What Is Graviola?

The graviola fruit is a fruit prized in certain areas for its sweetness and flavor. The fruit itself is unattractive, but the taste is delicious. The extract from this plant may be used medicinally, but the fruit is used and enjoyed by many for its flavor.

Definition

Graviola is the Portuguese name for a fruit and the tree it grows on. The graviola tree grows wild in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. It has been cultivated in Florida as well. The fruit is also known as pawpaw, soursop or guanaba.

Description

The graviola fruit is green with a prickly skin. The flesh itself is white with black seeds and can be tough and fibrous. The taste is similar to a strawberry crossed with a pineapple, sweet and tart at the same time. The flesh is somewhat hard to eat so it is usually juiced and used as a flavoring.

Uses

Juices, flavored drinks, ice creams and desserts are made from graviola. It is high in Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2.

Medicinal Uses

Graviola has been used as an herbal remedy for hundreds of years. The extract is used to treat such conditions as stomach upsets, worms, fever and muscle pain. There is research currently being conducted regarding graviola as a cancer treatment.

Warning

While eating the flesh or juices of the graviola fruit poses little to no danger to most people, it is suggested that pregnant women abstain as it may cause premature labor if eaten in large quantities. Graviola has also been connected with atypical forms of Parkinson's disease.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish