Cherimoya Kitchen Basics

What can you do with a cherimoya?
Why are cherimoya seeds poisonous?
How do you know when a cherimoya is ready to eat?
Can you eat the skin of cherimoya?
Can you eat raw cherimoya?
Why is cherimoya expensive?
What happens if you eat cherimoya seed?
Is cherimoya poisonous to dogs?
How much does a cherimoya cost?
Is cherimoya the same as soursop?
Is Sugar Apple the same as cherimoya?

What can you do with a cherimoya?

A ripe cherimoya is similar in texture to firm custard, which explains its other name, custard apple. It's delicious cut in half and eaten on its own with a spoon (avoid the black seeds), or you can peel, seed, and purée it and fold it into meringues, soufflés, puddings, milk shakes, smoothies, ice cream, or sorbet.

Why are cherimoya seeds poisonous?

Cherimoya seeds are poisonous if crushed open. Like other members of the family Annonaceae, the entire plant contains small amounts of neurotoxic acetogenins, such as annonacin, which appear to be linked to atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe. Moreover, an extract of the bark can induce paralysis if injected.

How do you know when a cherimoya is ready to eat?

To choose a ripe one, squeeze it gently in the palm of your hand. (Don't use your fingers, they'll bruise the fruit!) When ripe, cherimoyas give to gentle pressure, similar to a pear or an avocado.

Can you eat the skin of cherimoya?

However, cherimoya contains small amounts of toxic compounds — especially in the skin and seeds. To consume cherimoya safely, first peel off the skin and remove the seeds. This unique fruit can be a great addition to a healthy, balanced diet.

Can you eat raw cherimoya?

Cherimoya can be eaten raw (without the seeds) or cooked into sweet and savory recipes alike. Add pitted cherimoya flesh to your morning granola, or evening ice cream! Raw cherimoya fruit is also a decadent addition to salads, pastries, desserts and drinks.

Why is cherimoya expensive?

Because the cherimoya produces little fruit naturally and the flowers must be hand-pollinated, the fruit is especially expensive, even in season ($7 per pound). Those lucky enough to have a back yard tree have their pick of the “aristocrat of fruit,” as it is called by aficionados.

What happens if you eat cherimoya seed?

Ruskey, the skin is tannic but not poisonous. The seeds of the Cherimoya do contain alkaloids, similar to a number of other plant seeds, and while you could do a fair amount of processing to collect the alkaloids, accidentally swallowing one seed won't harm you.

Is cherimoya poisonous to dogs?

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.

How much does a cherimoya cost?

Considering that a single cherimoya generally weighs anywhere from one-half to three pounds or more--and cost $3 to $7 per pound--the fruit may be destined to remain a specialty no matter how unique its taste.

Is cherimoya the same as soursop?

It has a similar taste and flavor as cherimoya; however, on its interior, it contains relatively less flesh but more seeds for its size. ... Guanabana (Annona muricata), also known as soursop (graviola), is much larger than cherimoya. It is easily distinguished by its size, spiky surface, and fibrous, tart flesh.

Is Sugar Apple the same as cherimoya?

After doing some additional research, it turns out that sugar apples (sweetsop, anon) and cherimoya (custard apples) are actually two different (but very closely related species). The sugar apple comes from Annona squamosa, while the cherimoya is from Annona cherimola.