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Atemoya

Atemoya is a hybrid tropical fruit produced by crossing the sugar apple and the cherimoya.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Atemoya is a hybrid tropical fruit produced by crossing the sugar apple and the cherimoya. It belongs to the genus Annona in the custard apple family, and is grown in warm subtropical and tropical regions for its sweet, creamy flesh. The name combines "ate," an old Mexican name for sugar apple, and "moya" from cherimoya.

Description

Atemoya is a hybrid fruit in the genus Annona, combining characteristics of sugar apple and cherimoya. It is known for its green, knobbly skin and sweet, custard-like pulp. The fruit is typically heart-shaped, bumpy, and has sweet, creamy flesh.

Origin and breeding

The hybrid was first developed in 1908 by P.J. Wester at the USDA subtropical laboratory in Miami, Florida. The name atemoya is derived from words associated with its two parent fruits.

Cultivation and uses

Atemoya is grown in warm tropical and subtropical climates and is valued as a commercial fruit crop. It is often eaten fresh and may also be used in desserts and ice cream. Atemoya is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a tropical specialty fruit sold through some produce markets and specialty grocers rather than as a crop grown commercially in most of Canada.

Botanical traits

Atemoya trees are fast growing and bear large leaves and yellow flowers. The fruit resembles other Annona species, and the black seeds are not edible. Atemoya trees can grow to around 9 metres tall under suitable conditions. The seeds are toxic and should be removed before eating.

Key facts

  • Atemoya is a hybrid of sugar apple and cherimoya.
  • It was first developed in 1908 by P.J. Wester in Miami, Florida.
  • The fruit is typically heart-shaped, bumpy, and has sweet, creamy flesh.
  • Atemoya trees can grow to around 9 metres tall.
  • The seeds are toxic and should be removed before eating.
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Canadian context

Atemoya is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a tropical specialty fruit sold through some produce markets and specialty grocers rather than as a crop grown commercially in most of Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is atemoya?
Atemoya is a hybrid fruit created by crossing sugar apple and cherimoya.
Is atemoya a natural species or a hybrid?
It is a hybrid, not a separate naturally occurring species.
Where did atemoya originate?
It was first developed in 1908 in Miami, Florida, by P.J. Wester.
What does atemoya taste like?
It is described as sweet and creamy, with a custard-like texture.
Are atemoya seeds edible?
No. The seeds are toxic and should be removed before consumption.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atemoya
    Supports: Hybrid parentage; scientific name
  2. American Indian Health and Diet Project — https://aihd.ku.edu/foods/atemoya.html
    Supports: 1908 development by P.J. Wester; name origin; tree and fruit description; toxic seeds
  3. Growables — https://www.growables.org/information/TropicalFruit/AtemoyaJuliaMorton.htm
    Supports: Hybrid parentage
  4. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/atemoya
    Supports: Scientific names and basic identification
  5. University of Florida IFAS Extension — https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/atemoya/
    Supports: Hybrid origin; growth habit; fruit size and flavor
  6. ECHOcommunity — https://www.echocommunity.org/en/resources/06b9bb66-b554-42d3-9b09-2e7fdbe3641c.pdf
    Supports: Hybrid parentage; name origin; edible use; toxic seeds