Fruits in Costa Rica – 30 Exotic Costa Rican Fruits You Really Need to Try

Last updated on February 27th, 2024 at 08:54 am

Fruits in Costa Rica – Costa Rica is a tropical country located in Central America, and it is well-known for its rich and diverse variety of fruits. Here are some of the most popular fruits in Costa Rica along with their seasons of availability.

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Getting a Sim Card in Costa Rica

I wouldn’t recommend you buy a sim card at San Jose Costa Rica airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in San Jose Costa Rica. Read here Costa Rica eSim and best Costa Rica Sim card for tourist

Where to Stay in San Jose

There are dormitory rooms that you can rent the bed for as low as $8 USD a night if you want the cheapest option. AirBnb is also available, mostly for about $20-25 USD a night. Double-room hostels can cost up to $30-40 USD a night while mid-range hotels cost more or less $80 USD a night.

Click here if you want to find the best deals with Booking in Costa Rica.

Book Your Travel Insurance

You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

Fruits in Costa Rica – 30 Exotic Costa Rican Fruits

Dragon Fruit (Pitahaya)

Dragon fruit is a cactus fruit that is native to Central and South America. It is known as “pitahaya” in Spanish and is in season from May to November. Costa Rican dragon fruits have a sweet and refreshing taste and are often used in fruit salads, smoothies, and other recipes.

Rambutan (Rambután)

Rambutan is a small, red fruit with spiky hairs on its skin. It is known as “rambután” in Spanish and is in season from July to October. Costa Rican rambutans are sweet and juicy and are often eaten fresh.

Mangosteen (Mangostán)

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit that is known for its sweet and tangy flavor. It is known as “mangostán” in Spanish and is in season from July to September. Costa Rican mangosteens are often eaten fresh or used in juices and smoothies.

Soursop (Guanábana)

Soursop is a tropical fruit that is known for its creamy, white flesh and sweet, tangy flavor. It is known as “guanábana” in Spanish and is in season from June to October. Costa Rican soursops are often used to make juices, smoothies, and other recipes.

Breadfruit (Pan de Fruta)

Breadfruit is a starchy fruit that is often used as a vegetable. It is known as “pan de fruta” in Spanish and is in season from May to September. Costa Rican breadfruits are often roasted, boiled, or fried and are a staple food in many parts of the country.

Noni (Noni) – Fruits in Costa Rica

Noni is a tropical fruit that is known for its strong, pungent smell and bitter taste. It is known as “noni” in Spanish and is in season from December to March. Costa Rican nonis are often used to make juices and other health supplements.

Cherimoya (Chirimoya)

Cherimoya is a tropical fruit with a sweet, custard-like flesh. It is known as “chirimoya” in Spanish and is in season from October to January. Costa Rican cherimoyas are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies.

Caimito (Caimito)

Caimito is a small, purple fruit that is known for its sweet, creamy flesh. It is known as “caimito” in Spanish and is in season from June to August. Costa Rican caimitos are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and other recipes.

Pitanga (Pitanga)

Pitanga is a small, red fruit with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. It is known as “pitanga” in Spanish and is in season from July to October. Costa Rican pitangas are often eaten fresh or used to make jams and jellies.

Mamey Sapote (Mamey Sapote)

Mamey sapote is a tropical fruit with a sweet, creamy flesh that is often used in desserts and smoothies. It is known as “mamey sapote” in Spanish and is in season from May to September. Costa Rican mamey sapotes are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies.

Atemoya (Atemoya)

Atemoya is a hybrid fruit that is a cross between a cherimoya and a sugar apple. It is known as “atemoya” in Spanish and is in season from October to January. Costa Rican atemoyas have a sweet, creamy flesh and are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies.

Sapodilla (Níspero)

Sapodilla is a small, brown fruit with a sweet, grainy flesh that is similar in texture to a pear. It is known as “níspero” in Spanish and is in season from May to September. Costa Rican sapodillas are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies.

Anona (Anona)

Anona is a tropical fruit with a sweet, fragrant flesh that is similar in taste to a pineapple or a mango. It is known as “anona” in Spanish and is in season from July to October. Costa Rican anonas are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies.

Tamarind (Tamarindo)

Tamarind is a pod-like fruit with a sweet and sour pulp that is often used in cooking and as a natural remedy for digestive issues. It is known as “tamarindo” in Spanish and is in season from May to September. Costa Rican tamarinds are often used to make juices, sauces, and candies.

Granadilla (Granadilla)

Granadilla is a small, orange fruit with a jelly-like pulp and a sweet, tangy flavor. It is known as “granadilla” in Spanish and is in season from November to February. Costa Rican granadillas are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies.

Blackberry (Mora)

Blackberries are a type of fruit that is commonly found in temperate climates, but they are also grown in Costa Rica. They are known as “mora” in Spanish and are in season from June to August. Costa Rican blackberries are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and jams.

Pitahaya (Pitahaya)

Pitahaya, also known as dragon fruit, is a cactus fruit that is native to Central and South America. It has a vibrant pink or yellow skin with white or pink flesh that is dotted with small black seeds. It is known as “pitahaya” in Spanish and is in season from May to November. Costa Rican pitahayas are often eaten fresh or used in juices, smoothies, and other recipes.

