What is Cherimoya? All you Need to Know About this Specialty Fruit

Cherimoya is commercially produced in a few parts of the world, primarily California, Chile, and Spain. Its seasonality is short and typically only spans a small window within the fall. Keep reading to learn more about this unique specialty item, including its uses, flavor, and professional storage requirements.

What is Cherimoya?

If you haven’t come across cherimoya before, you’re in for a treat. This unusual fruit is native to the Andes Mountains of Peru and Ecuador and has slowly made its way into select markets. There are only a few countries that commercially produce cherimoya. In North America, cherimoya is primarily available from Chile or California.

Is Cherimoya and Custard Apple the same thing?

Cherimoya is often referred to as a custard apple, but really, it’s only part of the custard apple family, which includes other varieties like soursop and sugar apples. Truly, custard apple is a cross between a sugar apple and cherimoya while cherimoya is its own variety.

What does Cherimoya Taste Like?

The easiest way to describe cherimoya is ‘ice cream from a tree.’  Its flesh is smooth, creamy, and naturally sweet. The flavor is often compared to a mix of pear, banana, pineapple, and mango. The seeds inside are large and inedible, so they need to be removed before serving. Nutritionally, cherimoya is fat-free, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins B and C, making it both indulgent and wholesome.

How to Store Cherimoya

Store cherimoya between 32-39°F with a relative humidity of 90-95%. If stored properly at all times, cherimoya may last up to 2-4 weeks. Cherimoya is extremely delicate, so be sure to handle with care to avoid damage or bruising to the fruit.

How to Use Cherimoya Professionally

Because its season is so short, cherimoya carries an exclusivity perfect to chefs and retailers looking to optimize on ‘limited-time’ or ‘get it before its gone’ trends on social media. With cherimoya, chefs and retailers have plenty of room to be creative. Cherimoya pairs well with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya but also stand out with flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and even jalapeño.

In produce departments, expand your exotic fruit section with a limited time promotion of cherimoya. The fruit merchandises well with other tropicals like starfruit and passionfruit. Offering samples is a good way to spark customer curiosity about this unique fruit.