The fruit markets of this country are striking in variety. No wonder Vietnam is one of the largest suppliers of exotic fruits in the world. The rich content of useful macro- and microelements, the absence of chemical additives (to accelerate growth, or increase shelf life), make them quite valuable and popular. Consider the most popular fruits in Vietnam, which are definitely worth a try.

Mango

Vietnamese mangoes are somewhat different from Indonesian, Thai, or Filipino. They are sweeter and very delicate, thick texture.

Mango season: February to May.

Useful properties of mango

The fruits contain many vitamins and minerals, as well as enzymes that have a positive effect on digestion. Mango is also actively used in traditional medicine. It helps improve brain function, stop blood flow, strengthen the heart muscle, but can also cause allergies due to the substance urushiol contained in it.

Also, do not get carried away with this fruit in large quantities, because it has a laxative effect. It is also better not to use it with alcohol-containing drinks. If you follow your figure and count calories, then it will be useful for you to know that 100 grams of mango contains 65-70 kcal (proteins – 0.55g; carbohydrates-18g; fats 0.28g).

How to determine the ripeness of a mango

Ripe fruit has a rich yellow color and aroma. Color can also be with red and green splashes. If you squeeze it a little, then it should give in a little. If you want to bring fruit to Russia, then choose a slightly unripe mango and store at room temperature.

For lovers of this fruit, we recommend visiting the Mango Rooms restaurant. It is located in the city of Hoi An. It is not difficult to guess what the main ingredient for cooking is used there.

Longan (Dragon Eye)

Small, round fruits, light brown. Growing in clusters. The stone is inedible, like the peel, it is easily separated from the pulp. Transparent and juicy with an indescribable taste, it has the taste of either grapes or melons. The peel itself, depending on the variety, may have a yellow, red or brown tint.

Fruit season: June to August.

Useful properties of longan

It can be noted that it is used:

100g of fruit contains about 60 kcal (proteins – 1.31g, fats – 0.1g, carbohydrates – 14.04g). Even those who are on a diet can safely afford such a delicacy.

How to determine the ripeness of a longan

It is almost impossible to determine the ripeness of a longan by appearance. The easiest thing to do is just taste it. He must be sweet. If the fruit is sour, then it has not yet ripened. It is also important to pay attention to the hard shell. It should be without any damage. Do you want to bring fruit to Russia? Then choose a dragon eye slightly sour in taste. Just a couple of days and he will ripen. Can be stored in the refrigerator.

Lychee

Lychee is similar in taste and size to longan. Only sweeter, and the peel is bright, red, slightly rough.

Season: May-July.

Useful properties of litchi

Lychee has various healing properties, but you should not get carried away. If consumed in excess, it can cause allergies and problems with the oral mucosa. Why is this fruit so useful? Regular consumption of lychee allows you to:

It is also recommended for chronic constipation, due to its laxative effect (mild enough, you should not worry), with intestinal disorders. The best part is that all these useful properties are preserved even in dried and canned fruits.

It can and should be consumed by those who adhere to a low-calorie diet or proper nutrition. Lychee will not harm your figure in any way. There are about 70 kcal in 100g.

How to determine the ripeness of a lychee

First of all, we evaluate the appearance of the fruit. The shell must be intact, without damage and dents, saturated red (but not dark) in color. Take the test – shake the lychee. If it is ripe, then you will hear sounds, if not, then it is better not to buy such a fruit. Notice the aroma. Too cloying indicates that the lychee is overripe.

Durian

Because of the not very pleasant smell, it was forbidden to transport it on airplanes, many catering establishments even have signs on the door with the image of a crossed-out durian. The taste of its pulp was highly appreciated by many gourmets, it resembles fruit and berry yogurt. Having penetrated under the thick green peel with sharp spikes, you just need to hurry before the smell becomes sharp. This is due to the fact that it contains volatile sulfur compounds.

Season: from May to November.

Useful properties of durian

Be careful if you have hypertension as it raises blood pressure. Durian is very nutritious. Also, this fruit helps to remove harmful substances from the body. In folk medicine, it is used to reduce body temperature and against jaundice.

