It can be a small nation however Sri Lankan end result will wonder you with flavors you’ve by no means attempted ahead of.
Name me a fruit hunter as a result of this is certainly one of my favourite issues about commute.
I’ve eaten numerous fruit world wide. Actually, I generally analysis prematurely in order that I’m ready to invite other folks the place to seek out explicit end result in season. And those lists finally end up in this site!
Making ready for this go back and forth I used to be so excited to look there have been many Sri Lanka end result I had by no means heard of and don’t exist in international locations I had visited.
It may be intimidating to check out new end result while you aren’t certain precisely how you can devour them. Many Asian end result require peeling or a minimum of squeezing the fruit till you’ll get inside of.
And it’s difficult if the seller doesn’t discuss English. Fortunately in Sri Lanka many of us do – particularly in Colombo.
Underneath is my first day exploring Colombo the place I search for a tropical fruit this is not unusual in South India and Sri Lanka, however I’ve by no means noticed it any place else!
Sri Lankan Fruit in Colombo
In Colombo the road distributors are so sort and can allow you to take a look at issues, however be beneficiant with them in go back.
This was once just the start of many unique end result I attempted in a month touring the rustic. On this listing I’ve incorporated the clinical title as a result of I’ve realized such a lot of end result glance identical however are simply from the similar circle of relatives.
Additionally please remember the fact that most of the well being advantages are unproven through science so don’t move out and devour pounds of durian to prevent the getting older procedure. This isn’t scientific recommendation. That stated, incessantly it takes slightly of time for contemporary drugs to catch as much as what conventional medicinal practioners knew all alongside.
I additionally incorporated what it’s referred to as in different international locations as you could acknowledge it. And the season to seek out it. Many end result in Sri Lanka are to be had all yr spherical however no longer all.
I attempted to simply come with fruit which can be grown right here and no longer imported, like grapes. If you wish to be sure to have native grapes ask round for Jaffna grapes.
Sri Lankan End result
1. Divul | Picket Apple
Picket apple was once the primary Sri Lankan fruit I sought after to check out and so going to the Colombo fruit marketplace was once on the best of my listing of items to do.
It’s referred to as divul in Sinhala and velanga in Tamil however everybody additionally is aware of it as wooden apple.
It’s the scale of a baseball with a troublesome, woody shell. Inside of there’s a sticky, brown pulp inside of with a tangy taste this is very similar to tamarind.
On the marketplace the ladies cracked one open to check out however maximum Sri Lankans combine it with sugar, and from time to time salt along side water. It’s additionally not unusual to incorporate the seeds in wooden apple juice.
Divul is wealthy in nutrients and minerals. It aids digestion and is utilized in conventional therapies for diarrhea and dysentery.
Medical Title: Limonia acidissima
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Elephant Apple
Picket Apple Season in Sri Lanka: Might to September
2. Gal Siyambala | Velvet Tamarind
Gal Siyambala or pebble tamarind, is a small, darkish fruit encased in a velvety shell. It nearly seems like a velvet nut. I first noticed it in Colombo however had no thought how you can devour it.
In Jaffna, I came upon they name it silky tamarind or kallu pullium in Tamil. I misunderstood a supplier and idea it was once utilized in curries however I believe he was once explaining it’s very similar to tamarind utilized in curries.
As a substitute it’s eaten as a snack and may be very well-liked by children as it tastes like a bitter sweet. You pop it open and devour the fleshy fruit off the nut.
Local to Sri Lanka, I didn’t comprehend it was once additionally a well-liked Cambodian fruit to be had within the geographical region however I’m indubitably going to search for it once more.
Velvet tamarind is prime in diet C and antioxidants. It’s a powerhouse of a small fruit and is helping with the whole thing from constipation to lowering fever.
Medical Title: Dialium indum
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Black Tamarind, Velvet Tamarind
Pebble Tamarind Season in Sri Lanka: November to March
3. Jambu | Rose Apple
Jambu isn’t a guava fruit, as recognized in different international locations however in fact a rose apple, is a bell-shaped fruit with a crisp, watery texture.
