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Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest
  • About
    • What is Authentic Food Quest
    • Work With Us / Media
    • Contact Us
  • Destinations
  • Eat
    • Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Street Food
    • Restaurants
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  • Recipes
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    • Food Itineraries
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Feb 01
10 Strange Amazonian Fruits Authentic Food Quest

10 Strange Amazonian Fruits From The Jungle You Will Not Believe

  • Claire
  • 35 Comments
  • Peru, Desserts
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Ready to be surprised by bizarre and strange Amazonian fruits? Think all exotic fruits are sweet and juicy? Think again!  

One of the joys of traveling is experiencing new fruits. As seekers of authentic foods, one of the best places to start is often at the farmers markets. On our quest across South America to showcase authentic foods we thought we had seen pretty much seen all there was for exotic fruits. That’s until we got to Peru!

Now, did you know that Peru has the 2nd largest portion of the Amazon rainforest? And, the Amazon jungle makes up 60% of the country? We were surprised to discover this as well as see so many strange fruits in the market.

Here are 10 strange Amazonian fruits worth trying from the Peruvian jungle:

Authentic Food Quest Page_Break

Table of Contents

  • 1. Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit
  • 2. Pacay or Ice Cream Bean Fruit
  • 3. Cocona
  • 4. Camu Camu
  • 5. Cacao fruit
  • 6. Maracuya
  • 7. Mamey Sapote – Unique Amazonian Fruit
  • 8. Aguaje
  • 9. Tumbo or Banana Passion Fruit
  • 10. Noni
  • In Summary
  • Looking for More Peruvian Local Food Experiences?
  • Read More Local Food Articles
  • Love it? Pin It!

1. Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit

This exotic fruit was our favorite discovery on our quest for authentic food in Peru. The sweet and delicious flavor is similar to a kiwi, but more watery. It has black seeds on the inside which are edible.

Also referred to as a dragon fruit, it is known to be rich in vitamins C, B1, B2 and B3 as well as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. 

Strange fruits pitahaya
Strange fruits pitahaya

2. Pacay or Ice Cream Bean Fruit

This unusual fruit resembles a humongous green bean. Pacay is also called ice-cream bean due to its sweet flavor and smooth texture.

The inside looks like cotton and although the pods are long, there is not much to eat inside once the seeds are taken out. What you eat is the white flesh which is quite sweet and chewy.

It is actually described as a legume although the white flesh is eaten as a fruit. This fruit provides dietary fiber which helps with getting rid of cholesterol and fat.

Strange fruits Pacay
Strange fruits Pacay

3. Cocona

The cocona fruit is a colorful yellow, orange or red fruit about the size of a small red pepper.  Once you cut open the fruit, the pulp is yellow and the seeds can be eaten as well. We didn’t enjoy it as a fruit and actually found it quite bitter.

We much preferred it as a juice, which we found it sweet and refreshing. We also enjoyed chopped up pieces of cocona in the very popular salsa that is offered at Amazonian restaurants with banana plantain chips.

It is an Amazonian fruit that is known to be very rich in iron and vitamin B5.

Strange fruits cocona
Strange fruits cocona

4. Camu Camu

This grape sized little fruit is known to be the fruit with the highest Vitamin C intake. We learned about Camu Camu at El Bijao, an Amazon restaurant in Lima, Peru. They serve fresh Camu Camu juice, a great way to boost your immune system!  The fruit itself is not normally eaten, but the juice is citrusy and very easy to drink.  

Peruvian fruits camu camu at the local market for desserts in Peru by Authentic Food QuestTart camu camu fruit from the Amazon in Peru
Amazonian Food Strange fruits Camu Camu Juice in Lima for Peruvian Desserts by Authentic Food QuestTasty camu camu fruit juice

READ MORE: Surprising Amazon Food From The Peruvian Jungle That Will Delight You

5. Cacao fruit

Cacao are fruits that grow on trees. The fruits of the cacao tree are called cacao pods which contain cocoa beans that are used as the basis of chocolate.

Considered a ‘superfood’, cacao is a rich source of antioxidants. It also contains a high level of flavonoids, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health.

We saw cacao pods at the Surquillo farmers market in Lima. Although we didn’t try to eat the beans, we gladly enjoyed the delicious Peruvian chocolate. Although we enjoyed Argentina chocolate in Bariloche,  the chocolate in Peru was some of the best we had in South America.

