There’s something about islands that just makes you want to explore. The endless possibilities for new experiences and the allure of far-off places are what draw so many people to island hopping. And while there are endless things to see and do on islands, one of the best parts is sampling the local food! So if you’re looking for a tasty adventure, here are the 10 fruits you have to try when island hopping!
Table of contents
Mangoes
Mangoes are a delicious fruit that come in many different varieties. They can be eaten fresh, made into juices or smoothies, or used in cooking. Mangoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium. While they are available year-round, they are especially ripe and juicy in the summer months.
There are many different types of mangoes, but some of the most popular include the Tommy Atkins, Haden, and Kent varieties. Tommy Atkins mangoes are large and oval-shaped with a bright red or yellow skin. They have a sweet, slightly tart flavor and are one of the most common varieties found in grocery stores. Haden mangoes are smaller and more oval-shaped than Tommy Atkins, with a bright yellow or orange skin. They have a rich, sweet flavor and are often used in desserts. Kent mangoes are large and round, with a greenish-yellow skin. They have a sweet, creamy flavor and are often used in cooking.
If you’re looking to try a mango for the first time, or are just looking for some new ideas on how to enjoy them, here are a few recipes to get you started:
Mango Salsa: This fresh and flavorful salsa is perfect for summer barbecues or picnics. It can be served with chips, on tacos, or just eaten on its own.
Mango Smoothie: Start your day with a delicious and nutritious mango smoothie. This recipe is perfect for those mornings when you need an energizing pick-me-up.
Mango Chicken: This easy chicken recipe is full of flavor and perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying dish.
Mango Lassi: This Indian-inspired drink is made with mango, yogurt, and spices. It’s perfect for a hot summer day or as an after-dinner treat.
Papayas
Papayas are native to Mexico and Central America, but they can now be found in tropical regions all over the world. These delicious fruits have a sweet, fleshy texture and a bright yellow-orange color. Papayas are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, as well as fiber. They can be eaten fresh, or used in salads, smoothies, or even baked goods.
Pineapples
Pineapples are a delicious, juicy fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From eating them fresh to using them in recipes, pineapples are a versatile fruit that everyone should try at least once. Here are some of the best reasons to add pineapples to your list of fruits to try:
1. They’re Nutritious
Pineapples are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients. Just one cup of pineapple chunks contains over 80% of the recommended daily value of manganese, a mineral that’s essential for bone and tissue health. Pineapples are also a good source of vitamins C and B6, copper, and fiber.
2. They Have Multiple Uses
Pineapples can be used in a variety of ways, both sweet and savory. Fresh pineapple makes a great addition to fruit salads or smoothies, while canned pineapple can be used in everything from desserts to main dishes. Pineapple juice is also a refreshing drink on its own or mixed with other juices.
3. They’re Easy to Find
Pineapples are widely available year-round, so you can enjoy them anytime you want. Fresh pineapples can usually be found at your local grocery store, while canned pineapple is easy to find in the canned fruit aisle.
4. They’re Affordable
Pineapples are a budget-friendly fruit option. A whole pineapple typically costs less than $5, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget.
5. They’re Delicious!
Last but not least, pineapples are simply delicious. Their sweet, juicy flavor is loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you eat them fresh, canned, or juiced, pineapples are a delicious fruit that everyone should try.
Guavas
Guavas are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The guava fruit is round or oval in shape and has a reddish-green or yellowish skin. The flesh of the fruit is white, pink, or red and contains small, hard seeds. Guavas have a sweet, musky flavor and are often used in jams, jellies, and pies.
If you are looking for a unique fruit to try, add guavas to your list! These tropical fruits are not only delicious, but they also offer some health benefits. Guavas are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage.
Coconuts
Coconuts are one of the most delicious fruits out there. They’re sweet, nutritious, and a great source of fiber. If you haven’t tried coconuts before, you’re missing out!
Coconuts are packed with nutrients that are essential for good health. They’re a great source of vitamins C, E, and K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron.
Coconuts are also a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health. Additionally, the fatty acids in coconuts can help to boost heart health.
Lychees
Lychees are originally from China, but they grow in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They have a rough, red outer skin and a sweet, white flesh. Lychees are often eaten fresh, but they can also be used in desserts or cocktails.
If you’re island hopping in Asia, make sure to try a lychee!
Starfruit
The fruit is most commonly eaten fresh, but can also be made into jams, jellies, and other preserves. Starfruit is a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as dietary fiber. The fruit has a unique flavor that is both sweet and sour. Starfruit is a popular choice for fruit salads and other tropical-themed dishes.
Longans
The taste of longans is often described as a cross between grapes and lychees. The flesh of the fruit is white and juicy, with a small black seed in the center. Longans are typically eaten fresh, but can also be preserved in syrup or dried. This delicious fruit is perfect for a refreshing snack or as an addition to any dish.
Rambutans
They are closely related to lychees and longans, and have a similar taste and texture. Rambutans are covered in a hairy red or green shell, and inside there is a white fleshy fruit with a large seed. Rambutans are a popular snack fruit in Southeast Asia, and can be found in markets and roadside stalls throughout the region.
Dragonfruit
If you like exotic fruits, then you definitely need to try dragonfruit. This unusual fruit is native to Southeast Asia and has a bright pink or red skin with green scales. The flesh of the fruit is white or pink and contains small black seeds. Dragonfruit has a sweet taste with a slightly sour aftertaste. It is often used in desserts or eaten on its own as a refreshing snack.
Takeaway
If you want to try something new and exciting, island hopping is definitely the way to go. With so many delicious fruits waiting to be discovered, you’re in for a treat no matter where your journey takes you. Have you tried any of these amazing fruits? What was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!