Cherimoya

 

 

 

I had heard of cherimoya but never seen it till this weekend when I ran across it in Kroger. I did not see a price anywhere and thought I would check at the register. I forgot. When I got home I checked my receipt and found I had paid $7.85 for this one grapefruit sized fruit. My reading said that this fruit is also called custard apple and that it has been called the most delicious fruit. I guess that person never ate scuppernongs. It was not bad, by any means, but to me the flavor was so mild as to be adequately described as sweet. The texture was more like pear than anything else I can think of. I suppose when it is riper it might be more custard-like.
This fruit was labeled product of USA so I assume it was grown in California. Or maybe Florida but I think California's climate may be more like the home Cherimoya hails from. It comes from the Andes, but will not stand frost. It has been described as liking to see snow in the distance. (Cymbidiums and Easter lily vine both require cooling before they will flower.)
They have a short shelf life and the produce manager told me that the fruits frequently ruin before they are sold. Fruits that are completely brown should be avoided, as they might not be suitable for consumption (what does that really mean??). They should be slightly soft to the touch when ready to be eaten. Cherimoyas can be held back from ripening so quickly by removing ethylene as well as storing under refrigeration. However refrigeration may turn the skin brown, just like in bananas.
Although the skin has beautiful markings, it is reported that eating it may cause paralysis for 4 or 5 hours, so you might not want to do that. (Wikipedia) The third picture down shows a piece of skin that has been nibbled clean. I did not know the paralysis thing when I was eating it. But I am fine. You can also see the large brown seeds in the same picture. I plan to try to germinate them and see what happens.
In conclusion , I would say this was a pleasant experience , both eating and learning about Cherimoya. The only unpleasant part was the price.