Curious to know about growing custard apples?

Are you already a custard apple grower and would like to access valuable industry information? Well, have you considered becoming a member of Custard Apples Australia? Take a look at our why join us page for more information and the benefits you'll receive as a member.

Or, are you just curious to get a snapshot on ideal growing and handling conditions for one of Australia's most fascinating fruits? Then, you're in the right place!

Growing Areas & Seasonality

There are four main growing areas for Custard Apples in Australia.
These areas can be found along the sub-tropical and tropical coast of the eastern seaboard.

Farms are dotted in coastal areas from the Atherton Tablelands in North Queensland to Stuarts Point in Northern NSW.

The largest growing and production area is the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland while the Yeppoon area in Central Queensland can lay claim to producing the first fruit of the season.

Seasons for the two main varieties Pink Mammoth and African Pride are from early February through to September.

Newer varieties such as PinksBlush start their growing season later than other varieties, producing fruit from September through to December.

VIEW THE SEASONAL AVAILABILITY CHART

Growing Areas & Seasonality

There are four main growing areas for Custard Apples in Australia.
These areas can be found along the sub-tropical and tropical coast of the eastern seaboard.

Farms are dotted in coastal areas from the Atherton Tablelands in North Queensland to Stuarts Point in Northern NSW.

The largest growing and production area is the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland while the Yeppoon area in Central Queensland can lay claim to producing the first fruit of the season.

Seasons for the two main varieties Pink Mammoth and African Pride are from early February through to September.

Newer varieties such as PinksBlush start their growing season later than other varieties, producing fruit from September through to December.

VIEW THE SEASONAL AVAILABILITY CHART

Managing the temperature

For optimal return, understanding the ideal temperature for ripening is the key and will vary according to the region of the farm.

VIEW THE TEMPERATURE CHART

Packing and Handling

Custard Apples are a delicate tropical fruit and are easily damaged if handled incorrectly.

To aim for greater returns, farmers can observe the following:

Once fruit is picked, removing field heat is essential.
As a priority, transfer fruit from field to coldroom as soon as possible.
Store at 8°C to 12°C, for up to 5 days only.
Extended periods at these temperatures will lead to chill injury.
Once fruit has been packed for distribution, shelf life can be maintained by employing the services temperature controlled transportation.

How do custard apples compare with other fruits?

Few fruits have the wide range of bioactivity exhibited by custard apple fruit even those that are already considered superfruits such as blueberry and pomegranate. Even though there have been limited animal and human studies, custard apple fruit appear to be have excellent health and medicinal benefits which deserve to be further explored.

Based on in vitro and in vivo testing, custard apple fruit have potent anti-diabetic, anti-obese, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties. Extensive human clinical trials need to be conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of the specific chemicals in custard apple fruit as anti-diabetic and anti-cancer agents. Compared with other fruits, custard apple could be classed as one of the new superfruits.

View more on Nutritional Benefits