Summer Ingredient Essentials: Guanabana

Guanabana, also known as soursop, is a large green fruit native to South and Central America. Shaped like a heart with soft thorns on the outside and white flesh on the inside, these fruits are celebrated for being packed with nutrition in every sweet and sour tasting bite. Guanabana is rich in Vitamin C, which helps the body neutralize free radicals as well as support the immune system. Helping maintain a healthy heart, guanabana is rich in Vitamin B1 and potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. With over 7 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein per 148 calorie cup, it's obvious why guanabana has a place in the Latin kitchen.

How do I pick the best guanabana?

Guanabana fruit can vary in size, some reaching more than 5 pounds. No matter the size, look for a fruit that is heavy for its size and yields to gentle pressure. The skin should be covered in soft thorns and have a rich dark green hue. Steer clear from any fruit that has cuts, blemishes, or soft spots. If ripe guanabanas are not available, you can ripen the fruit at home. Leave unripened fruit at room temperature over night or until soft and fragrant.

What can I make with guanabana?

Guanabana can be enjoyed through the juice and the pulp. Enjoy raw juice as a refreshing drink, use to make ice creams and popsicles, or add rum for a fun and easy cocktail. Blended guanabana is great for smoothies, milk shakes, and puddings. Add pulp to cake batter or sweet bread recipes for an extra sweet and sour punch or make a tangy soursop jelly. 

To prep, first rinse guanabana under cool water. Slice in half lengthwise to reveal white flesh and seeds. Remove seeds from fruit, then scoop out flesh. The flesh can be added to smoothies and shakes, squeezed for juice, or enjoyed raw with a sprinkling of sugar.

Store ripe guanabana in the refrigerator for up to three days. Guanabana flesh and pulp can be frozen for later use. Pulp stored in an airtight container and frozen will remain fresh for 3 months, perfect to use in morning smoothies!

Recipes to try include: Powerhouse Strawberry Banana Smoothie (replace strawberry with guanabana), Piña Colada (replace pineapple with guanabana), and Coconut Ice Cream (replace coconut milk with half juice and half guanabana pulp).