{“sui generis” in produce : the cherimoya}

in case you’re wondering : sui generis 

have you ever seen or even better, eaten one of these beauties?!  this is the lovely cherimoya {pronounced “cher-uh-moi-uh”}…

i love how she is shaped like a heart… and yes, i totally think this particular fruit is a “she” – i don’t always feel that way, but i did about the cherimoya… what a unique and interesting and wonderful treat this was!  and she was definitely a lady!

when one first brings a cherimoya home, it’s a totally different colour than in this foto… that is to say, if it hasn’t ripened yet.  this particular fruit in the above foto is fully ripe.  typically when you buy them from the store, they are more on the green side… it takes 2 or 3 days to have it ripen up at home… it almost becomes like an avocado when ready to eat.

beauty comes in all colours, shapes, and sizes…

they aren’t exactly cheap, weighing in at easily $5-$6 for one fruit… but my goodness, is it worth it!

simply slice the beautiful fruit open and carve out the large black seeds inside… which are apparently pretty toxic to humans?!  this dude wrote this great article about them that i really enjoyed reading… he has a wonderful description of the flavour!  i’ve never had anything like it and never will again, i’m sure…

cherimoyas are also referred to as “custard apples” because of their unique consistency and flavour… i just scooped mine out with a spoon…

and savoured every morsel…

go. get. one. now.

of course, finding a cherimoya may not be so easy… they are definitely a specialty item, but i imagine that any health food store would occasionally stock them… i got mine at whole foods – so keep your eyes open for them!

have a great day!

Tags: cherimoya, custard apple, eating, food, food and foto, food is cool, food photography, photography, produce, seasonal produce, specialty produce, unique foods, unique fruits