A trip to Colombia isn't complete without experiencing the huge variety of native tropical fruits. Some are familiar, like pineapple and mango, others completely outrageous. We'd like to share a guide to some of our favorites.
Pitahaya Amarilla, aka Dragon Fruit, is the fruit of a cactus native to Colombia. It's refreshing and juicy, with a sweet, pear-like flavor. Pitahaya's edible seeds also contain heart healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. We love it sliced in half, to scoop the fresh fruit right out of it's spiky rind.
Lulo is a stunning fruit with orange skin and contrasting green flesh. It tastes like a super sour kiwi. Lulo is usually blended with lime juice and panela to make a popular refreshment called Lulada.
Maracuyá, or Passion Fruit, is a juicy fruit filled with edible seeds and has a sharp flavor. It's a common ingredient in many popular Colombian desserts.
Mangostino is often called the Queen of tropical fruits. Peel back the deep-purple rind to reveal the white, fragrant flesh around it's almond sized seeds. Mangostino has a delicate, floral flavor and soft, juicy texture. It also can help regulate blood pressure and prevent inflammation.
Granadilla, like Maracuyá, is filled with juicy edible seeds. It has a subtle, sweet-tart flavor and is a rich source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
Zapote is a unique fruit that is kind of like a cross between a mango and a pumpkin. It's an excellent source of Vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Papaya is one of our favorite notorious tropical fruits. It's not only a beautiful fruit but also has a warm sweet flavor with subtle, musky undertones and a soft, buttery texture. Papaya also promotes healthy digestion and boosts the immune system.
Uchuvas are small zesty berries with a sweet yet tangy flavor. They are actually more closely related to tomatoes than berries. Uchuvas are usually found wrapped in their leaves, which create a pouch for the fruit to ripen.
Chontaduro is a super unique fruit native to Colombia's Pacific Coast. It's earthy flavor and starchy texture make it taste more like a sweet potato than a fruit. Chontaduro one of the most popular Colombian street foods, usually served boiled with honey and salt. Beyond the unique texture and flavor, it's also a great energy booster, full of beta-carotene, iron, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Tomate de Arbol, aka Tamarillo, tastes like a tangy green tomato with an almost smokey aftertaste. It's used mostly in savory dishes and is great source of Vitamin A, B6 and C.
Guanabana is a large, spiny tropical fruit with a sweet, soft flesh. It contains natural compounds with medicinal properties.
Grosellas, or Gooseberries, are tiny, super sour little fruits. They are mother nature's warhead, except without a sweet center.
Guama is a very surprising fruit. Crack open it's pod to reveal large smooth seeds covered in white velvety pulp that melts in your mouth like cotton candy.
