Thailand is a country that each of us would like to visit. The warm gentle sun, tropical plants and kind sympathetic people - all this annually attracts huge flows of tourists to this amazing country. But not only beautiful beaches and unusual landscapes can entertain guests from the cold lands. Thailand fruit is one of the main attractions of a warm tropical country. The climate here contributes to great abundance, so that some types of fruit can be found only here and nowhere else. The ones that are found here are much tastier here. The fact is that exotic fruits are transported in green, and they ripen along the way. As a result, their taste becomes completely different, much worse than that of their properly ripened counterparts.
Most Thai fruits simply cannot be taken abroad, as they are likely to go bad on the way. Therefore, the best way to try tropical goodies is to go to Thailand yourself. If you like fruit, then local abundance will just drive you crazy. Here you can find amazing fruits of the most incredible shapes, colors and sizes. Let's take a closer look at exotic fruits from Thailand.
Durian
Durian is one of the most interesting and revered fruits in Thailand. Its appearance is unusual for the eye - the fruit, massive and covered with numerous spikes, does not cause wild bouts of appetite. However, under the thick and inhospitable green peel hides an exquisite delicacy, the likes of which are not found on our planet. The durian pulp has a sweet, delicate taste, reminiscent of a cream with a smack of walnut, and some say that it looks like delicious cheese. Be that as it may, eating it is better with a spoon, and there is a serious reason.
The fact is that the Thai durian fruit has a strong specific smell that can scare away a timid beginner. Many people compare this complex aroma with the smell of rotten fish or dirty soldiers' footcloths. At the same time, the unpleasant odor is extremely consuming, and if you dare to try this exotic fruit with your bare hands, then it will be very difficult to wash them later. In Thailand, you can find more than a hundred different types of durian, but all of them will somehow resemble each other. Among the locals, this fruit has gained the fame of an uncompromising aphrodisiac, although science does not confirm this fact.
The season when it is easiest to buy fresh durians begins in May and ends in August. But, despite this, you can buy this spiky curiosity at another time, but then the price will be higher. Since durian is considered the “king of fruits” in Thailand, its price will be slightly higher than other exotic fruits, but it's worth it. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take this specific treat to a hotel or plane, as this is prohibited due to a pungent unpleasant odor. Also, do not mix durian with alcohol, as it has a warming effect on the body, which in combination with strong drinks can harm health.
Pitaya
Pitaya, or dragon fruit, stands out from the crowd with its unearthly appearance. Yes, and it can be called a fruit with difficulty, since it is a cactus fruit from Central America. It was brought to Vietnam in the 19th century and took root well there, after which it spread throughout Asia. At first, only members of the royal family could afford this unusual delicacy, but now it is growing everywhere, so just a mortal can also try dragon fruit. He got his name for an appearance resembling a dragon's scaly body. The pitaya color is pink, and the scales have green tips, which gives the delicacy an even more surreal look.
Dragon fruit, like other Thai gifts of nature, is distinguished by rich taste, as well as benefits for the body. To get to the cherished pulp, you need to cut the pitaya along or across. Inside, there is a white substance with small black bones woven everywhere. Visually, the insides of the dragon fruit resemble kiwi, and they are very similar in taste. This miracle of nature blooms constantly, so you can always taste it, regardless of the time of year. If you came to Thailand for the first time, then you should definitely try this mysterious fruit. It will not only give new taste sensations, but will also have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
Jackfruit
Dedecfruit is one of the reasons to go to Thailand. Fruits in March-September reach their best shape, it is at this time that it is best to try them. Jackfruit looks like breadfruit. It is covered with a large number of dense spikes that lose their sharpness as they mature. The fruit itself is green, but the more it ripens, the more brown tones prevail in its color. This extraordinary fruit is huge. Its mass can reach 40 kg. Therefore, these giants do not grow on branches, but are attached directly to the tree trunk. Jackfruit trees grow up to 20 meters and bring about 200 fruits per year.
Jackfruit pulp is quite juicy and fibrous, has a sweet taste. Thais use this fruit everywhere and in a different way. Ripe fruits can be used for a light snack or as an additive to other dishes. Unripe jackfruit tastes like a vegetable and can be used in various soups. In fact, the flesh of this fruit is used locally constantly: with meat, fish and vegetable dishes, as well as in conjunction with other fruits. In cooking, all parts of the fetus are used, so nothing is wasted. In addition to fruits, jackfruit trees provide Thais with wood and dyes. The wood of this healthy wood has a pleasant yellow color, which is very much appreciated in the manufacture of furniture and musical instruments. If you want to know first hand what fruits in Thailand are the most delicious and nutritious, then be sure to try jackfruit. It is not only food, but it is also believed that its seeds can protect against a bullet or knife. Jackfruit leaves are used as a medicine.
Thailand longan fruit
Longan grows in clusters, like grapes, on evergreen trees 10 to 20 m high. It is believed that he was brought to Thailand from China, although India is usually called his homeland. Longans liked the Thais and took their niche, like other Thai fruits. “Dragon's eye” - this is what the Chinese call it because when cut, it resembles an eye. However, the taste of this fruit does not resemble the visual organ at all. Rather, it is sweet, with a slight musky flavor, sometimes sour fruit. When choosing it is important to pay attention to the skin, it must be intact, without damage. The skin of the dragon's eye is rather dense, but thin. It is easily removed from the fruit, exposing the appetizing pulp. The most mature are the fruits that have already had time to lie down on the counter, and not those that are only harvested.
Thai fruits are usually very healthy. And the longan is no exception. It has phosphorus, calcium, as well as vitamin C. Longan leaves are used in medicinal decoctions for diarrhea. This fruit brings a lot of money to the Thai budget, as it is exported to European countries and the USA. Transporting it fresh is problematic, as the fruit deteriorates quickly, but if dried, it can lie for a long time without loss of taste.