It’s in the beginning from Southeast Asia and not unusual in markets from Laos to Indonesia. However it’s additionally a well-liked fruit in Trinidad and Tobago along side different Caribbean international locations.
it’s full of nutrients A and C. It is helping in hydration and boosts the immune gadget, which is so welcomed in sizzling climate.
Medical Title: Syzygium jambos
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Malabar Plum, Mountain Apple, Water Apple, Malay Apple, Champoo, Chom pu
Jambu Season in Sri Lanka: April to June
4. Veralu | Ceylon Olive
Veralu, or ceylon olive, is a small, yellowish inexperienced Sri Lankan fruit with a tart style like an olive.
It grows within the fertile rainy spaces of the rustic, like Kandy, Matale and Ratnapura. It’s maximum frequently eaten uncooked with slightly of salt and chili.
However from time to time you’ll in finding it pickled and conventional Sri Lankan curries use it for a touch of sourness.
Like maximum Sri Lankan end result it has diet C and fiber. However it’s additionally recognized to be just right for the outside and collagen manufacturing. Locals additionally imagine it is helping with cooling and detoxifying the frame.
Medical Title: Elaeocarpus serratus
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Now not many however some name it Indian olive
Ceylon Olive Season in Sri Lanka: Might to August
5. Beli | Bael Fruit
Beli, sometimes called bael fruit, has a troublesome outer shell and inside of it smells like roses.
It’s incessantly perplexed with wooden apple however those are two other end result in Sri Lanka. I come with clinical names as a result of it may be very complicated when other end result are referred to as the similar factor in English.
They are saying you like it or hate bael fruit. Younger fruit is extra bitter and it may nearly style like an orange rind combined with pepper. It’s indubitably value attempting.
Local to India and Sri Lanka, it’s wealthy in nutrients A, B, and C. It is helping in treating digestive issues and breathing problems.
Medical Title: Aegle marmelos
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Bengal quince, slime apple, stone apple, Jap sour orange
Beli Season in Sri Lanka: April to June
6. Ambarella | Hog Plum
Ambarella, or hog plum, is an oval-shaped fruit with a crunchy texture.
It’s in the beginning from Polynesia and Melanesia and was once delivered to Sri Lanka through colonizers. It’s well-liked in South East Asia but in addition during Africa, Latin The us and the Caribbean.
You’ll be able to devour each the fruit and the leaves. It’s crunch and bitter when it’s younger.
On the other hand, I ate ambarella in Kandy in a rice and curry dish and had no thought what it was once because it tastes like a pineapple combined with mango when ripe. It’s scrumptious.
Top in nutrients A B and C, it helps immune well being and aids in digestion.
Medical Title: Spondias dulcis
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Golden apple, June plum, April plum, cas mango
Ambarella Season in Sri Lanka: September to January
7. Thibbatu | Turkey Berry
Thibbatu, sometimes called turkey berry, is a small, inexperienced fruit that grows in clusters.
Even though this can be a local South American fruit and located all of the method north to Mexico I’ve by no means noticed it there. In all probability as a result of it may be sour.
It was once offered to Sri Lanka through South Indian immigrants. In Sri Lanka it’s not unusual in curries and sambols.
It is thought of as an ayurvedic component used as an anti inflammatory and too can lend a hand with ulcers and lots of different problems.
Medical Title: Solanum torvum
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Pea Eggplant
Turkey Berry Season in Sri Lanka: All through the yr
8. Bilimbi | Cucumber Tree
Bilimbi seems very similar to a cucumber however grows on a tree and in fact doesn’t style like a cucumber. At the ends it nearly has 5 facet, as it’s associated with the starfruit because it may also be slightly bitter.
It’s in the beginning from Malaysia and Indonesia and is expounded to the megastar fruit tree, which you’ll see because the ends of the blim blim nearly have 5 aspects.
However it has traveled broadly and is a well-liked Costa Rican fruit utilized in a relish for casados.
Many of us have blimbi bushes of their yard and make sambols, chutneys and upload it to curries because it’s slightly bitter. It makes for an ideal pickle.
