Cherimoya Season in Ventura: A Taste of Spring’s Sweetest Harvest

Spring in Ventura means peak cherimoya season! This quirky, tropical fruit—affectionately known as the "custard apple"—is like nature’s dessert, blending flavors of banana, pineapple, and vanilla into a creamy dream. It’s been charming taste buds for generations, and with its ancient roots and powerhouse health benefits, it’s time for you to join the cherimoya fan club.

The Health Benefits of Cherimoya

Cherimoya isn’t just delicious—it’s a nutrition-packed superstar. With 75% of your daily vitamin C in just one fruit, it’s like a natural shield for your immune system. Plus, it boasts 5 grams of fiber per fruit, making it a gut-friendly treat that supports digestion and keeps you feeling full. And let’s talk about potassium—this fruit is loaded with it, helping to regulate blood pressure and keep your heart happy. Packed with antioxidants, cherimoya is a sweet way to fight inflammation and nourish your body, one spoonful at a time.

Seasonality and Local Availability

Cherimoya thrives in Ventura County's mild Mediterranean climate, with its growing season stretching from late fall to early spring. Right now, at peak ripeness, it’s practically begging to be scooped up at local markets. These fruits may be grown in small orchards, but finding one feels like hitting the jackpot—lucky for you, we know exactly where to look!

A Local Treasure: Gonzalez Produce

One of the best places to score top-quality cherimoyas is Gonzalez Produce, a beloved family-run farm committed to sustainable agriculture. Their cherimoyas are the real deal—grown with care, harvested at peak sweetness, and brimming with flavor. Whether you eat one straight from the spoon, blend it into a smoothie, or get creative in the kitchen, Gonzalez Produce makes sure you’re getting Ventura’s finest.

How to Enjoy Cherimoya

Cherimoya is as versatile as it is delicious. Slice it open, and you’ll find a creamy, custard-like flesh, ranging from pale white to light green, speckled with small black seeds (which, by the way, are not for snacking!). Here are some fun ways to enjoy this tropical delight:

• Eat it fresh: The simplest way to enjoy cherimoya—just grab a spoon and dig in! Its tropical flavor is an instant mood booster.

• Blend into smoothies: Add cherimoya to your morning blend for a naturally sweet, nutrient-packed energy kick.

• Pair with yogurt: Mix cherimoya with yogurt and granola for a creamy, nourishing breakfast.

• Freeze for a refreshing dessert: Puree the flesh and freeze it for a dairy-free sorbet—perfect for warm Ventura afternoons.

• Experiment with savory dishes: Try adding cubed cherimoya to a zesty salsa or as a garnish for grilled fish. Its sweet and tangy balance adds a fun twist to savory meals.

  
  

Cherimoya’s versatility means there’s no wrong way to enjoy it—just plenty of delicious possibilities.

Embracing Ventura's Sweet Harvest

Cherimoya is hands down one of Ventura’s best-kept secrets—sweet, nutritious, and bursting with local flavor. As spring unfolds and cherimoya season hits its peak, there’s no better time to indulge in this extraordinary fruit.

So next time you're at the market, grab a cherimoya (or two) and savor Ventura’s sweetest gift of the season!