How to determine the ripeness of a durian

There are two reliable ways. Firstly, this can be done by the smell that comes from the tail of the fruit. The brighter and uglier it is, the better. Secondly, we focus on sound. We take something suitable and tap the fruit. A gurgling sound indicates the maturity of the durian, a hollow sound indicates that the fruit is not yet ripe.

sapodilla

Round fruits of light brown color grow on an evergreen tree and reach a diameter of 5-10 cm. Inside, sweet yellow flesh with a small amount of hard black seeds.

How to determine the ripeness of sapodilla

The ripeness of a sapodilla is easy to determine by its soft skin. It tastes like persimmon, but the unripe fruit should not be consumed, because its pulp contains latex, which gives a not very pleasant aftertaste. This fruit is grown in the southern part of Vietnam.

Fruit season: September to December

Useful properties of sapodilla

Useful properties include: Used to create masks, oils, cosmetic mixtures, shampoos, balms. The content of carbohydrates (23%), crude fiber (20%), the presence of vitamins A and C, vegetable proteins, iron and potassium. Calorie content of sapodilla – 70 kcal for every 100 g.

cream apple

On trees that reach a height of 4.5-10 m, cream apples ripen by July. The fruit is heart-shaped and up to 16 cm in diameter. The skin is tough and has a rich brown-red hue, characterized by a mesh pattern. Under the skin is a fibrous creamy pulp, in which there are black and brown seeds that are unsuitable for food.

How to determine the ripeness of a cream apple

We choose ripe apples according to the color of the skin, which should be dark red in color and have sufficient elasticity.

Useful properties of cream apple

An apple contains vitamins and microelements, has a high calorie content, and at the same time it does not contain saturated types of acids and cholesterol. Fiber and vitamin B are present (eating only 100 g of the product can provide a fifth of the daily dose of vitamin B). It has a positive effect on vision, brain activity and relieves headaches.

Pitahaya (Dragon's Heart)

Behind the bright appearance lies an exotic variety of cactus. The shape is very reminiscent of an elongated apple, covered with skin-scales. The color of the peel varies from pink to deep red with green tips, and in the cut you can see the flesh of a creamy, lilac or reddish hue, which is simply dotted with black stones, like a kiwi.

According to local legend, the fruit fell out of the dragon's throat when it lost the ability to spew fire. When the natives tried pitahaya, obsessed with its unusual taste, they gradually exterminated all dragons, and the fruit began to be grown everywhere.

How to determine the ripeness of Pitahaya

To choose a ripe fruit, you should pay attention to the skin, which should be elastic and without damage, have a bright red color. It tastes like boiled beets with a hint of kiwi or strawberries.

Fruit season: the liana-like plant bears fruit all year round, so the pitahaya practically does not disappear from the market stalls.

Useful properties of Pitahaya

The popularity of the fruit is also due to its beneficial properties – a positive effect on the work of the stomach and intestines, strengthening the endocrine system. It is also recommended for people with diabetes. But you should not abuse it, because sometimes overeating a fruit can cause allergies. Pitahaya has also found its use in cosmetology. Its pulp serves as an ingredient for the manufacture of masks, creams and shampoos.

Mangosteen

The tree begins to bear fruit no earlier than 9 years from the date of planting. Ripe mangosteen reaches 7 cm in diameter, covered with a thick burgundy skin, under which slices with pulp are hidden. When cut, mangosteen is somewhat reminiscent of garlic. The peel is not eaten, although it is in it that the main amount of useful substances is concentrated. Juices are made from it.

How to determine the ripeness of a mangosteen

You need to choose a ripe mangosteen for elasticity. When you press on the skin, it should spring back slightly. Opt for larger fruits, as they have more pulp, but cracks in the peel indicate overripeness.

