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Sugar apple is sometimes called custard apple, but in fact custard apple is another but closely related fruit. This page contains some basic information on sugar apple (or sweetsop) together with some photos and recipes.
| Scientific name: | Annona squamosa |
| Family: | Annonaceae |
| Order: | Magnoliales |
| Common names: | English: Sugar apple, Sweetsop |
| Dutch: Suikerappel, Zoetzak, Kaneelappel | |
| Spanish: Anón, Anón de azucar, Anona blanca, Fruta do conde, Cachiman, Saramuyo | |
| Origin: | Caribbean |
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| Evergreen or deciduous: | Semi-evergreen |
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| Climate and weather: | Requires a tropical or sub-tropical climate. Below 10°C it will shed leaves. cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. The tree requires sufficient water (rainall over 700mm); during drought it hardly produces fruits. |
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| Height: | Sugar apple is a shrub or small tree that can reach 6 to 8 meters tall. |
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| Pollination: | By small insects (bees are not very effective); Hand pollination improves fruit setting |
| Propagation: | In Philippines the fruits are eaten by fruit bats, which helps spreading the seeds. |
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| Uses: | Usually eaten fresh. Can be used to make wine. |
