Abstract Volatile components of cherimoya {Annona cherimoya Mill.) and bullock's heart (A. reticulata L.) were isolated by simultaneous steam distillation/solvent extraction and analysis by GC/MS. Forty-seven and 49 compounds were identified in both fruits, respectively. The major volatiles in cherimoya were α-thujene, α-pinene, terpinen-4-ol and germacrene D, while in bullock's hearts they were α-pinene, β-pinene and germacrene D.