Thailand is blessed with a hot tropical climate and fertile plains, which make for the perfect land and environment to grow just about any kind of fruit available to man.
Everywhere you go in Thailand, you will be met with plenty of fruit stands in almost every corner of the street. The bright colors and unusual shapes of these exotic fruits will almost instantly grab your attention and call you to stop in your tracks and take a moment to divulge your senses in their sweet aroma and delicious flavors. Here are some exotic Thai fruits to give you a taste of a brand new fruity adventure.
Mangosteen (Mangkut)
Mangosteen is called “Mang-Kut” in Thai and is considered to be the Queen of Fruits. It is also Thailand’s national fruit that is known for its “cooling” effect compared to other Thai popular fruits that have a “heating” effect on the body. Cut through the thick red skin of Mangosteen to find a bite-sized treat waiting within. Thailand has a second mangosteen season, in autumn. This fruit has a short shelf-life and is therefore difficult to find outside Southeast Asia.
Durian (Turian)
It looks like a weapon and smells terrible. In fact, Durian smells so foul that it is banned in some flights, hotels, taxis, and buses in Thailand. Westerners particularly are aghast at the fruit’s aroma which can be smelled from yards away. However, Thais love the Durian’s smell and taste, which has a custard, creamy, smooth texture. The unique taste of the fruit is difficult to describe, you will either love it or hate it. There is a very high possibility that you will dislike Durian the first few times you eat it.
Rambutan (Ngor)
The name Rambutan is derived from Rambut, which means hair. Rambutan is very popular with foreigners and Thais alike. The fruit has spiky green fibers and red skin guard, and soft delicious whitish fruit inside, that is eaten. There are two varieties of this red hairy fruit in Thailand: Rambutan Rong Rien, which is sweeter, and Rambutan Chompou, which is not as tasty but cheaper. The best Rambutans in Thailand come from the Surat Thani province where they were first planted in 1926.
Dragon Fruit (Gao Mungorn)
This interesting-looking fruit known as “Gao Mung Gorn” in Thailand is called Dragon fruit because its rind resembles that of a dragon’s exteriors. It grows off the long arms of a cactus plant and when opened, reveals a Fuschia-colored texture packed with black seeds. The fruit looks and tastes like a mild or sugar-free strawberry.
Pomelo (Som-o)
Pomelo is called “Som-o” in Thailand, is a large and heavy citrus fruit that can be as large as a basketball. The rind is thick and leathery and once opened, reveals several segments that are grouped together. These can either be sweet or bitter and are best eaten fresh with salt or a spicy dip.
These fruits of Thailand make a refreshing snack and will keep you hydrated. So enjoy them when you can.
