Custard Apples Flood Yadgir Markets as Season Peaks
Yadgir: The markets in Shorapur and Yadgir, Karnataka, are experiencing an influx of custard apples, locally known as Sitaphal, as the fruit reaches its peak season from August to November. Grown primarily in hilly regions, custard apple trees can yield between 50 to 100 fruits, depending on rainfall. This season, the abundance of fruit has drawn many sellers to the roadside around bus terminals and local markets.
The Forest Department periodically auctions custard apple trees every two years, granting the right to harvest the fruits to the highest bidders. Vendors like Sunithabai shared insights into their practices, stating, “We pick the fruits and let them ripen in a dark place at home, although some ripen naturally on the tree and are taken directly to market.”
Currently, custard apples are being sold at prices ranging from ₹5 to ₹10 each. Family physician Veeresh Jaka emphasized the health benefits of custard apples, noting their high fiber, mineral, and vitamin content. He highlighted that the fruit is safe for diabetics when consumed in moderation and can enhance overall health.
Believed to originate from South America’s mountainous regions, custard apples thrive in high-altitude tropical climates. Their creamy texture makes them enjoyable to eat directly from the skin, often chilled and served like custard. The fruit’s flavor is sweet, reminiscent of bananas and pineapples, and it is rich in antioxidants, lutein for eye health, potassium, and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure. Additionally, custard apples have anticancer properties and may aid in reducing the risk of vitamin B6 deficiency, which is linked to depression.
As the custard apple season continues, the local community enjoys not only the fruit’s taste but also its numerous health benefits.
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