Custard Apples are generally pale green with knobbly skin, and have soft, sweet flesh with brown seeds.
The best time to enjoy the fruit is during autumn, winter and early summer, making custard apples a sweet and tropical treat during many months of the year.
Selecting a custard apple to eat
- Opt for ones that are pale green and firmer
- Ripe custard apples will give slightly under pressure when squeezed, similar to an avocado
- Custard apples have a fragile exterior, so a couple of spots or blemishes on the skin are normal, and the flesh inside will still be great quality
- Once the skin has turned purple or black, they are past their best eating quality
Ripening a custard apple
- If you buy a custard apple that is firm to the touch, store in your fruit bowl to allow them to ripen. This usually takes a few days
- To speed up the ripening process, place your custard apple in a paper bag with a banana
- Once ripe, it is best to store custard apples in the fridge and enjoy within three days
- To enjoy, remove from the fridge and let it sit for around five minutes to get the best taste
For more mouth-watering meals showcasing custard apples, see the Recipes section.
