Sitaphal is one of those fruits which can be easily incorporated into your daily meals if you’re smart enough. Also known as custard apple, this fruit has a distinctively sweet and creamy flavour with hints of vanilla and pear. Its flesh is soft and custard-like and sitaphal is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fibre.
Its biggest USP is its high antioxidant content which helps neutralise free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This can contribute to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Vitamin C, present abundantly in sitaphal, is known for its immunity-boosting properties as well. Consuming sitaphal regularly can help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to infections and illnesses. So if you’re looking to add more sitaphal into your diet, consider these dishes.
Sitaphal Smoothie
Start your day on a refreshing note with a sitaphal smoothie. Blend ripe sitaphal pulp with bananas, yoghurt, a splash of milk or coconut water, and a drizzle of honey. You can add a hint of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavour boost. This creamy and nutritious smoothie is not only a great breakfast option but also makes a satisfying post-workout snack.
Sitaphal Salad
Elevate your salad game by adding chunks of sitaphal to your greens. Its creamy texture and subtly sweet taste complement a variety of salad ingredients. Combine sitaphal with baby spinach, arugula, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and a handful of toasted nuts. Dress it with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard.
Sitaphal Salsa
Give traditional salsa a tropical twist by incorporating sitaphal into the mix. Dice sitaphal along with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin for extra flavour. This sitaphal salsa pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.
Sitaphal Sorbet
Beat the heat with a refreshing sitaphal sorbet. Blend sitaphal pulp with sugar syrup and a splash of lemon juice until smooth. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for a few hours, stirring occasionally to prevent crystallisation. Once set, scoop the sorbet into bowls or cones for a cool and creamy treat. The natural sweetness of sitaphal combined with the icy texture of the sorbet makes it a truly great dessert.
Sitaphal Rabdi
Add a flavourful, tropical twist to your rabdi with the addition of sitaphal (custard apple). This fusion dessert combines the traditional flavours of thickened milk with the lusciousness of sitaphal pulp. Once the milk has thickened, add sugar and cardamom powder, along with the mashed sitaphal pulp to the thickened milk mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the sitaphal is evenly distributed throughout the rabdi.
Sitaphal Stir-Fry
Add a tropical twist to your stir-fry dishes by incorporating chunks of sitaphal. Sauté sitaphal along with bell peppers, onions, snap peas, and your choice of protein such as shrimp or tofu. Season with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired flavour profile. The creamy texture of sitaphal adds a unique element to the stir-fry, balancing out the savoury and umami flavours.
Sitaphal Dessert Cups
Impress your guests with individual sitaphal dessert cups layered with creamy goodness. In small dessert cups or glasses, alternate layers of sitaphal puree with whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Top with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or granola for added texture and crunch. Serve chilled as a refreshing and indulgent dessert option after a hearty meal.