Medical Title: Averrhoa bilimbi
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Tree sorrel, blil blim, sowry fruit, souri fruit and bitter barge
Bilimbi Season in Sri Lanka: All through the yr
9. Lavulu | Egg Fruit
Lavulu is extra not unusual in Sri Lankan’s backyards than it’s available in the market. It’s an underutilized fruit incessantly eaten as a dessert fruit and utilized in jams and preserves and smoothies.
Local to the rustic it’s any other Sri Lankan fruit this is used frequently in conventional drugs in quite a few international locations to lend a hand cough, cut back swelling and a few pound the leaves to regard smallpox.
It did makes its strategy to the Americas the place in English it has the unlucky title of eggfruit, which doesn’t sound appetizing because it most effective seems like egg.
However the Peru fruit is referred to as lúcuma and is the nationwide fruit of Peru. This is going to turn you ways necessary a reputation may also be!
Lavulu is wealthy in antioxidants and is a brilliant anti inflammatory. Additionally it is scrumptious and you’ll search for it at juice stands the place it’s combined with coconut milk to make a scrumptious smoothie.
Medical Title: Pouteria campechiana
Commonplace Title in different International locations: egg fruit, penny piece, canistel, zapote amarillo
Laulu Season in Sri Lanka: March to September
10. Amla | Indian Gooseberry
Some other one of the vital ayurvedic medicinal vegetation of Sri Lanka amlas are small, inexperienced Sri Lankan end result with a bitter and sour style.
Local to India and delivered to Sri Lanka however it’s used everywhere in Asia because it grows smartly and is understood for lots of medicinal homes from treating diabetes to STIs. In Sri Lanka it’s frequently used to lend a hand with hyperglycemia.
It’s utilized in dals or soaked in syrup to devour as one thing candy after a meal. However the entire tree can be utilized, in Sumatra Indonesia they use the internal bark in a soup.
Medical Title: Phyllanthus emblica
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Nelli, emblic, Malacca tree
Amla Season in Sri Lanka: November to February
11. Kos | Jackfruit
Jackfruit is the nationwide fruit of Sri Lanka. And it’s np wonder as you are going to see it on each menu.
It’s certainly one of Asia’s many huge, spiky end result with yellow flesh. Actually it’s so large that at markets it’s reduce into extra manageable sizes to devour.
Certainly one of my favourite unique end result, kos is sort of a scrumptious fruit cup multi functional chunk when eaten uncooked.
You’ll be able to devour jackfruit contemporary and it tastes like strawberry, apple, banana. However in Sri Lanka unripe or inexperienced jackfruit is referred to as polos and utilized in the whole thing from fritters to curries.
It’s scrumptious and maximum commit carnivores would swear they’re consuming meat.
Local to South Asia, it’s wealthy in nutrients A and C. It helps immune well being and aids in digestion.
Medical Title: Artocarpus heterophyllus
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Jakfruit, jack, jake tree, Nangka
Jackfruit Season in Sri Lanka: March to June
12. Del | Breadfruit
Del, or breadfruit is expounded to jackfruit as they’re each individuals of the mulberry circle of relatives.
Local to the Pacific Islands, it was once delivered to Sri Lanka through colonizers. I first came upon it in Maui the place the Hawaiian fruit is referred to as ulu. There may be a complete Breadfruit Institute there devoted to the find out about and preservation of this fruit.
Additionally it is the most famed Barbadian meals, referred to as cou-cou and a part of the nationwide dish served with flying fish.
Breadfruit is any other huge, inexperienced fruit however it has a starchy texture and is without doubt one of the maximum underrated end result on the planet as it will lend a hand with meals lack of confidence.
It smells like bread and can be utilized any method you devour a potato. It is helping with weight problems and diabetes as it’s low at the glycemic index. Additionally, it is more healthy since the micronutrients are upper than rice and there may be extra potassium than taro.
Best possible of all, it grows like a weed and wishes little upkeep.
In Sri Lankan breadfruit is incessantly eaten boiled or in curries. If you’ll in finding an overripe breadfruit crack it open because it turns into creamy like a custard.
