Fruit Glorious Fruit

We are thoroughly enjoying the variety of new fruits here in Thailand.  Below are a handful that we've eaten on a regular basis.

Mangosteen - (Jason and Camryn love this) comes from a tropical evergreen tree.

Longan or Lamyai – The consistency reminds me of grapes and we’ve had two different kinds, so I am honestly not sure if both pictures below are in fact lamyai.  One has a little black pit or seed and a crisper shell, while the other has no seed and a softer skin.  I read that though Longan originated in China, Thailand is now the largest producer.

Bowl full of mangosteen and Lamyai

Mangosteen

Looks kind of like a brain when opened

Lamyai

Dragonfruit – To me this looks like white kiwi when opened and is very mild in flavor, but Austin and I like it.

Pomello –  This fruit reminds me of a grapefruit except it is not tart.  It is a little sweet, but very mild and a healthy source of energy.  Austin loves pomello!  Pomello is very difficult to open and peel, which is why most people just buy it already prepared.

Opening pomello is an arduous process...there's the tough green skin, then the thick white layer under the skin, then the additional thin peel (kind of like on an orange) that covers the fruit.  Sharp knife required!

Pomello

Rambutan – Jason would describe these as red and green sea urchins.  Personally, I think they look like a character from Fraggle Rock.  They have a pit that looks like an almond and are the consistency of a plum, but similar in flavor to longan.

Can you pick out the rambutan (or one that most looks like a character from Fraggle Rock)?

Rose Apples – These come in three colors:  white, pink and red.  They have a lighter apple flavor, but have a higher water concentration and are very crisp.  The picture above has a white rose apple.

Mangos – I think everyone knows what these look like, but they taste so much better here!  I don’t really have a picture because Jason devours them.

Bananas – We all know what these look and taste like, but have you ever seen them growing on your street?