The flavor of the soursop fruit is distinctly tropical. It can be described in a variety of ways. Here are some of the ways the tropical fruit’s devotees describe it when it lands on their palate.

What soursop tastes like:

Many of the fruit’s fans say the taste of soursop is exotic and lovely. It has flavors that are is a combination of: Strawberry and pineapple, with sour citrus flavor notes that contrast with its creamy texture, which is similar to the flavors of coconut and banana.

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-flavored, with hints of mango.

Here is yet another take on the flavor of soursop: It has a delicate fragrance that is tropical, fruity, musky. It has a sour profile, but is sweet enough.

On this point, there are some that claim it is very sweet. It can taste like a combination or mixture of three flavors: pineapple, banana and papaya.

Is soursop delicious?

Mark Twain called the cherimoya, a near relative of soursop: “deliciousness itself.” (See more Mark Twain quotes). He said: “We had an abundance of mangoes, papaias and bananas here, but the pride of the islands, the most delicious fruit known to men, cherimoya, was not in season. It has a soft pulp, like a pawpaw, and is eaten with a spoon. The papaia looks like a small squash, and tastes like a paw paw.” This is from a letter he wrote that was published in the Sacramento Daily Union on October 25, 1866, and details his travels in Hawaii.

What cherimoya tastes like:

There is some distinction between the Soursop and Cherimoya, which are related fruit. Think of them of how there are similar varieties of apples or avocados. Cherimoya fruit has a flavor described as a blend of bananas, pineapples, pears, lemons and other tropical fruits. The fruit is four- to eight-inches and is heart-shaped. It opens easily to reveal a white, sweet pulp and small coin-sized hard black seeds.

Journalist Joan Namkoong, writing in Honolulu magazine described the taste of cherimoya this way: “Inside is smooth, cream-colored, custardy flesh that hints at the flavors of pineapple, mango, passion fruit, banana and lemon.”

Learn about Soursop fruit

Below are common questions and answers about soursop. These facts were gathered from a variety of sources on- and offline.

What is Soursop?

Soursop is a long, prickly fruit that comes from the graviola tree. It is an evergreen tree native to Malaysia, Vietnam, Mexico, the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America. It’s also known as custard apple, guanabana and Brazilian paw paw. See additional synonyms in the list below.

What are other words for soursop?

Soursop is known by a variety of different words. They include the following synonyms or related words:

• Soursop
• Graviola
• Guanabana
• Brazilian Paw Paw
• Custard Apple
• Custard Pear
• Cherimoya
• Annona muricata

Learn more about the origins of these words that are related or are direct synonyms to the word “soursop” and fruit. Click here.

Where does soursop grow?

Soursop grows in tropical climates and can be found growing naturally in Mexico, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia as well as Central and South America. It is grown in small volumes on farms in southern Florida. However the vast major of fresh soursop fruit sold in the US is grown in Grenada. Soursop leaves are imported into the US from all over the world including. This soursop store imports its premium leaves from Malaysia.

What does the soursop fruit and plant look like?

Soursop is a long, prickly fruit that comes from the Graviola tree.

Can I grow soursop at home?

You can obtain seeds and grow the soursop fruit at home provided you keep the tree it grows on in a warm tropical environment where the plant is exposed to lots of sunlight. In its natural habitat, the Graviola tree grows in tropical rainforests with high humidity. Learn more

Can I make soursop leaves into tea?

Soursop grows on a tree called the Graviola, and its leaves can be made into tea. It is the most affordable way to consume soursop to take advantage of its health benefits. See what soursop tea products are available.

Can eating soursop cure cancer?

This is a controversial topic and requires some extensive information and explanation. You can see a detailed discuss of this health claim in our “Can soursop cure cancer” post.

What does soursop taste like?

Fans of soursop describe its taste as a combination of pineapple and mango. Or some say strawberry and banana. Read more.