The fruit when full (ready for harvest) can weigh up to 10 lbs and on average are usually around 3 – 5 lbs. The skin is green, shiny and spiky, but the spikes are soft and flexible, not sharp. The fruit comes in a variety of shapes, but most often oval or can also appear heart shaped. The inside of the fruit is white, soft and somewhat custard like. The black oval shaped seeds are not edible.
Soursop trees are scatter in backyards, along the roadside and out in the wild.
Know for its healing and cancer fighting properties, soursop has become a much desired fruit worldwide. The leaves are often used in tea as a relaxation and sleep aid. The pulp is blended into juices, smoothies, ice cream and Virgin Islands specials (a local ice pop enjoyed by young and old alike).
When the soursop is perfectly ripe, the skin softens so you can split it open with your hands. Then you just scoop the creamy white flesh out of the skin with a spoon, enjoying the natural sweetness. Be curtained to discard the seeds.