Strange fruits cacao

6. Maracuya

The maracuya is in the same family as a passion fruit or granadilla which are typically sweet. The difference is that the maracuya are much more sour and typically never eaten plain. We enjoyed maracuya juice and were eager to try the fruit.

Not knowing the fruits are sour, we bought a couple and were intrigued by their yellow and blackish firm shell. Once we cut the maracuya in half and discovered it’s the seedy yellow core, we dug in.

We were shocked and surprised at how tart they were. They are lip-puckering refreshing but best enjoyed as a mixed juice with pineapple or as Maracuya Pisco Sour (a variation of the Peruvian Pisco Sour).

On their own, maracuya fruits are high in vitamin C and B, fibers, iron and phosphorus.

Strange fruits maracuya
Strange fruits maracuya

7. Mamey Sapote – Unique Amazonian Fruit

We discovered the Mamey Sapote fruit by chance. We were walking in downtown Lima on our way to explore Barrio Chino or the Chinatown of Lima. On our way, we stumbled onto this young boy named Juan. He was selling these strange Amazonian fruits we had never seen before. From a distance, it looked like a melon, though as we came closer, we discovered this fruit called Mamey Sapote and bought one to taste.

It looks like a round squash with orange flesh. When we tasted it a few days later, we found that it has a mild taste, kind of like a pumpkin, but sweet with a firm texture. Once you dig in the fruit you find to a large brown seed. It is an excellent source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C as well as source of vitamin B, vitamin E, manganese, potassium and dietary fiber.

Strange fruits sapote
Strange fruits sapote
Strange fruits sapote

8. Aguaje

The aguaje fruit comes from the Moriche palm trees, found in tropical South America. Pronounced “Ah – gua – hay”,  the fruit is described as a miracle fruit for women due to its content of “phyto-hormones” which mimic oestrogen hormones.

It is the most concentrated source of vitamin A or beta carotene, as it contains up to 10 times more beta carotene than carrots. It has a brown peel color on the outside. Once you peel it you discover the yellow flesh covering a large hard nut.

We tried to eat the yellow flesh but found it bitter and not very tasty. We tried it as Aguajina which is Aguaje juice at El Bijao, an Amazon restaurant in Lima, and we found it to be rich and oily.  

Strange fruits Aguaje
Strange fruits Aguaje

9. Tumbo or Banana Passion Fruit

Also known as banana passion fruit and a relative of the passion fruit.They are yellow on the outside and dark yellow on the inside. And their shape is similar to a short banana with rounded ends. The flesh inside is orange in color and similar to passion fruit.

We didn’t enjoy it and found it a little too tart. The good thing is that Tumbos are low in calories and rich in vitamins A, B and, C, as well as minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Strange fruits tumbo
Strange fruits tumbo

10. Noni

This was one of the most strange Amazonian fruits we discovered at the Surquillo farmers market in Lima. It looks more like a tuberous crop than a fruit.

Not only is it ugly, but it also has a pungent smell. Not appetizing at all, we were surprised when the merchant told us it was a fruit. She went ahead to proclaim it as a ‘cancer killer’. And, told us that it is commonly eaten cooked in a stew.

This was one fruit we did not mind not eating!

Strange fruits Noni
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In Summary

If you find yourself in Peru or at any farmers market for that matter, make it a point to walk around and find something new.

Talk to the market vendor and ask what that strange looking fruit or vegetable might be. Buy it or try it…open up yourself to new flavors and tastes.

You will be surprised at what you will discover.

Have you tried any of the strange Amazonian fruits featured? In the comments below, please tell us the ones that interest you the most?

Savor The Adventure!

Looking for More Peruvian Local Food Experiences?

Paperback books and Kindle version Authentic Food Quest Peru

Our book, Authentic Food Quest Peru takes you on a journey through the regional food specialties in Peru. Get an introduction into Peruvian food and the history of how this unique gastronomy came to be.

Discover the authentic foods in Lima and Cusco as well as the top Peruvian foods and drinks that should not be missed. Take this guide with you as you explore Peru’s magnificent cuisine.

