Thailand has intense hot weather, which gives the country a unique advantage to grow some amazing fruits. They’re tasty and healthy in more ways than one. Some are used for medicinal purposes, while others are just great for enjoying by the pool on a warm day. The recipes are endless when it comes to using these delicious delicacies. Salads, desserts, and drinks all benefit greatly from the sweetness that’s cultivated in the warm environment. With that said, let’s drool over these exquisite fruits native to Thailand.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. It can get up to 100 pounds, so we don’t recommend carrying around the whole thing. Slice it up and divvy it out to your friends. It has a stringy texture that’s reminiscent of meat. This fruit is definitely a unique choice to keep in your fridge.
Rose Apple
This is a delicate fruit that’s light and airy. It smells like roses, hence the name. The shape is pear-like, and it’s so crispy and juicy. It’s a great choice for fruit arrangements. Despite its looks, it has a bitter taste, similar to a bell pepper.
Lychee
Lychee fruits have a tough skin that’s inedible, but the insides are sweet. You can tell it’s ripe by the red exterior. It’s often used in juice, sauce, and ice cream. A great choice for garnishing your refreshing beverages. So much so, in fact, that the Chinese Imperial court served it as a delicacy in 2000 B.C.E.
Durian
This fruit may look similar to a jackfruit, but it’s VERY different. Often known for its “smelly” odor, it has creamier insides. You can even cook the seeds, so you can enjoy an extra snack. This is one of the fruits used in traditional medicine. Overall, a versatile pick.
Mangosteen
This is a highly nutritious fruit that’s very sweet. It has been called the “Queen of Fruits” due to its thick shell. It takes some effort to cut open, but it’s well worth it. It’s been said that mangosteen even aids people with weight loss. Could it be true?
Longan
This yummy delicacy has been referred to as the “Dragon Eye Fruit” due to its translucent insides and dark center seed. It’s roughly the size of a ping pong ball and has a sweet taste that’s similar to the lychee fruit. You can’t eat the shell, but its seed can be used in medicinal teas.
Pomelo
This fruit is closely related to a grapefruit, and tastes similar as well. It has firmer skin compared to other citrus fruits, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the effort to peel it. Let’s not forget that it’s packed with antioxidants, too.
Langsat
Langsat has a rubbery skin that’s easily removed. The flesh inside is translucent and sticky. It has a sweet taste with just a hint of sourness. You’ll need to spit out the seeds while you’re chewing, like cherries. So, make sure you have an extra bowl on you to hide the evidence.
Snake Fruit
The snake fruit gets its name from its scaly skin and cactus-like prickles. It may look menacing on the outside, but it’s very sweet and juicy on the inside. It’s especially acidic, so if you have a sensitive stomach, you may not appreciate this exotic fruit.
Rambai
This is an extremely obscure fruit. If you ever come across one, grab it! The skin is firm but easy to peel. It has translucent, juicy pulp that tastes sweet and sour. Its growth remains localized to jungles, and thus it can be found in South Asian markets.
Your mouth watering yet? There’s nothing better than fruit on a hot day. With all these different delicacies to choose from, you’ll want to research recipes, so you can enjoy them in every way possible. We don’t blame you! Take your time when visiting Thailand or even your local marketplace. You might find hidden treasures that you didn’t know were there before. It helps to know what you’re looking for, right? They are so tasty and the health benefits are unmatched. While some may not be meant for healing our bodies, they certainly bolster our spirits.
