Soursop, known as guanábana in Spanish, is the large, green, spiny fruit of the Annona muricata tree, native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean. The fruit has soft, white, fibrous flesh with a distinctly sweet yet tangy flavor, reminiscent of a combination of pineapple, strawberry, and citrus. It is a member of the custard apple family, which often share these features.
Soursop is widely used in culinary applications, particularly in beverages, desserts, and ice creams, where its creamy texture and tropical flavor are highly prized. In countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, it is often blended into refreshing drinks or made into candies and sorbets.
Historically, soursop was cultivated by indigenous peoples of Central and South America and spread throughout the Caribbean. European explorers and colonists helped introduce it to other tropical regions, including parts of Southeast Asia and Africa, where it is also now cultivated.