Mango
One of the tastiest tropical fruits that are loved in both Asia and Europe is mangoes. In Thailand, many different varieties of this delicious treat are grown. Here you can find both green mangoes, and orange and even reddish. You should definitely try this juicy fruit if you come to Thailand. Fruits in March only begin to ripen and ripen until June, although Thais manage to collect 2 mangoes every year.
The mango tastes incredibly sweet, although the green, sour fruits are successfully used in the preparation of salads. When choosing this fruit, you need to pay attention to the peel. It should be smooth and without damage, and spring slightly when pressed. If the peel strongly bends when pressed, then the fruit is definitely overripe, and if it is too hard or has a loose structure, then this fruit should ripen. Thailand is believed to be the sweetest mango on the planet.
Like other Thai fruits, mango is included in many local dishes. It goes well with other fruits, rice and even ice cream. Mango makes an incredibly delicious juice. Europeans, unlike Thais, prefer to serve this fruit with meat and fish dishes, in which it also performs very well. Mangoes can be dried and pickled. Dried salted fruit is said to help sailors and travelers cope with seasickness.
Papaya
One of the most popular fruits in Thailand is papaya. Outwardly it is oblong and has an orange or yellow color, depending on the variety. If you cut the papaya, you will see that there is pulp on the sides and black smooth seeds in the center. The flesh of this exotic fruit is sweet and juicy. Therefore, papaya is one of the favorite fruits in Thailand, and in many other countries where this amazing plant grows. Like other Thai fruits, whose names can be found above, papaya can be added to many dishes. If you take green fruits, they can perfectly replace vegetables in soup or salad. If you take fresh fruit, then it is tasty both by itself and in combination with other fruits. Papaya goes especially well with lime.
Interestingly, the trees of this sweet fruit are divided into male and female. Male pollinate female trees, after which the fruits grow on them. However, sometimes males also bear fruit, which still could not explain. But the Thais themselves collect them and use them for ritual purposes. Papaya is very good for digestion and helps to absorb protein, as it contains papain. Also in this fruit, as in many others, a whole storehouse of all kinds of vitamins is stored.
Rambutan
Rambutan is like an alien from another planet. Its appearance excites the imagination and can even frighten the fruit-lover beginner. And this is not surprising, since the fruits of rambutan are like red hairy balls with greenish tips. No need to be afraid of this fruit, as it is very sweet and tastes good. The peel is easily removed, exposing the edible flesh. You do not need to make serious efforts for this, but the bone will probably have to be cut from rambutan with a knife. Although it is also edible, it tastes like acorn. Before eating a hairy fruit, it is best to shake it to drive out ants that like to crawl to the surface of rambutan.
It is believed that for the first time the trees of this fruit were introduced by a Chinese who planted 5 pieces for himself. Then he left, and the trees remained. Then a school was built on this site, which served as an impetus for the distribution of this useful tree throughout Thailand.
A pineapple
It is always nice to see Thai fruits with photos. In almost every photograph of the Thai markets you can see the pineapple we all know. Here they come in different varieties. Therefore, in the market you can find pineapple for every taste. The sweetest and most delicious are the small yellow fruits from Chang Rai, but they can not always be found on the market. Here you can also find green pineapples, which seem unripe for visitors, but in fact it’s just another variety that inside is no worse than the usual pineapples.
This fruit can be a good help in the fight against colds. It also normalizes blood pressure and improves digestion. You can buy pineapple all year round, like other fruits in Thailand. In April, the peak of this delicacy begins, which lasts until June. It is worth noting that pineapples in this tropical country are not a couple of those that are sold in our stores and supermarkets. They are much tastier and more aromatic, as they ripen in natural conditions.
Lychee
The history of this fruit in Thailand begins in the 17th century. It was brought here by Chinese emigrants, and over time this fruit found many admirers among the local population. It grows mainly in the northern part of the country, and it is there that you can buy it the cheapest. In other parts of Thailand, lychees are quite expensive, at least more expensive than other local fruits. In order to protect trees with this fruit from parasites, whole hedges of bamboo are planted around them. Other protective equipment is also used to preserve the crop.
Outwardly, lychees look like small reddish nuts hanging in clusters from trees. The taste of the fruit is a bit tart, maybe even sour, but generally sweet. This fruit is a valuable export product that brings good income to Thailand. It is taken out fresh, canned and dried. Fruits with a whole skin should be selected, and eating them is best, having previously cut the seed. This fruit contains a fair amount of trace elements and vitamins, and it is also rich in carbohydrates.
Tropical paradise
For tourists, beautiful and warm Thailand is very attractive. Fruits, the names of which you knew before, and those that you heard about for the first time, can please even the most sophisticated gourmet. Naturally, in this article only a small part of the whole variety of tropical fruits that Thailand is rich in was listed. Many go to this amazing country for the sake of dubious and harmful entertainment. But here you can get enough of vitamins for many months to come. Together with sports camps, which are almost at every step, you can seriously improve your health in Thailand, instead of leaving it here. You can also see the fights of Thai boxers who own the local martial art of Muay Thai. This sight attracts thousands of tourists to Thailand every year. Perhaps you can also appreciate the beauty and effectiveness of ancient martial art.
Even the fruits that can be found with us are much tastier here, as they ripen in the trees, and not on the road. This article has a little light for you Thai fruits and their names, but their amazing taste can be known only by tasting it yourself. It is worth noting that prices in Thailand may surprise you. Often a trip to this exotic country is cheaper than a vacation at our resorts. So the next time you plan your vacation, remember the beautiful tropical paradise called Thailand.