Cherimoya

Cherimoya with the skin and seeds removed can be offered when your baby is ready for solids, around 6 months.

Cherimoya is a tropical fruit, a relative of soursop and sweetsop. It comes from South America. Its flesh is creamy and sweet, which is why it is also called custard apple. A ripe fruit feels soft all over and shows brown spots on the skin.

Nutrition

The source highlights vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium and omega-3 fats, plus antioxidants. These nutrients support metabolism, iron absorption, nervous system development and digestive health.

Skin and seeds

Both skin and seeds hold substances that poison when swallowed. Remove both completely before serving. Use only ripe fruit.

Teaching about seeds in older children

After about age 3, a child who takes right-sized bites and follows directions can be shown that seeds are not eaten. Bite first yourself. Pull out a seed, say 'we do not eat this,' and spit it into your hand. This practice carries a high choking risk. Try it only if your child is ready and you accept the risk.

Ripe flesh carries a low choking risk. The seeds raise it because they are small, round and hard, and they are hard to see inside the opaque pulp. Serve only ripe fruit, pick out every seed and prepare it for your child's age. Stay within arm's reach at meals.

No, it is not a common allergen. Cherimoya allergy is rare but has been reported. Some people with latex allergy have reacted to it. In theory, those who have oral allergy syndrome could be more sensitive. That usually means a brief itchy, tingly or stinging feeling around the mouth, and a dangerous reaction is unlikely. Cooking may reduce the reaction.

Begin with a tiny portion. If nothing happens, raise the amount slowly.