ANNONA RETICULATA – Custard Apple

The fruit is sweet and useful in the preparation of desserts, but is generally less popular than that of Annona cherimola. Fruits vary in shape, they can be heart-shaped, spherical, oblong or irregular. Sizes vary from 7cm to 12cm. When ripe, the fruit is brown or yellowish, with red highlights and a different degree of crosslinking, depending on the variety. The pulp is juicy and very aromatic. The taste is sweet and pleasant, similar to the taste of “traditional” custard.

Annona reticulata is a product of vegetable origin which belongs to the VII food group; like the other foods of this group, it is distinguished by the good content of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Cherimola is an aqueous fruit and performs the same nutritional function as apples, pears, peaches, apricots, pineapples etc., that is, it provides sugars, water and water-soluble vitamins. On the contrary, it differs from coconut, avocado and dried fruit (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, pistachios, cashews, pecans, etc.), which provide greater amounts of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. The fiber content of the cherimoya is good, as is the potassium supply. Regarding vitamins, we have already said, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) stands out above all. However, this is a little more than modest contribution, clearly lower than that of citrus fruits or strawberries (which contain 4/5 times more). The overall nutritional picture of cherimoya does not differ much from the average of sweet fruits and the energy supply is quite important. This food must be consumed in the same portions as grapes (autumn fruit, 150-300g / day), and not in those of melon, watermelon or peaches (summer fruit, 250-500g / day). In addition to its nutritional properties, cherimoya is distinguished by an important phytotherapeutic characteristic, namely the presence of annonacin (acetogenin), a polyphenol. This molecule is known for its antioxidant and anticancer capacity; however, its potentially neurotoxic effect (at high concentrations) is suspected to be responsible for atypical parkinsonian forms observed in Guadeloupe (probably, following chronic and significant exposure).

The annona reticulata is native to tropical areas, but at altitudes above 1000 m (Andean highlands of Ecuador and Peru), therefore it grows well even in subtropical and warm temperate climates. The optimal temperatures for the development of the anona are 18-25 ° C in summer and not less than 5 ° C in winter, while if they drop below zero, the plant suffers from serious damage; it is also sensitive to freezing. In terms of soil, a rich, deep and fresh, slightly humid substrate is preferable but since it is an adaptable plant, it also grows on clayey and calcareous soils, provided they are well drained. The location must be in full sun.