The cherimoya, also known as the custard apple, is a tropical fruit indigenous to Central and South America and now cultivated internationally. Somewhat heart-shaped, with a tough, green outer rind covered with overlapping scales, cherimoya has a creamy white flesh that is sweet and juicy. The taste of cherimoya has been described as reminiscent of banana, papaya and pineapple. Cherimoya is a source of carbohydrates and also provides several essential vitamins and minerals.
Contents
An average cherimoya fruit, with the skin and seeds removed, weights around 312g, according to the USDA Nutrient Database. Around 55g of that weight comes from carbohydrates alone. Protein makes up around 5g, and there are just 2g of fat in that serving. The remaining portion consists of other nutrients, water and indigestible components.
Caloric Value
One cherimoya fruit typically contains around 231 calories. Carbohydrates provide 197 of those calories. Proteins and fats both contribute around 17 calories. This serving can provide around 12 percent of the daily required caloric intake for an adult.
Vitamins
Several vitamins are available from a serving of cherimoya fruit. The vitamin with the highest level is vitamin C at 36mg, or almost 50 percent of the daily recommended intake. Other significant quantities include vitamin B6 at 0.7mg, or over 40 percent, riboflavin at 0.4mg, or 33 percent, thiamin at 0.3mg, or 27 percent, and folate at 56mcg, or 14 percent. Less significant amounts of niacin and pantothenic acid are also in the fruit.
Minerals
Several essential minerals are available from a single cherimoya. The fruit is particularly high in potassium at 839mg, or almost 18 percent of what is required of this mineral per day. Other minerals available in substantial amounts include copper at 200mcg, or 22 percent, manganese at 0.3mg, or 15 percent, and magnesium at 50mg, or just under 14 percent. Lesser amounts of calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc are also available within this fruit.
Other Information
Cherimoya fruit is also a source of dietary fiber, providing 7g of the substance, or 29 percent of the daily recommended amount. The fruit is also low in sodium and contains no cholesterol or saturated fats.
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