Fruit Season: Mangosteen ripens from May to June

Useful properties of mangosteen

It contains a lot of useful compounds, proteins, fats, fiber, iron, potassium, vitamins B1 and C. Due to this, it is actively used as an antioxidant, to prevent aging and the formation of cancer cells, in the treatment of heart disease. Peel tea will help with diarrhea, treat acne, acne and for the treatment of wounds.

We also recommend reading the article – What medicines to buy in Vietnam.

Breadfruit

One of the most unusual fruit trees is breadfruit. Its fruits can replace both vegetables (unripe) and fruits (when the fruit is fully ripe). Often the sizes reach 40-50 cm in diameter and have a weight of more than 30 kg. Outwardly, there is a resemblance to durian, but the peel of the breadfruit berry is abundantly studded with thorns. Inside the pulp, divided into slices, in which there are large bones. It tastes like a mix of melon, pineapple and banana flavors.

Fruit season: January-May.

How to determine the ripeness of breadfruit

Ripeness is determined by skin color and smell. The riper the fruit, the brighter its yellow color, and the smell resembles onions or even garlic.

Useful properties of breadfruit

The benefits come from a combination of nutrients, vitamins, calcium, acids and minerals. Substances are useful for the skin, nervous system, prevention of heart disease. The high content of vitamin C gives it antiviral properties. It is believed that moderate consumption of breadfruit prevents premature aging, the formation of cancer cells and thyroid disease.

Papaya

This fruit can be bought at any time of the year. It is grown throughout Vietnam, although it ripens faster in the southern provinces. The taste of papaya is very similar to the well-known melon.

Useful properties of papaya

It is recommended to use it in its natural form in order to preserve all its properties. Papaya has a positive effect on digestion, cleanses the body and tones it. It is also used during the treatment of intervertebral osteochondrosis, in strengthening the immune system and in the treatment of viral infections.

Fruit season: all year round.

How to determine the ripeness of papaya

We choose a ripe fruit according to its appearance. The color should be orange or deep yellow. The skin should not have cuts or cracks, retain elasticity with slight pressure.

Marakuya

It has a delicate taste with sourness (somewhat reminiscent of gooseberries, currants), as well as a persistent aroma, similar to lemon.

Fruit Season: Passion fruit ripens between January and April.

How to determine the ripeness of passion fruit

Ripe fruits of passion fruit weigh more than unripe ones. The peel should not have damage, dents.

Useful properties of passion fruit

Ripe fruits contain a lot of calcium, sodium and other trace elements, as well as a whole vitamin complex. It has a positive effect on digestion and promotes the excretion of uric acid. At the same time, it is used as an antipyretic, thirst-quenching product. Be careful when eating passion fruit seeds. Although they belong to the category of edible, they still have a hypnotic effect.

Careless

It grows on two-meter palm trees and is ovoid or pear-shaped. The diameter is small – 3-5 cm, and the weight of one fruit rarely exceeds 100 g. Beige flesh is hidden under the brown skin-scales, which may consist of several slices. It tastes very similar to a mixture of banana and pineapple, has a refreshing effect. The dark bone is not eaten.

Fruit season: June to August

How to determine the ripeness of herring

Ripe fruit is selected by peel. It must be completely dry and free from visible damage. Despite its small size, ripe herring is quite heavy, but the presence of dark spots indicates its staleness.

Useful properties of herring

Moderate consumption of fruit helps to eliminate toxins from the body. This is due to the high content of tannin in the pulp. The fruit is used to prevent hemorrhoids, treat diarrhea, and helps restore blood flow.

Citron (Buddha's Hand)

One of the rarest representatives of the citrus family is the citron, which grows on low sprawling trees. The fruit is unique and resembles a hand with fingers, which is why it got its second name – “Buddha's Hand”. Several elongated segments of bright yellow color do not contain seeds. The taste is sweet-sour with a slight hint of bitterness. Very rarely the pulp is consumed fresh. Often it is used for the preparation of confectionery.

Fruit Season: Harvest time is in November.

Useful properties of citron

The content of vitamins A, C, B, fiber and minerals gives this fruit antiviral and antiseptic properties. It is used in the treatment of laryngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis. It improves appetite and even helps to get rid of alcohol addiction.