Medical Title: Artocarpus altilis
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Cou-cou, ulu, sukun, masapan, suku, panapén, kamansi, kulur, kelor
Breadfruit Season in Sri Lanka: June to September
13. Katu Anoda | Soursop
You’re going to look numerous spiky inexperienced fruit in Sri Lanka, and that’s a just right factor as they’re scrumptious but in addition bursting with nutrients and different nice well being homes.
Katu anoda, referred to as soursup, additionally a spiky inexperienced external and creamy white flesh. It’s local to the Caribbean the place it’s a not unusual Cuban fruit however may also be discovered everywhere the arena.
It tastes like a mixture of strawberry, apple, kiwi and is scrumptious uncooked. But additionally utilized in smoothies in Sri Lanka.
All over the world, together with Sri Lanka, it’s believed to remedy quite a few severe illnesses together with most cancers.
Medical Title: Annona muricata
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Graviola, guanabana, guyabano, lakshman phal
Soursop Season in Sri Lanka: June to September
14. Anona | Custard Apple
Some other member of the anona circle of relatives, however with out spikes. or custard apple, has a bumpy inexperienced pores and skin and candy, creamy flesh. It’s sometimes called seeni aththa in Sinhala and sitapallun in Tamil.
Anona is in the beginning from the Caribbean and one of the crucial well-liked Jamaican end result.
Anona is incessantly perplexed with sweetsop/cherimoya which seems so identical however sweetsop is annona cherimola. They appear somewhat other however have the similar creamy fruit cup style. So you’ll’t move improper with both.
This circle of relatives of Sri Lankan end result has been studied everywhere the arena as there are a variety of anti-cancer homes along side different severe sicknesses.
And its advantages aren’t most effective within the fruit as the bottom seed seems to lend a hand with lice and extracts from the leaf lend a hand ulcers.
Not anything is 100% confirmed however it’s being studied through sufficient scientists that I all the time make a selection juice from this circle of relatives when conceivable.
Medical Title: Annona squamosa
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Sugar apple, noi-na, anon
Anoda Season in Sri Lanka: August to November
15. Heen Bōmbu | Wild Mangosteen
This fruit is most effective present in Sri Lanka, which is fantastic bearing in mind how end result are generally local in a single nation however delivered to others.
Heen bōmbu or wild mangosteen, is a small, reddish crimson fruit with a sweet-tart taste.
Now not most effective is the fruit used but in addition the bark and seeds because it’s helpful for treating quite a few issues from center illness to hemorrhoids and bronchial asthma.
Sadly it’s at the purple listing of endangered vegetation so it’s not going you’ll in finding it. The excellent news is that there are conservation efforts to restore it.
Medical Title: Garcinia quaesita
Commonplace Names: Wild Garcinia
Heen Bōmbu Season in Sri Lanka: August to November
16. Noni or Ahu | Indian Mulberry
One of the vital fascinating end result, noni is local to Southeast Asia and Australasia, it was once offered to Sri Lanka thru business routes.
On the other hand, it may be discovered world wide, referred to as the miracle fruit noni. Like maximum miracle end result it may be tricky to devour.
I noticed a whole lot of noni bushes, which might be stunning colour bushes, during Sri Lanka in other folks’s yards and simply in the street. You’d assume they’re unfastened for the taking!
Should you assume durian is unhealthy, noni is even worse as a result of each the scent and the style are horrible. Assume smelly rotten cheese or moldy toes.
It’s wealthy in nutrients C and E, in addition to potassium and antioxidants. It helps immune well being, reduces irritation. However world wide, many cultures imagine it may remedy most cancers and different severe sicknesses.
I first came upon it in Hawaii the place everybody loves it however no person eats it. A small portion is incessantly combined into smoothies or juices with different tropical end result to masks the flavour. You may additionally in finding it in Sri Lankan soups.
And it’s gaining popularity as dietary supplements within the western international. Should you’re concerned about attempting Amazon sells those noni drugs.
Medical Title: Morinda citrifolia
Commonplace Title in Different International locations: Nice morinda, inda, cheese fruit, mengkudu besar
Noni Season in Sri Lanka: All through the yr
17. Vali Anoda | Cherimoya
Wali anoda or cherimoya, has a inexperienced, scaly pores and skin and creamy, candy flesh. It’s in the similar circle of relatives because the custard apple and tastes slightly identical.
