Ripe Now: Cherimoya

Move over winter citrus. Try this unusual fruit just for the fun of it.

READER'S COMMENT:

"i have to do a school project on these i have never heard about these before in my life "

Originally grown by Inca farmers in Ecuador and Peru, this heart-shaped fruit has a creamy center that tastes like strawberry, mango and pineapple.

When ripe, simply slice in half and scoop out the center (be sure to discard the inedible black seeds). Also called custard fruit or custard apple, you can freeze the ripe fruit for an all-natural ice cream.

Selecting & ripening: Choose firm fruit heavy for the side. Ripen on your counter away from sunlight. When ripe, they’ll give to gentle pressure, like an avocado or peach. Ripe cherimoyas can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Nutrition bonus: Cherimoyas are high in vitamin C.

Where to buy: www.melissas.com