Cherimoya

Inventory, 12 ct : 0
This item was last sold on : 05/02/13

Seasons/Availability

Cherimoya season typically runs winter through summer into the fall.

Current Facts

A new hybrid, atemoya, pronounced ah-teh-MOH-ee-yah, is a cross between the Cherimoya and the sugar apple also known as sweetsop.

Description/Taste

Light green in color, egg-shaped, globe-shaped or heart-shaped, this fruit, pronounced cher-uh-MOY-uh, is encased in an unusual, thin green skin. Some varieties, though not all, produce scaly depressions on their skin. The white pulp offers a mild flavor likened to a blend of banana, vanilla, mango, papaya, pineapple or coconut. The refreshing texture is soft, smooth and melting and the flesh is studded with large, black, inedible seeds. Almost custard-like, is also known as the custard apple. The thin rind breaks off like scales when ripe.

Nutritional Value

High in calories, 300 grams of fruit has about 170 calories. High in fiber, it is a good source of vitamin C and calcium, plus contains niacin and phosphorus.

Applications

Ripe Cherimoya have a delicate, sweet flavor and texture that is most apparent when eaten fresh. Cut chunks of cherimoya and add to salads with kiwi, strawberry, papaya or other tropical fruit. Scoop flesh from skin and blend into smoothies and shakes. Add mashed pulp to yogurt or freeze with coconut milk into semifreddo. Top puff pastry with slices of cherimoya and fresh berries, and bake into a tart. To store, keep at room temperature until ripe. Ripe cherimoyas give slightly with gentle pressure. Wrap ripe fruit; refrigerate up to four days.

Geography/History

Cherimoya is the fruit of Annona cherimola, a fast-growing evergreen tree native to the mountains of Ecuador and Peru. Grown today in California, this rather dense tree that can reach thirty feet or more in height is deciduous from February through April. The name "cherimoya" is derived from the Quechua (Incan) word, "chirimuya", meaning "cold seeds" as the seeds will germinate in altitudes up to six thousand feet. In Central and South America, the trees grow wild in tropical highlands of the Andes Mountains.

Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244

Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cherimoya. One is easiest, three is harder.

YumSugar		Cherimoya Shake
Dishing Up Delights		Cherimoya, Kiwi, and Strawberry Salad
Pikelet and Pie		Custard apple and coconut semifreddo

Recently Spotted
People have spotted Cherimoya using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.

Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.

Whole Foods Market Near San Diego, California, United States About 3 days ago Spotter's comments : Cherimoya spotted at Whole Foods Market. Specialty Produce Near San Diego, California, United States About 5 days ago Imperial Beach Farmers Market Near Imperial Beach, California, United States About 27 days ago Spotter's comments : Heritage Family Farms is selling beautiful cherimoyas today. Grown in Pauma Valley. Delicious custardy vanilla flavor. Lunds Edina Near Hopkins, Minnesota, United States About 33 days ago city plaza West Nanjing Road Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 35 days ago Spotter's comments : Fresh Cherimoya from Taiwan albertsons la costa Near Vista, California, United States About 65 days ago Little Italy Mercato Near San Diego, California, United States About 68 days ago Spotter's comments : Creek side tropical farms has beautiful cherimoya right now. The farmer tells me we're mid way through the season. OB Farmers Market Near Coronado, California, United States About 85 days ago Spotter's comments : Small, sweet cherimoya. Specialty Produce Near San Diego, California, United States About 119 days ago Spotter's comments : Now in season and in stock. Very unique flavor. Eat fresh or puree into a savory sauce.