Custard Apple (Mtomoko): Benefits, Nutrition, Varieties & Prices in Kenya (2025 Guide)
- BeyondForest
- Mar 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 19
My Custard apple trees are flowering.I didn’t know when they flower they produce sweet smelling fragrance.Now compound smells like expensive perfume -Immaculate Wandera
Custard apple (Annona squamosa), also known as sugar apple or sweetsop, is a tropical fruit prized for its sweet, creamy flavor and unique appearance. The fruit has a knobby, segmented green skin that resembles overlapping scales, enclosing soft, white, custard-like flesh filled with glossy black seeds.
While this sugar is natural and healthier than refined sugars, it can still affect blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics.
Custard apple is believed to have originated in the tropical Americas, most likely in the West Indies or Central America. From there, it spread to South America and was later introduced to Asia and Africa by Spanish and Portuguese explorers during the colonial trade era.
Takes approximately 3 years for the Custard Apple to start flowering
Custard Apple Nutritional profile
Custard apple is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber, making it excellent for boosting immunity, supporting heart health, and improving digestion. The natural sugars in the fruit provide a quick energy boost, while its antioxidants help combat free radicals and slow aging.
When ripe, the fruit becomes slightly soft to the touch and can be scooped out with a spoon. Custard apple is enjoyed fresh, added to smoothies, or used in desserts like ice cream and milkshakes.
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Custard apple is highly nutritious and contains essential vitamins and minerals including Calories: 94 kcal per 100g Carbohydrates: 23.6g Sugars: 18g Protein: 2.1g Fats: 0.6g Dietary Fiber: 4.4g Vitamin C: 19.2 mg (32% of daily requirement) Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg (10% of daily requirement) Magnesium: 21 mg Potassium: 382 mg Calcium: 30 mg The high carbohydrate and sugar content make it a natural energy booster, while its fiber helps in digestion.
"The one fruit I tasted and it confused my taste buds . it's tastes like a mango and pineapple and vanilla.. It was delish "
Image of a Custard Apple also known as kamafora in Bukusu
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Custard apple is loaded with antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
2. Boosts Immunity
Thanks to its high vitamin C content, custard apple strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight infections and diseases more effectively.
3. Supports Digestive Health
Custard apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which improves digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. The fiber also helps regulate bowel movements, making it beneficial for people with irritable bowel syndrome
Compared to soursop, Custard apple is more common in Kenya and is locally called matomoko.
4. Good for Skin and Hair
The antioxidants in custard apple help prevent premature aging by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. Vitamin C promotes collagen production, leading to healthier skin and stronger hair.
5. Regulates Blood Pressure
Custard apple is rich in potassium and magnesium, which help relax blood vessels and regulate blood pressure. This makes it a heart-friendly fruit, especially for people with hypertension.
6. Aids in Weight Gain
For individuals looking to gain weight naturally, custard apple is an excellent choice due to its high-calorie content and healthy carbohydrates. It provides an energy boost without unhealthy fats.
7. Supports Brain Health
The vitamin B6 in custard apple is essential for brain function, helping to improve memory, concentration, and mood regulation. It also plays a role in preventing neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
8. May Help Manage Diabetes (With Caution)
While custard apple is high in natural sugars, its fiber content helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption. However, people with diabetes should consume it in moderation.
9. Promotes Healthy Pregnancy
Custard apple contains essential nutrients like folate, vitamin B6, and magnesium, which support fetal development and reduce the risk of neural tube defects in babies. It also helps manage pregnancy-related nausea and morning sickness.
10. Strengthens Bones
Custard apple is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are crucial for maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
Custard Apple in Hindi
In Hindi, custard apple is called "सीताफल" (Sitaphal). It is widely grown in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, where it is an important seasonal fruit. The name "Sitaphal" comes from a combination of Sanskrit words, where "Sita" means cold and "phal" means fruit, indicating its cooling properties.
1. High Sugar Content May Affect Blood Sugar Levels
Custard apple is naturally high in sugar, which can cause spikes in blood glucose levels if consumed excessively. Diabetics should eat it in controlled portions.
