Deep in the sun-warmed orchards of Maharashtra, India, the custard apple — known locally as Sitaphal — has been treasured for centuries not just for its creamy, fragrant fruit, but for the potent seeds within. Whole Sitaphal seeds carry a rich legacy in Ayurvedic tradition, valued by herbalists and wellness practitioners across generations. If you are discovering Indian herbal wellness for the first time, this is a remarkable place to begin.
What is Sitaphal (Custard Apple Seed)?
Sitaphal is the Hindi and Marathi name for the custard apple (Annona squamosa), a tropical fruit widely cultivated across Maharashtra and other warm regions of India. The fruit is beloved for its sweet, custard-like flesh — but in Ayurveda, the whole seeds have long held a place of their own. Traditionally collected, sun-dried, and stored whole, these seeds are used in various Ayurvedic preparations and are valued for the naturally occurring compounds they contain. Patil Foods sources these seeds from trusted farms in Maharashtra, India, and processes them with minimal intervention to preserve their natural integrity.
Botanical Profile
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Annona squamosa |
| Plant Family | Annonaceae |
| Active Compounds | Annonacin, acetogenins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, fatty acids |
| Traditional Systems | Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha |
| Part Used | Seed (whole) |
| Sanskrit / Hindi Name | Sitaphal (सीताफल) |
| Marathi Name | Sitaphal (सीताफळ) |
| Origin Region | Maharashtra, India |
Key Benefits
- Traditionally valued in Ayurveda for supporting healthy scalp and hair care routines when used in topical preparations.
- Rich in naturally occurring tannins and alkaloids associated with supporting the body’s natural balance in Ayurvedic tradition.
- Traditionally used to support healthy skin in classical Ayurvedic formulations.
- Contains naturally occurring fatty acids that are associated with nourishing topical applications in traditional wellness practice.
- Valued in Unani and Siddha traditions as a whole herb ingredient in multi-herb preparations supporting general wellness.
- No artificial additives — pure, whole seeds as nature intended, aligned with traditional Ayurvedic use.
Ingredients / Composition
100% Whole Sitaphal Seeds (Annona squamosa). No preservatives. No artificial colours. No additives. No fillers. Single-ingredient, pure whole seeds — exactly as traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice.
How to Use
Sitaphal seeds are primarily used in traditional Ayurvedic topical preparations and herbal formulations. They are not typically consumed as a food ingredient. Below are three traditional wellness uses:
- Ayurvedic Hair Oil Preparation: Grind whole seeds into a fine powder using a stone grinder or spice mill. Blend the powder with warm coconut oil and allow to infuse for several days in a sealed glass jar. Strain and apply the infused oil to the scalp as part of a traditional hair care routine.
- Traditional Herbal Paste: In classical Ayurvedic practice, powdered Sitaphal seeds are combined with water or rose water to form a paste, traditionally applied to the scalp and rinsed after 20–30 minutes.
- Multi-Herb Formulation Base: Whole seeds can be dried further and ground to incorporate into traditional Ayurvedic churna (herbal powder blends) under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Note: Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before use. These seeds are not intended for internal consumption as a food product.
Storage Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in an airtight container after opening. Best used within 12 months of purchase. Keep out of reach of children.
Quality Assurance
Patil Foods Sitaphal Seeds Whole are sourced from trusted farms in Maharashtra, India, and processed using traditional, minimal-intervention methods to preserve the seed’s natural properties. Hand-selected for quality, free from preservatives, artificial colours, and additives. FSSAI Certified — License No. 11525996000558. We are committed to delivering authentic, traceable Indian herbal products to customers across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Available Pack Sizes
Choose the pack size that suits your needs: 50g | 100g | 200g | 400g | 800g. Ideal for personal use, Ayurvedic practitioners, and wellness enthusiasts worldwide.
What are Sitaphal seeds and how are they different from the fruit?
Sitaphal is the Hindi and Marathi name for the custard apple (Annona squamosa), a tropical fruit native to India and widely grown in Maharashtra. While the fruit’s creamy flesh is eaten fresh, the seeds are a distinct part of the plant used separately in Ayurvedic and traditional wellness preparations — primarily in topical applications rather than as a food ingredient.
Are Sitaphal seeds safe to eat?
Sitaphal seeds are not intended for internal consumption as a food product. They are traditionally used in Ayurvedic topical preparations such as hair oils and herbal pastes. Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before incorporating them into any wellness routine.
Where do Patil Foods Sitaphal Seeds come from?
Patil Foods sources Sitaphal seeds from trusted farms in Maharashtra, India — a region with a long tradition of custard apple cultivation. The seeds are hand-selected, sun-dried, and minimally processed to preserve their natural properties, with no preservatives or additives added.
Do you ship Sitaphal Seeds internationally?
Yes. Patil Foods ships worldwide, including to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. All products are FSSAI certified (License No. 11525996000558) and packaged to meet international shipping standards.
How should I store Sitaphal Seeds after opening?
After opening, transfer the seeds to an airtight glass or food-grade container and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Properly stored, they remain in good condition for up to 12 months. Avoid storing near heat sources or in damp environments.
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