Atemoya and cherimoya are both delicious fruits that belong to the Annonaceae family. While they share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two.
1. Parentage: Atemoya is a hybrid fruit, created by crossing the cherimoya with a relative called the sugar apple. On the other hand, cherimoya is a fruit in its own right and not a hybrid.
2. Climate Adaptability: One significant difference between atemoya and cherimoya is their tolerance to different climates. Cherimoya thrives in mild, Mediterranean-like climates with cool winters and warm summers. It prefers altitudes of 3,000 to 6,000 feet. In contrast, atemoya is better suited for tropical areas close to sea level, such as Florida, where cherimoyas struggle to fruit reliably. Atemoyas can tolerate warmer and more humid conditions, making them a more suitable choice for tropical regions.
3. Fruit Shape and Appearance: Atemoya and cherimoya have distinct differences in fruit shape and appearance. Cherimoya typically has a round or heart-shaped fruit with a bumpy, green skin. The surface may have a scaly appearance, and the fruit can grow to be quite large, weighing up to several pounds. Atemoya, on the other hand, has a more oval or conical shape with a smoother skin. The skin of atemoya is usually green and may have a slightly bumpy texture.
4. Flavor and Texture: Both atemoya and cherimoya have a unique taste, often described as a combination of flavors like pineapple, banana, papaya, and strawberry. However, there can be some variation in taste between different cultivars. Cherimoya is known for its creamy, custard-like texture, while atemoya tends to have a slightly grainier texture, similar to a sugar apple.
5. Seed Size and Quantity: Another noticeable difference between atemoya and cherimoya is the size and quantity of seeds. Cherimoya generally has larger seeds compared to atemoya, which may contain smaller and fewer seeds. Some atemoya cultivars are even seedless, making them more convenient for eating.
6. Cultivars and Varieties: Both atemoya and cherimoya have various cultivars and varieties with unique characteristics. Some popular cherimoya cultivars include ‘Fino de Jete,’ ‘El Bumpo,’ and ‘Pierce.’ Atemoya cultivars include ‘Geffner,’ ‘African Pride,’ and ‘Pink’s Mammoth.’ Each cultivar may have slightly different flavors, textures, and fruit sizes.
While atemoya and cherimoya are closely related fruits, they have notable differences in their parentage, climate adaptability, fruit shape, flavor, texture, seed size, and cultivar variations. These differences make atemoya a more suitable choice for tropical regions, whereas cherimoya thrives in milder, Mediterranean-like climates. Ultimately, both fruits offer a delightful and unique taste experience, and choosing between them depends on the specific growing conditions and personal preferences.
