Exploring Belize: Can Americans Eat The Fruit?

Belize is a tropical paradise, brimming with an abundance of mouth-watering fruits just waiting to be savoured. From the classic banana to the more exotic dragon fruit, there is something for every palate. The country's diverse cultural influences, including Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish, and Mayan, are reflected in its cuisine, and visitors can expect to find an exciting array of sweet, sour, and unusual flavours. So, can Americans eat fruit in Belize? The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, indulging in the local produce is highly recommended to get a true taste of this beautiful Central American nation.

Where to find fruit in Belize

Belize is a great place to sample a wide variety of delicious fruits. Here is a guide on where to find them.

Local Farmers' Markets and Stalls

Fresh fruit can be found at local farmers' markets and fruit and vegetable stalls across Belize. You can also find fruit vendors on bicycles.

Convenience Stores

Many fruits are available at convenience stores, including tamarind candy, Malay apples, and cashew fruit.

Restaurants

Most restaurants serve fruit platters for breakfast, and some offer signature fruit-based dishes and cocktails. For example, the Mariposa Restaurant in Chaa Creek uses dragon fruit in its Dragon Fruit Mojito cocktail and in its fresh salads and soups. The Guava Limb Café, Chaa Creek's sister restaurant, uses freshly harvested lettuce in its organic salads.

Hotels and Resorts

Hotels and resorts, such as Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia Village, often provide their guests with fruit-based welcome drinks and breakfast platters.

In the Wild

Papayas can be spotted in the wild when birdwatching. Sea grapes can be found in coastal beach areas.

Seasonality

The availability of certain fruits in Belize depends on the season. For instance, mangoes are available from June to August, while dragon fruit is available from April to May.

The best fruits to try in Belize

Belize is home to a variety of mouth-watering fruits, from the common to the exotic. Here are some of the best fruits to try during your visit to Belize:

Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)

Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya, is a popular favourite among travellers to Belize. It has red pulp and red vines, and its taste and texture are similar to a white kiwi. While some people find it sweet, others have described it as sour or bland. It is usually available from April to May.

Guava

Belizean Guava is a must-try when visiting the country. It can be enjoyed in slices or as a refreshing juice.

Soursop

Soursop is a native Belizean fruit that can be found throughout the country. It is heart-shaped with a leathery and bitter skin. The fruit is used in juices and ice cream.

Star Fruit (Five Fingers)

Star fruit, also known as Five Fingers, is a sweet and tart fruit that is commonly grown in Belize. It is a versatile fruit that can be used in salads, desserts, or as a garnish. Star fruit does not need to be peeled, making it a convenient snack. It is typically available from April to May.

Golden Plum (Ambarella)

The Golden Plum, also known as Ambarella, is a tart and crunchy fruit. It is commonly eaten raw with a mix of salt, black pepper, and Marie Sharps hot sauce. Golden Plums are typically available from May to June and sometimes year-round.

Sapodilla

The Sapodilla fruit is native to Belize and the Yucatan in Mexico. It has a sweet and granular texture and takes a long time to grow. Sapodilla is typically available from December to March.

Mango

Belize offers a variety of mangoes in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Mangoes are typically available during the summer months of June, July, and August.

Papaya

Papaya is another fruit that is commonly found in Belize. It is sweet and can be found in the wild, where it is a delicacy for birds. Papaya is available year-round.

Coconut

Coconut is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many forms, such as coconut milk, coconut water, or fresh coconut pulp. Coconut is available year-round in Belize.

Cashew Fruit

While most people are familiar with cashew nuts, the cashew fruit is also edible and delicious. It is sweet and juicy when eaten fresh but leaves a dry aftertaste. Cashew fruit is typically available from May to June.

Sea Grapes

Sea Grapes are sweet fruits that are mainly found in the coastal beach areas of Belize. They are a must-try if you are staying at a resort in the area. Sea Grapes are typically available from June to July.

Belize offers a plethora of fresh and delicious fruits that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Be sure to sample the local produce and indulge in the unique flavours of Belize.

Fruits to avoid in Belize

While there are many delicious fruits to try in Belize, there are a few that travellers should be cautious of.

Firstly, while it is not a fruit, it is important to note that the sea turtle is endangered, and while it is not illegal to eat in Belize, it is prohibited from export. Therefore, it is best to avoid eating sea turtle while in Belize.

In addition, while it is not dangerous, the dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is often a disappointment to travellers. It is described as having a bland or sour taste and a seedy texture.

The cashew fruit, while sweet and juicy, can also leave a dry aftertaste in the mouth.

