Vol. 9, Issue 7, Part K (2025)

Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.), a fruit-bearing member of the Annonaceae family, holds significant nutritional, medicinal, and commercial value. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in India, it is prized for its creamy, sweet pulp rich in sugars, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the botanical characteristics, nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, medicinal properties, and processing technologies of custard apple. The plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including acetogenins, flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids, which have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities in several preclinical studies. Despite its nutritional richness and therapeutic potential, custard apple faces significant challenges in post-harvest management due to its short shelf life and perishability. The review also highlights recent advancements in processing techniques and preservation strategies such as drying, modified atmosphere storage, natural preservatives, and emerging non-thermal technologies like high-pressure processing and nano-coatings. Furthermore, the potential of custard apple in developing functional foods, value-added products, and nutraceuticals is emphasized. However, gaps remain in large-scale processing infrastructure, storage protocols, and clinical validation of its health benefits, indicating a strong need for further interdisciplinary research to fully realize its commercial and health potential.