WHAT IS SOURSOP?
Soursop, or Annona Muricata, is a fruit from the apple tree family. The name ‘Sour Sop’ is partly due to the fruit’s acidic taste when it ripens. It is usually described to be a blend between strawberry and pineapple. Soursops are a dark green colour. The fruit is prickly, and have an egg like shape spanning up to 30 centimetres long. The fruit has a moderately firm texture. The enjoyable part of the soursop lies within it -a tasty white pulp surrounding indigestible black seeds. The pulp is where the fruit gets its sourness, but it also comes with fiber as well. The pulp has a multitude of uses ranging from fruit juices, smoothies to candies, sorbets, and even ice cream flavours.
WHERE DOES SOURSOP COME FROM?
The soursop fruit is said to have originated somewhere in the northern part of South America or the Caribbean. According to ScienceDirect, the soursop is native to the tropical regions of Central America. It is cultivated and grown in evergreen regions around the world. Today, soursop is exported to countries such as Nigeria where it is used in many practical ways. For example for use in local dishes, for medication, and even for drinks.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST IMPORTERS OF SOURSOP?
The United States of America ranked first as the top importer of soursop in the year 2020, importing $707.2 million dollars worth of soursop with China, Germany and France ranking in the subsequent 3, importing $395.0 million dollars, $299.3 million dollars and $208.5 million respectively. The USA on its own contributed to 1/5th of the gross total import of Soursop in the year 2020 at an astounding figure of 20.17%, China at 11.27%, Germany at 8.54% and France at 5.95%. The total import value of soursop was $3.51B in 2020. Taken together, these statistics suggest that soursop is an important fruit on the global market today.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST EXPORTERS OF SOURSOP?
Data gathered from TRIDGE indicates that in 2020, Canada was the top exporter for soursop, shipping produce worth $418 million , commanding 11.78% of the market. Subsequently, Thailand ranked in 2nd, followed by Peru grossing $256.7 million and $220.1 million respectively. These top three exporters contributed to a quarter (25.41%) of the cumulative exports of soursop in the year 2020 alone. Canada commanded 11.78% of the export market, Thailand exported 7.29% of the market, and Peru exported 6.25% of the market. In total, $3.52 billion dollars worth of soursop were export worldwide.
HOW DO YOU GROW SOURSOP?
Soursop trees are known for their ability to tolerate poor soil conditions and dry conditions such as droughts. While best grown in the ground, soursop can also be grown in large containers or in pots in your backyard. Soursop trees are best adapted to high humid regions or warm winters. Temperatures below 5 degrees can result in damage, to the leaves and smaller branches of the soursop tree. Planting soursop in lower temperatures can be harmful for the tree and can result in fruits becoming dry. For ideal results, use loose loamy soil, or soil that rich in organic matter. The ideal pH level should be within 6.0 to 6.5. Seeds are viable for a period of six months. However, the most successful crops are those that use seeds procured within a month of harvest.
Wash the seeds with water then dry them. Upon sowing, the depth should be 1 cm and the seeds, 2.0 cm to 2.5cm apart. Germination usually takes 15 to 30 days with a success rate of 85% to 90%. Don’t forget to provide shade and water regularly. After six to seven months, the seedlings are ready for transplanting. The distance between each sapling should be 5 x 5 metres (a 25 foot radius) to 7 x 7 metres (a 42 foot radius). This amount of space takes into account the size of the tree when fully grown.
HOW DO YOU HARVEST SOURSOP?
The soursop tree flowers and bears fruits throughout the year. However, each growing region has a principal season of ripening. It is important to protect your tree — the fruits of the soursop are vulnerable to fruit flies. They are also vulnerable to mealy bugs, root grubs, scale insects and larva among other pests and insects. To prevent damage from fruit flies, the fruits on the tree can be bagged. You should also maintain clean conditions around the trunk to prevent pests and diseases such as root rot. The trees grow rapidly, usually bearing fruits from within three to five years.
It is important to harvest fruits whiles they are still green and fully developed. Fully developed fruits are firm with a green color and a yellowish hue. When the fruit is ready for harvest, the shiny green color of the fruit turns into a dull green variety. Also, the spines of the fruit softens and the fruit swells up. Soursop should be consumed within three to five days of being picked. Soursop bears fruits throughout the year, and are usually produce 1 to 3 harvest periods in a year. The yield is dependent on many factors including the variety, the age of the tree, soil, irrigation, and the climate. On average, a tree can produce 24 fruits per year, with each fruit weighing anywhere from1 kg to 1.5 kg.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH SOURSOP?
Putting aside the enjoyable flavour and taste to soursop, its benefits are numerous. On average, a the fruit gives 1kcal of energy, 247g of protein with a rich source of magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and A. The fruit is also an antioxidant. The fruit boosts the immune system — improving overall health and the body’s ability to defend against pathogens.
Other benefits include the inhibition of free radicals thereby aiding in the fight to protect the skin and cells from environmental oxidative damage. Fun fact – a whole soursop contains more than twice the amount of recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C. The benefits do not just stop at the fruit but also the leaves, which contain other antioxidants such as phytosterioids, tannins, and flavonoids. In addition, soursop promotes healthy digestion, stabilizes blood pressure by reducing sodium levels in the body, and provides anti-carcinogenic effects.
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED IN THE SOURSOP FARMING BUSINESS?
Soursops trees are a slow, yet worthy investment. According to Agrifarming, each tree can grow up to four meters in height. To get started, first you should determine the market you wish to enter. You should also identify your potential buyers. Knowing where your commercial produce will go can help you make better informed decisions along the way.
Lastly, remember that consumption and exportation can be highly sensitive, so be sure to pay attention to the market. If possible, obtain a large piece of land that provides enough space to plant your soursop seedlings. Keep in mind that the more trees you plant, the more bountiful your harvest. Look for not only international buyers, but also understand that there is a local market for soursop too.
Selling locally can help you to profit on a much higher percentage, if not all, of your produce. You won’t want to miss out on this fast-growing agricultural business. Enjoy products made from all-natural ingredients? Be sure to check out our shop.