Caña Fistula (Caña Fistula

Caña fistula, also known as golden shower tree, is a fruit that is native to Central and South America. It has a long, brown pod that contains black seeds and a sweet pulp that is used to make jams, jellies, and drinks. It is known as “caña fistula” in Spanish and is in season from June to August. Costa Rican caña fistulas are often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Ice Cream Bean (Guaba)

Ice cream bean, also known as guaba, is a large, green fruit with a white, cottony pulp that has a sweet, creamy flavor. It is known as “guaba” in Spanish and is in season from May to September. Costa Rican ice cream beans are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies.

Naranjilla (Naranjilla)

Naranjilla, also known as lulo, is a small, citrus-like fruit that is native to the Andean region of South America. It has a tart, tangy flavor and is often used to make juices and cocktails. It is known as “naranjilla” in Spanish and is in season from January to April. Costa Rican naranjillas are often used in juices and smoothies.

Star Apple (Cainito) – Fruits in Costa Rica

Star apple, also known as cainito, is a small, purple fruit with a sweet, creamy pulp that is often used in desserts and smoothies. It is known as “cainito” in Spanish and is in season from June to August. Costa Rican star apples are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies.

Pineapple (Piña)

Pineapple is one of the most famous fruits in Costa Rica, and it is grown all over the country. It is known as “piña” in Spanish and is available throughout the year. However, the peak season for pineapples is from November to April. Costa Rican pineapples are known for their sweet and juicy flavor and are exported all over the world.

Mango (Mango)

Mangoes are another popular fruit in Costa Rica and are known as “mango” in Spanish. They are in season from May to September, with the peak season being in July and August. There are many varieties of mangoes in Costa Rica, including the Ataulfo, Haden, and Tommy Atkins. Costa Rican mangoes are known for their sweetness and are often used in fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts.

Papaya (Papaya)

Papayas are another tropical fruit that is grown all over Costa Rica. They are known as “papaya” in Spanish and are available throughout the year. However, their peak season is from June to December. Costa Rican papayas are known for their orange flesh and sweet, musky flavor. They are often eaten fresh, but they can also be used in smoothies, jams, and other recipes.

Watermelon (Sandía)

Watermelon is a refreshing fruit that is enjoyed all over Costa Rica. It is known as “sandía” in Spanish and is in season from January to April. Costa Rican watermelons are known for their sweet, juicy flesh and are often served chilled on hot summer days.

Guava (Guayaba)

Guavas are a small, round fruit that is native to the tropics. They are known as “guayaba” in Spanish and are available from September to February. Costa Rican guavas are known for their fragrant aroma and sweet, juicy flesh. They are often eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and other recipes.

Passion Fruit (Maracuyá)

Passion fruit is a small, round fruit that is known for its tart and tangy flavor. It is known as “maracuyá” in Spanish and is in season from April to October. Costa Rican passion fruits are often used in juices, smoothies, and desserts.

Starfruit (Carambola)

Starfruit is a fruit that is shaped like a star when sliced. It is known as “carambola” in Spanish and is available from May to September. Costa Rican starfruits are known for their sweet, juicy flesh and are often used in fruit salads and other recipes.

Bananas (Bananas)

Bananas are a staple fruit in Costa Rica, and they are grown all over the country. They are known as “plátanos” or “bananos” in Spanish and are available throughout the year. However, their peak season is from May to November. Costa Rican bananas are often used in smoothies, desserts, and other recipes.

Avocado (Aguacate)

Avocado is a fruit that is known for its creamy texture and nutty flavor. It is known as “aguacate” in Spanish and is in season from May to August. Costa Rican avocados are often used in salads, sandwiches, and other recipes. They are also used to make guacamole, a popular dip that is enjoyed all over the world.

Where to Get Fruits When in Costa Rica

Most of the fruits mentioned in our conversation are readily available in Costa Rica, especially during their respective peak seasons. These fruits are often sold in local markets, supermarkets, and roadside stalls throughout the country. Some of the more exotic fruits may be harder to find in certain areas or during certain times of the year, but they can usually be found in larger markets or specialty stores.

In general, it is relatively easy to find a wide variety of fresh fruits in Costa Rica, especially in urban areas. Many of the fruits are grown locally, which means that they are often fresher and more flavorful than imported fruits. Additionally, because Costa Rica is a tropical country with a warm climate year-round, many fruits are available throughout the year, although their availability and quality may vary depending on the season.

Overall, if you’re traveling to Costa Rica and are interested in trying local fruits, you should have no trouble finding a variety of delicious options to try. Many fruits are affordable and widely available, and they can be a great way to experience the flavors and culture of this beautiful country.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica – Fruits in Costa Rica

The best time to visit Costa Rica for good fruit season depends on which fruits you are interested in trying. However, in general, the best time to visit Costa Rica for fruit season is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. This is when many fruits are at their peak of ripeness and flavor.

Some of the most popular fruits that are in season during this time include pineapples, mangoes, papayas, and watermelons. Additionally, many other fruits such as bananas, avocados, and citrus fruits are available year-round, but they may be at their best during the dry season.

It is worth noting that some fruits, such as passion fruit and starfruit, have a slightly different peak season. For example, passion fruit is in season from April to October, while starfruit is available from May to September. However, these fruits are still available during the dry season, so visitors who come during this time will likely have a chance to try them as well.

Check the Updated Weather in Costa Rica Here

Overall, if you want to visit Costa Rica during a good fruit season, the dry season is the best time to go. This is also a popular time for tourism, so it is important to plan ahead and book accommodations in advance.