Soursop is a delicious fruit that is quite hard to get. In addition, its shelf life is short, so today, I will teach you how to store soursop properly.
Soursop that is not fully ripe should be stored in the pantry for 2-3 days. Then, to extend the shelf life of soursop, you can store its pulp in the fridge or freezer. Alternatively, you can prepare a delicious soursop syrup.
To know the steps and tips of each way to preserve soursop, we invite you to continue reading below.
How to store soursop at room temperature
Many of us can have soursop trees at home or take advantage of the season and buy several in the supermarket, but sometimes, the soursop is ripe at all; that’s why you need to store it at room temperature.
Here are some steps you should follow so that it is not damaged.
- Step 1. Find a cardboard box.
Cardboard will keep the soursops away from moisture.
- Step 2. Place an empty egg tray at the bottom of the box.
Place a carton of eggs at the bottom of the box. It is a trick so that the soursops are in a good position and do not hit each other.
- Step 3. Insert the soursops into the box.
Place the soursops inside the box, leaving a gap between them.
- Step 4. Cover the box.
The box must be covered so that the maturation time of the soursop is accelerated.
- Step 5. Store in the pantry.
Place it where it is away from moisture and heat.
Daily, you should check if the soursops are ready; therefore, touch them, and if you feel soft to the touch, it is time to use them.
The soursops in the pantry can last about 2-3 days. Then, you should consume them or keep them because otherwise, they will rot since their shelf life is very short.[1]
How to store soursop in the fridge
The fridge may appear as the first storage method, wondering can it be saved whole? Unfortunately, it is not recommended since the cold oxidizes the shell and causes it to rot quickly.
So, how to keep soursop in the fridge? Read on to learn the steps and tricks to extend its lifespan.
- Step 1. Wash the soursop.
Place the soursop in a bowl over the sink and wash with plenty of cold water.
- Step 2. Remove from bowl.
After it cleans, remove it from the bowl and place it on a large plate.
- Step 3. Put on plastic gloves.
It is just a recommendation to avoid cross-contamination.
- Step 4. Remove the shell from the soursop.
Cut the soursop in half and remove the entire shell of the soursop.
- Step 5. Open the soursop and remove the heart.
Use your hands to open the soursop in the middle and remove the heart. Then, you can help yourself with a spoon.
- Step 6. Remove the seeds.
You can remove the seeds with your hands and reserve them in a clean bowl.
- Step 7. Add lemon juice to the pulp of the soursop.
The best way to avoid soursop oxidation is to add the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon to the pulp.
- Step 8. Place the pulp into an airtight container.
When you have all the pulp free of seeds, introduce it into a plastic bag with an airtight closure or a plastic container.
- Step 9. Store in the fridge
Introduce the pulp to the bottom of the refrigerator and keep it away from other products with strong odors so that they do not penetrate the soursop.
This form of preservation allows fresh soursop to last in the fridge for around five days.
How to freeze soursop
Freezing is a method that allows you to taste soursop for a much longer time, but it is more oriented toward the preservation of the pulp.
To freeze soursop, you just have to follow the following steps:
- Step 1. Place the pulp inside a bag.
Add the pulp inside the plastic bag and close tightly.
- Step 2. Identify the bag with the storage date.
Label the container with the storage date so you remember how long it has been frozen.
- Step 3. Store in the freezer.
Place the pulp in the freezer. In the first 24 hours, do not put anything heavy on it, so it does not spoil. Also, please keep it away from products that have a strong smell.
You can keep the soursop pulp frozen for one year.
How to preserve soursop in syrup
Soursop syrup is a delight, and this method helps to preserve the fruit for several more days. However, it changes the flavor and adds more sugar to the fruit, so do not prepare this recipe too often.
Here you have the instructions to make soursop syrup.
- Step 1. Preparation of the syrup.
Look for a medium pot. Start by adding a cup and 3/4 of sugar with 3/4 cup of water, two cinnamon sticks, and the grated lemon peel, and take to the stove until it becomes a syrup.
- Step 2. Add the soursop pulp.
Seeing that the syrup is at its point, you should add the pulp of the soursop and cook for 15 minutes until it is like a jam.
- Step 3. Remove from heat.
When the soursop jam is ready, remove it from the stove.
- Step 4. Add the soursop inside a glass container
Add the soursop in syrup in a glass container and wait for it to cool. Then, close it tightly.
- Step 5. Store in the fridge
Once the soursop is cold, store it in the fridge, you can consume it the day after the preparation.
Soursop in syrup may remain intact for two weeks or more.
How do you know if soursop is bad?
If you notice some of the signs I will give you below, soursop is likely rotten, and you should not consume it.
- Soursop has mold in its shell.
- It has bumps or bruises on some of its parts.
- The exterior has a dark color like rust or black.
- You perceive a very intense rotten smell.
- Very acidic taste.
If you have this fruit tree in your home, do not wait for it to fall, as it will spoil.
How long does soursop last?
| Product | Duration |
| Soursop at room temperature (unripe) | 2-3 days. |
| Soursop in the fridge | 5 days. |
| Frozen soursop | 1 year. |
| Soursop in syrup | 2 weeks or more. |
What is the best way to preserve soursop?
The best way to preserve soursop in the short term is to store its pulp in the fridge.
If you have a lot of soursops at home, it is appropriate to freeze it.
Here is the end of the guide, but don’t worry; I have more content you can check, which will save you a lot of food and money!
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304423818307313
