Fruits in Colombia

One of the best things about living in Colombia is the range of fruits on offer. There are fruits you’ve never heard of, or that look like nothing you’ve ever seen. All over the country you’ll find different varieties, and the selection can be as mind-boggling as it is overwhelming. Here we present you with a list of exotic Colombian fruits, as well as some you might have heard of just to help you along with their Spanish names.

If you're in Bogotá, spot a few fruits from the list below and head to Paloquemao market to either taste them on the spot as a juice or buy a few ones to make yourself your own exotic salad fruit. In Cartagena, head to Bazurto.

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Banano and Bananitos (Bananas and Little Bananas)

There is such a variety of banana sizes : ranging from the downright obscene to the incredibly small and sweet ‘bananitos’, if you’re a banana lover you’ll be in paradise.

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Borojó (Borojó)

Borojó, it’s said, increases one’s sex drive. What better reason could there be to try it?

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Carambola (Star Fruit)

Given it’s English name thanks to its appearance once it’s sliced, Carambola tastes similar to a grape only more citrus-y, and with a touch of apple.

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Curuba (Banana Passion Fruit)

They taste like passion fruit and they look a little like bananas, hence the name. Curubas are typical Andean fruits, eaten in pre-Columbian times.

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Feijoa (Feijoa)

Feijoa is another fruit best served as a juice since in this form it can be sweetened with some sugar. It has a very earthy taste and is very nutritious.

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Granadilla (Granadilla)

Granadilla is an experience, to say the least. Related to maracuyá, a granadilla requires getting a little mucky but it’s worth it. The shell of the fruit is broken into to unveil the edible, slimy seeds inside.

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Guanábana (Guanabana)

These odd-looking fruits (somewhat like a Yoshi egg) have an equally odd flavor. On the inside they look like fish, and their texture is kind of like sloppy custard. The flavor resembles something between lime, strawberry and banana, and is best served as a juice (in our humble opinion).

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Guayaba (Guava)

Guayaba comes in a wealth of different forms, ranging from donut filling to paste to delicious smoothies. Even without imploring you try it, such is its ubiquity you’ll find yourself sampling some at some point.

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Lulo (Lulo)

Lulo is a favourite in Colombia, especially in its juice form. It’s a citrus-based fruit, not so different in taste to a lime. A definite must-try when in Colombia.

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Mango (Mango)

Be it in juice or normal form, mango in Colombia is juicy, fresh and a must-try.

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Maracuyá (Passion Fruit)

Like lulo (and several other fruits on this list), maracuyá is a triumph in juice form. It also stands alone very well, and though a little tart, is a great fruit to start the day with.

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Nispero (Nispero)

Nispero look like dirty kiwis, but on the inside appear a lot more like papaya. They’re not overly common in Bogotá, but can be found in warmer regions easily.

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Papaya (Papaya)

Despite the Colombian saying ‘don’t give papaya’ (which means don't show off your belongings on the streets if you want to stay safe), you’ll often find yourself being given papaya in Colombia. It can even sometimes be served in corrientazos (set lunch) for a starter.

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Piña (Pineapple)

The major difference with pineapples in Colombia is just their juiciness, cheapness and freshness.

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Pitahaya (Dragon Fruit)

Different to the Asian style of the fruit by virtue mainly of their colour, pitahayas are full of goodness. They are a bit expensive but worth the money if you are constipated ;-)

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Tomato de Árbol (Tree Tomato)

Another stellar option for a juice, tomato de árbol is very popular in Colombia. The flavor is somewhere between a tomato and a kiwi.

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Uchuva (Cape Gooseberry Fruit)

Uchuvas come in silky cases, which are opened to get to the small orange balls inside. With an almost orangey-but-not-quite flavor, you’ll find them very more-ish.

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Zapote (Zapote)

Closely related to Nispero, Zapote tastes relatively similar to papaya, although perhaps less sweet.

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