Cherimoya
Annona
cherimola
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The
Cherimoya (Annona cherimola) is a species of Annona
native to the Andean-highland valleys of Peru, Ecuador,
Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. It is today
extensively cultivated in Chile, making the nation
one of the main exporters of Cherimoya in the region.
It is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small
tree reaching 7 m tall.
The tree thrives throughout the subtropics
at altitudes of 1300-2600m (4,000-8,500feet). The
name derives from Quechua chirimuya, meaning 'cold
seeds', since the seeds will germinate at higher altitudes.
Though sensitive to frost, it must have periods of
cool temperatures or the tree will gradually go dormant.
The indigenous inhabitants of the Andes say that although
the cherimoya cannot stand snow, it does like to see
it in the distance. It is cultivated in many places
throughout the Americas, including California, where
it was introduced in 1871, and Hawaii. In the Mediterranean
region, it is cultivated mainly in southern Spain,
Madeira and Israel.
The fruit is fleshy and soft, sweet,
white in color, with a custard-like texture, which
gives it its secondary name, custard apple. Some characterize
the flavor as a blend of pineapple, mango and strawberry.
Others describe it as tasting like commercial bubblegum.
Similar in size to a grapefruit, it has large, glossy,
dark seeds that are easily removed. The seeds are
poisonous if crushed open; one should also avoid eating
the skin. When ripe the skin is green and gives slightly
to pressure, similar to the avocado. Ripe fruit may
be kept in the refrigerator, but it is best to let
immature cherimoyas ripen at room temperature. If
the skin is brown, then it is good to eat and has
ripened.
Fresh cherimoya contains about 15%
sugar (about 60kcal/100g) and some vitamin C (up to
20mg/100g)
Mark Twain called the cherimoya "deliciousness
itself".
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Karl Nejely cares for 17 mature cherimoya
trees, some well over 20 ft. tall. The cherimoya fruit
is quite firmly attached to the tree via a thick fibrous
stem which has nurtured the fruit for many months.
Successful picking is a skill that is really only
acquired with much experience. Individual fruits are
especially THAT: individual - in shape, size, color
and ripeness, four attributes which often do not at
all correlate, even throughout the same tree. To recognize
a fruit just right for picking, and generally from
quite a few feet away, and to separate it from the
stem (without damaging the fruit itself), is akin
to art. Karl's expertise in arboreal stewardship is
measured in decades.
Karl has been steadily bringing edible
jewels from his wondrously varied backyard groves
to Los Angleles County's Harbor Area Farmers Markets
since 1984. We are truly fortunate to have his continued
presence at our markets. Karl is a true gentleman
farmer. Karl grows the only cherimoyas available to
us in our markets. Season runs from January into May/June.
See him on Fridays and Saturdays, and a limited supply
of his crops on Sundays.
Read more about cherimoyas here.
Visit Cherimoya grower Karl Nejely's website
here.
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