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Read More Local Food Articles

Discovering Ceviche in Lima Peru

5 Authentic Peruvian Chinese Food That Will Delight You

10 Unique Peruvian Drinks to Help You Have a Local Experience

Love it? Pin It!

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Claire

Claire, ex-engineer, is a digital nomad and content creator at Authentic Food Quest. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, they travel the world in search of the best local food experiences. Their mission is to help you enjoy the best local specialties on your travels or via recipes in your home kitchen. Favorite country for food: Vietnam. Favorite local dish: Hainanese Chicken Rice.  Favorite way to keep fit: Cycling. Claire is responsible for the website and the fun food & travel videos on Youtube. She is also co-author of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon.

35 Comments

  1. Elaine Schoch
    February 2, 2016 at 3:38 pm · Reply

    I think I would have skipped the Noni too. It looks terrible but a “cancer killer”, well that’s interesting and maybe the only reason I would try one.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 2, 2016 at 8:27 pm · Reply

      You are so right Elaine…as non-appetizing as the fruit looked and smell…being the “cancer killer” is the only reason to try it. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to try it as a stew, but it’s good to know there is a natural option out there 🙂 Thanks for your comments.

  2. Rob Taylor
    February 2, 2016 at 5:32 pm · Reply

    This wins as the most fascinating thing I’ve read in the last few days. What an awesome breakdown of things I’m too often nervous to try. Well executed.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 2, 2016 at 8:28 pm · Reply

      Thank you so much Rob. So glad that you enjoyed reading our post about the strange fruits. We had a fascinating time discovering and trying them as well. It’s always interesting to learn what’s there. Thanks for your comments.

  3. Melina
    February 3, 2016 at 3:19 pm · Reply

    Oh my goodness, I need to try all of these now! Interesting post!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 3, 2016 at 4:05 pm · Reply

      Thanks Melina..glad you liked the post. These fruits are from the Amazon and not widely available. The best place to experience them is in Peru. Now you will know for your next trip:)

  4. Eva Lamot
    February 3, 2016 at 3:40 pm · Reply

    So far, I only tasted dragonfruit – but it was pink and in Asia – and loved this fruit!
    Thank you for the informative and clear post about these fruits.
    I definitely learned a lot and wish I could eat them too now to get a health boost 😉
    Keep up the good work ladies!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 3, 2016 at 4:08 pm · Reply

      Thank you so much Eva for your comments. We are glad that you enjoyed and learned something new. That’s our mission!! It’s great discovering the authentic food around the world! Thanks for your feedback.

  5. Fran Opazo
    February 3, 2016 at 3:42 pm · Reply

    They all look delicious! Now I want to go the Amazon just to eat them.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 3, 2016 at 4:11 pm · Reply

      Thanks Fran…if you do get to Peru and taste the fruits from the Amazon, don’t forget to reference the post we recently finished on the authentic foods from the Amazon! You will have a great time 🙂 Thanks for your comments!

  6. Katja
    February 3, 2016 at 3:56 pm · Reply

    Awesome post – I would totally try all of them, even if some of them taste bad. After all, probably not many people can say they have eaten the ‘cancer killer’ or something equally badass 🙂

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 3, 2016 at 4:12 pm · Reply

      That’s right Katja…if we had been able to find the stew for the Noni fruit…we would totally have tasted it too! Perhaps next time! Glad you liked the post and thanks for your comments!

  7. Kachina
    February 3, 2016 at 7:25 pm · Reply

    Such a colourful post! I’d like to think that I’d give them all at least one try 🙂

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 4, 2016 at 12:00 am · Reply

      Thanks so much Kachina…great if you can get a chance to try them. Most of them are delicious 🙂 Cheers!

  8. Jessica
    February 3, 2016 at 7:59 pm · Reply

    Such a cool post, and very unique blog – I love it! I’ve only ever tried the dragonfruit and it was delicious – so if I ever make it to South America, I will bring my adventurous palate along!
    Jessica

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 4, 2016 at 12:01 am · Reply

      Thanks Jessica…indeed the dragon fruit quickly became our favorite fruit. Apparently the ones from the Amazon are different from the ones from Asia (if that’s where you tried one). You are right, for South America, it’s all about being open to new tastes and flavors. Glad you like the blog post 🙂

  9. Kerri
    February 4, 2016 at 12:25 am · Reply

    What an amazing list. A few of them remind me of tropical fruits that we eat in Australia. The “big bean” for example looks remarkably like a custard apple. The Pitahaya looks like a dragon fruit.

