Hello and welcome to the world of Soursop/Guanabana/Brazillian Paw Paw
Growing a soursop tree can be a rewarding and practical way to enhance your health and food security. Soursop, also known as Graviola or Annona muricata, is a tropical fruit with numerous health benefits. Here's a guide on how to grow, harvest, and use soursop for its medicinal properties:
1. Growing a Soursop Tree:
Climate: Soursop thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It requires warm temperatures and well-drained soil. If you are attempting to grow this tree in a non tropical environment I would suggest keeping it indoors or in a green house during the winter months and then put it back outside for the remainder of the year. I’m in zone 9b and I primarily use my tree for the leaves to make tea.
Planting: Choose a sunny location with fertile, loamy soil. Plant seeds or seedlings in a hole twice the size of the root ball. Water regularly.
Watering: Soursop trees prefer consistent moisture, so water them regularly. However, they don't tolerate waterlogged soil.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Feed the tree every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune the tree to maintain shape and encourage air circulation. Remove dead or damaged branches.
2. Harvesting Soursop:
Soursop fruits are ready to harvest when they are slightly soft to the touch. The skin will have a yellow-green color.
Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut the stem, leaving a small piece attached to the fruit.
3. Eating Soursop:
The creamy, white flesh of soursop is delicious on its own or can be used in smoothies, desserts, or salads.
Remove the seeds before consumption, as they are not edible.
4. Making Tea from Soursop Leaves:
Soursop leaves can be used to make a nutritious tea. Harvest mature leaves and allow them to dry in a shaded area.
Once dried, crush the leaves and steep them in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the mixture and enjoy your soursop tea.
I grew up on the island of Jamaica and everyone I knew picked the leaves fresh and boiled them in water to make our tea. You have the option of doing either
5. Medicinal Properties and Studies:
Soursop is believed to have various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Some studies suggest that soursop may have potential anti-cancer properties, but more research is needed in this area.
Note: While soursop has promising health benefits, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using it as a treatment for any medical condition.
References:
1) “Pharmacological Activities of Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.)” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8878098/
2) “Nutritional and Therapeutic Potential of Soursop” - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363145423_Nutritional_and_Therapeutic_Potential_of_Soursop
3) "Anti-microbial Efficacy of Soursop Leaf Extract (Annona muricata) on Oral Pathogens: An In-vitro Study." - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198446/
4) “Synergistic Cotreatment Potential of Soursop” - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8457719/
5) “The effects of soursop supplementation on blood pressure, serum uric acid, and kidney function in a prehypertensive population in accordance with the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41371-019-0235-6
6) “Can soursop help fight cancer? - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/soursop“Can soursop help fight cancer? - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/soursop
Remember, gardening is a journey, and with soursop, you're not just growing a tree but cultivating a source of health and well-being for your prepping needs. Happy growing!
Remember, gardening is a journey, and with soursop, you're not just growing a tree but cultivating a source of health and well-being for your prepping needs. Happy growing!
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