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Cherimoya FAQs

nick musica
Published Apr 08, 2020. Read time: 7 mins

Cherimoya FAQs

According to Mark Twain, it’s the “most delicious fruit known to men”. The cherimoya is native to Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, and spread throughout Central America. It’s a large, cone or heart-shaped fruit with a scale-like skin. Due to their sweet taste, they are also known as the custard apple.

What Color Is A Cherimoya

Cherimoya are harvested when they are green. Browning will happen naturally as the fruit ripens. Please note that browning of the fruit is not indicative of a bad fruit. It means the fruit is ripe and ready for you to enjoy!

The inside of the cherimoya will be a mild yellow/white color. The seeds will be dark brown or black.

How Do I Know If A Cherimoya Is Ripe

A cherimoya is ready to eat and enjoy within 1-2 days of receiving them, as they ripen quickly (think of how fast avocados and bananas ripen on the counter).

A cherimoya is ripe when it is browning on the outside and is soft to the touch.

Browning will happen naturally as the fruit ripens. Please note that browning of the fruit is not indicative of a bad fruit. It means the fruit is ripe and ready for you to enjoy!

Think of an avocado - they get soft very quickly, especially when you leave them out on the counter. If the cherimoya feels soft, this is the best indicator that you should eat it.

How Do I Prepare Cherimoya

Let’s get messy! Eating a cherimoya is a hands-on experience. Have a napkin handy!

Steps to eat a fresh, ripe cherimoya:

  • Cut the cherimoya in half with a sharp knife.
  • Scoop out the flesh with a spoon to separate from the skin of the fruit.
  • Remove the dark seeds with your hands.
  • Discard the seeds completely. Do not eat the seeds.
  • Take a bite of the creamy fruit by itself or enjoy in a recipe.

You can also dice up and freeze your cherimoya to keep it for future use.

Can I Freeze The Cherimoya

If you’re not ready to enjoy your cherimoya, it’s best to freeze and eat later. Plus, it tastes amazing in smoothies or blended in your favorite adult beverage.

Steps to freeze a ripe cherimoya:

  • Cut the cherimoya in half with a sharp knife.
  • Scoop out the flesh with a spoon to separate from the skin of the fruit.
  • Remove the dark seeds with your hands.
  • Discard the seeds completely. Do not eat the seeds.
  • Portion the cherimoya flesh into a plastic bag then place into the freezer.
  • Or, place the cherimoya flesh into an ice tray for single serving options.

Where Does Cherimoya Grow

The cherimoya is native to Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, and spread throughout Central America. The farm we work with is located in Northern California.

What Are The Nutrition Facts For Cherimoya

There are 75 calories in a 100 g serving of cherimoya. As it turns out, cherimoya is an excellent source of of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber and riboflavin.

When Is Cherimoya In Season

Cherimoyas are in season between February and April.

What Does Cherimoya Go In

Cherimoya is delicious in smoothies, blended drinks, pies, cakes or other sweet foods like ice cream or custard.

What Does Cherimoya Smell Like

Cherimoya smells like a creamy, tropical pear.

What Does Cherimoya Taste Like

Cherimoya has a sweet taste with notes of other familiar tropical fruits and vanilla.

How Do I Store Cherimoya

You plan on eating it now

If you plan on eating your cherimoya within 1 day of receiving it, keep it on the counter and eat within 24 hours.

You plan on eating it in a couple days

As a tropical fruit, cherimoyas love 55 degree or warmer temperatures, so keeping them at room temperature is preferred.

To slow down the ripening process, place your cherimoya in the fridge for 1-2 days maximum, then eat.

You won’t be eating it anytime soon OR you want to save it for future smoothie/drink recipes

If you know you won’t be eating it anytime soon, freeze it!

Does Cherimoya Stain

Depending on what is blended with your Cherimoya, there is always the risk of stain. Cherimoya is a creamy, sticky fruit that may damage materials. Please keep away from furniture and clothing. Wearing a bib is a great idea!

Can Dogs Eat Cherimoya

While the flesh of cherimoya may not be toxic to your furbaby, the seeds are. It is not recommended to share cherimoya with your pets. If a pet consumes a seed, please contact your vet immediately.

Can I Eat The Cherimoya Seeds

No, do not eat the seeds. Discard seeds in your local trash or compost bin.

Can I Eat The Cherimoya Skin

No, do not eat the skin. Discard the skin in your local trash or compost bin.

How Is Cherimoya Related To Soursop

Cherimoya and soursop are cousins with very different looks and taste profiles.

Soursop is more sour while cherimoya is a sweeter, tropical tasting fruit.

They also vary in size, soursop being much larger, up to about 11 inches, and are much more delicate.

Are The Cherimoya Organic

The farm we purchase from is not certified organic but they do not spray pesticides and they follow all sustainable procedures.

What Varieties Of Cherimoya Can I Expect To Receive

You can expect to receive one or all of these varieties that are commonly grown in north America:

  • White
  • Booth
  • Selma
  • Pierre
  • Bays
  • Atimoya
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