The cherimoya, or chirimoya (Annona cherimola), is an unusual fruit native to the Andes mountain range in South America.

The fruit is large—about the size of a grapefruit, oval-shaped, and green. Its scaly skin texture makes it somewhat resemble an artichoke. Inside, the flesh is soft, white, and creamy, with several dark brown seeds that must be removed—these seeds are toxic when crushed.

What Do Cherimoyas Taste Like?

“Deliciousness itself,” was how Mark Twain described the flavor of this luscious fruit after sampling its flesh. Cherimoyas are very sweet, like candy, and tropical tasting, with similarities to bananas, pineapples, papayas, peaches, and strawberries. This flavor combination has led some to compare it to the flavor of bubblegum.

Because one popular way of eating them is to chill them and eat them with a spoon, cherimoyas are popularly known as “ice cream fruit” or “custard apples.” But don’t confuse them with “sugar apples” — Annona squamosa — they’re very similar, but different fruits.

Are Cherimoyas Healthy?

Cherimoyas are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and B6, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Potassium, and Manganese. In addition, a single cherimoya contains more than five grams of protein, or about 10% of an average person’s recommended daily value.

Recipes

Here are a few recipes to help you get to know this exotic tropical fruit:

Cherimoya Fruit Salad

Cherimoya Lime Sorbet

Cherimoya Pie

Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.

  • Jaime McLeod
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • March 23, 2020
  • Finding Dimes? Could Be A Sign From A Loved One
  • Jaime McLeod
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • December 23, 2019
  • Top 10 Foods For 20/20 Vision
  • Jaime McLeod
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • August 22, 2016
  • Make Your Own Pickles - It’s Easy!
  • Jaime McLeod
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • March 7, 2016
  • X Marks The Spot: Lunar X Explained