Small rollinia

What it is

Small rollinia is Annona emarginata, known in Brazil as araticum or ariticum-de-porco. The rounded fruit is made of several little fruitlets grown together, each one only slightly raised. It measures about 2.5–3.5 cm (1–1⅜ in) across and turns yellow as it ripens.

Inside, hard dark seeds sit in yellowish, mildly sweet pulp. The edible portion surrounds the seeds.

Where it comes from

Its native range runs through Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. It grows in woodland beside watercourses, marshy places and forest edges. The fruit is usually gathered from wild trees for local eating.

How it's eaten where it grows

In Brazil, the small fruit is eaten fresh. The pulp can also be separated for juice, sparkling drinks, jam and gelatin desserts. Freezing the pulp keeps it for later use, so the fruit can go into a drink or a preserve beyond the fresh harvest.

How it's grown

Small rollinia grows as a tree or shrub and briefly loses some leaves during the dry season. It also grows in large pots, about 40 cm (16 in) tall and wide, on a veranda. Its flowers have fleshy outer petals shaped like a three-bladed propeller. Seeds have a hard outer coat; after it is nicked to admit water, they usually sprout in 40–50 days.

The species has another role in Brazilian orchards. The form called terra-fria supplies roots for atemoya trees: an atemoya shoot is grafted onto it. These roots tolerate drought and resist borers and root rot, helping support the crop above them.

When and where you'll find it

In the Brazilian Cerrado, small rollinia usually ripens from January to March. It is mostly gathered from wild trees for local eating, and some people grow it at home in pots. Pulp separated during the harvest can be frozen for use in drinks and preserves later.