Custard apple, also known as “Sitaphal”, is a popular tropical fruit in India known for its sweet, creamy pulp, and delightful aroma. It is a rich source of vitamins (A, B6, C), calcium, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber, making it both nutritious and delicious. Custard apple trees thrive in semi-arid and tropical regions, with cultivation widely spread across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
India is home to several custard apple varieties, ranging in fruit size, pulp quality, yield, and seed-to-pulp ratio. These varieties cater to local, domestic, and international markets, offering farmers excellent profitability and consumers a delectable experience.
This article highlights more than 10 top custard apple varieties grown in India, their characteristics, regions of cultivation, and uses.
1. Balanagar
Balanagar is one of the most widely grown custard apple varieties, known for its large fruits and excellent pulp quality.
- Fruit Size: Large (200–250 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Creamy, sweet, and aromatic
- Regions: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Fewer seeds with high pulp content
- Uniform, large-sized fruits
- High yield potential
- Uses: Table fruit, pulp extraction for desserts and beverages
2. Red Sitaphal
Red Sitaphal is an exotic variety with an attractive reddish-pink hue on its skin, making it popular in local markets.
- Fruit Size: Medium (150–200 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Sweet and aromatic
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat
- Characteristics:
- Unique red skin with soft, creamy pulp
- High market appeal due to its color
- Uses: Table fruit, desserts, juices
3. Atemoya
Atemoya is a hybrid variety resulting from a cross between custard apple and cherimoya. It has superior taste and pulp quality.
- Fruit Size: Large (200–300 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Rich, creamy, and smooth
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Sweet pulp with fewer seeds
- High tolerance to pests and diseases
- Uses: Premium table fruit, gourmet culinary uses
4. Arka Sahan
Arka Sahan, developed by IIHR (Indian Institute of Horticultural Research), is a high-yielding hybrid variety known for its large fruits and pulp quality.
- Fruit Size: Large (300–400 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Sweet, creamy, and seedless to low-seeded
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High yield with uniform-sized fruits
- Tolerant to pests and diseases
- Uses: Table fruit, processed pulp for ice creams and beverages
5. Washington
Washington custard apple is a commercial variety grown for its uniform fruits and excellent sweetness.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large (150–250 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Sweet and creamy with a grainy texture
- Regions: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
- Characteristics:
- High market demand
- Good shelf life and easy transportability
- Uses: Table fruit, pulp extraction
6. Purandhar
Purandhar is a premium variety cultivated for its high yield and superior quality pulp. It is favored in Maharashtra and other states.
- Fruit Size: Large (200–250 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Creamy, sweet, and soft
- Regions: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Characteristics:
- High pulp-to-seed ratio
- Early bearing variety
- Uses: Table fruit, culinary preparations
7. Kakarlapahad
Kakarlapahad is a traditional variety grown in the southern regions of India. It is known for its high yield and flavorful pulp.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large (200 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Sweet, juicy, and fibrous
- Regions: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Tolerant to drought conditions
- High yield and consistent quality
- Uses: Fresh consumption, pulp for juices
8. Hybrid-1 (Anona 1)
Hybrid-1 is a recently developed variety with superior pulp quality and a low seed-to-pulp ratio, making it ideal for commercial use.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large (200 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Creamy and seedless to low-seeded
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- High yield with uniform fruits
- Disease and pest resistant
- Uses: Table fruit, pulp processing
9. Golden Yellow
Golden Yellow custard apple is named for its attractive yellow skin and sweet, creamy pulp, making it a visually appealing variety.
- Fruit Size: Medium (150–200 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Sweet, soft, and juicy
- Regions: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Bright golden-yellow skin
- Preferred for its sweetness and aroma
- Uses: Fresh consumption, desserts
10. NMK-1
NMK-1 is an improved variety known for its uniform fruit size, fewer seeds, and superior pulp content. It is highly suitable for commercial cultivation.
- Fruit Size: Medium (150–250 grams)
- Pulp Quality: Soft, creamy, and aromatic
- Regions: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High yield with fewer seeds
- Good storage and shelf life
- Uses: Table fruit, culinary preparations
FAQs
Q1: Which custard apple variety has fewer seeds and high pulp content?
A: Arka Sahan, Hybrid-1, and Purandhar are varieties known for their fewer seeds and high pulp content.
Q2: Which state is the largest producer of custard apple in India?
A: Maharashtra is the largest producer of custard apple in India, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Q3: Which custard apple variety is best for commercial cultivation?
A: Balanagar, Washington, and NMK-1 are widely grown for commercial purposes due to their high yield and market demand.
Q4: What is unique about Red Sitaphal?
A: Red Sitaphal is unique due to its reddish-pink skin, which gives it an exotic and attractive appearance.
Q5: Which variety of custard apple is best for processing?
A: Arka Sahan and Mridula are ideal for pulp extraction and processing into ice creams, beverages, and desserts.
India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of several high-quality custard apple varieties, meeting both domestic and export demands. Varieties like Balanagar, Arka Sahan, and Purandhar cater to farmers seeking profitability, while hybrids like Atemoya provide premium options for consumers. With rising demand for nutritious fruits, custard apple farming is gaining traction as a lucrative agricultural venture in India.
