Strange fruit

When we moved into the house in Orlando it was February and the trees were bare of leaves.  As spring came around and the trees started to leaf out one tree in particular stood out.  The tree was not all that beautiful, in fact, the especially harsh winter had been hard on many of the plants, but for the life of me I could not identify this tree.  This summer small fruit began to form and I was even more curious.  After a ton of online research I had my answer, it is a Sugar apple (Annona squamosa).  To be honest I was hoping it was a lychee since lychee martinis are so good, but it's not and I have to think that this is even more unique.

Until that moment I had never heard of a sugar apple.  Because I didn't know anything about this tree, other than the fact there was one growing in my yard, I consulted Google (of course).  Apparently the origins of this plant are unknown, but it is widely cultivated in India where the fruit is popular.  The fruit is never cooked, but eaten raw.  According to my research they should not be allowed to ripen on the tree, but picked when you can see white, yellow or red tinting between the segments.  The seeds of the fruit is quite toxic and has been used to kill lice (among other things).  Other than eating the fruit by itself the segments can be juiced and the juice can be used to make ice cream or a refreshing drink.  I'm pretty sure it just about time to pick my strange fruit. Next step is getting up enough courage to try it, I'm planning on steering clear of the seeds.