CHerimoya: Origin And Benefits

The cherimoya is an exotic fruit with a surprising appearance, very rare and little known to the general public. This exceptional tasting fruit hides many secrets and unsuspected benefits. You may hear it called cherimole, annona cherimola, anone, chirimoya or churimoya. It comes from faraway lands and has been enjoyed for centuries in certain tropical regions of the world. And for food lovers, this tropical wonder continues to amaze cooks and especially pastry chefs with the flavor it brings to their various recipes.

In this article, we will take a look at the cherimoya, where it comes from, its mild flavor, its nutritional value, and its many health benefits.

Where Does the Cherimoya Come From?

Annona cherimola, or cherimoya for short, is native to South America, specifically the mountainous regions of the Andes. It is native to countries such as Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia. Its name « Chirimoya » comes from the Quechua dialect and means « cold seeds » because these seeds can grow at high altitudes despite very low temperatures.

Over time, cherimoya cultivation has spread to other tropical regions of the world, such as Southeast Asia and certain Pacific islands, to Europe, where it can be found in Portugal and Spain, and to the United States, specifically California.

What are the Nutritional Values of the Cherimoya?

Here is an estimate of the main nutritional components of 100 grams of cherimoya:

• Calories: about 75 kcal
• Carbohydrates: about 17 grams
• Of which sugars: about 14 grams
• Fat: About 0.2 grams
• Protein: About 1.5 grams
• Dietary fiber: about 2 grams
• Vitamin C: Approx. 18.3 mg (Approx. 30% of the Daily Value)
• Vitamin B6: about 0.257 mg (about 13% of the Daily Value)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): about 0.13 mg (about 8% of the Daily Value)
• Potassium: Approx. 270 mg (approx. 8% of the Daily Value)
• Magnesium: about 21 mg (about 5% of the recommended daily value)

What’s the Best Season for Cherimoyas?

« In the fruit kingdom, patience is king. In fact, patience is very important in fruit growing because it can take a long time for fruit trees to produce abundant harvests.

For cherimoya, the growing season in its native South America generally runs from September to April. These months correspond to the period of maximum harvest and availability of this exotic fruit in those regions. This period may vary slightly in other geographical areas, such as Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, due to climatic variations.

What are the Benefits of Cherimoya?

Once you know the many benefits of this fruit, you won’t be able to live without it! There are so many that we can’t possibly list them all, but here are just a few:

A good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants: Cherimoya is rich in vitamins B6 and B2, which contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and other essential nutrients. Vitamin C is also present in this fruit (although not in the same quantities as oranges, which always come out on top) and acts as an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the body.

High in fiber: Fiber means good digestion. Cherimoya contributes to regular bowel movements, so you can say goodbye to constipation as this fruit promotes good gut health.

Cardiovascular support: Thanks to the potassium in cherimoya, it can help maintain healthy blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Low Fat: Cherimoya is naturally low in fat, making it an excellent food for people looking to cut fat from their diet, as well as providing a satiating effect and feeling of fullness.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Some preliminary studies have suggested that cherimoya extracts may have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of certain phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and acetogenins. These phytochemicals may inhibit the activity of certain pro-inflammatory enzymes and inflammatory mediators, which could help reduce inflammation in the body.

Good source of calcium: Cherimoya contains calcium, an essential mineral for healthy bones and teeth. Although the amount of calcium is not as high as in dairy products, it is considered a good food for people suffering from osteoporosis.

What is the Taste and Smell of Cherimoya?

Legend has it that the inhabitants of a remote, ancient tribe living deep in the rainforest heard of a mysterious fruit hidden deep in the jungle. This fruit was said to be nature’s « hidden treasure » because of its exquisite, unrivaled taste. It was said that only the chosen few, those with great wisdom and pure hearts, would be able to discover and taste this extraordinary fruit.

One day, a curious and daring young man set out in search of this legendary fruit. For days, he traversed dense jungles, climbed steep mountains, and crossed raging rivers. At every stage of his journey, he faced challenges and hardships, but he persevered with determination.

Finally, after many long adventures, he discovered a small secret clearing where a majestic tree stood, the cherimoya tree. The fruit hanging from its branches was bright green and gave off an enchanting scent that seemed to beckon him. He carefully picked a ripe cherimoya and opened it with anticipation. To his surprise, the taste of the fruit was heavenly sweet, an exotic flavor that danced on his tongue with a harmony of fruity aromas. The man savored every bite of the cherimoya, grateful to be one of the lucky few to have tasted this hidden treasure. Back in his village, he shared his story with the rest of the tribe, describing the cherimoya’s delicious flavor as « a fruit that has the exquisite taste of many different fruits, including the flavor of a soft, creamy banana mixed with subtle notes of juicy strawberries, sweet pineapple, fragrant papaya and refreshing coconut. The flavor is smooth, sweet and delicately fragrant. The texture of the cherimoya is also remarkable, its flesh creamy, smooth and melting in the mouth.

Thus, the cherimoya has remained in the culture of the tribe as a magical fruit, reminding everyone that the greatest rewards come to those with pure hearts and the will to overcome challenges to realize their deepest desires.

How to Eat Cherimoya

Some of you don’t know how to eat a cherimoya because you have never tasted this rare and exquisite fruit. Don’t worry, nothing could be easier than eating a cherimoya – in fact, it’s a delicious experience. The first step is to select a ripe cherimoya, which should be slightly soft to the touch, but not too soft. Then wash it and carefully cut it in half. Inside the cherimoya, you’ll find numerous black seeds that you can easily remove with a spoon. Be careful not to swallow them, as they are inedible and poisonous.

You can eat the pulp of the cherimoya directly with a spoon. Its creamy, delicate texture melts in your mouth for a unique taste experience. Of course, you can also add it to smoothies, fruit salads, sorbets, desserts, or even to savory dishes for an exotic sweet touch.

Are there Any Contraindications to the Consumption of Cherimoya?

In general, cherimoya is not bad for your health and is even safe for most people to consume in moderation. However, any excess is bad, so it can cause certain undesirable effects, such as

Food allergies are very common in sensitive people, even when consumed in small amounts. These allergies can manifest themselves as itching, rashes, difficulty breathing, or abdominal pain.

Cherimoya is naturally sweet and contains carbohydrates (about 17 grams). So if you’re diabetic or have blood sugar problems, it’s best to watch your cherimoya intake as it may affect your blood sugar levels.

The seeds inside the cherimoya are not edible because they contain potentially toxic compounds in small amounts, including alkaloids that can be toxic to the nervous system in high concentrations. These seeds must be removed before eating the fruit.