Mauritius island isn’t just famous for its heavenly beaches and sunny climate; it’s also a veritable paradise for tropical fruit lovers! Whether you’re just passing through or living on the island, you’ll be amazed by the diversity and richness of the local fruit, which changes with the seasons.
1. Summer’s star fruits
Summer means the period from November to February!
With the arrival of summer, the stalls of Mauritian markets fill up with bright colors and irresistible fragrances. Here are the must-haves of the summer season:
- Lychees 🍒 : These sweet, juicy little pearls are a true symbol of the festive season in Mauritius.
- Mangoes 🥭 : Available in many varieties, they seduce with their sweetness and unique taste.
- Watermelon 🍉 : Refreshing and thirst-quenching, they’re perfect for hot days.
- Pitaya or dragon fruit: very low in calories, this is a magnificent fruit with a very subtle taste that won’t appeal to everyone. But the purple ones are a magnificent color!
2. Fruit to enjoy all year round
Some tropical fruit varieties are available all year round, to the delight of gourmets:
- Bananas : Indispensable in baskets, they are both tasty and practical. You’ll often find 2 types of banana: large bananas and zinzli bananas, which are small and plump with very thin skins. They’re delicious, and kids love them. However, they are not cooked. For bananas flambées, you should opt for the first type.
- Papayas : Rich in vitamins, they can be eaten plain, in juice or as a dessert. They are often eaten ripe, when the flesh is orange. I like to add lemon juice to them. They can also be eaten green in a salad. You’ll need to peel them, soak them in water for 5-10 min, then grate and season to taste.
- Ananas : Plain or flambées, this tangy fruit is a Mauritian must-have. You can find them pre-cut, very practical!
3. Exotic fruits to discover
Mauritius also abounds in lesser-known but equally delicious exotic fruits:
- Longans: Cousins of the lychee, these delicately-flavored berries are a must-try. You’ll usually find them in January and February.
- Corossols: With their soft, white flesh, they are perfect for smoothies.
- Jack fruit: This giant, sweet-tasting fruit can be cooked or eaten plain. When cooked, it replaces meat, an ideal option for vegetarians.
- Tamarinds: Their tangy yet sweet flavor is used to prepare juices and sauces. Very popular in local cuisine, tamarind adds a unique touch to dishes. Tamarind compote is my favorite. More often, you’ll find it in the form of tamarind juice or sauce to accompany fruit salads and street vendors.
- Zattes ou cinnamon apples: These small green or purple fruits, often used in jams or desserts, have a sweet, slightly acidic flavor. Their name evokes cinnamon, and they’re a real delight to discover.
- Guavas: These subtly fragrant, slightly tart fruits are delicious in juices, smoothies or jams. They are a real source of vitamin C and add an exotic touch to any recipe. Love them raw.
4. Where to find the best fruits in Mauritius?
To enjoy the freshness of the fruit, visit :
- Local markets such as Port-Louis or Flacq. Be sure to ask for prices before paying. You’ll be offered prices by the piece, by the pound (half kilo) or by the kilo.
→ Must-see local markets in Mauritius
- Roadside street vendors are everywhere, impossible to miss. But be prepared to negotiate.
- In supermarkets, which offer a wide choice, albeit less authentic, but at least you won’t be fooled price-wise.
5. Tips for enjoying fruit in Mauritius
- Choose seasonal fruit for its incomparable taste and freshness.
- Always wash fruit thoroughly before eating.
- Try local recipes, such as mango chutney or tamarind juice.