Finally, the starfruit, also known as carambola, is usually sweet but can sometimes be a little sour.

Therefore, while there are no dangerous fruits to avoid in Belize, travellers may want to steer clear of these fruits to prevent disappointment.

How to prepare and eat fruit in Belize

Belize has a wide variety of delicious tropical fruits that are easily available at local farmers' markets, convenience stores, fruit and vegetable stalls, and even food vendors on bicycles. Most restaurants also serve fruit platters during breakfast, so make sure to ask for them in the mornings. Here is a guide on how to prepare and eat some of the unique fruits that Belize has to offer.

Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a popular choice among travellers to Belize due to its unique appearance and sweet taste. It usually has red pulp and red vines coming from the dragon fruit cactus. The taste has been compared to a white kiwi. Dragon fruit is typically eaten raw, but you can also add it to fruit salads or blend it into a smoothie.

Guava

Belizean guava is a must-try when visiting the country. It can be enjoyed in slices or as a refreshing juice.

Golden Plum (Ambarella)

Golden plums are tart and crunchy and are usually eaten raw. For a unique flavour combination, try dipping the plum into a mixture of salt, black pepper, and Marie Sharps hot sauce.

Sapote

The sapote fruit has sandpaper-like skin and a creamy, sweet centre. It is similar to sapodilla but is said to be better in terms of taste and texture.

Star Fruit (Five Fingers)

Star fruit is called "star fruit" because when you cut it horizontally, it forms a five-pointed star. It is sweet, but can sometimes be a bit sour. It is perfect for salads, desserts, or as a garnish. Star fruit can be eaten whole as it does not need to be peeled.

Soursop (Custard Apple)

Soursop is a heart-shaped fruit with leathery, bitter skin. The flesh has a custard-like texture and is used in juices and ice cream.

Sea Grapes

Sea grapes are found mainly in the coastal areas of Belize. This mouth-watering fruit is incredibly sweet.

Cashew Fruit

The cashew fruit is sweet and juicy when eaten fresh but leaves a dry aftertaste. It is also used to make wine, which is quite popular in Belize.

Craboo (Nance)

Craboo, also known as Nance, is a sweet fruit that is used to make a variety of dishes, the most popular being stew Craboo and Craboo ice cream.

Breadfruit

Breadfruit is not native to Belize but is very popular. It is usually baked or roasted and served at dinner.

Tamarind

Tamarind is native to Africa and is commonly used in the cuisine of many tropical countries. In Belize, it is often eaten as a candy, made by crushing the fruit with brown sugar. Tamarind juice is also quite popular.

Coconut

Belize offers an abundance of coconuts, which can be enjoyed in various forms, including coconut milk, coconut water, and fresh coconut pulp.

Papaya

Papaya is a popular fruit in Belize and is harvested throughout the country. It is sweet and can be found in the wild, where it is a delicacy for birds.

Mango

Mangoes are a treat in Belize, with various types available in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Try to visit during mango season (June, July, and August) for maximum freshness.

Belize has much more to offer in terms of unique and delicious fruits. Be sure to ask local vendors for recommendations and enjoy the fresh produce of this beautiful country!

Fruits to drink in Belize

Belize's tropical climate and fertile lands allow for a wide range of fruits to thrive. From locally grown fruits purchased at markets to cocktails made with local ingredients, there are many ways to drink fruits in Belize.

Fresh Fruit Juices and Smoothies

Belize offers an abundance of fresh fruits that can be blended into juices and smoothies. Some of the fruits available year-round include bananas, pineapples, papayas, and coconuts. You can also find seasonal fruits like mangos and plums during certain times of the year.

Fruit-Based Alcoholic Drinks

Belize has a strong culture of rum-based drinks, and bartenders across the country incorporate local fruits into their cocktails and infusions. One such cocktail is the Panti Rippa, a mixture of coconut rum and pineapple juice, offering a taste of the tropics. Another popular drink is the Cranbarrel, which combines Belize's famous One Barrel Rum with cranberry juice.

For a true taste of Belize, try the Belizean Fruit Punch, made with One Barrel Rum and a blend of Caribbean fruit juices, including pineapple, orange, lime, and grapefruit. Or, if you're looking for something stronger, Caribbean Gold rum is a local favourite, often mixed with fruit juices or fizzy sodas.

Fermented Fruit Wines

Belize also produces fruit wines made from local ingredients like cashews, blackberries, and pineapples. These wines offer a unique way to experience the flavours of the region.

Frequently asked questions