The Cherimoya

Location:
Ecuador, Guayllabamba, Near Quito

cherimoya, chirimoya, fruit

The cherimoya, or chirimoya, is one of Ecuador's more distinctive natural products. A grapefruit-sized fruit with lopsided, green, scaly skin, the cherimoya is easy to overlook when it is on market shelves next to to more attractive pineapples, passion fruit, oranges and limes. This would be a mistake, however; the fruit inside is delicious. It has a tangy taste that mixes pineapple and strawberry flavors, and a soft texture that can range from that of an apple to one of sherbet, depending on its ripeness. To eat it, just crack open the cherimoya, scoop out the flesh and remove the seeds.

The fruit originated in the highlands of southern Ecuador and northern Peru, where it was venerated by the pre-Inca civilizations of the region. Today, Guayllabamba is one of the most important areas of cultivation, so be sure to pick up a cherimoya or two when you pass through town.

About this Page

By Nick Rosen
A staff-writer here at V!VA's offices in Ecuador, I came to Quito after having worked on public health and development projects in Africa. Naturally,...

Updated: 30 Oct 2013