Native Fruits of Costa Rica

While Costa Rica may not seem that far away from the United States, the food can be radically different here. Costa Rica has the most biodiversity in the entire world, which makes for some incredible new foods! For example, the fruit here in Costa Rica are often unrecognizable to tourists because they are so unique. Below are 12 colorful, Costa Rican fruits that we bought from a local farmer's market in Santa Ana.

1. Caimito: Also known as "the Star Apple," this purple fruit resembles a plum or fig. However, it tastes quite dry and sour. It has large, black seeds in the center that should not be consumed. Some varieties come in a shade of green and white and often taste slightly more sweet. 

2. Carambola: This fruit is also known as Starfruit, due to its star-like shape when sliced. It is also one of the most colorful fruits due to its bright orange hue. Carambolas become more yellow and sweet as they ripen, making them perfect for a fresco, salad, or jam. 

3. Tomate de arból: This fruit's name translates to "tree tomato," which is quite straightforward. It resembles an elongated tomato or a rounded pepper. Rich in vitamins, it is often added to jellies, juices, and salsas to add a rich and complex component to local dishes. 

4. Maracuyá: We know this fruit by the name its English name - passion fruit. This mango-shaped fruit is often a yellowy-green color. Underneath its thick rind lies black seeds surrounded by deliciously sticky, white pulp. Regardless of which type of maracuyá you buy, it is bound to be rich in Vitamin C.

5. Naranjilla: While this fruit might look like the common orange it was named after, don't let it's appearance fool you! This round, tomato-like fruit taste quite sour and citrusy. Like many of these other fruits, it is often used in smoothies, frescas, and desserts. 

6. Guayaba: This is the fruit we all know as guava. It is a large, green fruit that somewhat resembles a grapefruit, especially when you see it's pink inside. Guayaba is a common fruit in Costa Rica since it is used in a multitude of recipes, including jellies, candies, frescas, and empanadas. It is known for it's sweet taste and bright hue. 

7. Manzana de agua: A relatively bland fruit, manzanas de agua (which literally translates to "apples of water") are quite common in Costa Rica. They are often on the cheaper side since they can be harvested year-round. This gritty fruit has a colorful, red peel that resembles the common apple. It's white pulp is somewhat firm, yet juicy. 

8. Palmito: While technically a vegetable, this food is often prepared like a fruit. White and starchy, palmito comes from the core of certain palm trees, hence its nickname "heart of palm." Its crunchy texture makes it the perfect ingredient for salads and pizzas. It has a tame, delicate flavor that resembles artichoke hearts. 

9. Guanábana: Also known as "sour sop," this strange-looking fruit surprised me the most. It is large like a watermelon, but it is very ripe and delicate. When packaging the fruit, vendors often triple wrap it to protect it against jostling. It is light green and covered in small bumps. When cut into, guanábana's white, sticky pulp is quite sweet and soft. It is often used in desserts and sweet drinks, like smoothies and frescas. 

10. Nance: Personally my least favorite, nance is a small, orange berry that is often fermented to make wine. While it is common in Costa Rica, its bitter flavor left most of our faces contorted into sour puckers. 

11. Plátano: Easily the most common fruit in Costa Rica, the plátano is a close cousin of the banana. In fact, the two look so similar, it can often be difficult to tell them apart. Also known as "plantains," plátanos are blander and starchier than bananas. They are often fried, boiled, or smashed to make popular dishes like patacones. 

12. Papaya: I am certain many of us have tried papaya before, even if only through artificial flavoring. It is known for its sweet, juicy pulp, which boasts a salmon hue. Much like a watermelon, a single papaya can often serve many people. Papayas are relatively cheap, too, because they can be sold year-round. This fruit is a staple to many people in Latin America because every part of the fruit can be used in some manner. For instance, the seeds are often dried and used to treat indigestion. 

Sources: "Guide to Costa Rican Fruit" by Josefine Arndt at Guide To Costa Rican Fruit - Pura Vida Moms