Belize offers a bounty of exotic tropical fruits. From the well-known and much-loved pineapple, papaya, and mangoes (in 30+ varieties!) to the more peculiar and unfamiliar craboo or kinep, there’s always something in season to tantalize your tastebuds. I’ve been on a mission to try them all and here’s a whole treasure chest of fruits you’ve probably never heard of – but trust me, they’re worth every bite! Here are five (more) unique Belizean fruits you just have to try for yourself.
Sea Grapes
Photo by Naia Resort & Spa
No, we’re not talking about the kind of grapes that contribute to your wine collection. Belize’s sea grapes are a whole different ball game. These little gems grow along the coastline, and their vibrant green clusters look like they belong in an underwater treasure chest. But here’s the catch: while they may look like regular grapes, they’re actually salty little morsels packed with tangy, slightly sweet flavor. It’s like eating the ocean breeze in fruit form!
Grosella (Gooseberry)
By Abhishek Jacob at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Ah, the grosella—also known as the gooseberry. The taste is a quirky blend of sweet and tart, with a touch of floral undertones. They’re often used to make jams and jellies with a generous addition of sugar to offset the sourness. For me, the raw grosella is a perfect, mouth-puckering snack when I’m walking down a dusty village road.
Cashew Apple
Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
You’ve probably heard of cashew nuts, but have you ever encountered the fruit that comes with them? The cashew apple is a strange but delightful treat. Imagine a bell-shaped, bright yellow or red fruit that looks a bit like a twisted pear. But here’s the kicker—attached to the bottom of the fruit is the cashew nut in its raw, unprocessed form. The fruit itself is juicy, sweet, and tangy, with a distinct flavor that you won’t forget. People in Belize either enjoy it fresh or make a refreshing juice out of it. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the cashew nut too (though I’d recommend leaving the roasting to the experts). It’s a whole new way to enjoy cashews, and I think it’s the coolest snack you can find.
Similar: What’s in Season: Get to Know Some Belize Fruit Seasons
Surinam Cherry
By Guilherme Barbaresco – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
This little fruit looks like a bright red (sometimes orange) mini pumpkin, and when you pop it in your mouth, it explodes with a sweet-tart flavor. Surinam cherries grow all over Belize, often in backyards or along roadsides. But don’t get too attached to the ones that look perfectly ripe and ready for a snack. These fruits are notoriously tricky when it comes to ripening—one minute they’re too sour, and the next, they’re super sweet. But when you get it just right, you’ll understand why people love them.
Golden Plum
Photo Credit: Local Produce Sa (San Antonio, Belize)
Last, but certainly not least, is the golden plum. Unlike the delicate and juicy black plums you’ll find in North American markets, this plum has a tart taste and crunchy texture all its own. In Belize, golden plums are a go-to snack when you want something light and refreshing. You can find them in the farmer’s markets, buy them at speed bumps along the roadside, or even pick them straight from the tree if you’re lucky. Some people enjoy them as they are, while others like to dip them in a pinch of salt for a little savory kick.
