The first time William and I came to Ecuador for a visit was certainly an adventure- there were so many “firsts”. One of my favorite ways to experience a new culture is through their food, and Ecuador has some wonderful things to share. William would excitedly describe to me a fruit he remembered from his childhood growing up in the Amazon jungle- “it’s SO yummy! Just imagine eating something sweet, fruity and slimy”. Yes, he said slimy. And it seems that many of those new fruits basically had that same description.
He wasn’t wrong- there are many fruits that just aren’t found or enjoyed in the United States that I have come to love and appreciate. A few that I won’t go looking for again. After that first trip I realized I couldn’t hardly remember the names or details of most of those fruits. As we now moved here, I’ve made it a point to write a bit about each new fruit we get to try. This series will explore some of those fruits.
What Exotic Tropical Fruits can be found in Ecuador?
Tropical fruits grow and thrive in the jungle. Plenty of moisture and the humidity as well as the strong sun felt at and near the equator are just what these plants need to survive. Some of these that can be found in Ecuador can also be found throughout Central and South America, the Pacific Islands and much of Asia as well. It’s likely that many of your favorite fruits that you enjoy regularly are tropical fruits that are exported in large numbers- think banana, avocado, mango, pineapple and citrus fruits, just to name a few.
Other exotic tropical fruits you’ll see on occasion at your local Walmart. Many you can find if you go looking at an ethnic market or health food store. A few fruits I haven’t found fresh but you may be able to find frozen, canned or dried. I’ll try to guide you to those spaces as we go so that you can also have a chance to taste them if you are in the U.S. If you are also living in Ecuador, or the tropics in general, I hope this guide will give you courage to try something new from the market and maybe some instructions on how to use it.
Exotic Tropical Fruits of Ecuador
Tropical fruits come in such a wide range of size, color and tastes. I’ve always loved fruit of all kinds and have really enjoyed finding such a treasure trove of new options here in Ecuador. Some are sweet, others are sour and one tastes like winter squash and best cooked and eaten with salt! The following is the list of fruits I will cover. If the link isn’t yet connected, the post for that fruit hasn’t yet been published, but I’m working on it! I’d love to hear if you find a new favorite or have a fruit to add to my list!
- Araza (Guayaba Amazonica or The Seven Flavors Fruit)
- Aguaje (Moriche Palm fruit)
- Chonta (Chontaduro or Peach Palm)
- Guaba, (Not the same as guava and known as the Ice Cream Bean Fruit!)
- Guayaba (Known in the U.S. as Guava)
- Guanabana (Soursop or Brazilian paw paw, Ecuador’s National fruit!)
- Granadilla (related to passionfruit, but orange in color and sweet!)
- Giron (a squash-like fruit, also known as musk cucumber or cassabanana)
- Uva (similar to grapes, but they grown on a tree!)
- Pink bananas (yes, they are edible too)
- Naranjilla (Lulo)
- Cacao
- Jaca (Jack Fruit)
- Pitahaya (pitaya or dragon fruit)
- Papaya
- Maracuya (passion fruit)
- Abio
- Tomate de arbol
- Others? Salak, fruto milagrosa, higos, pomarosa, arandano tropical, jaboticaba, chicle, uva de arbol, uchuva (golden berry), copoazu, camu camu,
What to expect in each post on individual fruits
Each article on tropical fruits will include in more detail the description of the fruit and particularly how it is eaten and a recipe to follow where applicable. I’m so excited for this series and to share this tasty side of tropical fruits with you!
Food is such a neat way to learn about and experience the world, whether you actually are able to travel on location to amazing places or if you instead choose to bring bits of the amazing places from around the world into your very own kitchen. I hope you enjoy learning about Ecuador through learning about these fruits that are natively grown and enjoyed here.
If you are interested in other native foods of Ecuador, also check out…. (bananas,
