Cherimoya Ice
Nieve de CherimoyaCherimoyas, grown in Mexico's tropical zones, are large oval-shaped tropical fruits with a rich exotic taste reminiscent of pineapple, banana, and papaya. The fruit has a leathery green skin with overlapping indentations somewhat like thumbprints. The flesh is creamy white, with a texture like firm custard, somewhat like a soft pear, but smoother. The center is full of shiny black seeds. Ripe cherimoyas will give when pressed gently. Underripe fruit will ripen at room temperature. The fruit makes a wonderfully refreshing ice and is one of dozens of flavors to choose from in Mexico's many ice cream stands or shops.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings
- 1 large ripe cherimoya about ¾ pound
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons frozen concentrate of pineapple or orange juice
Instructions
- Cut the cherimoya lengthwise into quarters.
- Peel the quarters and scoop out the seeds.
- Chop the fruit medium-fine.
- There should be about 1 ⅓ cups.
- In a small saucepan, mix the sugar and water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until reduced to ½ cup, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Put the cherimoya and pineapple or orange juice into a blender and purée.
- When the sugar syrup is cool, add to the blender and mix briefly.
- Transfer the mixture to an ice cream machine and freeze, following the manufacturer's directions.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
To serve, let stand at room temperature to soften slightly.
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