If all your knowledge of seemingly "exotic" fruit ends at pineapple and papaya, you are going to have your mind blown! For a true tropical experience, dive into the remarkable flavors of Colombian exotic fruits like lulo, pitaya, and guanábana.
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Colombia’s incredible biodiversity makes it home to a dazzling array of tropical fruits. These vibrant fruits not only surprise the palate but also deliver impressive health benefits that are gaining global recognition. Though many are unfamiliar outside the country, they are an everyday stable in Colombian kitchens.
With my recent trip to Colombia, where I tried all Colombian street food has to offer, I also tried every weird looking fruit I could get my hands on!
Fruits that grow in Colombia are a vibrant expression of the country’s biodiversity, culinary traditions, and health-focused culture. From juicy market finds to exotic varieties with powerful health benefits, these fruits are integral to the Colombian experience.
Lulo
Widely enjoyed throughout Colombia, lulo is a citrusy, popular fruit. The pulp is often used in juices and desserts. Its tangy, slightly acidic flavor has made it a favorite among locals and travellers alike.
I do enjoy it as is, but where lulo really shines is in Colombian Lulo Juice - I even learned to make it at home!
Uchuva
The uchuva, or golden berry, is a small, round fruit encased in a delicate, papery husk. With a sweet-tart flavor, it’s typically eaten fresh but also appears in salads, preserves, and desserts.
The Passion Fruit Family
Colombia is home to several varieties of passion fruit, including gulupa, granadilla, and curuba. Maracuyá, the best-known, has a bold, tangy flavor and is often enjoyed in juices, desserts, and sauces. Gulupa offers a sweet yet tangy taste, while granadilla boasts a sweeter profile and a distinctive orange shell. Curuba, or banana passion fruit, has an oval shape and a tart, refreshing flavor.
Tamarind
Known locally as tamarindo, this tangy fruit adds a bright, sour note to traditional dishes. It's also a popular ingredient in beverages, including refreshing tamarind juices and tamarind cocktails. Packed with antioxidants and fiber, tamarind has long been valued in Colombian medicine for treating digestive issues.
Guanábana
Also called soursop, guanábana is a large, spiky green fruit with creamy white flesh. Often blended into smoothies and ice creams, it offers a tropical flavor that’s slightly tangy with a hint of sweetness.
“I first tasted guanábana as ice cream—its tangy kick had me hooked right away. Later, a friend’s homemade punch cemented my love for this incredible fruit.” — Gina Matsoukas, Running to the Kitchen
Mangosteen
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While more commonly associated with Asia, mangosteen is prized in Colombia for its sweet, aromatic flavor. Beneath its purple shell lies juicy, segmented white flesh that’s considered a rare treat.
Chontaduro
This palm fruit is popular along Colombia’s Pacific coast. Often boiled or roasted, its texture is starchy and reminiscent of a potato.
Zapote
Zapote, or sapodilla, has a rich, creamy texture and a flavor often compared to caramel. It’s a versatile ingredient in sweet and savory dishes, including milkshakes, pies, and stews.
Pitaya
Colombian dragon fruit, known as pitahaya, stands out with its bright yellow skin and white interior. Its floral, mild flavor works beautifully in smoothies, overnight oats, and fruit salads.
Feijoa
Feijoa, a green egg-shaped fruit, has a sweet, aromatic taste that has gained popularity in recent years.
Mamoncillo and Níspero
Mamoncillo is a small green fruit with juicy, tangy flesh, while níspero offers a buttery texture with a sweet flavor.
“I spent weeks in Colombia and probably ate my weight in fruit. Granadilla stands out—always fresh, juicy, and incredibly sweet.”
— Kristen Wood, MOON and spoon and yum
Unique Features of Tropical Fruits of Colombia
Colombian fruits are as visually stunning as they are nutritionally beneficial. Take guanábana, for example—believed to have cancer-fighting properties and known to aid digestion while acting as a natural relaxant.
Golden berries, or uchuvas, are valued for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential to regulate blood pressure. Borojó, a distant relative of passion fruit, has an earthy flavor and is often touted as a natural aphrodisiac, appearing in traditional remedies and energy drinks.
More South American Travel Adventures
If you are curious for more South American travel, see my Argentina travel guide or Top 10 Vegetarian Eats in Argentina.
