How many unique Belizean fruits have you tried?

Join me on a tantalizing journey into the world of tropical fruits. Belize is a country known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs, but did you know we have a lush, fertile interior that produces an amazing array of interesting and exotic fruits? My mission is to find and try them all! Join me on a journey of succulent discovery and see how many unique Belizean fruits you try.

Must try Belizean fruits

1. Soursop

The first mission of our fruit hunting adventure is Sensational Soursop. The green, prickly exterior may look uninviting, but don’t be put off; hidden beneath the armor is a sweet, tangy interior with a creamy texture. Soursop not only has a luscious sweet-tart flavor, but it’s also a nutrient-dense energy pack that’s said to have many health benefits. Soursop is rich in antioxidants and is thought to help eliminate free radicals in our bodies, prevent gingivitis, and even fight cancer cells. Herbalists use all parts of the soursop plant in traditional tinctures and medicines, but Belizeans’ favorite way to use soursop is in ice cream and sorbet… a treat on a hot tropical day. A healthy, refreshing meal.

2. Dragon fruit

The vibrant dragon fruit looks like something out of a fairy tale or science fiction movie, and it really defines “exotic.” The bright pink or yellow exterior is made up of curious scales that are easily cut open to reveal snow-white or shocking magenta flesh dotted with tiny black seeds. The flavor is relatively mild for such a wild-looking fruit. A mild blend of kiwi and pear, its sweetness is more subtle than the fruit’s fantastic appearance.

3. Sapodilla fruit

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and that advice should apply to fruit, too. Looking at the sapodilla’s ugly appearance, you would never imagine the joy contained in its brown, papery skin. To the eyes, sapodilla is as bland as dishwater, but to the taste buds, it’s as exciting as a surprise party! The marshmallows of the fruit world; I can think of nothing sweeter than a perfectly ripe sapodilla. The textures are also interesting. A bit grainy like a pear, with a large, very smooth pit in the center.

4. Guinep (Guinep)

My favorite road trip snack, I love it when I see fruit vendors selling snack-sized bags of these delicious green globes. They are so fun to eat! Known by various names around the world, our neighbors in Mexico call them Guaya, but in Belize they are called Kineps or Guineps. You can call them whatever you want, I just say they are delicious. With a squeeze or a light bite, the skin breaks easily and will::pop::open to reveal a sweet little fruit ball inside. The flesh is silky smooth and the ripe Kinep tastes sweet with notes of lychee, honey and vanilla. They have a large pit, so there’s not a lot of pulp in each fruit, but they’re so enjoyable to eat that you won’t mind popping one after another.

5. Rambutan

Rambutan may look a little strange, but the taste is totally traditional. The most shocking thing about this fruit is that it’s covered in countless soft spikes, but peel it back and you’re left with what is essentially a large, skinless grape. Rambutan, a close relative of the lychee, is native to Southeast Asia but grows abundantly in tropical Belize.

6.Crabbe

Craboo, as yellow as a brand new school bus, is Belize’s most popular seasonal fruit. called south In Spanish-speaking countries, Craboo is used to make jam, ice cream, and cordials.

7. Mango

Maybe you think mangos don’t deserve a spot on our list of discoveries, but have you tried all 30+ mango varieties grown in Belize? I doubt it! Regular Mango, Apple Mango, Hairy Mango, Thunder Shaw, No. 11, Julie, Slipper, Black, White, Blue, the list goes on! How many have you tried?

8. Lianwu/Malay Apple

Typical apple varieties do not grow in the tropics, so while we can only get Gala or Granny Smith apples from imports, we do have an apple alternative that can grow in warm, humid conditions. This apple is native to Malaysia and was introduced to the Caribbean by colonists, where it has since become a favorite fruit among locals. The Malay apple (sometimes called a rose apple, or a water apple) has almost no flavor to speak of other than a super subtle sweetness, but its crispness and juiciness provide the ultimate pick-me-up on a hot day. .

9. Cocoa

Have you tried fruit chocolate? Familiar to the whole world Processed cocoa– Chocolate, but have you ever eaten fruit straight from the tree? The hard shell of the cocoa pod is opened to reveal the smooth white pulp surrounding the bean, which is processed into chocolate. The fruit part of the cocoa has an unexpectedly delicate flavor and texture. This is a must try when strolling Southern Belize, the heart of cocoa country.

How many Belizean fruits have you tried?

Belize has a mild climate year-round and a never-ending growing season. Any time of year, you’re sure to find plenty of seasonal goodies. We’ve only scratched the surface of Belize’s richness with this list, and many more tropical treasures can be found on the shelves of fruit stands or in the stalls of farmers’ markets.

Featured photos were taken by ROEming Belize Travel Agency. Note: This article was first published in September 2023.

Similar: Eating Vegan Food in Belize