The peninsula of Thailand is famous worldwide for its rich variety of fruits. Not only watermelons, bananas, pineapples, tangerines and coconuts that are familiar to us grow here. But such wonders as durian, dragon fruit, lychee, longan and others. Thanks to the warm, sunny climate, Thai fruits and vegetables are harvested several times a year. They are widely available throughout the year, and they cost mere pennies. Thai fruits grow naturally, without the addition of any pesticides or chemicals. From this they become not only extremely tasty, but also very useful.
The diet of Thais is very diverse and includes a large number of fruits. Various dishes with the addition of exotic fruits can be tasted in the many cafes and restaurants. Thai fruits, photos of which we present to your attention in the article, are also sold throughout the peninsula: on the streets, beaches and markets.
Tourists who are new to this peninsula are often difficult to make a choice in such a variety of exotic fruits. But it may happen that the selected fruit will surprise you with a strange smell or salty taste. Therefore, you need to know something in advance: what are the Thai fruits called, how to peel them, what foods they are added to, and what taste qualities they have.
Exotic Hairy Fruit - Rambutan
We will probably begin the description of Thai fruits with this unusual hairy fruit. Rambutan grows throughout Southeast Asia. He is so loved by the Thai people that at the end of summer, locals hold a festival dedicated to hairy fruit. The rambutan harvest season begins in mid-spring and ends in late fall.
- Appearance and taste. The fruits of the hairy Thai fruit are small, light red in color with a round or ovoid shape. Its shell is covered with processes resembling hairs. Therefore, rambutan is sometimes called a hairy Thai fruit. The shoots can be green or pink. The glassy pulp is white. The taste of this healthy Thai fruit is slightly reminiscent of grapes, only much more aromatic and sweeter. Its juice is more like nectar.
- Beneficial features. This Thai exotic fruit contains a large number of vitamins and minerals that positively affect the external and internal characteristics of the body. It cleanses the body of toxins and toxins and has a beneficial effect on the skin of the face and hair. Eating this exotic fruit as a food will help support the immune system and improve digestion.
- How to eat this exotic fruit? Before use, it is worth cleaning the shell of rambutan, this is quite easy to do. Under the skin is a white, sweetish flesh. Inside, rambutan has a small core that is difficult to separate from the juicy pulp. The core of the hairy fruit is similar to the nut, and it can be consumed as a whole, removing only the peel. If you don’t like the taste of the bone, you can put the peeled pulp in your mouth and spit it out afterwards. There are many desserts based on hairy fruits in Thailand. They are used for making jam and compotes. But the tastiest fresh rambutan.
- How to choose? Fresh fruit can be recognized by the bright color and color of the processes. Hair should be elastic and bright green. Dried and darkened hairs indicate that the fruit is old and may be spoiled.
Durian
The names of Thai fruits sound very unusual to us. Durian is especially perplexing. He is considered the king among exotic Thai fruits. He gained popularity due to his unpleasant odor and delicate taste. It is better to take a small piece for the sample, since the onion flavor of this fruit may not be pleasant. In Thailand, there are even places that are not allowed in with durian. The season for this fruit begins at the end of spring and lasts all summer.
- The appearance and taste. The color and size of durian depends on its variety. Basically, the fruits are simply huge, about 9-10 kilograms. Durian has an oval-rounded shape. The peel of the fruit is like a shell and is covered with thorns painted in green. Under the peel, the fruit is divided into several segments filled with pulp with several large bones. Its color ranges from yellow-white to dark yellow. The pulp of ripe durian in consistency is similar to custard cream. Unripe pulp is firm and dense. The fruits of Thai durian fruit have a peculiar taste. The pulp is sugary sweet with a vanilla flavor. But at the same time there is still a taste of rotten fried onions. The aroma of this fruit is so tart and nasty that it is recommended to try durian by holding your nose with your fingers.