Local to the Andes this can be a very well-liked Ecuadorian fruit.
In Sri Lanka it’s referred to as the ice cream fruit as it’s scrumptious chilly. It’s additionally one of the vital ayurvedic vegetation as it’s wealthy in nutrients B and C, supporting mind well being and immunity among different issues.
Medical Title: Annona cherimola
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Custard apple, chirimorrinon, chirimuya, cabeça-de-negro, anona do Chile
Cherimoya Season in Sri Lanka: November to February
18. Kowakka | Ivy Gourd
Kowakka, sometimes called ivy gourd, is a small, inexperienced fruit with a crunchy texture. It seems very similar to a cucumber till it ripens on a vine to a vibrant purple.
One of the crucial extra distinctive Sri Lankan end result, each the fruit and younger leaves are utilized in porridge and curries in addition to the shredded vegetable dish referred to as mallung..
Local to South Asia, it’s wealthy in nutrients A and C. It helps eye well being and boosts immunity. The basis and stalk also are made right into a juice to lend a hand with aches and ache.
Medical Title: Coccinia grandis
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Scarlet gourd, tindora, child watermelon and kowai fruit
Ivy Gourd Season in Sri Lanka: All through the yr
19. Kambolaa | Hobby Fruit
Hobby fruit is without doubt one of the most well liked end result in Sri Lanka.
It has a tricky outer yellow rind that you don’t devour. Inside of it has very tart and has fairly slimy seeds, which is what you devour.
I like throwing it in undeniable yogurt, however in Sri Lanka it’s extra not unusual as a juice, cordial or jam. Beware in an effort to struggle the tart taste they upload numerous sugar.
It’s local to South The us and was once one of the vital first Colombian end result I attempted and right away beloved as it was once like not anything I knew in Canada.
It’s prime in nutrients A and C, supporting immune well being and pores and skin.
Medical Title: Passiflora edulis
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Maracuja, grenadelle, grenadine
Passionfruit Season in Sri Lanka: Might to August
20. Rambutan
Rambutan is certainly one of my favourite end result and I used to be unhappy I had neglected rambutan season.
Its title refers to its bushy external. You squeeze the fruit and it simply breaks open for candy fruit flesh. Beware there’s a nut inside of so pop it to your mouth and devour round it.
Should you’re purchasing rambutan available in the market search for vibrant purple fruit that don’t glance dry. Rambutan does no longer proceed to ripen after picked so if it’s no longer vibrant purple with little yellow it’s no longer the most productive.
Don’t be shy about asking the seller for the most productive ones, if no longer you can get some yellow ones thrown in. They are ideal for an extended bus or teach experience.
Rambutan is local to Southeast Asia, it’s wealthy in nutrients C and B. It helps pores and skin well being and boosts immunity.
Medical Title: Nephelium lappaceum
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Chôm chôm, ngaw, phruan
Rambutan Season in Sri Lanka: June to August
21. Mangus | Mangosteen
Mangosteen is referred to as the queen of end result in many nations, together with Sri Lanka.
It has a thick crimson rind that just about seems like leather-based. Many vacationers are intimidated through this Sri Lankan fruit as the outside is so thick they don’t comprehend it must be squeezed open to seek out the juicy, white segments.
Professional tip: some instances you wish to have to squeeze actually arduous with each palms. Don’t fear it’s company inside of.
Local to Southeast Asia and a very talked-about side road fruit in Vietnam, mangosteen is wealthy in nutrients C and E. It helps immune well being and has anti inflammatory homes.
Medical Title: Garcinia mangostana
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Red mangosteen, manggis, mesetor, sementah, semetah
Mangosteen Season in Sri Lanka: Might to August
22. Durian
All through Asia, essentially the most celebrated and hated fruit is this massive fruit with a spiky shell and powerful smell.
It’s so sturdy you’ll in finding a whole lot of indicators telling you to not convey it right into a lodge, eating place and in a taxi your driving force will ask you to hold it out the window.
