'Fernandez' is very similar flavor to ‘San Pablo’ but it has a darker red/pink color to the flesh.

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Latin name - Annona reticulata 

The Custard Apple is a sometimes overlooked member of the Annona family, but its taste is divine.  We compare it to raspberry cheesecake: a  very sweet, dense, and decadent fruit, like eating a rich dessert.  The fruit is large, often 2-3 lbs, with a smooth purpleish skin, turning bright red as the fruit becomes ripe.  When the whole fruit feels soft to the touch, it can be cut in half and eaten with a spoon… or just dig your face into it if you don’t mind getting a bit messy.  They’re that good. 

Because Annona fruits are grown in many countries around the world, sometimes they get confused with one another.  One example of this is that in Cuba (where Custard Apple is a well known and common fruit) it is referred to by Cubans as “chirimoya” or “cherimoya”.  Although related to Cherimoya, it is not the same fruit.  Custard Apple happens to be much more well suited to fruiting at sea level than its cousin, the Cherimoya.

Custard Apple trees grow vertically, with an upright and open canopy.  They have deep green, glossy leaves which drop from the tree over a few months during winter, and are replaced by new spring growth.  Flowers are formed in late summer or fall which leads to fruit ripening in springtime, usually March through May.  Most Custard Apples produce a red skinned fruit with a white and pinkish-red interior, but there are also green skinned/white flesh types, and even some yellow or orange types.  Custard Apples can occasionally be found as grafted trees, but seedlings are reliably true to type.  A seedling will most likely produce fruit very similar to that of its parent.

Custard Apple trees can be very productive under the right conditions, and we’re excited to see our two trees begin to produce soon! Plant yours in full sun, in a well draining area with access to water. Expect your tree to reach at least 12-15 feet or taller at maturity.  Custard Apples can typically start producing fruit at 4-5 years old.

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Size: 12-25 ft. Tall and wide

Sun Requirements:  Full sun

Cold Hardy: Will sustain damage if there is frost or below-freezing temperatures

Harvest Season:  Spring

Watering requirements: Does best if watered regularly

Food Forest Layer: Canopy, Sub Canopy