The custard apple is a fruit which is considered a delicacy in India, and it is a symbol of the sweetness of our culture. Custard apple farming is one of the emerging commercial farming in India. As we know, the custard apple is the queen of fruits as it is a good source of vitamin C, iron, potassium and manganese besides having a creamy texture, pleasant aroma and rich taste. Moreover, the custard apple tree is resilient, and it requires low maintenance among other fruit plants. Also, custard apple is a fruit which is considered a delicacy in India, and it is a symbol of the sweetness of our culture. Hence, it is the most desirable fruit across the world because of taste as well as health factors.
Custard apples are one of the most exotic fruits on the land. They are the luscious, custard-like fruit of an evergreen tree (Annona squamosa), a member of the custard apple family (Annonaceae) of flowering plants.
Naturally, the custard apple is a fruit consisting of scaly skin, a creamy and pulpy edible part, and numerous black seeds – also called sugar apple, sweetsop or bullock’s heart, similar to a cherimoya, soursop or pawpaw.
India is the second largest custard apple producer in the world, with a total production of more than 1.5 million tonnes. In India, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are major custard apple producers.
History Of Custard Apple Farming
The custard apple is an Indian fruit that originated in India many thousand years ago. It is also known as a delicious and nutritious fruit and spread gradually throughout the world. The custard apple is one of the is widely cultivated in India. With specialised tools for farming mounted on your Mahindra Yuvo 575, you can become a successful custard apple farmer!
Cultivation Of Custard Apple
Custard apple farming requires sandy loam soils, but heavy clay or alkaline soil should be avoided or ignored. Custard apple cultivation’s soil pH should be 5.5 to 7.5.
Its planting is generally done in the month of June-July in rainy areas and should be irrigated in January-February.
Moreover, this farming needs a temperature between 22°C – 27°C to provide optimum results. And the 50-80 mm rainfall is perfect for custard apple cultivation. When you sow seeds, the temperature should lie between 20°C – 22°C. Apart from this, the custard apple harvesting should be done at a temperature between 28°C – 30°C.
You should plough and cross-plough the land and then level it. Also, keep the field in such a way so that water can not be stored. When you will complete levelling, apply one deeper ploughing and divide the field into blocks.
How to plant?
Plant the grafts or budded plants at the centre of the pit along with the soil. The graft or bud union should be made 15cm above ground level. You can use seeders mounted on your tractor to accomplish this. If you are looking for tractors, the Eicher 485 Price is affordable and competitive. Then they must be irrigated immediately after planting. They need support to make them grow straight.
Irrigation For Custard Apple Plant
For good growth, young custard apple plants require watering frequently. Irrigate plants in mist form from May to the onset of monsoon as it helps to reduce temperature and increase humidity. This also enhances flowering and fruit set. As custard apples are sensitive to salt in irrigation water, water salinity should not exceed 800 micro Siemens/centimetre. Irrigating plants during flowering and fruit development is essential to achieve superior fruit quality (more edible pulp/segment).
Harvesting Of Custard Apple
Generally, custard apples are harvested at the mature green stage and ripened to optimum quality. Farmers can pick fruits by hand or pluck them with a harvesting tool. During harvesting, care should be taken to avoid injury or bruising of the fruit as it affects its shelf life and appearance. The fruits should be harvested with a small portion of the stalk attached to prevent latex leakage. The harvesting time depends on the variety and climatic conditions. The fruits are ready for harvest when they change from dark green to light green or yellowish green and emit a characteristic aroma.
Types of Custard Apples
There are two main varieties of Custard Apples, the Pinks Mammoth and the African Pride. Both are sweet, juicy and full of flavour. Pinks Mammoth has a pinkish-red skin and a large size, while African Pride has a green skin and a smaller size. Some other varieties that are grown in different parts of the world are Late Gold, Geffner, Hilary White, Tropical Sun, Thai KG, British Guinea, Island Gem, and Atemoya. Each variety has its own characteristics and taste preferences. Some have more seeds than others, some have more pulp than others, and some have a smoother or firmer texture than others. Custard apples are also known by different names in different regions, such as sugar apple, sweetsop, bullock’s heart, cherimoya, soursop, and sitaphal.
Conclusion
Custard apples are a wonderful fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre that can boost your health and immunity. They are also delicious and creamy, with a unique flavour and aroma that can satisfy your taste buds. Custard apples are available in different varieties and names, depending on the region and climate. You can choose the one that suits your preference and enjoy it fresh or in various dishes and desserts. Custard apples are truly the queen of fruits and a gift of nature.
