Soncoya

Annona purpurea

Soncoya is a distinctive Central American tropical superfruit with exceptional vitamin C content (38% DV) and powerful immune-supporting properties. Native to Central America and Mexico, soncoya delivers comprehensive antioxidant protection, energy enhancement, and creamy nutritional benefits. At 88 calories per 100g with custard-like creamy flesh and excellent nutrient density, soncoyas are prized in traditional Central American cuisines and increasingly valued for their superior health properties. Perfect for fresh eating, smoothies, desserts, beverages, and comprehensive immune and antioxidant wellness.

Calories

2.2g

Fiber

38%

Vitamin C

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Explore Soncoya in stunning detail

Soncoya - Main View

Nutrition Facts

Calories

per 100g

Carbs

20.4g

per 100g

Protein

1.2g

per 100g

Fiber

2.2g

per 100g

Sugar

15.8g

per 100g

Fat

0.6g

per 100g

💊Vitamins

Per 100g

Vitamin C

38% DV

30 mg

Excellent immune support, powerful antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, iron absorption, wound healing

Vitamin A

11% DV

340 IU (102 mcg RAE)

Vision support, immune function, skin health, antioxidant defense, cellular protection

Folate (B9)

6% DV

24 mcg

Cell division, DNA synthesis, neurological health, methylation support, fetal development

Pantothenic Acid (B5)

4% DV

0.22 mg

Energy metabolism, hormone synthesis, stress response, cellular health

⚡Minerals

Per 100g

Copper

9% DV

0.08 mg

Iron metabolism, bone formation, immune function, antioxidant enzyme production

Manganese

7% DV

0.16 mg

Bone development, metabolism, antioxidant enzyme function, connective tissue formation

Potassium

7% DV

278 mg

Heart health, blood pressure regulation, muscle function, electrolyte balance

🛡️Antioxidants

Vitamin CCarotenoidsPolyphenolsFlavonoidsPhenolic compoundsAntioxidant enzymes

🌿Phytonutrients

Vitamin C - excellent antioxidant providing robust immune support, cellular protection, and powerful defense against oxidative stressCarotenoids - antioxidant compounds supporting vision health, immune function, and cellular protection from free radical damagePolyphenols - diverse antioxidants supporting cardiovascular health, inflammation reduction, and comprehensive cellular wellnessFlavonoids - antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds supporting immune function, vascular health, and cellular protection

📊Glycemic Index

Per Serving

Nutrition breakdown for one serving

📏

Serving Size

100g fresh soncoya

Calories

88kcal

Breakdown

Carbs

20.4g

Fiber

2.2g

7% DV

Sugar

15.8g

Protein

1.2g

Fat

0.6g

Vitamin C

💊

30mg

38% DV

Potassium

⚡

278mg

7% DV

Health Benefits

Excellent vitamin C content (38% DV) provides robust immune support, powerful antioxidant protection, and comprehensive cellular defense against oxidative stress

High vitamin A (11% DV) supports vision health, immune function, and skin health with comprehensive antioxidant benefits

Polyphenol and flavonoid content supports cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and enhances antioxidant protection

Excellent hydration profile (76.2% water content) supports optimal cellular health, sustained energy, and comprehensive wellness

Moderate caloric density (88 cal/100g) with excellent nutrient-to-calorie ratio supports nutritional optimization and energy balance

Copper (9% DV) supports iron metabolism, bone formation, and immune function for comprehensive health

Folate (6% DV) supports cell division, DNA synthesis, and neurological health

B vitamins and minerals support energy metabolism, nerve function, and comprehensive vitality

Fiber content (7% DV) supports digestive health, gut microbiome wellness, and satiety

Exceptional nutrient density provides comprehensive nutrition for optimal health and wellness

Origin & Distribution

Native Region

Central America and Mexico

Global Presence

Mexico

Guatemala

El Salvador

Honduras

Costa Rica

Panama

Central American regions

Top Producers

MexicoGuatemalaCentral America

Historical Background

Soncoya originated in Central America and Mexico, where it has been cultivated for centuries as a prized tropical fruit. Also known as purple custard apple, soncoya is deeply embedded in Central American culinary traditions and traditional medicine practices. The fruit represents the rich botanical heritage of Central American tropical regions and continues to be valued for both nutritional and medicinal properties.

