As the sun rises over the holy Ganges, breathing in the sound of ‘Om,’. We may seek food that is actually connected to our spiritual journey. Or yoga path, which includes everything we put into our physical bodies, not just asanas and meditation. I’m curious how much you’d enjoy a wonderful gift from nature that may help your yoga practice and overall well-being from within.
Well, say hello to the custard apple! Sure, the exterior looks a little rough, but the interior is creamy goodness. Here in India, we actually refer to it by a much more beautiful and spiritually exquisite name: Sitaphal, the fruit of goddess Sita. Sitaphal is not just another seasonal treat; rather, this ‘fruit’ holds a great food history, nutritional reputation, and ancient wisdom.
Let us take a moment to peel back the fruit and explore how this miracle fruit is going to truly nourish your mind and body (and soul).
Sitaphal
The Fruit Named After a Goddess
Isn’t it interesting that a fruit can represent a story? Sitaphal comes from the Hindi word ‘Sita,’ as in Goddess Sita, and the Hindi word ‘phal,’ which means fruit. Apparently, this was Sita’s favorite fruit, which was consumed. When she was exiled to the forest, as described in the Ramayana.
Because of this connection to the revered goddess. It has a special significance and is seen as sattvic food in Ayurveda—pure, light, and promoting clarity of mind. This is exactly the type of nourishment we want to take in when practicing yoga, meditation, etc.—don’t you think?
Benefits of Custard Apple
Support your asanas and inner bliss.
So, aside from the lovely story, what is it about the sitaphal that makes it such a special fruit for the yogi lifestyle? Let’s dive into its wonderful benefits, area by area, physical and spiritual.
For the Body (Physical Benefits):
Energy Booster: Need a bit of an energy boost before your morning yoga practice? The natural sugars in custard apple provide a great burst of energy that lasts! It’s the perfect snack to get you through all of those asanas without needing to crash afterward from a sugar high.
Digestive Aid: Healthy digestion is the basis of good health, whether we consider yoga or Ayurvedic concepts (think ‘Agni’ or digestive fire). Custard apples contain lots of fiber, and as any digestive doctor will tell you, fiber is key to a healthy gut. With all that fiber, it will encourage regular bowel movements and keep things moving.
Bone & Joint Health: As yogis, we work our bones and joints. Custard apples contain magnesium and calcium, both of which are important for healthy bones and flexible joints—they are the foundation of every pose.
Immunity: Custard apples are high in vitamin C and antioxidants! One sitaphal is sufficient to protect the body from infections, helping it remain resilient, and allowing for more continuity from practice to practice.
For the Mind (Mental Benefits):
Stress & Anxiety Reduction: Have you ever been nervous about an upcoming difficult meditation? The fruit is full of vitamin B6, which is important for making neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, our brain’s way of regulating mood. Just one serving of this sweet fruit can help soothe your mind and increase focus.
Enhances Brain Activity: Vitamin B6 also helps improve cognition and clarity. So you can remain present on the mat and in your meditation practice, which is key to deepening your mind-body connection.
For the Soul (Spiritual Benefits):
Sattvic Nourishment: As previously said, it is a sattvic food. Consuming it generates a sense of lightness and purity, which is great for mindful relaxation and spiritual development. It’s sustenance that raises, not drags you down.
Where is it most famous?
A Global Trail of Sweetness?
Although we relate it so strongly to our Indian heritage. Did you know that the custard apple has been grown around the earth? It seems that it originated in the tropical Americas and then was introduced to Asia by the Spaniards. Nowadays it is cultivated quite largely in India, with a number of states—Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. To name a few—producing most of the custard apples.
Maharashtra has the largest production, especially around Aurangabad, where this fruit is celebrated and a part of the local economy. The custard apple also has its fame in countries like the Philippines and Brazil, demonstrating its universal appeal. The fact that it has grown in so many places reminds us of its resiliency and nourishing qualities.
Sitafal in English
Just to clarify, let’s get into names. The fruit we call “sitafal” in English has its most popular name as “custard apple” or “sugar-apple.” There is no better term that describes its unique texture—a custard-like, soft, creamy pulp—as well.
Custard Apple in Hindi
हिन्दी में कस्टर्ड एप्पल को ‘सीताफल’ भी कहा जाता है, जिसे कभी-कभी ‘शरीफा’ भी कहा जाता है। भारत में दोनों नामों का एक-दूसरे के स्थान पर प्रयोग किया जाता है, लेकिन ‘सीताफल’ में कुछ जादुई बात है।
A Yogic Sensation: Sitaphal Smoothie
Now that the wonderful properties of this fruit are clear to you, why not try to be intentional with it? Here is a simple, refreshing recipe that you can enjoy after practice.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe, chilled Sitaphal (pulp removed and seeds discarded)
- 1 cup of almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- 1 tsp honey (if you like it sweeter, honey is optional)
Method:
Simply scoop out the creamy pulp from the sitaphal and discard all shiny black seeds. In a blender, add the pulp, almond milk, and cardamom powder. Blend until it is thick, creamy, and smooth. After blending, pour it into a cup, and you have a Sattvic smoothie that is very nutritious and will nourish you from the inside.
Final Thoughts
Therefore, the next time you hold a sitaphal in your hands, know you are holding more than just a fruit; you are holding a slice of nature’s wisdom. It is a reminder that health and well-being can be found in the simple, divine gifts from the earth.
Are you ready to learn more about how to nourish your mind and body? Come join us at one of our transformative yoga and meditation retreats in the calming terrain of Rishikesh as we help you reconnect to your true self.