    Great foodie post.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 4, 2016 at 6:17 pm · Reply

      Thanks Kerri. The big bean is very interesting…only the inside is similar to a custard apple….though different in taste. The Pitahaya is actually part of the dragon fruit family…but the Jungle version:) Glad you liked the post. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  10. Jelisa
    February 4, 2016 at 5:34 am · Reply

    omg these pictures! I also love snapping pictures of the local fruits and veggies as i travel.

    great blog, ladies!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 4, 2016 at 6:18 pm · Reply

      Thanks so much Jelisa. The farmers market for local fruits and veggies is indeed a thrill 🙂

  11. Susanna
    February 4, 2016 at 6:27 am · Reply

    When I was in Indonesia, I had a guide tell me how much he LOVED pears and apples and would die to eat some. As I was stuffing my face with exotic fruit like dragonfruit, I thought he was silly, but I guess fruit in the U.S is rare to people around the world. It’s cool to think about! Great post!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 4, 2016 at 6:20 pm · Reply

      Thanks Susanna, it’s true we get fascinated by fruits different than the ones we find in our home countries. We also enjoyed the dragonfruit very much. It’s nice to see and appreciate the variety of fruits out there. Glad you enjoyed reading the post. Thanks for your comments!

  12. Marijana | LadyofAwesome.com
    February 4, 2016 at 8:43 am · Reply

    I will now say something that’s very embarrasing, but until this moment, I believed that cacao and cocoa are the same thing 😀 😀 never realised there’s SUCH a huge difference. Love the photos! 🙂

  13. roma
    February 4, 2016 at 5:17 pm · Reply

    This is a really handy post for anyone going through South American food markets!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 4, 2016 at 6:25 pm · Reply

      Thanks Roma, we aim to showcase authentic specialities as well as inspire people to open up to new tastes and flavors. We hope this guide helps future travelers to South America 🙂 Thanks for your comments

  14. Shanti
    February 4, 2016 at 10:39 pm · Reply

    Oh my …tumbo looks soo good!

  15. Amanda Williams
    February 11, 2016 at 7:13 am · Reply

    Love this. What is your favourite?

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 11, 2016 at 11:16 am · Reply

      Our absolute favorite was the Pitahaya…the one from the Amazon. Juicy and refreshing. Wow!!

  16. 10 Unique Peruvian Drinks To Help You Have A More Local Experience - Authentic Food Quest
    May 3, 2016 at 5:14 pm · Reply

    […] Angostura bitters. Other variations are made with all different kinds of exotic fruit juices like maracuya or lucuma. While the Chilcano may not be as popular as the Pisco Sour, it is a refreshing […]

  17. Tad Davis
    January 27, 2018 at 7:57 pm · Reply

    Tumbo, when ripe, are yellow and soft. Then the juice is sweet! Noni are also called starvation fruit for the obvious reason!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      January 30, 2018 at 10:31 am · Reply

      Thanks Tad, that’s good to know. we only came across Tumbo when they were not ripe. Appreciate you stopping by!!

  18. Maria Burick
    February 12, 2020 at 2:11 pm · Reply

    I am in Zamora,Ecuador, the Amazon and just purchased pitahaya…I will wait a few days for the fruit to get riper. I met a restaurant owner, Richard, who has a place to rent and also the best restaurant in Zamora called Semillas with new foods everyday on the menu and a cleansing tea he calls water…Come to the Ecuador Amazon and dine at Semillas for breakfast or lunch. He speaks English and Spanish.
    He also sells the best Amazon chocolate on the planet!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2020 at 7:21 pm · Reply

      Thank you for the invitation, Maria. We look forward to visiting Ecuador one day. Cheers.

  19. hayley
    April 2, 2020 at 3:19 pm · Reply

    O-O those all look different from what i have ever seen. i would like to try some of them and i hope to be trying dragon fruit soon!! 🙂

    • Authentic Food Quest
      April 3, 2020 at 1:31 pm · Reply

      The fruits from the Amazon are indeed different than anything we’ve seen. Hopefully, you’ll get to try the dragon fruit soon. Thanks, Haley for stopping by.

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