Sitafal

All this cold weather is making me crave exotic fruit. It's probably because my body really wants to be in a tropical climate and not in the Great Cold North.


Next time you are looking for exotic fruit, step away from the mangoes and papayas. Try a Sitafal instead.


I am using the Indian name for this fruit. Sita was the wife of Ram (both being Hindu deities). The name Sitafal literally means "Sita fruit".


In case you were wondering, there is a Ramfal as well. Looking relatively similar, the Sitafal has a bumpier exterior, where her husband has a smoother outside texture.


Sitafal may be otherwise known as a "sweetsop", "sweet-apple" or "custard-apple", among others. This and other apple-suffixed fruit are known all over the English speaking world. To my understanding, the word apple was used, at one point in time, to name newly discovered fruit. Think of a pineapple. It's neither a pine nor an apple, but it somehow works.


In any case, the fruit somewhat resembles an artichoke. (I'm sure the name "artichoke-apple" didn't sound very appetizing.)

When ripe, the fragile and almost crumbly exterior can be removed easily with a little pressure.

Once all of it is removed, the Sitafal will be ready to eat.

The fruit is made up of tiny sections or pockets containing smooth, black seeds. (The seeds are not edible.)

Seeing the fruit in this form, it becomes obvious why some call it a "custard-apple". Each little pocket of fruit has a custard-like quality. It is sweet and milky; an unusual flavour in fruit.

These fruit can be found, somewhat easily, in grocery stores catering to the Asian market in and around the Greater Toronto Area.


Take a good look, because it could be called just about anything! Just make sure to pick one that is a bit soft and has a little give to ensure that it is ready to eat.