Photo by Jen Carlson/Gothamist
Over the weekend we came upon this interesting looking fruit at Garden Of Eden, wondering if it was really worth the $9.99/lb (though it's $2 less online). We weighed the lightest one we could find, which was just barely under one pound, and decided against the purchase. Later, we discovered that once Mark Twain called the Cherimoya "the most delicious fruit known to man," and sort of regretted the decision. In more specific terms, this is how it's been described: "The velvety flesh of a Cherimoya is a delicious, custardy blend of banana, pineapple and strawberry notes."
The fruit can usually be found here between March and May, according to Serious Eats, so it's unclear why it's showing up in September. But if you find some, here are some tips on how to best enjoy them:
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- Choose one with a green and golden hue.
- The fruit ripens very quickly at room temperature, and it's best to eat when they are slightly soft. A ripe cherimoya is like a ripe avocado—the skin may be a bit brown.
- Once ripe, you can store in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but they will start to lose their flavor.
- You should slice the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon—do not eat the skin or the seeds.
- Some suggest sprinkling lime juice on the fruit before eating, or using it for the base of a smoothie, but you should just eat it raw and without any other additions. At least for the first time.
