Tomoko (Soursop): The Tropical Superfruit You’ve Probably Never Tried

When it comes to tropical fruits, most people can easily name pineapples, mangoes, and bananas. But tucked away in backyard gardens and village markets across this vast continent of Africa is a spiky green fruit with a sweet surprise inside. It’s called Tomoko—or more widely, soursop (Annona muricata)—and it’s likely a superfruit you’ve never tried.

This is more than just a tropical curiosity. Tomoko is rich in nutrients, easy to grow, and holds surprising promise in both local diets and future agribusiness ventures. But for me, its a story started with something far more personal.

My introduction to Tomoko wasn’t through a market or a book—it came via my nephew, who showed up one day from his hustles with a curious green fruit covered in soft spikes in the year 2020. None of us had seen it before. Intrigued, we cut it open, revealing a creamy white pulp with a smell as tropical as a fruit salad. He called it Tomoko. We shared the fruit, and to my surprise, I loved it.

I saved the seeds, dried them, and planted a few in a small corner of my garden. Years passed, and just recently, we harvested the very first fruit from that tree. My two-year-old daughter, who usually rejects anything sour, devoured a large piece with pure delight. Everyone who tasted the fruit agreed it was delicious. That moment sealed it for me—I’m planting more Tomoko alongside my Hass avocados and passion fruits in my little orchard. It’s a fruit worth growing.

What Exactly Is Tomoko (Soursop)?

Tomoko, or soursop, is a tropical fruit native to the Americas but now naturalized across many African and Asian countries. It grows on a small evergreen tree and can reach the size of a small football. The outer skin is green and spiny, but don’t let the looks fool you—inside is a soft, juicy, fibrous white pulp with a flavor often described as a blend of pineapple, banana, and citrus, with a touch of strawberry.

The pulp is eaten fresh or used to make juice, smoothies, ice cream, and even teas. It’s also a staple in traditional medicine in many parts of the world.

Health Benefits of This Little-Known Superfruit

Tomoko may be new to you, but in many communities, it’s long been valued for its medicinal properties and nutritional richness. Here’s what makes it a superfruit:

1. Boosts Immunity – High in Vitamin C

2. Rich in Antioxidants – Fights cell damage and inflammation

3. Stress Relief – Leaves often used in calming teas

4. Potential Anti-Cancer Effects – Some studies suggest soursop may help inhibit cancer cell growth (though more human studies are needed)

5. High Fiber – Supports digestion and gut health


It’s no surprise that both the fruit and its leaves are widely used in traditional African and Caribbean healing practices.

Growing Tomoko in Your Garden

The trees don’t take up much space and can easily fit into small homestead plots alongside other fruit trees. Once mature, a tree can yield multiple fruits per season. If you live in a tropical climate, growing soursop is surprisingly simple:

Propagation: From seeds (as I did) or via grafting

Climate: Prefers warm, humid weather

Soil: Well-drained, loamy, and rich in organic matter

Watering: Needs consistent moisture but not waterlogged

Time to Fruit: 3–5 years from seed


Industrial and Economic Potential

Soursop is gaining traction in global health food markets, and for good reason. Its uses go far beyond the fresh fruit:

Juice & Beverage Industry – Bottled soursop juice is already trending as a natural health drink in some places

Skincare – Antioxidant-rich extracts are appearing in creams and lotions

Food Processing – Used in sorbets, yogurts, and jams

Supplements – Leaves and extracts sold as capsules and herbal teas for wellness


For smallholder farmers, this fruit offers untapped agribusiness potential. With proper post-harvest handling, drying, and packaging, Tomoko can be part of a diversified income stream—especially when grown with other high-demand crops like avocado and passion fruit.

Final Thoughts

Tomoko is proof that some of nature’s most powerful gifts grow right under our noses—quietly, humbly, and with incredible value. From a single fruit shared by my nephew to a backyard tree feeding my family, Tomoko has gone from an unknown to a staple in my home. And now, I’m convinced it has a place in our gardens, markets, and even the global stage.

So if you ever come across this spiny, green fruit—try it. Grow it. You just might discover your new favorite superfruit.