Thai Fruits
- ผลไม้ไทย -
Thai Fruits (Ponlamai - ผลไม้) - Thailand is a tropical heaven for fruit lovers, Thai Fruits offering an incredible variety of fresh, flavorful fruits throughout the year. Each season brings its own bounty, making it possible to enjoy different fruits no matter when you visit Thailand, you’ll find an abundance of delicious fruits to enjoy.
Here’s a guide to Thailand’s fruit seasons to help you savor the best produce all year round:
January – March
- Pomelo (Som O – ส้มโอ): Available year-round but sweetest in these months.
- Banana (Kluai – กล้วย): Always in season, with many varieties to try.
- Tangerine (Som – ส้ม): Juicy and sweet, this is peak season for Thailand's tangerines.
- Rose Apple (Chomphu – ชมพู่): Crisp and refreshing, perfect for hot days.
April – June (Peak Summer)
- Mango (Mamuang – มะม่วง): The most famous fruit season, featuring varieties like Nam Dok Mai for sweet mangoes and Keo Sawei for green, sour mangoes.
- Durian (Turian – ทุเรียน): Known as the "king of fruits," its strong aroma and creamy texture make it a unique experience.
- Mangosteen (Mangkut – มังคุด): Called the "queen of fruits," it balances sweet and tangy flavors.
- Rambutan (Ngo – เงาะ): Juicy and sweet with a vibrant red spiky shell.
- Lychee (Linchi – ลิ้นจี่): Fragrant and succulent, often used in desserts.
- Longan (Lam Yai – ลำไย): Sweet, translucent flesh in small brown shells.
July – September (Rainy Season)
- Pineapple (Sapparot – สับปะรด): Sweet and tangy, grown year-round but extra juicy during this season.
- Passion Fruit (Saowa Rot – เสาวรส): Tart and aromatic, great for juices and desserts.
- Santol (Kraton – กระท้อน): A lesser-known fruit with a sweet and sour flavor.
October – December (Cool Season)
- Coconut (Maprao – มะพร้าว): Fresh coconuts are available year-round, perfect for drinking and cooking.
- Guava (Farang – ฝรั่ง): Crisp and mildly sweet, great as a snack.
- Dragon Fruit (Kaew Mangkon – แก้วมังกร): With its striking appearance, this fruit is mildly sweet and refreshing.
- Starfruit (Ma Fuang – มะเฟือง): Juicy and tangy, shaped like a star when sliced.
Year-Round Fruits
Certain fruits are available all year due to Thailand’s favorable climate:
- Papaya (Malakor – มะละกอ): Sweet and versatile, great for eating ripe or in Som Tum (papaya salad).
- Banana (Kluai – กล้วย): Many varieties are available, from sweet finger-sized bananas to larger ones used in cooking.
- Coconut (Maprao – มะพร้าว): A staple of Thai cuisine and beverages.
Tips for Enjoying Thai Fruits
- Visit Local Markets: Fresh fruits are most affordable and flavorful at local markets.
- Try Seasonal Specialties: The peak season ensures the best taste and quality.
- Enjoy Fresh and Prepared: Many fruits are served fresh, juiced or as ingredients in desserts like sticky rice with mango.
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How to Buy
In Thailand, most fruits are sold by the kilogram (kg), making it easy to buy as much or as little as you need. At markets and fruit stalls, you’ll notice price tags prominently displaying the cost per kilogram, often abbreviated as "Kilo" (กิโล) or (โลละ).
For example:
- Mangoes: 40 THB/kg. (โล 40 บาท)
- Lychee: 120 THB/kg. (โลละ 120)
- Durian: 200 THB/kg. (กิโลละ 200)
If you’re new to shopping for fruit in Thailand, here’s how to navigate the process:
- Point and Choose: Indicate the fruit you want and the quantity (e.g., one or two pieces), and the vendor will weigh it to calculate the price.
- Price Per Kilo: Look for price tags displayed near the fruit to understand how much you’re paying per kilogram (kg).
- Half-Kilo Purchases: If you want a smaller amount, you can ask for “Kroong Kilo” (ครึ่งกิโล or ครึ่งโล)—half a kilogram.
