Atemoya (Annona squamosa × Annona cherimola)

This week, several varieties of my atemoya are almost ready for picking. I should point out that the one in this photo is not, however.





Since the atemoya is a cross between the sugar apple (Annona squamosa) and the cherimoya (Annona cherimola), there are many varieties out there - some with dominant traits from the annona, others from the cherimoya, and still others somewhere inbetween.





While the first hybrid was performed in the United States (Miami) in 1908, atemoya varieties were being hybrid in other countries such as Australia, South Africa, and Israel - where the Geffner variety shown in my top photo was introduced.





Atemoyas have a white sweet custard-like pulp

with black seeds - which are toxic. I like the fruit by itself, but have enjoyed a few in milkshakes / refrescos - just remember to remove the seeds before blending!





Just for comparison, look at this other variety of Atemoya.
Notice how the color, shape, and even the thickness of the stem differ from the first photo. I have four varieties, since each contributes its own unique flavor, and ripen at different times of the year.


For more information on atemoya, please visit http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/MG/MG33200.pdf