Thailand is indeed a tropical paradise where everything seems to grow so fast and foreign tourists are constantly amazed at the strange and delicious fruits they encounter. If you are planning a holiday in Thailand, here are just some of the exotic fruits that you will find in Thai markets.
- Mango – A firm favourite, mango season in Thailand is from February to June and there are many varieties of both sweet and sour mangoes. Nam Dok Mai is a rich yellow that is very sweet and best consumed with sticky rice and coconut milk; street vendors sell this dessert in all parts of the country and once tasted, mango and sticky rice is never forgotten. The sour version appeals to many, Kaew Mangon, which is sprinkled with sugar and enjoyed as an appetiser.
- Durian – The king of fruits, durian has a pungent aroma, which some find offensive; so much so that you cannot eat durian on public transport. If, however, you can get past the smell, the custard-like flesh offers a unique taste that is unlike any other. Mon Thong is the most popular variety, which is very sweet, while Kan Yao has a unique bitter-sweet taste.
- Lychee – Known in Thai as ‘lynchee’, this pale white fruit is harvested in April and is very sweet with a hint of sourness. You can buy a bunch at your local market for less than 100 baht; the Thais add them to traditional Thai desserts and in most Thai homes, you will find a bowl of de-stoned lychee in the fridge, ready to offer guests.
- Mangosteen – A dark purple skin, the mangosteen is known as the queen of fruits, with white pith that is very sweet to the taste, which can be described as ‘tangy sweet’ with a central stone that is not consumed. May sees the height of the harvest when prices drop and everyone enjoys mangosteen.
- Longan – A small round fruit covered with a semi-hard outer skin that is peeled back to reveal a clear, pearl-coloured flesh that is very moreish! A large block pip is easily separated from the pearly fruit, which has a unique flavour that has to be experienced to be appreciated. August sees plentiful bunches of longan at every local market and if you end up as a longan addict, we accept no responsibility.
- Pineapple – There are many varieties that are harvested in June, including a small, sweet pineapple that is grown mainly in the South of Thailand. Chopped and sold on bamboo sticks, pineapple is a staple fruit for the Thai people.
- Langsat – Similar in size and exterior appearance to longan, this fruit is very popular during October and November, with a sweet, tangy taste and a large pip. Sold in bunches, much like other Thai fruits, middle-class dwellings would have a mixture of seasonal fruits that have been cut and carved superbly, which is one of many Thai traditions.
There are many more Thai fruits, far too many to list in this short article; Google can enlighten you regarding seasons and availability. You should try every fruit you see; some you will love and some you will find indifferent and next time you holiday in the tropical paradise that is Thailand, you can remind yourself why Thai fruits are so amazing.