In recent years, purple custard apples have become increasingly available on the market and have attracted attention thanks to their eye-catching color and unique flavor, creating a craze in the fruit market.
What's the difference between purple custard apple and green custard apple?
The difference between purple and green custard apples lies not only in color but also in flavor, nutritional value, cultivation methods, and care.
Appearance
Green custard apples have a light green or yellow peel when ripe, while purple custard apples have a striking appearance with a purple or purplish-red peel. The difference between purple and green custard apples also lies in their shape and size; purple custard apples are usually smaller and more irregularly shaped than green ones.
What's the difference between purple custard apple and green custard apple? (Photo: Shutterstock)
Flavor
The flavors of these two types of custard apples also differ significantly. Green custard apples typically have a subtly sweet, crisp taste and a mild aroma. Conversely, purple custard apples have a richer, more pronounced sweetness and fragrance, making them a favorite among many. The flesh of purple custard apples is thicker and has a certain nutty texture, while green custard apples have a crispier texture. The seeds of purple custard apples are also smaller, making them less bothersome to eat.
Season and prices
The harvest season for green custard apples usually lasts from July to September. Purple custard apples have a shorter harvest period, typically lasting only about a month. In terms of price, purple custard apples are usually much more expensive, sometimes 2-3 times higher than green custard apples.
Nutritional value
Both types of custard apple offer numerous health benefits, but purple custard apple is preferred due to its higher antioxidant content. Purple custard apples are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients, helping to boost the immune system, aid digestion, and improve skin health. Green custard apples also contain many nutrients, but not as abundant as purple custard apples.
Purple custard apples differ from green custard apples in that they have a richer, sweeter taste and a more prominent aroma. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Additionally, both types of custard apple can be processed into many different dishes, from smoothies and desserts to sweet soups. Green custard apples are often used in traditional snacks or desserts, while purple custard apples are more suitable for modern, stylish, and beautifully decorated dishes.
How to plant and care for
The purple custard apple tree is vigorous and can reach a height of about 3.5 meters. It begins bearing fruit after about 2.5 years of planting. The purple custard apple differs from the green custard apple in that its branches are more brittle and its trunk is darker in color. The leaves of the purple custard apple are also larger and longer, and its flowers are a beautiful white color.
While green custard apples are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types, purple custard apples are quite finicky and require more careful cultivation, demanding better soil conditions and moisture levels to develop.
Purple custard apples differ from green custard apples in flavor, price, and care requirements. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Tips for choosing naturally ripened custard apples
To choose ripe, firm custard apples, you can refer to the following tips:
- Check the color: Ripe custard apples usually have a uniform color, with a light green or yellow peel. If it's a purple custard apple, choose one with a deep purple color. Avoid choosing fruits with brown peel or signs of rot.
- Touch and feel: Gently press the custard apple with your hand. A ripe custard apple will be slightly soft, not too hard or too soft, indicating the perfect ripeness.
- Smell the aroma: If you can detect the characteristic aroma of custard apple, that's a good sign that the fruit is ripe.
- Check the stem: Choose fruits with fresh, green stems that are not dry. Dry stems indicate the fruit was harvested a long time ago.
- Observe the shape: Custard apples with a uniform shape, free from distortion or blemishes, are good quality. A beautiful shape usually indicates that the fruit is developing well.
- Avoid bruised fruit: Check for signs of bruising. Bruised custard apples are usually no longer fresh and spoil easily.
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/na-tim-khac-gi-na-xanh-17224092701572827.htm
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