Ten exotic, luscious Peruvian fruits to delight your palate!

When you speak with most people who have ventured to Peru, they are likely to talk about the incredible landscapes, warm people, complex history, and the FOOD. There are incredible dishes native to Peru such as cuy, ceviche, and lomo saltado. But another important culinary experience is to eat your way through the market fruit stalls. You’re guaranteed to try colorful, odd-shaped fruits you have never seen before! Below is our list of the ten must-try Peruvian fruits.

Laurel Thompson

1. Granadilla

On the top of the list, and for good reason. This small, oval, orange fruit is a sweeter, less-tart version of the closely related passionfruit. You crack it open to find the white seed mixture inside. Great to eat on its own, poured over yogurt, or blended in a juice or smoothie, granadilla is full of fiber, calcium, and vitamins and is known for its positive effects on the digestive system. If you can get past the odd texture, we promise you’ll love this sweet, tangy, Peruvian fruit.

2. Aguaymanto

One of the more distinctive-looking Peruvian fruits. You might see them with their husks intact or a woman in the market husking them to reveal the tiny bright orange fruit. This fruit is related to the tomatillo, despite its tart, cherry-like flavor. Aguaymanto is incredibly low in calories and contains nutrients such as thiamin, niacin, and Vitamin C.

3. Tuna

Fruit from the prickly pear, or Indian fig, cactus. Tuna is a local favorite and is great for making jam, cocktails, or just eating on its own. It has a sweet, distinct taste that is difficult to compare to any other fruit, so go ahead and give it a try! Although you’ll want to allow a local to prepare the spikey fruit before trying a bite!

4. Limon

We know you’re probably surprised to see lime make the list, but it is a staple in Peru. These tangy Peruvian fruits are incredibly sour compared to the limes you have at home. Limon is one of the key ingredients in Peru’s national cocktail, the Pisco Sour. Battling a long, hot day of sightseeing? Grab yourself a cold and refreshing limeade.

5. Maracuya

Commonly known as passionfruit, this fruit may be too sour to eat on its own. Typically you will see it scraped out of the hard shell, strained, and sometimes diluted with water or sweetened with sugar to produce juice. Another great one to pour on top of yogurt, use in cocktails, or with desserts. These distinctive Peruvian fruits also make a great topping for cheesecake!

6. Guanábana

One of the most popular juices in Peru is guanábana, also known as soursop. This tangy and refreshing fruit is a must-try. It tastes something like a citrus, pineapple, strawberry mixture. Interestingly, guanábana is also known for its health benefits and has been used as an alternative treatment for cancer.

7. Cacao

Another one that might be shocking to see on the “best Peruvian fruits” list. Most people know that cacao seeds are processed into chocolate, but what many don’t know is that there is an edible white fleshy pulp surrounding the seeds. The pulp is a delightful mix of sweet and sour. Although Peruvian chocolate is divine and a must-have when visiting this colorful country, don’t forget to try this mouth-watering fruit if you get the chance!

8. Chirimoya

One of the healthier snacks in Peru (especially compared to the fried empanadas). Chirimoya, also known as a custard apple, is packed full of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Among the most prized Peruvian fruits, this creamy, sweet, tropical delight was once dubbed “the most delicious fruit known to man” by Mark Twain.

9. Tumbo

Nicknamed “banana passionfruit” and for good reason. It is a yellow, longer version in the family of granadilla and maracuya. And much like its relatives, this fruit is great to add to drinks, juices, and jams. This Andean valley fruit has a similar gooey pulp and edible seeds to that of the passion fruit.

10. Lúcuma

Another popular fruit among locals, lúcuma is a common flavor you will find in desserts and ice cream. Also referred to as egg fruit, lúcuma is a fruit of the Andes valleys and has bright yellow, starchy flesh and a taste somewhere between caramel and sweet potato. When ripe, lúcumas are among the most delightful Peruvian fruits.

There are countless more fruity delights awaiting your arrival. The market’s fruit stalls are a colorful, unique sight to see. Now that we have your tastebuds excited, be sure to reach out to our skilled team today to book your culinary excursion to Peru and try these not-to-be-missed Peruvian fruits!