Guava

Another exotic fruit ripens all year round – guava, which can be found on evergreen trees that reach up to 4 meters in height. It resembles a green pear in shape and color, and inside the flesh is bright orange (like a pumpkin). The taste is sweet and very delicate. The calorie content is low – only 68 kcal, so it will not work to recover from moderate fruit consumption.

How to determine the ripeness of a guava

Ripe fruit is distinguished by a rich shade of skin and elasticity. The aroma from this fruit is very seductive.

Useful properties of guava

Due to the unique content of vitamins and microelements, it has a great effect on the lymph nodes and helps to raise the overall tone of the body. It is used to restore strength and strengthen immunity. Stimulates the work of the heart.

Tamarind (Marmalade tree, or Indian date)

Incredibly, tamarind belongs to the legume family! It grows on huge trees resembling our acacia, which often reach a height of 20 meters. The skin of the fruit has a brown tint, and the shape is slightly curved. Sweetish reddish flesh contains several hard seeds.

The harvest season is May-June. Ripeness is determined by skin color.

Useful properties of tamarind

Of the useful properties, it is worth highlighting: the presence of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and other chemical elements necessary for the body. The fruits of tamarind contain a huge amount of substances that our body needs every day. The fruit has a high calorie content – 239 kcal / 100g.

Moderate consumption of fruits contributes to the normalization of the digestive system, the prevention of nervous disorders, and also helps to strengthen the musculoskeletal system. Iron helps to supply all organs with oxygen. Tamarind is also used for weight loss.

Citrus

Perhaps due to climatic features, citrus fruits, like Vietnamese fruits, are sweet. Tangerines and tangerines, oranges, tropical oranges, grapefruits, pomeloes, limes and lemons…. They are small in size, but juicy and sweet in taste.

The cost of fruits in the markets of Vietnam directly depends on time. Of course, during the harvest season, the cost of fruits is much lower. The cost of a mango at the peak of the harvest season is 16,000 dong per kilogram of fruit, and at other times of the year the price can reach 20-25 thousand.

Fruit prices in Vietnam

Every tourist who will not regret paying for the taste of exotic from 19 thousand VND will be able to buy longan. But the mangosteen will cost even more. For this exotic fruit, sellers ask for at least 30-40 thousand units of the national currency during the ripening period of the crop and from 70 thousand per kilogram of fruit in the off-season.

Rambutan on the shelves of Vietnamese markets is sold at a price of 20-30 thousand dong, provided that you want to buy the fruit during the peak season of its ripening. At other times, you will need to pay an additional 30-40% for rambutan.

The Vietnamese sell durian at a price of 40,000 dong per kilogram, and the pitahaya, popular among tourists, is only 20,000 dong per kilogram. Sellers set a similar price for ripe breadfruit. For a kilogram of lychee, sellers ask for only 1-1.5 dollars, and passion fruit will cost exotic connoisseurs even cheaper – only from 70 cents to 1 dollar. A similar price is set for the local variety of apple – guava. For a kilogram of herring, they ask from 1 to 1.5 dollars.

But citrus fruits here are somewhat more expensive. For example, for a kilogram of local tangerines or oranges, you will have to pay at least 2-3 dollars (25-60 thousand dongs). Almost the same cost is kept for the tamarind fruit, a kilogram of which will cost tourists 40-50 thousand local currency.

Sapodilla during the harvest period costs 20-30 thousand dong, a little cheaper – 15-20 thousand will cost a cream apple. Even more affordable for tourists will be papaya, per kilogram of which they ask for 5-10 thousand less. For a kilogram of citron, merchants will ask from 19,000 dong.

The abundance of exotic fruits attracts a huge number of travelers. Particularly liked fruits, of course, I want to bring home. Experienced tourists put the purchased fruits in a separate box or suitcase, after wrapping each with a napkin. In this form, there should be no problems with transportation. The only thing they warn about is that watermelons can burst in an airplane due to pressure, and coke can not be missed due to the fact that they cannot be x-rayed.