Custard apple's 'brother,' from Amazon forest, now in Kerala too

A custard apple stays green even when it is extra ripe. Moreover, a fully ripe fruit can stay fresh at room temperature for at least up to three days. However, its 'brother,' rollinia, refuses to do so. Not only does rollinia turn yellow, it also has a shorter shelf life. Even then, those who want to build muscles and add iron to their diet give this South American fruit a prominent place in their diet. Now it is available in various orchards in Kerala as well. 

The fruit is called Biriba by Brazilians. Its two varieties, Rolinia mucosa and Rolinia deliciosa, are found in our country. The heart-shaped fruit is covered with soft parts in the shape of thorns. The fruit can be harvested when it turns yellow. If it ripens further, the thorny parts will turn black. The fruit is best eaten directly. The pulp, white in colour and mildly fragrant, can be eaten with a small spoon. Discard the seeds. Some chefs prepare dishes with Rolinia. Brazilians apparently use it for winemaking. 

Health benefits
Rollinia is rich in calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamin C and iron. It has ample protein and carbohydrates. It also contains amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan. Fruits should be consumed immediately after harvest. As its shelf life is short, it is generally not used for commercial cultivation. However, varieties that can be stored for 3–7 days are now available. Rollinia wood is also used to make furniture.