Scientific Name: Annona cherimola
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae
The cherimoya (Annona cherimola) is a fleshy and soft fruit that is white in color. The flavor of cherimoya is a combination of mango, pineapple, papaya, and/or vanilla. This fruit is sometimes incorrectly named custard apple because of its similar flavor and texture to custard apple. Both cherimoya and custard apple are in the same plant family, Annonaceae. The name cherimoya is derived from the word chirimuya, which means "cold seeds" in Quechua language. This fruit has long been cultivated by peoples of South and Central America.
Cherimoya contains high amounts of vitamin B6 (15% daily value [DV]). Vitamin B6 (or pyridoxine) plays a critical role in mood regulation. This vitamin is necessary for creating neurotransmitters that control emotions such as serotonin, a hormone that elevates your mood. Vitamin B6 helps maintain a normal amount of homocysteine in your blood, which reduces the risk of heart problems. Getting the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 also helps your body protect against infection.
Cherimoya also contains 14% DV of vitamin C. Vitamin C is well-known for supporting the immune system. For example, the vitamin stimulates the production of white blood cells, a major component of the body's defense system. Vitamin C is also involved in collagen production. The body needs this vitamin to maintain the strength and elasticity of skin and other connective tissues.
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