The Cherimoya

The cherimoya (Annona cherimola) is a species of Annona native to the Andean-highland valleys of Ecuador and Peru. It is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 7 m tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, oblong-lanceolate, 7-15 cm long and 6-10 cm broad. The flowers are produced in small clusters, each flower 2-3 cm across, with six petals, yellow-brown, often spotted purple at the base.

The fruit is oval, often slightly oblique, 10-20 cm long and 7-10 cm diameter, with a smooth or slightly tuberculated skin. The fruit flesh is white, and has numerous seeds embedded in it. Mark Twain called the cherimoya "the most delicious fruit known to men."

I was at the grocery last night to pick up a few things for a harira I was making, and I came across eight ripe cherimoya. I was pretty surprised since these are grown in the Andes, so I went ahead and grabbed two. I would've bought more but these guys alone cost me six dollars.

I think I might make a pie with them.