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Sitaphal, also known as custard apple, is a tropical fruit that is native to Central America and is grown in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The scientific name of the custard apple is Annona reticulata. It is a member of the Annonaceae family, which includes other fruits like cherimoya and soursop.
The flavour of custard apple is sweet and has a unique taste that is a combination of flavours reminiscent of banana, pineapple, and vanilla. It is often eaten fresh, either by scooping out the flesh with a spoon or by blending it into smoothies and desserts. Some people also use custard apple in ice cream, milkshakes, and various desserts to add a natural sweetness and creaminess.
Custard apples are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients like vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals, and dietary fiber. They are a popular fruit in many tropical regions and are enjoyed for their taste and nutritional benefits. Sitaphal proves to be extremely versatile when it comes to being used in cooking, and here are some reasons why:
Sitaphal Ice Cream
Sitaphal Ice Cream is a delectable frozen dessert that combines the rich, creamy goodness of ice cream with the delightful, tropical flavour of custard apples (sitaphal). To prepare this indulgent treat, ripe custard apples are carefully deseeded, and their pulp is blended with sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and a touch of vanilla extract.
This luscious mixture is then churned in an ice cream maker until it achieves a velvety-smooth consistency. The result is a luxurious ice cream with a unique, fruity sweetness and a velvety texture, making it a perfect balance between the familiar comfort of ice cream and the exotic allure of custard apples.
Sitaphal Pudding
Sitaphal Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy elegance of traditional pudding with the exotic flavour of custard apples (sitaphal). To create this tantalising treat, a custard base is prepared using milk, sugar, and egg yolks, which is then gently cooked until it thickens to a silky consistency. The star of the show, custard apple pulp, is added to infuse the pudding with its unique tropical essence. After blending the custard apple pulp into the mixture, the pudding is allowed to chill, turning into a velvety, sweet indulgence.
Custard Apple Trifle
Custard Apple Trifle is a sumptuous, layered dessert that harmoniously blends the velvety richness of custard apples (sitaphal) with the classic elegance of a trifle. This dessert masterpiece features layers of custard apple pieces, often sweetened to enhance their natural sweetness, along with sponge cake or ladyfingers soaked in a flavorful syrup. Between these layers, there's a generous serving of luscious custard or creamy whipped cream, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavours. The trifle is usually crowned with a final layer of whipped cream and garnished with grated chocolate or fresh fruit for an appealing visual touch.
Sitaphal Milkshake
Sitaphal Milkshake is a delectable and refreshing beverage that combines the creamy goodness of milk with the unique and tropical flavour of custard apples, also known as sitaphal. To create this delightful milkshake, ripe custard apples are peeled and deseeded, and their sweet and creamy pulp is blended with chilled milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a touch of honey or sugar for added sweetness.
The result is a velvety-smooth milkshake with a luscious texture and a flavour profile that's a harmonious blend of fruity sweetness and creaminess. Served cold, custard apple milkshakes are the perfect way to beat the heat on a hot day or satisfy your sweet cravings with a tropical twist, making them a favourite among milkshake enthusiasts and custard apple aficionados alike.
Sitaphal Halwa
Sitaphal Halwa is a delightful Indian dessert that showcases the unique flavour of custard apples (sitaphal) in a rich and indulgent sweet treat. To prepare this halwa, the custard apple pulp is cooked down with ghee (clarified butter) and sugar until it thickens and caramelises, resulting in a luscious, fragrant mixture.
Often flavoured with cardamom and garnished with chopped nuts like almonds and cashews, Sitaphal Halwa boasts a distinctive combination of fruity sweetness and nutty richness. Its smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture and aromatic appeal make it a beloved dessert for festive occasions and celebrations in India, offering a delightful and authentic taste of Indian sweets.
Custard Apple Tarts
Custard Apple Tarts are delightful pastries that feature the tropical and sweet flavour of custard apples (sitaphal) in a delectable dessert. These tarts typically start with pre-made tart shells or pie crusts that are filled with slices or mashed custard apple pulp. The custard apple filling is often sweetened with sugar or honey to enhance its natural sweetness. The tarts are then baked until the pastry turns golden brown, creating a delightful contrast between the flaky, buttery crust and the creamy, fruity custard apple filling.
Sitaphal Sorbet
Sitaphal sorbet is a delightful frozen dessert that highlights the unique and tropical flavour of custard apples, also known as sitaphal. To create this refreshing treat, ripe custard apples are peeled and deseeded, and their sweet and creamy pulp is blended into a smooth puree. The custard apple puree is then combined with a simple syrup made from sugar and water.
This mixture is churned in an ice cream maker or frozen and periodically scraped with a fork to create a light and airy texture. The result is a sorbet with a vibrant custard apple flavour that's both sweet and slightly tangy. It's a perfect choice for those looking for a dairy-free and fat-free frozen dessert option that captures the essence of this tropical fruit. Sitaphal sorbet is a fantastic way to enjoy the refreshing taste of custard apples on a hot day or as a palate-cleansing dessert between courses.
