Superfood Series | July 15, 2019

Soursop

Strawberry and pineapple are the first two flavours that you’ll taste when you bite into the creamy flesh of the soursop.

Other soursop lovers claim the spiny and strange-shaped fruit tastes like a combination between a mango and a pineapple. Some say sweetness prevails with a backend tang. Others claim it is more pineapple-flavoured, with hints of mango.

A distinctly tropical treat, this member of the custard apple family is nutrient-dense and provides good amounts of fibre and vitamin C for very few calories.

Used as an herbal treatment for stomach ailments and fever, the impressive health benefits of soursop also include its ability to kill parasites, improve respiratory conditions, offer sedative qualities, reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer, boost the immune system, soothe the stomach, and relieve pain.

If you are struggling with a cough, cold, or other forms of the respiratory ailment, then soursop’s anti-inflammatory properties can help clear out your airways, relieve congestion, and soothe irritation.

Soursop tea has been used as a stress relieving strategy for centuries. There are certain anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of soursop that make it very effective if you are suffering from excessive stress and anxiety. Stress hormones in the body can be detrimental and can disturb your natural metabolic cycles, as well as your sleep schedule. If you’re suffering from insomnia or restless sleep, soursop tea is a wise choice.

Protecting the immune system is one of the most important components of maintaining a healthy body. Adding a bit of soursop fruit to your diet can positively impact your overall health. Rich in vitamin C, this fruit stimulates the production of white blood cells, while the concentration of antioxidants helps to neutralise free radicals and prevent chronic disease.

The leaves and roots are known to boost your immune system, help soothe stomach ailments and ease hypertension. As already mentioned, soursop is a powerful antioxidant and a good source of vitamin C, B1 and B2. The latter two along with magnesium help to boost your energy levels without giving you the dip that is associated with caffeine.

The soursop fruit’s green leathery skin is covered in small thorns, but you’ll find that it’s surprisingly tender. Despite its somewhat severe appearance, with a few well-placed cuts, soursop can be peeled with little effort. So enjoy The Brasserie’s soursop next time you see it on our menu, now that you know all of the health benefits this incredible local superfood can provide.