Brent grows vegetables and fruit at home in New Zealand. He knows a lot about them (says Peter). We’re glad he shares some of his knowledge about fruit from the Annona family, because we have a change of crew. After sailing from Fakarava to Raiatea, from Raiatea to Samoa and from Samoa to Tonga, Brent is leaving Ya. So, here’s Brent’s farewell present to you, dear reader: enjoy!
The first taste here in the Annona family is the Rollina. Sweet, low acid, tropical taste with hints of apple, pear and banana. Next to taste in this family will be the saursop. Just waiting for it to ripen.
Other relatives is the American Pawpaw, Asimina triloba (not related to Papayas), it can be grown in areas with 20 degree frosts.
Annona Cherimoya grows in subtropical to warm temperate climates. I grow them in New Zealand. One of my favourites.
Most in this family are tropical.
Saursop
Saursop, Annona muricata, another in this family. Delicious sweet, tangy, fibrous white flesh with tropical fruit flavours. I especially enjoy them with banana, papaya and freshly grated coconut.
I have been looking for sugar apple, Annona squamosa, in the markets but haven’t found any yet. Often referred to custard apple. A loose name as others in this species is also called custard apple. These are sweet, no tang, and a richness, hence the name custard. I will keep looking.