“Nature’s prickly piñata hiding creamy treasure inside!” – Mr. Gorilla 🦍
Meet the Soursop
This massive green wonder (also called guanábana or graviola) is the tropical fruit world’s best-kept secret. Football-sized and covered in soft spikes, it looks intimidating but rewards brave explorers with velvety, sweet-tart flesh that tastes like a strawberry-pineapple smoothie. Perfect for eating fresh, blending into drinks, or even… jungle target practice!
If you live in North America, your best bet to taste it is by going to an Asian supermarket. If you visit South East Asia, and Vietnam in particular, you definitely need to try this fruit!
Soursop Anatomy 101
Size Matters:
- Length: 6-12 inches (about a football)
- Weight: 2-6 lbs (a newborn gorilla weighs 4-5 lbs for comparison)
🔍 Outer Features:
- Skin: Dark green with distinctive soft, curved spikes
- Shape: Oval/heart-shaped, often slightly lopsided
- Stem: Thick and woody (snaps easily when ripe)
⚪ Inner Structure:
- Flesh: Snow-white, creamy pulp divided into segments
- Texture: Fibrous but soft (like very ripe banana)
- Seeds: Dozens of smooth black pits (inedible but great for spitting!)
- Core: Spongy central column (discard this)
It’ll look similar to a custard apple on the inside with the white flesh and black seeds.
“Pro Tip: The flesh closest to the skin is the sweetest—scrape it clean!”
Why You’ll Love Soursop
This tropical heavyweight punches above its size with:
✅ Addictive Flavor: Like strawberry, pineapple, and coconut had a baby
✅ Creamy Texture: Nature’s pudding (no cooking required)
✅ Health Perks: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants
✅ Zero Waste: Seeds make perfect jungle ammunition
Soursop vs. Other Tropical Cousins
| Fruit | Size Comparison | Texture | Best Use | Gorilla Throw Effectiveness Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soursop | 🏈 Football (2-6 lbs) | Creamy/cottony | Smoothies, desserts | 🦍🦍🦍 |
| Durian | 🏉 Rugby ball (5-10 lbs) | Thick custard | Desserts, exotic flavor connoisseuring | 🦍🦍🦍🦍🦍 |
| Jackfruit | 🎾 Baby Elephant (20-80 lbs!) | Chewy, meaty | Snacking, cooking | 🦍🦍🦍🦍 |
| Custard Apple | 🥎 Softball (1-2 lbs) | Silky pudding | Fresh eating | 🦍🦍 |
Durian is the clear winner. Nothing clears an area faster than throwing a spiky durian. Even if they survive the physical strike, some creatures don’t like the smell.
“Size isn’t everything—unless you’re aiming at pesky monkeys!”
Vietnam’s Soursop Obsession
In Vietnamese cafes, “sinh tố mãng cầu” (soursop smoothie) reigns supreme. The secret? Blending the flesh with:
- Condensed milk
- Coconut milk
- Crushed ice
“I once traded my last banana for one. Worth it!”
How to Pick & Prepare
They are not as large as jackfruits so you’re unlikely to find them in wedges or pre-packed with just the meat. So most of the time you will find them whole.
Choosing Ripe:
- Spikes bend slightly when pressed
- Skin has yellowish tint
- Smells sweetly floral
Cutting Method:
- Lay on side, slice lengthwise
- Scoop out flesh with a spoon
- Spit seeds like a pro (or save for planting)
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
- Chilled: With lime juice
- Blended: With yogurt and honey
- Fancy: As sorbet or mousse
Storage Tips
Given the large size of a soursop, chances are good you can’t finish one in a single round. They are freezer friendly. Cut it open, scoop out the meat, pick out the seeds, and store in a sealed container in the fridge or in the freezer.
“Warning: Overripe soursop smells like a gorilla’s gym bag!”
Final Thought:
“Soursop: The tropical heavyweight that looks fierce but tastes like paradise. Crack one open, scoop the goods, and let the creamy bliss transport you!” 🦍🌴