Fresh Sugar Apple/ Custard Apple (Serikaya) Fruit / Cherimoya (1 Piece)
Thai Name: Noi Na
The Sugar Apple Custard fruit is known by many names. The Annona Squamosa, Sweetsop, bullock's heart and Noi Na (in Thailand) are just some of the names of this prolific fruit. The fruit is native to a number of Tropical Americas nations, Pakistan and India. The fruit was introduced to Southern Asia in the late 16th century and is now grown widely in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan.
The tree is evergreen and can reach heights of 10 meters. The fruit is usually round and pinecone like, which is 6-10cm in diameter. When fresh, the fruit is sweet, has a white to yellow complexion and tastes like custard. The fruit is soft and slippery and is a little grainy with a sweet smelling fragrance.
The Noi Na is a good source of iron and is quite high in calories. The tree is ideally grown in a tropical environment and is sensitive to frost and cold.
The fruit has many medicinal properties, and the unripe fruit can be used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. The leaves of the tree can be used as healing tools against tumors and cancers. The crushed fresh leaves can also be mashed into a paste and used to treat mouth ulcers and boils. This truly is a diverse tree.
The fruit is generally eaten raw and can be peeled and served on a fruit platter for dessert. You can also juice the fruit and consume it as a drink. Many have used the Noi Na as a healthier substitute for milk. This is ideal for those who are Lactose Intolerant or have milk allergies, because the fruit goes through no process in which pasteurized milk does. This abundant fruit grows throughout Thailand and can be purchased on most markets and supermarkets.
