Cherimoya, a peculiar fruit

Cherimoya is a fruit of Andean origin although currently Spain is a large producer, especially the coast of Malaga and Granada. We can enjoy it during the fall and winter. It is a fruit with a peculiar appearance and texture and quite rich in sugars, comparable to other fruits such as grapes or bananas.

Sugars, fiber and potassium

Most of the custard apple, as it happens in most fruits, is water. On the other hand, it contains sugars that are mainly responsible for its caloric content. It contains 70-80 Kcal per 100 g, 15-20 g of carbohydrates (of which the vast majority are glucose and fructose), 2-3 g of fiber, less than 1g of fat and between 1 and 2 g of protein. Regarding the micronutrients we can highlight the, the B6 and the folic acid. Regarding minerals, note the potassium and magnesium content.

How to take it

Cherimoya can be taken as fresh fruit: it is as simple as opening it in the middle lengthwise and emptying it, discarding its large and abundant seeds. In addition to its direct consumption, it is used to make jams, smoothies and ice cream. As soon as we cut it, its whitish flesh begins to take on a dark color, to avoid this it is enough to sprinkle it with lemon juice.

What types are there

There are many types of custard apples among which we find differences such as the optimal ripening time, the size, the texture of its skin, the number of seeds or the juiciness of its pulp. The most widely grown varieties come from hybrids.

Who is it good for and who is not?

It is recommended for:

• Constipation: it contains abundant amounts of water and fiber, which is why it favors intestinal transit. In any case, it is not recommended after a copious intake as it can cause an excessive effect on intestinal motility that can be annoying.
• Digestive difficulties: it is an easy to digest food as it contains enzymes that favor the digestion of its pulp. For this reason it is suitable for more sensitive people such as the elderly, pregnant women and children (although we must be careful with the seeds).
• Potassium deficiency: in case you have low potassium levels, which can happen when taking diuretics, or after vomiting or diarrhea episodes, this fruit will help us to replace this mineral.
• High blood pressure: Custard apple is rich in fiber and potassium and low in sodium, which is perfect for people with high blood pressure. Although it should not be abused due to the sugars it contains.
• Pregnant women: due to its water and fiber content, which will contribute to an adequate intestinal transit, vitamin C is important for a good state of the immune system and the folic acid necessary for the formation of new cells.
• Pregnant women: due to its water and fiber content, which will contribute to an adequate intestinal transit, vitamin C is important for a good state of the immune system and the folic acid necessary for the formation of new cells.

It is not suitable in case:

• diabetes and weight loss diets: custard apple is a fruit rich in sugars, which causes us to control its intake in people who must limit the consumption of simple sugars, such as in the case of or in case of overweight or obesity.
• Due to the potassium content of custard apples, they are fruits that should be avoided in cases where the intake of this mineral should be limited.

Buying and conservation advice

When choosing a custard apple, unless we want to consume it the same day, it is preferable that we choose something hard because it continues to ripen once harvested. The skin must be even, without bumps or sags. Its handling must be very careful, the skin quickly blackens on contact, which does not mean that a somewhat darkened custard apple is no longer suitable for consumption. We owe it at room temperature and we will not be able to keep it for too many days.

Remember that…

Cherimoya is a climacteric fruit. That is, it gives off ethylene that favors ripening, so we must avoid keeping them in a closed place and near other fruits on which it can accelerate ripening. It should not be kept in the refrigerator since its maturation is already interrupted.

Prescription

Custard apple and orange jelly with chocolate and Brazil nuts

• 1 large custard apple
• 2 bowls of orange juice (600 ml)
• ½ cup sugar (will vary depending on the sweetness of the oranges)
• 2 tablespoons unflavored powdered gelatin
• 8 Brazil nuts
• 4 ounces of chocolate

preparation:

Extract the pulp from the custard apple, remove the seeds and grind it. Heat the orange juice, without letting it boil. In a bowl place the sugar, gelatin and 4-5 tablespoons of water and melt in a water bath until dissolved. It can also be done in the microwave in a few seconds. Add the orange juice and the chopped custard apple. Place in a silicone mold and let cool until the gelatin is set. Unmold to serve and chop the Brazil nuts and chocolate chips on top.

What you should know..

• Season: It appears on the market in the fall and the winter months are its best time.
• Benefits: very rich in water, sugars, fiber and potassium, and low in sodium.
• Ideal for: constipation, easily digestible diets, the elderly, people with hypertension.