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Learn moreCherimoya
Fruit
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
Warning
Cherimoya skin and seeds contain compounds that are toxic when ingested, so remove these before serving.
When can babies have cherimoya?
Cherimoya, skin and seeds removed, may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Cherimoya is a tropical fruit in the same family as pawpaw, soursop, and sweetsop. Native to South America, cherimoya has creamy sweet flesh that has led to one of its nicknames in English: custard apple. When ripe, cherimoya is soft all over with brown spots on its skin.
How do you serve cherimoya to babies?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
6 months old +:
Offer mashed ripe cherimoya (skin and seeds removed) in a bowl on its own or mix it into another scoopable food, such as porridge or yogurt. The fruit should be soft enough that it mashes readily when pressed between thumb and pointer finger.
9 months old +:
Serve bite-sized pieces of ripe cherimoya (skin and seeds removed) for baby to practice picking up with their developing pincer grasp (where the thumb and forefinger meet). Small pieces of cherimoya can be quite slippery and soft, so if baby struggles in picking them up, try rolling them in another food to add grip, such as desiccated coconut or dry infant cereal. You can also continue mashing ripe cherimoya for baby to scoop.
12 months old +:
Serve bite-sized pieces or mashed ripe cherimoya with skin and seeds removed. This is also a great age to encourage self-feeding with utensils. If the toddler needs help, simply pre-load an age-appropriate utensil, and lay it next to the food for the child to pick up. Alternatively, pass the utensil in the air for the toddler to grab from you.
3 years old +:
Continue to serve pieces of ripe cherimoya (seeds and skin removed) in any size, as well as mashed cherimoya as desired. If the child is taking accurate-sized bites, not stuffing their mouth with food, and able to follow instructions, they may be ready to learn how to take bites or use a spoon to scoop from sections of ripe cherimoya with skin on and seeds still inside, with coaching on how to avoid or spit out the seeds and avoid the skin. Cherimoya seeds pose a high choking risk, but it is our professional opinion that there are enormous benefits in teaching toddlers to take bites from challenging foods and how to safely eat them. If you feel the child is ready and you’re okay taking the risk, consider serving a large section of ripe cherimoya with skin still on, first modeling how to take bites from the fruit yourself. Explain how we don’t eat the skin, then bite into just the fruit, ideally exposing one of the seeds. Tap it and explain, “Look, there are hard seeds in here.” Then, pull the seed out and show it to the toddler, saying “We don’t eat this part.” Then, show you take a bite of the fruit, chew and separate out the fruit from the seed in your mouth, and then dramatically spit the seed into your hand. Then, offer the child their own section of cherimoya to try.
If the toddler seems unable or unwilling to spit out one of the seeds: do not panic. Kneel next to the toddler and demonstrate sticking your tongue out and say: “Spit out please.” Put your hand under their chin while you demonstrate. If needed, put a pit in your own mouth, show it on your tongue, then demonstrate spitting out the pit in your own hand.
Is cherimoya a choking hazard for babies?
Yes. While ripe cherimoya flesh poses a low risk of choking, the seeds are small, rounded, and firm, as well as difficult to see through the opaque flesh of the fruit, all qualities that increase the risk. To reduce the risk, only serve ripe cherimoya, take care to remove all seeds from the fruit, and serve cherimoya in an age-appropriate way. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals.
Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.
Is cherimoya a common allergen?
No. Allergies to cherimoya are rare, but have been reported. However, cherimoya has been reported to trigger allergic reactions in some individuals with latex allergies Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome may in theory have an increased likelihood of being sensitive to cherimoya. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking cherimoya can help minimize the reaction.
As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.
Is cherimoya healthy for babies?
Yes. Cherimoya is an excellent source of vitamins B6 and C, folate, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium. Plus, it is rich in antioxidants. Together, these nutrients help support baby’s metabolism, iron absorption, neurodevelopment, digestive health, physiologic resilience, and more.
The seeds and skin of the cherimoya fruit contain compounds that are toxic when ingested, so make sure to remove them before serving.
What are the signs of readiness for solids?
Baby should be able to sit with minimal support, hold their head up well, and be able to reach and grab an item and successfully bring it to their mouth while seated. Baby should also show interest in eating and watching caregivers eat. For example of babies who are ready vs not, see our article on readiness.
Does baby need a high chair?
While a high chair can help create a safe eating environment, there are alternative ways for baby to eat safely, such as holding the child on your lap or sitting together on the floor. For more information, see our article on high chairs.
Our Team
Written by
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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