This article will reveal everything you need to know about selecting the perfect sugar apple (custard apple) “without a hitch,” along with tips for keeping them fresh all week, whether stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. With these tips, your sugar apples will always be sweet, aromatic, and delicious.

How to Choose Fresh and Safe Sugar Apples

Pay Attention to Shape and Appearance

When buying sugar apples, you should focus on the fruit's shape and exterior condition. The best choice is fruits with large, bright white eyes (the little segments on the skin) without dark spots, cracks, or bruises. Avoid fruits with multiple scratches, signs of impact, or leakage, as these are often poor-quality and may even have been treated with chemicals to accelerate ripening.

Look for sugar apples that are plump, with open eyes, fresh green skin, a small stem, and a soft texture without cracks. Fruits that have been chemically treated often have an unnatural uniform color, tightly closed eyes, and a stem that may appear broken. Their skin can be unusually hard and difficult to peel.

Prioritize fruits with thin skin and slightly flattened eyes. A minor crack with the stem still firmly attached usually indicates natural ripening, providing the characteristic sweetness and fragrance. On the other hand, fruits that feel overly soft or show dark marks are likely unripe fruits forced to ripen or treated with harmful chemicals.

Using these simple tips will make it easy to select fresh, healthy, and safe sugar apples for your family.

Use Aroma to Gauge Ripeness

The scent of a sugar apple is an important factor in determining its natural ripeness. Naturally ripened fruits emit a gentle, sweet aroma that gives a refreshing and pleasant taste when eaten.

In contrast, fruits ripened artificially with chemicals often lack this distinct fragrance. Their flavor tends to be bland, and they may taste starchy or slightly unpleasant. Therefore, always pay attention to the fruit’s aroma to ensure you choose sugar apples that are both delicious and safe.

Natural Ripening Method Without Chemicals

If you want to ripen sugar apples naturally without chemicals, here’s a simple and effective method. Line a box with longan leaves and place the sugar apples on top. Then, burn a few incense sticks inside the box and close the lid tightly. Leave the box in a cool, ventilated area for 1–2 days, and the fruits will ripen naturally.

Although naturally ripened sugar apples may not look as visually perfect as chemically ripened ones, they offer authentic sweetness and a fragrant aroma, making them completely safe for consumption. This method is perfect for anyone who values natural, chemical-free food.

Identifying Different Types of Sugar Apples

In Northern Vietnam, sugar apples are mainly categorized into two types: chewy (na dai) and soft (na bở), each with distinct characteristics.

• Chewy sugar apples have soft, green skin and white flesh with fewer seeds. Their flavor is rich and sweet. They are easier to store for longer periods without becoming mushy, and the skin is easy to peel. The segments are smooth, easily separating from the seeds, and have a firmer, more satisfying texture when eaten.

Understanding these differences will help you select the right type of sugar apple based on personal preference and intended use.

In Southern Vietnam, sugar apples are often called “mãng cầu dai” or “mãng cầu cấp”, with the most famous variety being Vũng Tàu sugar apples. These fruits have rough, uneven skin and firm, dense flesh with fewer seeds. One of their biggest advantages is their naturally sweet flavor, making them a favorite among those who enjoy Southern fruits.

Why Proper Storage is Important

Like many other fruits, sugar apples can spoil quickly if not stored properly after harvest. Their soft, juicy flesh makes them susceptible to damage during handling and transport. Even minor impacts can create conditions favorable for bacterial and mold growth.

Proper storage is essential to prolong the fruit’s shelf life, preserve its taste, and maintain its nutritional value. Correct storage prevents bruising and spoilage while ensuring you can always enjoy the freshest sugar apples.

How to Store Sugar Apples at Room Temperature

1. Sort by Ripeness: Separate slightly green fruits from fully ripe ones to ensure proper storage. Handle them gently to avoid bruising.

2. Wrap Individually: Use newspaper, soft paper, or plastic bags to wrap each fruit. This protects them from external impacts and reduces the risk of damage.

3. Choose the Right Spot: Store the fruits in a dry, cool, and clean place. This keeps them fresh and extends their usability.

How to Store Ripe Sugar Apples in the Refrigerator

1. Sort by Ripeness: Separate green fruits from ripe ones so that each group can be stored properly.

2. Use Containers: Place the fruits in plastic bags or food containers, keeping different ripeness levels separate.

3. Refrigerate Ripe Fruits: Store ripe sugar apples in the fridge’s crisper or cold compartment to extend freshness. Green fruits should remain at room temperature until ripened, then transfer them to the refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness.