Ok, fruit lovers, I’ve compiled a list of the top fruits to eat in Belize and I’m sure you’ll thank me for it. These juicy and delicious fruits can be found throughout Belize at local farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and fruit and vegetable stalls, including food vendors on bicycles. Most restaurants also serve fruit platters during breakfast so make sure to ask for them in the mornings.
And the best news is that no matter where you get it from, fruit in Belize is always good and fresh!
Here are 20 must-have Belizean fruits:
1. Sapodilla
This plant is native to Belize and the Yucatan Mexico. It is sweet and has a granular texture. I love this fruit but my biggest disappointment was when I planted the tree in my backyard and it took over 8 years before it gave fruit. It takes really long to grow.
- Available: December to March
2. Mango
You’re in for a treat if it’s mango season when you’re in Belize. All across the county you can witness various types of mangos, in different shapes, size and colours. My favourite is slippers mango.
- Available: June, July & August
3. Soursop
This fruit is native to Central America and the Caribbean. It is creamy and sweet and reminds me of a strawberry and pineapple mix with a hint of tartness. Ice cream of this flavour is very popular in Belize and it’s delicious.
- Available: December to February; August and September
4. Breadfruit
This fruit is very common in Belize but isn’t native to the country. It was brought here by explorers and pirates. It is rich in starch so it is popular for dinner time, it is primarily roasted, baked or fried.
- Available: May and June
5. Pineapple
Nothing describes the tropics better than a juicy pineapple and Belize has some of the most delectable ones. You will find this fruit everywhere in Belize, at breakfast buffets and in many of your drinks.
- Available: Year-round
6. Papaya
Another proud export of Belize, Papaya is popularly harvested in Belize and is beyond sweet when eaten at the right moment. You can also spot Papayas in the wild if you go birdwatching – its an absolute delicacy for birds.
- Available: Year-round
7. Dragon Fruit
Also known as Pitaya, Dragon fruit is a weird-looking fruit. Everyone says it is sweet but most of the times that I have had it it has been either sour or a bit bland. It’s seedy texture also doesn’t make it a favourite for me. Let me know if you thin k otherwise.
- Available: April and May
8. Guaya
This incredible fruit is one of my favourites. It is sweet when eaten at perfect ripeness but can be sour when it’s not. It has various names throughout the world but in Belize you can also ask for it by Ginep.
- Available: May and June
9. Cacao
For those of you that didn’t know which fruit produced chocolate – here it is. The beans that are later ground to make Chocolate are covered with a flesh that is amazingly sweet and a treat for anyone desiring an exotic fruit.
- Available: Year-round
10. Golden Plum
Belize has a lot of plums but my favourite is the Golden Plum aka Ambarella. It is tart and crunchy and is eaten raw with a mix of salt, black pepper and some Marie Sharps hot sauce. With each bite you take, dip the plum into the mixture. Kids love it.
- Available: May and June; sometimes year-round
11. Sapote/ Mamey
Sapote is similar to Sapodilla but better in so many ways. This one is called Mamey and grows in large trees that attract various wildlife. The skin is sandpaper-like and the inside is pink, soft, creamy and sweet. It is easily one of my favourite fruits in Belize!
- Available: March, April, May, June & July
12. Apple Banana
As a major exporter of bananas, you will find that Belize has some of the tastiest bananas in the world. But nothing compares to eating the Apple Bananas.. OMG, they are amazing. As a child I would always ask my parents for these instead of the regular bananas since they are super sweet and aromatic.
- Available: Year-round
13. Craboo
Also known as Nance, this fruit is primarily yellow but can also be found in various colours. It is sweet and is used to make a variety of things, the most popular being stew Craboo, followed by Craboo ice cream.
- Available: June, July & August
14. Coconut
I just thought I’d remind you that you need to have some fresh coconut water when you’re in Belize and make sure you try the tender pulp.
- Available: Year-round
15. Tamarind
Tamarind is native to Africa and has become popular in all of the tropics. It tastes sour and is a big part of cuisine in various countries. I love eating it as a candy, it is crushed with brown sugar and sold at convenience stores. The juice is spectacular also.
- Available: March and April
16. Cashew Fruit
Everyone knows of the nut, but not many know of the delicious fruit. It is sweet and juicy when eaten fresh but leaves your mouth with a dry aftertaste. It is also used for making wine, which is very popular.
- Available: May and June
17. Starfruit
Originally from Southeast Asia, this fruit it now commonly grown in Belize. It gets its name because when you cut it horizontally, it looks like a star. It has high nutritional value and it mostly tastes sweet but sometimes can be a bit sour.
- Available: April and May
18. Malay Apple
Malay apple is a native of Malaysia and was brought to the Americas by colonizers. Due to the climate, typical apples can’t grow in Belize and this is an excellent substitute. The trees grow huge and bear a lot of fruit.
- Available: June and July
19. Sea Grape
Since I’m not from the Cayes, I wasn’t introduced to sea grape until I visited Caye Caulker – wow, I was missing out. It is sweet and can be found in coastal beach areas.
- Available: June and July
20. Custard Apple
The custard apple is a popular fruit in tropical countries and very abundant in Belize. It has a granular texture and is very sweet. Belizeans love eating it with sweetened condensed milk.
- Available: February and March
Which one do you consider to be the best fruit? I LOVE Soursop, Mamey and Mango!
Kathie says
Hi Lorenzo,
I love your post of fruits. Since your post of the fruits available and which seasons is not available to copy and print, how can I get a copy to give to my visitors? Do you have a booklet or some other way? I could pay for a download?
Thanks,
Kathie
Alda Bevans says
Please add the Black berries we have in Belize
Ruth Turton says
Brings back memories of going to Market! Yum!
Fernando Rivera says
Hi when is the harvest season for this fruits
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
Sorry, I am not too certain, however, most are available from May to July.
Glenda Olive says
I fell in love with the dragon fruit and the fresh coconut, just picked from the trees. Was so dissapointed to get back to the USA and couldn’t find dragon fruit anywhere.
Dee Fuller says
This was a great post as an FYI but what would be even more wonderful would be if someone would take the time to list how you eat or prepare each fruit. Possibly list some favorite recipes as well? 🙂
Dee Fuller says
This was a great post as an FYI but what would be even more wonderful would be if someone would take the time to list how you eat or prepare each fruit. Possibly list some favorite recipes as well? 🙂
Virgilene Giboney says
WOULD BE A WONDERFUL VACATION WITH PLENTY OF GREAT FRUIT;
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
oh yeah.. tons of yummy fruits to eat.
Arlene August says
I never saw any Mamie when I was there. How did you find them?
Janice Bood Hertular says
I love all the fruits of Belize I miss them dearly it takes me back to my childhood. We never knew we were poor when it's fruit season. There is always something good to eat. Sweet Belize.
Belize Adventure says
Wilma Lingle Woahhh! I'm a wee bit jealous! Sounds awesome!
Wilma Lingle says
Belize Adventure just north of Monkey River Village. We have seagrape, banana, breadfruit, tamarind, craboo, guava, plantain, mango growing here.
Leanne Swekla says
What time of year are these fruits available?
Belize Adventure says
Mameys are the best! I love it eating it just like that or in milkshakes – yum! Are you located in Caye Caulker? I ask because I've never seen a sea grape tree in San Pedro.
Wilma Lingle says
Mangoes are my favs with mamey next. I still haven't tried golden plum or guaya – I'll put them on my list. I didn't care for craboo, it must be an acquired taste! Thanks for the photo credit for the seagrapes. We have a fine crop right now that the birds (and humans) are feasting on. Wilma at http://southenglishtown.blogspot.com/
Wilma Lingle says
I still haven't tried golden plum or guaya – I'll put them on my list. I didn't care for craboo, it must be an acquired taste! Thanks for the photo credit for the seagrapes. We have a fine crop right now that the birds (and humans) are feasting on. Wilma at http://southenglishtown.blogspot.com/