The custard apple tree blooms in summer and its fruit matures in winter, in the N hemisphere. In Spain, the main producing country, the production is mainly centred from September to January; the months of greater production are October and November. Nevertheless, it is harvested until April. It is a very delicate fruit; therefore, it is exported by air during the harvesting season.
The following table shows the countries exporting custard apples to the United Kingdom market, the dates and the weight of the packages used.
| Country of origin | Availability | Weight of the packages |
|---|
| Brazil | September-May | 4,5/5kg |
| Chile | August-December | 5kg(12/18 pieces) |
| Colombia | Sporadically | Various |
| Costa Rica | Some what in winter | Various |
| India | August-December | 10/12 pieces |
| Israel | Mid October-Mid December | 4kg |
| Kenya | May-October | 10/12 pieces |
| Lebanon | November-June | 4kg |
| Peru | April-August | Various |
| Spain | September-March | 4/5kg |
| Thailand | June-September | 2kg |
| The United States | March-April | Various |
Source: Fresh Produce Desk Book (1998)
