Banana, passion fruit, guava, papaya, mango, tamarillo. The list of tropical fruits that grow in Madeira is not complete without cherimoya: the only product in the region with Protected Designation of Origin (DOP).
Originating in South America, the fruit with green skin and a scale-like texture is grown on both sides of the island of Madeira, the difference being that on the south coast, it is grown up to a maximum altitude of 550m above sea level and on the north coast only up to 280m. This delicate fruit, with juicy white pulp with black seeds, must be handled with care. It has a sweet flavour, and its nutritional properties include, among others, good amounts of vitamins C and B6, potassium, iron and fibres. It is mainly consumed as is, but some creative chefs give it culinary uses.
