Anona the magic fruit growing up only in Reggio Calabria

Anona the magic fruit growing up only in Reggio Calabria

The Anona or cherimola, is a typical fruit of Reggio Calabria where the environmental conditions are particularly favorable for its growth. With its characteristic round shape, it has the size of an apple and similar to a pinecone, with a velvety green skin. The anona has an aromatic and particularly sugary pulp, with a creamy consistency and a delicate ivory color. its taste is characterized by a mix of fruits that are close to that of the strawberry, but also reminiscent of the pineapple with a hint of vanilla.

The anona is a very delicate fruit, containing within it the hard black seeds of large dimensions, similar to those of the watermelon. the ripening time coincides with autumn but unfortunately the availability of this fruit is not high.

It is a very nutritious fruit, given the high amount of sugar, while the protein content is average. The fruit has a balanced sodium-potassium ratio: a good level of potassium in the body helps to control heart rate and blood pressure. It is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin C, which is a powerful natural antioxidant, the fruit contains about 80 Kcal / 100 g.

In addition to nutritional properties, the anona is distinguished by an important phytotherapeutic feature, namely the presence of annonacin, a polyphenol that has antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.

However, its potentially neurotoxic effect at high concentrations is suspected of being responsible for atypical parkinsonian forms observed in Guadeloupe, the only other place where this fruit is born (probably, following chronic and significant exposure).

Curated by Roberta Cuzzucoli

For more information http://www.meteoweb.eu/2017/11/anona/1002620/#blrzGop04KcRR8GO.99