Araticum-rasteiro
Annona dioica · Annonaceae family
A small, low-growing Annona distinct from other fruits also called araticum.
Find it near DetroitGet to know it
Araticum-rasteiro is a fragrant Brazilian fruit with sweet pulp that brings pear cream to mind. Its seeds come away easily from the pulp, which is eaten fresh or turned into mousse. It grows on a small shrub called Annona dioica.
What it is
The yellowish-green fruit measures about 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in) long and 6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in) across. Inside is yellow or orange pulp. Its thin skin has small pointed bumps; the fruit is ready to pick when the skin is pale green and these bumps have softened.
Where it comes from
Annona dioica grows in southern, central and eastern Brazil, including the Cerrado savannas and the Pantanal. It is a wild food gathered for local use. In Nhecolândia, a region of the Pantanal, the fruit is a summer food.
How it's eaten where it grows
In Brazil, the sweet pulp is eaten fresh or separated from its seeds for desserts. It goes into mousses and ice cream, and into the batter or filling of cakes and biscuits. The pulp can also be frozen for later.
How it's grown
This is a low shrub, about 0.5–2 m (1.6–6.6 ft) tall, that sheds its leaves seasonally. It favours sun and deep, well-drained soil. Beneath it is a thick root that stores water and nutrients. Above ground, its flowers have greenish-yellow petals.
When and where you'll find it
In Nhecolândia, araticum-rasteiro is usually a summer fruit. It is gathered from wild shrubs for local eating. Fresh fruit needs gentle handling because its skin is thin; the pulp, freed of its seeds, can be frozen for desserts later.
Sources · 4
- Colecionando Frutas, Annona dioica grower guidecolecionandofrutas.com.br
- Embrapa, Arnildo and Vali Pott, Plantas comestíveis e medicinais da Nhecolândia (1986)infoteca.cnptia.embrapa.br
- Paulino Neto and Teixeira, Acta Botanica Brasilica (2006)new.scielo.br
- Useful Tropical Plants, Ken Ferntropical.theferns.info
Get it near Detroit
What it tastes like
Araticum-rasteiro (Annona dioica) is fragrant, with sweet pulp reminiscent of pear cream, and seeds that separate easily.
Choose, eat
1ChooseLight green skin
Look for
- Light green skin
- Softened pointed projections
Pick when the skin is light green and its small pointed projections have softened. Handle the thin skin gently.
2EatSweet pulp · not seeds
Eat
Sweet pulpNot eaten
SeedsSeparate the sweet pulp from the seeds, which release readily. The pulp is used in mousses and cakes.
Detroit, Michigan
When it’s good hereUsual monthsJust arrivedAt their bestLast chanceAll yearWhere it is in its usual monthsToday, Oct 22Grown hereIn season in your stateShips fromIn season where it grows
Strange but trueNature
Sources
Sources
Araticum-rasteiro · Fruitopia · checked Sep 22, 2026
What we don't know yet
One grower's season runs from March to July.