[f. prec.] The fruit of Anona reticulata, a native of S. America and the West Indies, introduced in 16th c. into the East Indies; it has a dark brown rind, and a yellowish pulp resembling custard in appearance and flavor. (Also called bullock’s heart.) b. The tree itself.
1657. R. Ligon, Barbadoes (1673), 11. Every one a dish of fruit, six in all; the first was Millions, Plantines the second, the third Bonanos … the sixth the Custard Apple.
1703. Dampier, Voy., III. 33. Full of a white soft Pulp, sweet and very pleasant, and most resembling a Custard of any thing…. From whence probably it is called a Custard-Apple by our English.
1869. Walmsley, Ruined Cities Zulu Land, I. 115. Like the custard-apple of the Madras Presidency, black, rough, and repulsive-looking outside, and a white, delicious custard inside.