- Beneficial features. The pulp of this fruit contains a huge amount of estrogen, which normalize the hormonal background in the female body. In durian, there is also a great variety of vitamins and minerals that can adjust the internal processes of the body. Also, the fruit is considered a powerful aphrodisiac. The durian pulp is very high-calorie and nutritious. But due to the high fiber content, the fruit will not damage the figure. When combined with liquor, Thai durian fruit can increase blood pressure and cause heart failure.
- As it is? Under direct sunlight, the flesh spoils quite quickly, so it is better to buy the fruit in its entirety. And the thick durian peel is most conveniently peeled with a sharp knife. Pulp extracted from the peel can be eaten with hands or a fork. The fruit is added to ice cream, fried with salt and canned.
- How to choose? Ripe durian spines should be dried, tawny. When tapping, a quiet gurgle is heard. An important factor when choosing a good ripe fruit is the smell. The presence of a bright aroma in the place of the tail indicates the freshness of durian.
Dragon (pitahaya)
Another unusual name for us is a Thai fruit - pitahaya or dragon. Australia is considered his homeland, but he grows well in Thailand. Harvesting takes place throughout the year.
- Appearance and taste. Depending on the variety, Thai dragon fruit has a different color and size of the fruit. They are with a dense skin, covered with small plates of green, resembling dragon scales. The skin color can be light pink, beetroot, yellow and others. The size of the pitahaya is quite large, oval-ovate. The pulp is white or pink with a lot of small dark bones. The taste of pitahaya is not very pronounced, it is sour sweet, slightly resembling kiwi. It quenches thirst well, as it is 80% water.
- Beneficial features. Pitahaya is one of the best accumulators of vitamin C, as well as P and Ca. This exotic fruit has a low calorie content, is rich in lipids, fiber and is very well absorbed. Therefore, it is recommended for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and increased body weight. Pitahaya diabetics can help lower blood sugar. The antioxidants contained in this fruit slow down the aging process and the formation of cancer cells. The composition of the fruit seeds includes tannin, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Due to the large number of nutrients contained in pitahaya, its pulp is used as face and hair masks.
- As it is? Pitahaya can be cleaned in various ways. Usually the fruit is cleaned of scales with a knife. Then the Thai dragon fruit is cut into a couple of parts and eat the pulp with a spoon. Based on the dragon fruit, there are many yogurts, sweets and cocktails, including alcoholic ones.
- How to choose? The peel of a dark-colored pitahaya with dull spots indicates that the fetus is overripe. Fresh fruit should be bright in color, slightly soft, but not jelly-like. Dry leaves attached to the fetus are a sign of prolonged lying down after tearing.
Green fruit
Green fruit or guava is one of Thailand's most popular fruits. His homeland is considered South America. In Thailand, it is customary to consume an unripe guava while the flesh is still strong.
- Appearance and taste. In appearance, the unripe guava fruits look like a green apple. The pulp is dense, light green or white. Inside the fetus a large number of hard bones. Unripe guava has a sweet and sour taste. Ripe fruits have an elongated shape with a tuberous surface and are somewhat similar to avocados. The pulp of such fruits is painted in a light pink color, it has a more plastic structure. The taste of ripe guava is sweet with a slight sour flavor. The smell is thin, almost imperceptible.
- Beneficial features. Thai green fruit is advised for young children and lactating women. Its fruits contain a balanced amount of vitamins and minerals. Systematic consumption of guava fruits will help increase hormone productivity and improve the functioning of the endocrine system. Eating fruits along with the seeds will help get rid of constipation and improve the functioning of the entire digestive system.
- As it is? When eating this type of Thai fruit, you need to be extremely careful, as its hard seeds can damage your teeth. This fruit can be eaten along with the whole peel, like an apple, or peeled and cut into slices. In Thailand, guava is eaten unripe, cut into pieces and sprinkled with sugar or salt and pepper. Most often, this exotic fruit is consumed fresh. But sometimes used in the preparation of salads and juices.
- How to choose? Ripe fruit has a yellowish tint. The pressure peel should bend slightly and quickly return to its original shape. Dark spots appear on overripe fruits.
