pulp is perfect for traditional Indian desserts like rabri, kulfi, smoothies, and custards.

How is Terra Fresh Custard Apple different? We source our Custard Apples directly from farms, ensuring freshness and quality. Our direct approach means you get the best of India's produce delivered with care.