Family: Annonaceae
Author: Mill.
Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 5 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Annona
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: W. South America
Description
Cherimoya (Annona cherimola)
Cherimoya, known scientifically as Annona cherimola, is a delectable tropical fruit native to the valleys of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia in the Andean region of Western South America. It belongs to the Annonaceae family, a group of flowering plants with various species known for their edible fruits and fragrant flowers.
First described in the 8th edition of Gardener’s Dictionary by Mill in 1768, cherimoya has since captivated the taste buds and interest of botanists and fruit enthusiasts alike. The name “cherimoya” itself stems from the Quechua word “chirimuya”, meaning “cold seeds,” an allusion to its highland growth habitats.
Physical Characteristics
Tree and Leaves: The cherimoya tree is a relatively small, spreading tree, typically reaching about 5-9 meters in height. It has simple, quite large, and ovate leaves that are velvety to the touch, giving the tree a lush appearance.
Flowers: The flowers of cherimoya are not particularly showy but are fascinating in their own right. They are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, which mature at different times to promote cross-pollination.
Fruit: The fruit of the cherimoya is heart-shaped, oval, or conical, and up to 20 cm in length. Its skin is green and can be smooth or covered with overlapping scales, resembling an artichoke. The flesh inside is white, creamy, and custard-like, dotted with numerous black seeds. Its flavor is often described as a blend of banana, pineapple, and various other tropical fruits, making it exceptionally sweet and pleasing to the palate.
Cultivation and Climate
Cherimoya thrives in highland tropical environments with cool winters and mild summers. It requires well-drained soil and a climate that avoids both severe frost and high humidity. While the tree flourishes at altitudes between 700 to 2,400 meters above sea level, it is also cultivated in subtropical regions around the world.
Successful cultivation necessitates careful hand pollination because studies have shown that natural pollinators are either inadequate or absent in non-native environments where the tree is grown. This meticulous process, though labor-intensive, ensures good fruit set and quality.
Culinary Uses and Nutritional Value
Cherimoya is typically eaten fresh, scooped directly from the rind with a spoon. Its creamy texture makes it an excellent ingredient in smoothies, desserts, and salads. In addition to its delightful taste, cherimoya is a superb source of several essential nutrients, including vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It also provides a moderate amount of calories, mainly from natural sugars, and contains minimal fat.
Cultural and Economic Impact
In its native regions, cherimoya is a culturally significant fruit, often enjoyed in markets and homes. Its tantalizing taste and health benefits have earned it the nickname “the custard apple,” and it has played a role in both the economic and social fabric of communities. More recently, its global cultivation has expanded, bringing joy to new areas but also presenting challenges, such as the need for insect-pollinated practices and climatic adaptation.
Conclusion
The cherimoya is a marvel of nature, prized for its unique flavor and nutritional value. As its cultivation spreads, it continues to enchant and satisfy those who seek the exotic tastes of highland tropical fruits. Whether enjoyed as a simple snack or as a key ingredient in gourmet recipes, cherimoya remains a delightful feature of the world’s diverse agricultural landscape.
Common Names
Eng: cherimoya, custard-apple
Deu: cherimoya
Por: anona, anona-do-chile, cherimóia
Spa: cherimoya, chirimoya, chirimoyo
Fra: chérimolier
Swe: kirimoja
En: Cherimoya, Custard-apple, Chirimolla, Chirimoya, Chirimoyo, Custard apple
Ar: قشطة شريموليا
Eu: Txirimoia
Ca: Xirimoier
Zh: Mao ye fan li zhi, 毛叶番荔枝
Cs: Anona šeroplodá
Nl: Cherimoya
Eo: Ĉerimolio
Fi: Suomuannoona, Kirimoija
Fr: Chérimolier, Cachiman la Chine, Anone chérimolier, Chérimole, Chérimoyer, Corossol du Pérou
Gl: Chirimoio
De: Cherimoya, Cherimolia, Perúanischer fraschenbaum, Cherimoyabaum
He: אנונת הכלאיים
Hu: Csirimojó
It: Cirimoia
Kk: Çerïmoýya, Черимойя, تشەرىيموييا
Rw: Seremoliya
Kv: Черимойя
Ko: 체리모야
Lt: Peruvinė anona
Ml: ചെറിമോയ
Fa: چریمویا
Pl: Flaszowiec peruwiański
Pt: Cherimoia, Anona, Anona-do-chile, Cherimóia, Anona do Chile, Cabeça de negro, Chirimólia, Fruta do conde
Pt-br: Atemóia, Cherimóia, Cherimoia
Qu: Chirimuya
Ru: Черимойя
Sr: Черимоја
Sk: Anona trojlupienková
Es: Chirimoyo, Anona čerimoja, Anón, Chirimoya, Cherimoya, Anona del Perú, Chirimorrinón, Chirimoya del Perú
Sw: Mtomoko
Sv: Kirimoja
Zh-tw: 秘魯番荔枝
Te: :హనుమ ఫలం
Th: น้อยหน่าออสเตรเลีย
Zh-hant: 秘魯番荔枝
Uk: Черімоя
Synonyms
- Annona tripetala (Aiton)
- Annona pubescens (Salisb.)
Distribution
- Bolivia (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Peru (native)
- Belize (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- Brazil Southeast (introduced)
- Cape Verde (introduced)
- Central American Pac (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- El Salvador (introduced)
- Ethiopia (introduced)
- Galápagos (introduced)
- Guatemala (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Hainan (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Kermadec Is. (introduced)
- Laos (introduced)
- Mexico Central (introduced)
- Mexico Gulf (introduced)
- Mexico Northeast (introduced)
- Mexico Southeast (introduced)
- Mexico Southwest (introduced)
- Nicaragua (introduced)
- Panamá (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Rwanda (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Tuamotu (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by MERA YADIRA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 18, 2022 by Erick Bueno (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Ferreira José Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Marilù Napolitano (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2020 by Marcel Alves12 (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 12, 2020 by Tacón Sawicki Andrés (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 31, 2019 by Florian Cassayre (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2019 by doriane doriane gado (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 30, 2021 by Remy Fernandez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Anghelo Herrera Calvo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2020 by Mejía Andrés (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 2021 by Roy SINAC (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Feb 2, 2021 by marquez marcos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2021 by Erich 🦅 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 27, 2019 by Angelo (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2019 by Hana Šuláková (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Nov 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Nov 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 22, 2021 by Jérôme Rebichon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2021 by gioacchino trapani (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 14, 2021 by gioacchino trapani (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2021 by c v (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5407147)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:927235-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Annona cherimola Mill.)