Lychee (dragon's eyes)
Dragon eyes or lychee used to be imported to Thailand from China. Nowadays, fruits grow in Thailand. Harvesting of these fruits begins in mid-spring and ends already in early summer. Therefore, the dragon's eye is considered one of the most expensive fruit in Thailand.
- Appearance and taste. Thai lychee sounds like "Chinese plum". In appearance, this exotic fruit looks like a berry - round and smooth. Lychee fruits are usually red, sometimes they may have a purple hue. The peel of this fruit is very delicate, like a shell. Thai lychee fruit grows on trees with large tassels, so they are sometimes sold along with branches and leaves. Under the skin of the lychee is a white glassy pulp. She is very juicy and fragrant. Inside the fruit is an oblong bone. If you cut the fruit in half, it will resemble the eye of a reptile, so the lychee is called the dragon eye. The taste of the fruit is very unusual. He collected a combination of mint, citrus and grapes. The fruit gives a very vivid taste, even invigorating and refreshing.
- Beneficial features. Even a small amount of pulp, which is contained in the fruits of lychee, will bring significant benefits to the body. In particular, it will normalize blood glucose, improve liver and kidney function. The pulp of the fetus consists of complex carbohydrates of pectin, vitamins and minerals. Its use helps reduce blood cholesterol, improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce weight.
- As it is? To eat the lychee fruit, it must be cleaned with a knife from a thin peel. The stone is removed before use, as it has a toxic effect on the body. The fruits of this fruit can be consumed not only fresh, but also added to desserts, preserves and salads. With berries, lychees make juices, compotes and even wines. In Thailand, these fruits are often dried, so they can be stored for a couple of months without losing taste.
- How to choose? When choosing fresh fruits, note that fruits can be of different types and varieties. Therefore, the choice should not be based on the color of the peel. Fresh and tasty lychee fruit should have a solid peel, without cracks and tears. To the touch the fruit should be poured and elastic.
Fruit that looks like garlic
Mangosteen is an exotic Thai garlic-like fruit. The collection season begins in April and ends in September.
- Appearance and taste. The fruits of mangosteen are medium in size and rounded in shape. On top of the fruit is covered with a smooth peel of eggplant color. It is thick, bitter in taste, easily separated from the pulp, which is white in mangosteen, divided into parts that resemble segments of mandarin or garlic. In large slices, you can find bones. The taste of the fruit cannot be compared with anything. It combines astringency and sweetness with a touch of acid. The fruits of mangosteen are consumed raw. Also, many desserts are prepared from this exotic fruit. It is canned and frozen.
- Beneficial features. Mangosteen is widely known for its healing properties. It has an antimicrobial effect. The dried peel is crushed into powder and treated with skin infections. It is proved that the composition of this fruit includes components that can kill cancer cells. A large number of antioxidants helps the body fight the effects of harmful substances. Oriental healers prepare a healing decoction of the peel, bark and leaves of mangosteen, which helps to cope with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. The fruit itself serves as a source of dietary fiber and fatty acids. Its pulp is filled with vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.
- As it is? There are many ways to free the flesh of the mangosteen from the peel. For example, just free from the upper leaves and gently press the fruit. With this action, the peel of the ripe mangosteen will burst and release the juicy flesh. Many people use a knife when cleaning, cut the fruit in a circle, and eat the pulp with spoons.
- How to choose? When choosing this exotic fruit, fruits with a size of tangerine are preferred. Smaller fruits contain virtually no pulp. The color of the fresh fruit will be bright and saturated, the peel is smooth, without spots and cracks. You can take slightly greenish fruits, since mangosteen is able to ripen. The number of leaves on the fruit usually corresponds to the number of lobules. When pressed, the fruit should be elastic and resilient. A dry, dense peel is a sign of a spoiled rotten fruit.
Red fruit
Thai red apple or shompa - this fruit is not very popular among tourists, but it is found everywhere in the Thai markets. Harvest shompa harvested twice a year: in summer and winter. But red apples are on sale all year round.