2. Can Cause Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may be allergic to custard apple, experiencing symptoms like itching, swelling, or breathing difficulties. If any allergic reaction occurs, medical attention should be sought immediately.
3. Risk of Weight Gain
Because of its calorie-dense nature, excessive consumption of custard apple may lead to weight gain, especially if not balanced with physical activity.
4. May Cause Digestive Issues
While fiber is beneficial for digestion, consuming too much custard apple can lead to bloating, gas, or diarrhea, particularly in individuals with sensitive stomachs.
5. Toxicity in Seeds and Skin
Custard apple seeds and unripe fruit contain toxic alkaloids, which can be harmful if ingested. The seeds should never be chewed or swallowed, as they contain annonacin, a neurotoxin linked to Parkinsonism.
6. Can Interact with Certain Medications
People on blood pressure or diabetes medication should consult a doctor before consuming custard apple, as it may interfere with their medication’s effectiveness.
Germinating Custard Apple Seeds
Image of Custard Apple Seeds
Seed Preparation
Soaking custard apple seeds in water for 24 to 72 hours before planting can soften the seed coat and speed up sprouting.
Sowing Conditions
Plant the prepared seeds approximately one inch deep in well-draining soil, maintaining a spacing of about two inches between seeds. Ensure the soil remains moist, and position the planting container in a location that receives indirect sunlight.
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Germination Timeline
Under optimal conditions, custard apple seeds typically germinate within three weeks, especially when temperatures range between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F). However, germination can sometimes extend up to 30 days or longer.
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Once seedlings reach a height of 3 to 4 inches, they are ready for transplantation. Select a location with well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Spacing should be maintained at 4x4 meters to 6x6 meters, depending on soil fertility and desired canopy size.
The critical time to spray a custard apple tree with a copper fungicide is from the time the fruit sets until six weeks before the estimated harvest. Ideally two rounds at 2 weeks interval before ripening of fruits.
Q:I have 1 tree which produces a lot of fruits ,however they all rot . What can I use to avoid the rot?
A:Those are fruit flies that lay eggs in them then the larvae destroy the fruits. Spraying during flowering is the solution.
Is Custard Apple High in Sugar?
Yes, custard apple is naturally high in sugar, containing about 18g of sugar per 100g. While this sugar is natural and healthier than refined sugars, it can still affect blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics. For Diabetics and Weight Watchers .Eat in moderation: Limit intake to half a fruit per serving. Pair with protein or fiber: Combine it with nuts, seeds, or Greek yogurt to slow sugar absorption. Consume during the day: Avoid eating custard apple late at night to prevent sugar spikes.
How much is custard apple in Kenya?
At the farm level, prices can be lower. For instance, a farmer in Murang'a County reported selling custard apples at approximately KSh60 per kilogram while at retail level Alpha Veggies Groceries lists custard apple at KSh370 per kilogram
Custard apple is composed of soluble fibres and antioxidants, which may show laxative properties. It may also help remove toxins and improves bowel movements. Hence, these soluble dietary fibres add bulk to the stool and may help in managing constipation.
Is custard apple the same as soursop?
No, custard apple (Annona squamosa) and soursop (Annona muricata) are different fruits. Custard apple is smaller, with segmented skin and sweet creamy pulp, while soursop is larger, has spiky skin, and a slightly tangy flavor.
Image of Custard Apple leaves
What is custard apple in swahili?
Custard apple is called Mtomoko in Swahili.
What are the benefits of eating Custard Apple ?
Custard apple is rich in vitamin C, B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. It boosts immunity, supports digestion, improves heart health, helps manage blood pressure, promotes healthy skin
What is another name for a custard apple?
Custard apple is also called sugar apple or sweetsop in many regions.
Custard apple seedlings in kenya
Custard apple locally known as "matomoko," is cultivated in Kenya for its sweet, creamy fruit. For those interested in growing custard apples, sourcing quality seedlings and understanding the germination process are crucial steps. Visiting agricultural nurseries in regions where custard apples are commonly grown may yield seedlings
Custard apple (Annona squamosa) seeds typically take 3 to 4 weeks to germinate under optimal conditions. However, in some cases, germination can take up to 30 to 60 days, depending on factors such as temperature, soil moisture, and seed treatment.
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