World's most nutritious fruit is packed with vitamins and could give mental health a boost

It is ranked as the world's most nutritious fruit according to the BBC, and this tropical superfruit is packed with vitamins A, C, B1, B2 and potassium — it may just surprise you

10:46, 18 Jun 2026

Fruit makes an excellent choice for breakfast, snacks or dessert, brimming with vitamins, fibre and countless other nutrients that support our overall wellbeing. When thinking about the healthiest fruit , some may point to oranges for their abundant vitamin content, or pomegranates for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Remarkably, sitting at the pinnacle of the BBC's list of the "world's most nutritious foods" with a striking "nutritional score" of 96 out of 100 is a fruit many wouldn't expect. It stands as the leading fruit on this ranking and claims second place overall, narrowly behind what's dubbed "the world's healthiest snack" with a score of 97.

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The cherimoya, this surprising superfruit, is praised for being "rich in sugar and vitamins A, C, B1, B2 and potassium".

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Seller Robbie Sigona describes it as "a real treat, kind of custard-like in texture" with a flavour he depicts as "a banana meets a pineapple", insisting: "It's a real treat that you have to try."

It's also called the 'custard apple' owing to its velvety texture. It features a green, cone-shaped exterior with leathery skin, and sweet, creamy flesh inside that you can scoop out with a spoon.

Though you must always take care to steer clear of the seeds, as they can be poisonous particularly when crushed, reports Surrey Live .

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Health benefits of cherimoya

According to health experts at WebMD, cherimoya provides nutrients like potassium and magnesium that may assist in lowering blood pressure . Cherimoyas are also packed with vitamin C, which bolsters a healthy immune system.

Consuming the recommended daily amount of vitamin C can help your body ward off infections. The flavonoids and antioxidants found in cherimoya may also help reduce your risk of developing cancer.

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Cherimoya is furthermore an excellent source of vitamin B6, well regarded for its mood-enhancing qualities.

Where does cherimoya come from?

Cherimoyas originate from the valleys of South American countries such as Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. In America, cherimoyas were first cultivated in 1790 in Hawaii, and in California in 1871.

However, closer to home, they are now also grown across the Mediterranean and North Africa.

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Can you buy cherimoya in the UK?

Cherimoya can be bought in the UK, though it isn't as widely available as everyday fruits like apples and bananas.

While certain supermarkets do stock them, they aren't always readily found on the shelves.

For example, Waitrose lists cherimoya on its website but states that the item is "not unavailable". That said, there are a number of specialist food retailers online where you can track it down.