First purple custard apples

[gnappi]

This year my tree has done pretty well and has a number of nicely colored fruit. Last year it had one fruit but I think I picked it too late because the fruit was very dry.

So that begs the question what am I looking for to tell if the fruit is ripe. The segments are not like sugar apple which swell and soften when ripe.

[gnappi]

Nobody???

[skhan]

It's been a while since I picked one but from what I remember it starts to get a little shiny, meaning the waxy white coating disappears.
Also, give it the squeeze test, should have a bit of give when is ready.
Mine were usually ready in late February early March iirc

[carcarlo]

Hi Gary,
My  Custard Apples /Annona Reticulatas get ripe right on the Trees, the skin gets shiny and u can smell them when there's several  ripening at the same time, the first one's to smell them are the critters, I have gotten used to watching them and just picking them when I think the color is at it's best. My Trees are about 20-25ft tall so squeezing them is out of the question.
If you can squeeze them, they should be soft, too soft and they drop.
Hope it helps.
Carlos