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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Plant

Soursop

Soursop is the common name for *Annona muricata*, a tropical evergreen tree in the custard apple family (Annonaceae), and for its large edible fruit.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Soursop is the fruit of *Annona muricata*, a tropical evergreen tree native to the Americas. It has spiny green skin and white fibrous pulp with a sweet-tart flavour.

What it is

Soursop is the common name for *Annona muricata*, a species in the custard apple family (Annonaceae). The tree produces large green fruits covered in soft spines. Inside, the white flesh is juicy and fibrous, often compared to a blend of mango and pineapple in taste. It is known regionally as graviola, guyabano, or guanábana.

Where it grows and how it's used

Native to the tropical Americas, soursop is now cultivated in many warm regions worldwide, including parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. In some areas it has become invasive. The fruit is eaten fresh or processed into juice, puree, ice cream, and sorbet. It provides vitamin C and dietary fibre.

Traditional and medical interest

Soursop has a history in traditional medicine. Modern attention often focuses on its antioxidant compounds and possible anti-cancer properties. However, as Britannica notes, clinical studies in humans are lacking, so claims that it treats cancer are not supported by evidence. Consumers should treat such assertions with caution.

In short

  • Tropical fruit of *Annona muricata*, related to custard apple
  • Sweet-tart flavour, eaten fresh or in juices, desserts, and frozen treats
  • Widely cultivated but can become invasive in introduced areas
  • No clinical evidence supports use as a cancer treatment
Canadian angle

Soursop is not native to Canada, but it is sold in some Canadian markets as a tropical fruit and appears in imported juices, purées, and frozen products.

Quick questions

What is soursop?
Soursop is the common name for *Annona muricata*, a tropical fruit tree and its large edible fruit.
What does soursop taste like?
The white pulp is sweet-tart and fibrous, with a flavour often compared to a mix of mango, pineapple, and citrus.
Is soursop proven to treat cancer?
No. Although sometimes promoted as an alternative treatment, reputable sources like Britannica note that human clinical studies are lacking.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soursop
    Supports: Common names, scientific name, family, native range, and broad cultivation notes.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/soursop
    Supports: Taxonomy, native range, fruit description, culinary uses, and note that human clinical evidence for cancer treatment is lacking.
  3. ScienceDirect Topics — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/soursop
    Supports: Plant description, possible origin in the Caribbean, and cultivation in many tropical countries.
  4. Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens — https://www.pslbg.org/soursop/
    Supports: Common and scientific names and origin in tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean.
  5. University of Texas at El Paso — https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal%20facts%20sheet/soursop.html
    Supports: Alternative common names and herbal-safety context.
  6. International Tropical Fruits Network — https://www.itfnet.org/v1/2014/04/soursop-beyond-the-fruit-juic/
    Supports: Uses in juice and processed products, origin notes, and global spread.
  7. ECHOcommunity — https://www.echocommunity.org/th/resources/987d3977-766c-4611-8817-a5065b08e1e6
    Supports: Tree size and growth habit.
  8. Health.com — https://www.health.com/soursop-8572246
    Supports: Nutritional claims and traditional uses, presented as general health information.