Peak Season

Best Time to Enjoy

Peak season September-December

3 Varieties Available

Explore Varieties

Each variety offers unique flavors, textures, and culinary applications

Mexican Soncoya

Mexico

Color

Deep purple to blackish-purple, smooth exterior

Taste Profile

Sweet-tart balance, distinctive tropical flavor

Best For

Fresh eating, traditional preparations

Guatemalan Soncoya

Guatemala

Color

Purple with darker undertones, distinctive appearance

Taste Profile

Creamy sweetness, subtle tartness

Best For

Fresh eating, contemporary recipes, beverages

Central American Soncoya

Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama

Color

Dark purple, distinctive round shape

Taste Profile

Sweet with complex flavor notes, tropical notes

Best For

Desserts, smoothies, traditional dishes

Storage & Selection Guide

Keep your fruit fresh and delicious for longer

How to Choose the Perfect Fruit

Select soncoya that yields slightly to gentle pressure indicating optimal ripeness

Choose fruits with deep purple to blackish-purple coloring indicating full ripeness

Avoid fruits with bruises, soft spots, or discoloration indicating damage

Ripe soncoya should emit sweet, tropical fragrance

Fruit should feel firm with smooth skin texture

Look for consistent color without any green patches

Proper Storage Methods

Store fresh soncoya at room temperature for 2-3 days in cool conditions

Refrigerate ripe fruits in produce drawer for up to 10 days

Freeze soncoya flesh in airtight containers for 4-6 months

Dried soncoya pieces store for extended periods in cool, dry conditions

Fresh soncoya puree stores refrigerated for 2-3 days maximum

Soncoya preserves store for several months in cool, dark conditions

Shelf Life Guide

Refrigerated

10 days in refrigerator (ripe fruit)

Average Shelf Life

10 days

Freezing Instructions

Preserve freshness for months

2-3 months

Wash and dry soncoya thoroughly before freezing

Remove seeds and place creamy flesh in freezer-safe containers

Freeze on parchment-lined trays initially for 2-3 hours, then transfer to freezer bags

Frozen soncoya maintains nutritional integrity and vitamin C potency for 4-6 months

Thaw in refrigerator before consuming or blending into smoothies

Frozen soncoya works excellently for tropical beverages and frozen desserts

Pro Tip

Label frozen items with the date to track freshness. Most fruits maintain quality for 2-3 months when properly frozen. For best results, use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Culinary Journey

Discover delicious possibilities

Common Uses

Fresh eating as distinctive tropical snack

Central American traditional dishes

Contemporary tropical cuisine applications

Desserts and sweet preparations

Smoothies and tropical beverages

Ice creams and frozen preparations

Jams and tropical preserves

Culinary and medicinal applications

Perfect Pairings

Coconut milk - tropical flavor harmony

Lime - citrus brightness enhancement

Ginger - warming spice enhancement

Honey - natural sweetness balance

Cardamom - exotic spice pairing

Vanilla - classic dessert pairing

Dark chocolate - intensity enhancement

Cinnamon - warming spice complement

Lemongrass - aromatic enhancement

Popular Recipes

Fresh soncoya tropical bowl

Soncoya and coconut milk preparation

Central American soncoya dessert

Soncoya tropical smoothie

Soncoya with lime and ginger

Soncoya ice cream or gelato

Soncoya jam with tropical flavors

Soncoya in tropical fruit salad

Fusion soncoya culinary creations

Refreshing Beverages

Fresh soncoya puree

Soncoya tropical smoothie

Soncoya and coconut beverage

Central American soncoya drink

Soncoya refreshment with lime

Soncoya antioxidant juice blend

Soncoya wellness tonic

Safety Information

Allergy Information:

Soncoya allergies are rare. Some individuals may have sensitivity to tropical fruits or specific plant families.

Pesticide Concerns:

Purchase soncoya from reputable Central American producers specializing in traditional cultivation methods. Most soncoya cultivation uses minimal pesticides due to traditional farming practices. Choose certified, organically grown sources when available.

