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CHERIMOYA: NATURE’S CUSTARD APPLE

CHERIMOYA: NATURE’S CUSTARD APPLE by AZLAN ADNAN, MA Friday, 8 August 2025    • CHERIMOYA: NATURE’S CUSTARD APPLE   Full Transcript    • Запись   ⸻ INTRODUCTION Cherimoya (Annona cherimola), affectionately known as the “custard apple,” is a luscious tropical–subtropical fruit treasured for centuries in the Andean highlands. With its green, heart-shaped, scaly skin and luxuriously creamy interior, it offers an indulgent taste experience often described as nature’s own ice cream. Its flavour is a delicate fusion of banana, pineapple, strawberry, and vanilla, with faint notes of mango and papaya—an aromatic symphony that has enchanted both locals and travellers. Mark Twain famously called cherimoya “the most delicious fruit known to men,” a statement that still resonates today. NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per 100 g fresh cherimoya flesh)    •   Calories: ~75 kcal    •   Carbohydrates: 17.7 g    •   Sugars: 12.9 g    •   Dietary Fibre: 3 g    •   Protein: 1.6 g    •   Fat: 0.7 g    •   Vitamin C: 12 mg (20% DV)    •   Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg (15% DV)    •   Potassium: 287 mg (8% DV)    •   Magnesium: 17 mg    •   Folate: 23 µg    •   Antioxidants: Polyphenols and carotenoids that help reduce oxidative stress HEALTH BENEFITS These nutrients offer a combination of flavour and function:    •   Potassium supports cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation    •   Vitamin C strengthens immunity and promotes collagen formation for healthy skin    •   Dietary fibre aids digestion and helps maintain healthy gut microbiota    •   Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative damage and may reduce inflammation    •   B-vitamins assist in energy metabolism and nervous system health In traditional Andean medicine, cherimoya was sometimes recommended for digestive health and as a gentle tonic for convalescents. Modern nutritional science supports some of these uses, particularly its role in digestive and cardiovascular wellness. CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING Cherimoya trees thrive in climates with mild winters and warm summers, preferring temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. They require well-drained soils and regular irrigation but are sensitive to frost and prolonged heat above 30°C. Because their natural pollinators are scarce outside the Andes, growers in other regions often rely on hand pollination to ensure a good fruit set. Harvesting requires careful timing. Fruits are picked when they reach full size and develop a light green hue with a slight yellow tinge. Once harvested, they ripen quickly at room temperature and should be consumed within a few days. CULINARY USES Cherimoya is most often enjoyed fresh—cut in half and eaten with a spoon—but it also lends itself beautifully to smoothies, fruit salads, and desserts. In its native Andes, it may be blended with milk or yoghurt for a refreshing drink, or frozen into a sorbet that needs no added sugar. The fruit pairs well with citrus, berries, and tropical fruits, and its natural creaminess can substitute for dairy in vegan recipes. Chefs in gourmet kitchens have experimented with cherimoya in custards, ice creams, parfaits, and even savoury applications, pairing it with soft cheeses, seafood, or lightly spiced poultry. MARKET VALUE AND ECONOMICS Due to its delicate nature, cherimoya commands a relatively high market price compared to more common tropical fruits. In producing countries, it is often sold at local markets during peak season, while in importing countries, it appears in high-end grocery stores and specialty shops. Its short shelf life and careful handling requirements add to its exclusivity. CONCLUSION From its sacred place in ancient Andean culture to its coveted position in modern gourmet cuisine, cherimoya is more than just a fruit—it is a symbol of the highlands’ agricultural heritage and biodiversity. Its sublime flavour, coupled with rich nutritional value, makes it a treasure worth seeking out. Whether eaten fresh under the Andean sun or savoured in a Michelin-starred kitchen, cherimoya remains a rare gift from nature—one that nourishes both body and soul. ⸻ Word count: 936 Character count: 6,820 #Cherimoya #CustardApple #ExoticFruit #Superfood #TropicalFruit #HealthyEating .