Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 



291 



California. All seed from southern sources should be carefully examined on 

 being received. 



Season 



In this state the main season for Cherimoyas is March and April, although 

 in favorable weather a few fruits may mature in the fall. The entire crop does 

 not ripen at one time, the fruits maturing individually and extending the season 

 over six or eight weeks. 



The fruit does not ripen on the tree, and must be picked when mature — ^to 

 avoid its dropping to the ground and becoming bruised — and laid away for three 

 or four days before it is in condition for eating. That it is difficult for some to 

 judge when the fruit should be picked is evidenced by the fact that mature, and 

 sometimes half-grown, fruits are often found in the markets. These immature 

 fruits are easily distinguished by their becoming dark brown upon softening, 

 accompanied by a hardness of the surface that is never present in the ripe fruit. 



Figure 131. The Golden Russet Cherimoya as grown at Orange, California. 



When fully ripe and ready to pick, the fruit assumes a yellowish tinge, more 

 pronounced in some varieties than in others, and yields slightly to pressure of 

 the thumb. 



In certain states of Mexico Cherimoyas are obtainable throughout the year. 

 The season has not been greatly extended by seedling variation in California, 

 since fruit can not be obtained in quantity for more than three months. Doubtless 

 by introducing varieties from other countries it would be possible to greatly 

 prolong the period. 



Unfavorable weather at the time of ripening has a pronounced effect on the 

 flavor and size of the fruit, both suffering considerably in severe seasons. 



Shipping 



That the Cherimoya could be successfully shipped to any part of the country 

 without difficulty is shown by the fact that numerous shipments to this state from 

 southern Mexico have arrived in excellent condition, even though no care was 



