How To Handle Cherimoya (Custard Apple)

Grades: No U.S. or International
Packs: Single-Layer/Foam Sleeve/Paper Wrapper
Weights: Sold by Count|4kg/8.8#|8kg/17#
Store: Unrefrigerated|Optimum Temperature +10C/50F

Remarks: Cherimoya aka Custard Apple are very popular in tropical climates. Do not list unless you have sufficient ethnic shoppers to purchase this fruit (very expensive and shrink can be horrendous). Cherimoya are delicious although the texture may take some getting used to if you have not eaten this fruit before. Their taste could be compared to a green grape, pineapple flavor and there are a few inedible seeds inside.

Displaying: Do not overstock, cherimoya are very fragile, special care must be taken. Display at room-temperature, refrigerating will chill and blacken the fruit like bananas. They turn light green to yellow when ripe and feel similar to a ripe bartlett pear when they are ready to eat. Display single layer in their cups (foam sleeves) to prevent unnecessary bruising and handling. Placing fruit onto a tray and overwrapping using a hot wrap machine is also a good idea. Pull down at close.

Receiving: Do not over order. Fruit should have a slight softness when you press your thumb lightly against the flesh; look bright and robust. A little bit of black spotting is okay as long as it is not due to being chilled by the truck reefer. Pulp the temperature to be sure. Ripe fruit should be rejected if it cannot be sold immediately because it can spoil in a single day. 

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