cherimoya tree nz

1. Why is cherimoya so expensive?
2. How long does it take for a cherimoya tree to bear fruit?
3. How big do cherimoya trees grow?
4. How poisonous is cherimoya?
5. How do you know if a cherimoya is ripe?
6. How much does a cherimoya cost?
7. How do you care for a cherimoya tree?
8. What is the difference between Atemoya and cherimoya?
9. How do you prune a cherimoya tree?
10. Is cherimoya and guanabana the same?
11. How do you eat a cherimoya?
12. When should I pick my cherimoya?
13. What can you do with a cherimoya?
14. Are cherimoya and custard apple the same?
15. Do peach seeds contain cyanide?
16. What is cherimoya in English?

Why is cherimoya so expensive?

Because the cherimoya produces little fruit naturally and the flowers must be hand-pollinated, the fruit is especially expensive, even in season ($7 per pound). Those lucky enough to have a back yard tree have their pick of the “aristocrat of fruit,” as it is called by aficionados.

How long does it take for a cherimoya tree to bear fruit?

Cherimoyas ripen in 5 to 8 months after pollination changing in color from a darker to a light green or greenish tan, 3 to 8 inch ovoid weighing 1/2 to 6 lbs. In California fruit ripens from November to June. Other members of the family that are grown for their fruit are: Sugar apple or custard apple (Annona squamosa)

How big do cherimoya trees grow?

The tree grows up to 9 metres (30 feet) tall but in cultivation is kept pruned to about 5 metres (16 feet) to permit hand pollination of the 2.5-centimetre (1-inch), fleshy, white, fragrant flowers. Cherimoya trees have long, elliptically shaped, light green, velvety leaves.

How poisonous is cherimoya?

Cherimoya seeds are poisonous if crushed open. Like other members of the family Annonaceae, the entire plant contains small amounts of neurotoxic acetogenins, such as annonacin, which appear to be linked to atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe. Moreover, an extract of the bark can induce paralysis if injected.

How do you know if a cherimoya is ripe?

To choose a ripe one, squeeze it gently in the palm of your hand. (Don't use your fingers, they'll bruise the fruit!) When ripe, cherimoyas give to gentle pressure, similar to a pear or an avocado.

How much does a cherimoya cost?

Its yellowish, pale-green skin is distinguished by a uniquely faceted, scale-like appearance. Considering that a single cherimoya generally weighs anywhere from one-half to three pounds or more--and cost $3 to $7 per pound--the fruit may be destined to remain a specialty no matter how unique its taste.

How do you care for a cherimoya tree?

Cherimoyas need sun combined with cool marine nighttime air. They do well in an array of soil types but thrive in well-draining, medium-grade soil with moderate fertility and a pH of 6.5-7.6. Water the tree deeply biweekly during the growing season and then stop watering when the tree goes dormant.

What is the difference between Atemoya and cherimoya?

The atemoya is a hybrid of the cherimoya and sugar apple. Fruits produced by an atemoya tree are smaller than the cherimoya with skin that is spiky and warty; the cherimoya has scale-like skin, closer in appearance to a sugar apple. While a cherimoya can be grown from seed, an atemoya can only be grafted.

How do you prune a cherimoya tree?

Look up into the canopy of the cherimoya tree for any branches growing vertically. Cut these branches away, because they will not produce fruit and only block the light and airflow to the tree's canopy. Look for any dead wood and remove it, using a pruning saw for larger branches.

Is cherimoya and guanabana the same?

The chirimoya looks very similar to another well-known fruit called guanabana or soursop, the main differences are the guanabanas are longer and have pointy bumps. ... Guanabana also has a sour flavor while cherimoyas are very sweet.

How do you eat a cherimoya?

You can eat ripe cherimoya with a spoon. Simply slice it in half, remove the seeds, and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. You can also peel the fruit, cut it into cubes, and remove the seeds.

When should I pick my cherimoya?

Cherimoyas begin to start bearing fruit as early as 2 to 5 years old and increases as the trees reach 10 years old. The time to harvest the fruit is when the fruits are fully grown and just beginning to show a slight hint of yellowish green and perhaps a bronze cast.

What can you do with a cherimoya?

A ripe cherimoya is similar in texture to firm custard, which explains its other name, custard apple. It's delicious cut in half and eaten on its own with a spoon (avoid the black seeds), or you can peel, seed, and purée it and fold it into meringues, soufflés, puddings, milk shakes, smoothies, ice cream, or sorbet.

Are cherimoya and custard apple the same?

Cherimoya (Annona cherimola) is a green, cone-shaped fruit with scaly skin and creamy, sweet flesh. ... Due to its creamy texture, cherimoya is also known as custard apple. It's often eaten with a spoon and served chilled like custard.

Do peach seeds contain cyanide?

The seeds of stone fruits — including cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and mangoes — naturally contain cyanide compounds, which are poisonous.

What is cherimoya in English?

Chirimoya, called cherimoya or custard apple in English, is a delicious tropical fruit native to South America. Cherimoyas are green heart-shaped fruits with bumps on the outside that are scaly in texture.