Who Should Avoid:

• People with fruit allergies should exercise caution and test in small amounts
• Those with sensitive digestive systems should introduce gradually
• Individuals with specific fruit sensitivities should test first
• Very few contraindications; generally safe for virtually all populations
• Seeds should be completely removed before consumption

Possible Side Effects:

•Generally very well-tolerated in normal amounts
•Seeds should be removed; do not consume seeds
•No significant side effects documented in normal consumption
•Do not consume skin; only fruit flesh is consumed
•Very rare sensitivity reactions in individuals with tropical fruit allergies

Preparation Safety:

• Wash fruits thoroughly under running water before consumption
• Remove all skin and seeds completely before eating flesh
• Remove seeds completely; do not consume seeds or skin
• Use clean utensils when preparing soncoya
• Store properly to prevent rapid ripening or mold development
• Purchase from certified, reputable Central American sources ensuring food safety

Fun Facts

Surprising trivia you'll love!

Soncoya is also known as purple custard apple due to its distinctive creamy, custard-like flesh appearance

The fruit's excellent vitamin C content (38% DV) makes it valuable for immune support in tropical regions

Soncoya has been cultivated in Central America and Mexico for centuries as both food and traditional medicine

The name 'soncoya' derives from Central American language roots reflecting regional significance

Soncoya's deep purple color comes from exceptional polyphenol and flavonoid concentration

Traditional Central American recipes combine soncoya with honey and spices for desserts

Soncoya is gaining international recognition as tropical superfruit awareness increases globally

The fruit's creamy texture makes it excellent for blending into smoothies and beverages

Traditional Central American medicine uses soncoya for immune support and digestive health

Research increasingly validates soncoya's superior antioxidant and immune-supporting properties among tropical fruits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is soncoya and where does it come from?

General

Soncoya (Annona purpurea) is a distinctive tropical fruit native to Central America and Mexico. Also known as purple custard apple, soncoya is celebrated for its distinctive creamy texture, excellent vitamin C content (38% DV per 100g), and traditional wellness benefits.

What are the nutritional benefits of soncoya?

Nutrition

Soncoya delivers excellent vitamin C (38% DV per 100g) for immune support, vitamin A (11% DV) for vision health, copper (9% DV) for immune function, B vitamins for energy metabolism, and polyphenols for antioxidant protection. At 88 calories per 100g with excellent hydration (76.2% water), soncoya provides comprehensive nutritional benefits.

How does soncoya taste?

General

Soncoya has a distinctively sweet, creamy flavor with custard-like texture reminiscent of tropical fruits. The taste varies by variety: Mexican varieties are very sweet, Guatemalan varieties have balanced sweet notes, and Central American varieties offer complex flavor suitable for both fresh and blended applications.

Is soncoya good for immune support?

Health

Yes, soncoya is excellent for immune support with excellent vitamin C (38% DV per 100g), vitamin A (11% DV), comprehensive polyphenol content, and copper (9% DV) for immune function. The comprehensive nutrient profile makes soncoya highly effective for robust immune wellness and antioxidant protection.

What is unique about soncoya's nutritional profile?

Nutrition

Soncoya is unique for its combination of excellent vitamin C (38% DV), vitamin A (11% DV), and notable copper content (9% DV). The distinctive creamy texture combined with comprehensive antioxidant compounds makes soncoya exceptional among tropical fruits for nutritional density and immune support.

Why is soncoya called purple custard apple?

General

Soncoya is called purple custard apple because of its distinctive deep purple color and creamy custard-like flesh texture. The appearance and consistency of the edible portion gives the fruit its common English name, distinguishing it from other tropical fruits with different characteristics.

Where can you buy soncoya?

Shopping

Fresh soncoya is available at Latin American markets, specialty produce shops, and tropical fruit retailers, particularly during peak season (September-December). Year-round options include frozen soncoya flesh, soncoya puree, and soncoya products from specialty retailers and Central American online vendors.

How should soncoya be prepared?

Recipes

Eat fresh soncoya by cutting the fruit and scooping the creamy flesh with a spoon, removing seeds. Blend into smoothies, prepare desserts, or freeze for beverages where the fruit's creamy texture shines. The distinctive flavor pairs beautifully with coconut, lime, ginger, and tropical spices.