Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Soursop and is scientifically known as Annona muricata. It is a native species to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Northern South America, and is recognized as Guanabana in Latin American countries. This picture was photographed at the Maya Organic Farm on a tree that could have up to forty healthy fruits at a given time.
The flesh of the fruit consists of an edible, white pulp and a core of indigestible, black seeds. The sweet pulp is used to make juice, as well as candies, sorbets, and ice cream flavourings. The species is the only member of its genus but is a close relative of the well-known Custard apple and Sugar apple.
In Belize and in other Central American countries, you can find its delicious juice served as a milkshake or smoothie which consists of the fresh pulp, milk, vanilla essence or nutmeg to add more flavour. Be sure to take a trip to The Lodge at Chaa Creek and our friendly bartenders and waiters/waitresses will be sure to delight you with a refreshing and healthy drink of Soursop juice.
Interesting Note: The principal interest in this plant is because of its strong anti-cancer effects. Although it is effective for a number of medical conditions, it is its anti-tumor effect that is of most interest. This plant provides much alimentation and is a proven cancer remedy for cancers of all types. It is the leaves of the soursop tree that are found to be particularly effective in killing cancer cells, due to its graviola extract, without harming the healthy cells of the body. Moreover, the extract of soursop leaves do not affect the immune system adversely, unlike the chemotherapy drugs.
Photo Submitted by Naturalist Guide: Hilberto Tut