- Appearance and taste. Shompu is similar to apples with a pear-shaped, slightly elongated shape, seedless. The peel is smooth and shiny, painted in various shades of red. The taste of the red Thai apple is not very pronounced, it is tart and watery, with a slight acidity.
- Beneficial features. The composition of Thai red fruit includes vitamins A, C, calcium and others. Fruits of shampoo contain a large number of plant fibers and a small amount of calories, so they are well included in the diet of people. Also, the fetus is able in a short time to lower cholesterol in the body and rid it of toxins and toxins.
- As it is? Shompa can be eaten with peel like apples. They consume these fruits raw, cook compotes and preserves, and prepare salads. In Thailand, red apples are sprinkled with salt and pepper before use. A little unusual way, but everyone who tried it says that it’s very tasty.
- How to choose? A red apple is stored for a long time, so choosing an unspoiled fruit is easy. The peel of the fetus should be holistic and uniform, without spots.
Longan
Longan - This fruit is grown in all parts of Thailand, although China is considered its homeland. Longan season lasts all year.
- Appearance and taste. Thai longan fruit is similar to round nuts, about 2 centimeters in size. The color of this exotic fruit can vary from brown-beige to yellowish red, depending on the variety. Under the thin skin hides a transparent flesh. Inside the fruit is a stone. This exotic fruit is very juicy and delicious. The taste of longan slightly resembles a melon. It is very sweet and spicy, with sourness and musky bloom. But you should not eat more than 5-8 fruits at a time, as this can result in indigestion. Longan's bone has a bitter taste and is inedible.
- Beneficial features. The high content of vitamin C in the fruits of longan helps to increase immunity. The phenols that make up the fruit protect the liver. This exotic fruit is a powerful aphrodisiac. It also has a calming effect and helps with insomnia. The use of longan can normalize body temperature. Like other Thai fruits, longan contains a great variety of minerals, trace elements and vitamins. It is indicated for use by obese people.
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Thousands of travelers fly to Thailand not only to sunbathe and swim, but also enjoy fancy fruits. But if you didn’t have enough time to get enough of the exotic fruits of Thailand, you can bring them home.
From Thailand, it is allowed to export any fruit, except durian, since if the skin is damaged, it smells terribly. At airports, there are signs prohibiting this exotic fruit. However, resourceful tourists manage to transport him across the Thai border. If you don’t feel like taking risks, you can bring durian pasta, cookies and sweets from Thailand. They are on sale in any supermarket and will not cause you trouble during transportation.
To pack the fruits for transportation, you should buy specialized containers that are sold in any large store. They are most often plastic, with perforations and wheels. Each fruit must be wrapped in paper, because they will be taken in the luggage compartment. If you buy fruits on the market, sellers can help you with the choice of fruits for export and their packaging.
Soft fruits are best carried in hand luggage. It is better to check in your luggage with fruits with a dense skin: pineapples, mangosteen and coconuts. Fruits can be transported in any quantity, you only need to pay attention to the restriction of the weight of luggage per person.
But if you successfully exported fruits from Thailand, this does not guarantee that the fruits will come home. The Russian customs service often imposes quarantine restrictions on the import of various exotic fruits, and extraordinary cargo can be removed.
Thai fruits in Moscow
If you were in Thailand on vacation, tasted delicious fruits, and you couldn’t bring them home for your whole family, do not worry. You can try to find them in Moscow. Yes, indeed, it was almost impossible to buy a mangosteen or longan in the capital just a couple of years ago. But now finding any exotic fruit is no problem.
Exotic fruits can be found in any major supermarket. Some types of Thai fruits are available on the Vietnamese-Chinese market. Moreover, now you know how to choose and eat them correctly.
Gourmets who are not chasing ordinary Thai fruits, but looking for rare wonders (like durian), should turn to the Internet for help. On its open spaces there are many shops that sell any exotic fruits. Qualified consultants will help you choose the most suitable option, and if desired, can be delivered by courier directly to the apartment. All those who were not in Thailand, but want to try something exotic, will be helped by a photo of Thai fruits in our article with a title, description and advice on their choice and consumption. Bon Appetit!