I’ve been seeking to devour durian in each nation as a result of like apples there are lots of types and should you don’t like one you will have to stay attempting.
Up to now Thai durian wins, as the only I attempted was once yellow and fruity, as an alternative of the slimy white ones maximum Indonesians love.
What I recognize in Sri Lanka is they no longer most effective devour it uncooked but in addition incorporate it into curries, muffins and different conventional meals.
Sadly, I wasn’t there to check out the Sri Lankan types however that’s only a just right reason why to return again.
I’m beginning to assume the smellier the fruit the simpler it’s for you. There’s a lengthy listing of why you will have to devour durian:
- Spice up power
- Save you most cancers
- Sluggish getting older
- Decrease blood force
- Support immune gadget
- and so a lot more
Medical Title: Durio zibethinus
Commonplace Title in different International locations: King of End result
Durian Season in Sri Lanka: June to August
23. Jambola | Pomelo
Jambola or pomelo is the biggest citrus fruit with thick rind and juicy segments. Even though it seems like a large inexperienced grapefruit it isn’t as tart, and incessantly has a gentle style.
In Sri Lanka it’s incessantly eaten as dessert with slightly of sugar.
Local to Southeast Asia, for some reason why in Indonesia it’s referred to as Bali orange despite the fact that it’s no longer from there. it’s prime in diet C like maximum citrus end result but in addition a large supply of potassium.
Medical Title: Citrus maxima
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Shaddock, Bali orange, limau betawi
Pomelo Season in Sri Lanka: November to March
24. Karuthakolomban | Jaffna Mango
Subsequent to bananas, mangos are essentially the most frequently grown fruit in Sri Lanka.
In fact you’ll devour them uncooked, drink them in juice or have as a dessert. However essentially the most fascinating use are with unripe inexperienced mangos, which might be cooked in curries, chutneys or pickled.
No matter you do, don’t fail to see the Jaffna Mango. From the north of Sri Lanka it’s slightly smaller however is so candy.
They’re so just right they’re exported to South India however you received’t in finding them in your house nation so devour up to you’ll right here.
Medical Title: Mangifera indica
Commonplace Title in different International locations: KC mangoes, Karthcolomban mangoes
Jaffna Mango Season in Sri Lanka: Might to August
25. Sepathilla | Sapodilla
Sepathilla or sapodilla, is a small, brown fruit with candy, grainy flesh.
It’s local to Central The us and is my favourite Guatemalan fruit and referred to as chico zapote. It was once the primary fruit I had tasted that wasn’t candy. As a substitute it’s nearly like a malty brown sugar pie filling.
In Sri Lanka they’re nearly all the time eaten contemporary. Sepathilla is prime in nutrients A and C, supporting pores and skin well being and digestion.
Medical Title: Manilkara zapota
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Rata-mi, seemi llupai, chikoo, ciku, naseberry, menila, nispero,
Sapodilla Season in Sri Lanka: November to June
26. Lovi | Ceylon Cherry
Lovi, sometimes called lovilovi, is a small, purple fruit with a tangy style this is nearly too bitter to devour uncooked.
Those tiny Sri Lankan fruit are in fact local Indonesian and Filipino end result wealthy in diet C and antioxidants. It helps immune well being and aids in digestion.
It’s incessantly cooked with quite a lot of sweetener into chutney and jams.
Medical Title: Flacourtia inermis
Commonplace Title in different International locations: Batoko plum, tome-tome, lobi-lobi
Lovi Season in Sri Lanka: April to June
27. Thambili | King Coconut
Thambili, sometimes called King Coconut could be essentially the most well-known Sri Lankan fruit. This can be a vibrant orange number of coconut local to Sri Lanka. As a result of colonization you’ll additionally in finding this fruit in Indonesia and India.
The coconut water is sweeter but has much less sugar content material and it additionally has extra electrolytes and very important vitamins than inexperienced coconuts. Even though it does have much less meat inside of.
Medical Title: Cocos nucifera var. aurantiaca
Commonplace Title in different International locations: King Coconut
When Fruit is in Season: All through the yr
