Cherimoya, a fruit with exotic and aromatic qualities, offers a range of benefits, yet it is not without its share of potential drawbacks. Let’s explore them together.
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What is Cherimoya?
Cherimoya, scientifically known as Annona cherimola, is a tropical fruit native to South America, particularly the Andes region. It is also known by various other names, including custard apple, custard fruit, or sometimes “ice cream fruit” due to its creamy, sweet, and custard-like texture.
The cherimoya fruit is typically heart-shaped or oval and has green, scaly skin with a bumpy texture. The flesh inside is soft, white, and sweet, often compared to a combination of flavors like pineapple, banana, and strawberry. The texture is creamy and smooth, which makes it a popular choice for eating fresh or using in smoothies and desserts.
Cherimoyas are best when they are ripe, as unripe fruits can be somewhat astringent. To enjoy cherimoya, you should wait until the fruit’s skin is slightly soft to the touch and the flesh yields to gentle pressure. Then, you can cut it open and scoop out the creamy interior, removing the large, inedible seeds.
Cherimoya properties
Cherimoya is a tropical fruit with several properties and health benefits. Some of the notable properties and nutritional characteristics of cherimoya include:
- Nutrient-Rich: Cherimoya is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin. It also provides B vitamins such as vitamin B6, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and niacin (B3).
- Dietary Fiber: This exotic fruit is a decent source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. This can be beneficial for those looking to manage their weight or maintain regular bowel movements.
- Antioxidants: Cherimoya contains various antioxidants, including vitamin C, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Low in Fat: Cherimoya is naturally low in fat, making it a good choice for those watching their fat intake.
- Low in Cholesterol and Sodium: Cherimoya is naturally free of cholesterol and sodium, which can be advantageous for heart health.
- Natural Sugars: Cherimoya is sweet due to its natural sugar content, making it a healthier alternative to processed sugary snacks.
- Potassium: It is a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that plays a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting proper muscle and nerve function.
- Calcium and Phosphorus: This fruit contains calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health.
- Vitamin A: Cherimoya contains a small amount of vitamin A, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy vision and skin.
- Riboflavin (B2): This B vitamin is important for energy metabolism and the functioning of enzymes in the body.
It’s important to consume cherimoya in moderation because it does contain natural sugars, albeit healthier ones, and has a moderate calorie content. If you have any dietary restrictions or specific health concerns, consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before adding cherimoya to your diet.
Nutritional content
The nutritional content of cherimoya per 100 grams can vary slightly depending on factors such as ripeness and growing conditions, but here is an approximate breakdown of the nutrients typically found in cherimoya:
- Calories: 75-87 calories
- Carbohydrates: 17-19 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 13-14 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Fat: 0.6-0.7 grams
- Vitamin C: 14-15 milligrams (about 23-25% of the Daily Value, DV)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 0.257 milligrams (about 13% of the DV)
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 0.101 milligrams (about 7% of the DV)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.13 milligrams (about 7% of the DV)
- Niacin (Vitamin B3): 0.644 milligrams (about 3% of the DV)
- Folate (Vitamin B9): 23 micrograms (about 6% of the DV)
- Potassium: 287 milligrams (about 8% of the DV)
- Calcium: 10 milligrams
- Phosphorus: 26 milligrams
- Magnesium: 18 milligrams
- Iron: 0.59 milligrams
- Vitamin A: 7 micrograms (about 1% of the DV)
Cherimoya: how to eat it
To savor this fruit, begin by halving it to reveal the delectable pulp, which boasts a delightful fusion of naturally sweet flavors. You can relish it by scooping out the pulp with a spoon, much like you would with any common table fruit.
Cherimoya can be relished on its own or as part of a delightful fruit salad. It’s also a perfect choice for crafting refreshing shakes, smoothies, and granitas, as well as incorporating it into ice creams and sorbets.
But its culinary applications extend further, as cherimoya pulp can be a fantastic ingredient for crafting unique sweet or zesty sauces to complement meat or fish dishes.
Moreover, cherimoya lends its creamy sweetness to cakes and desserts, making it a versatile tropical fruit ideal for concocting delectable confections.
In a broader sense, cherimoya proves itself as a versatile fruit that can be incorporated in numerous ways in the kitchen, catering to individual tastes and the specific recipe at hand.
It’s important to note that cherimoya may not be readily available in certain regions, since it tends to thrive in the warmer southern areas, often resulting in a relatively higher cost.
Cherimoya contraindications
There are no contraindications associated with the consumption of cherimoya pulp, but the seeds must absolutely be avoided. Its seeds are not edible and may pose a choking risk for small children or people with swallowing difficulties.
However, it should be remembered that it is a very caloric fruit and rich in sugars: due to its sugar content (13 / 14 g per 100 g of fruit) people with diabetes or other conditions that require a low-sugar diet should consume it in moderation.
Is Cherimoya poisonous?
The plant or the pulp is not poisonous, but as we anticipated, maximum attention must be paid to the inedible seeds of this fruit: when crushed, they can pose the risk of poisoning and can even prove lethal in certain doses. Consider that in certain Central and South American countries cherimoya seeds, once fragmented, are even used as an insecticide.
More on tropical fruits
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