The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat cherimoya. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.

What cherimoya etiquette is

Cherimoya etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat cherimoya. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve cherimoya to your guests appropriately.

As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat cherimoya at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.

What you should know about cherimoya

Cherimoya (Annona cherimola) is a tropical fruit native to South America and is also known as custard apple or sugar apple. It is a member of the Annonaceae family, which includes other tropical fruits like soursop and atemoya.

Cherimoya has a heart-shaped appearance with green, scaly skin that is bumpy and slightly dimpled. The fruit has a white, creamy flesh that is soft, juicy, and fragrant. The texture is similar to that of a custard or pudding. The flavor is sweet and has been described as a mix of banana, pineapple, and strawberry with a hint of vanilla.

Etiquette rules to serve and eat cherimoya

1) How to store cherimoya

Store cherimoya at room temperature until it is ripe. Once ripe, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze cherimoya, cut the fruit into pieces and place them in a freezer-safe container. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Store sliced or cooked cherimoya in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

2) How to clean cherimoya

To clean cherimoya, simply rinse it with water and pat it dry. There are no specific risks associated with cleaning cherimoya, and you do not need any special tools to clean it.

A cherimoya that has turned bad will have brown spots, be mushy, and emit a foul odor.

3) How to prepare & cook cherimoya

Cherimoya can be eaten raw or cooked. To prepare cherimoya for cooking, simply cut it in half and remove the seeds. Some common ways to cook cherimoya include baking, grilling, or using it as an ingredient in desserts like pies and cakes. No specific utensils or appliances are needed to prepare cherimoya.

Some popular dishes with cherimoya include cherimoya ice cream, sorbet, and smoothies.

You can use cherimoya in salads and sandwiches, as well as in juice, smoothies, jam, or preserves. It is suitable for guests on vegan, keto, and paleo diets.

4) How to serve & present cherimoya

Cherimoya is appropriate for a variety of occasions, including formal and informal meals, breakfast, brunch, and snacks. It is common to serve it as a dessert.

It is best to serve cherimoya chilled, and the ideal serving temperature is around 50°F (10°C). You can present it on a plate or in a bowl. No specific serving tools are required.

5) Food and wine to pair cherimoya with

Cherimoya pairs well with other tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, as well as with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It pairs well also with a variety of fruits and vegetables, including avocado, citrus fruits, and leafy greens. It is best to avoid it with starchy vegetables like potatoes.

Cherimoya goes well with cheese and dairy, particularly mild cheeses like ricotta and queso fresco. It is best to avoid it with strong or pungent cheeses like blue cheese.

Cherimoya can be paired with a variety of meats, including chicken and pork. It goes well with seafood too. However, it is best to avoid pairing it with beef and lamb.

Cherimoya pairs well with light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. It can also pair with light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir. Rosé wine, sparkling wine, dessert wine, beer, and spirits are also suitable pairings.

6) How to eat cherimoya

When eating cherimoya, it is polite to use a spoon and scoop out the flesh. It is not common to eat cherimoya with your fingers. You should discard the skin and seeds of cherimoya, as they are not edible. It is also polite to share the fruit with others and not eat the entire fruit by yourself.

Cherimoya etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the most common cherimoya etiquette mistakes:

• 8/10. Not properly cleaning cherimoya.
• 7/10. Serving overripe or underripe cherimoya.
• 7/10. Not sharing cherimoya with others.
• 6/10. Eating cherimoya with your fingers.

Additional information for properly serving cherimoya

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.

Cherimoya contains approximately 75 calories per 100 grams, and a single cherimoya contains approximately 200-300 calories depending on the size.

How to buy the best cherimoya

A crucial factor in cherimoya etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.

Season and availability 

Cherimoya is typically available in the winter and early spring months, with peak availability from November to May. However, availability may vary depending on the region and climate.

Choose the best

Cherimoya is most commonly found in commerce fresh, although it can also be found canned or frozen in some specialty stores.

The most popular varieties of cherimoya in commerce include Fino de Jete, Pellegrini, and Booth. Fino de Jete is considered the most prized variety due to its creamy texture and delicate flavor.

To buy the best cherimoya, look for fruits that are firm but yield slightly to pressure. The skin should be unblemished and free of soft spots or bruises. Ripe cherimoya will have a sweet aroma and feel heavy for their size.

Alternatives to cherimoya

Some common alternatives to cherimoya include custard apple, sugar apple, and atemoya, which is a hybrid of cherimoya and sugar apple.

Resources

• The antioxidant properties of the cherimoya (Annona cherimola) fruit: researchgate.net