This fruit, which has been a well-known part of most childhoods in the eastern part of Nigeria, is known as Sour Sop (pronounced as “Shawa Shop”). Soursop is a fruit that comes from a tree in the rain forests of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. It is now in season in our beautiful Nigeria. Its scientific name is Annona muricata, and also known as graviola, cherimoya, guanabana, custard apple, and brazilian paw paw.

Apart from the fact that this fruit is a delight to eat, it contains a phyto-chemical called Annonaceous Acetogenin. Annonaceous Acetogenin in the Sour sop tree are not only are effective in killing tumors that have proven resistant to anti-cancer agents, but also seem to have a special affinity for such resistant cells.

That means that it seeks out the tumors that are resistant to some anti-cancer medication or other compound and kills them. That is as close to perfection as it can get. It is also reported to do this without the normal toxicity that comes with other anti-cancer drugs which lead to hair loss, weight loss, the killing of other healthy cell which will then eventually lead to weakened immunity.

These naturally-occurring acetogenins are produced in the leaf, stem, bark and fruit seeds of the Sour Sop tree so the entire tree is a cancer fighting machine. It is a wonder we don’t all have a Sour Sop tree in our backyards.

Sour sop is very rich in Vitamin C, B1, B2, fibre, potassium, phoshorus and iron.  In addition to cancer benefits, soursop fruit acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungus (fungi), anti-parasitic/worms, anti-high blood pressure, anti-depressant, anti-stress and helps the nervous system.

To give a balanced view, read about some of its effects: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/graviola2.htm

A few different ways you can enjoy your soursop: As a whole fruit, add to fruit salad, soursop juice, soursop ice cream, soursop yogurt, soursop ice, jams, tarts.

Enjoy your creamy sour sop the way you want!!