Banana

There are many varieties. The small yellow ones are called “Chuoi Cau”. The red-skinned variety known as “chu6i Ita” have a delicious taste but are only available in July and August. The pale green ones, “Chuoi Gia”, have the most flavour and are in the market most of the year. The large variety which is good for cooking is known as “Chuoi Su”.

Carambola

It is often called “star-fruit” because of its star-like shape. when sliced. There are two varieties, both have a transparent look. The yellow-green ones have a crisp, tart taste like a green apple. The darker green ones are bitter. The fruit is a good addition to a vegetable or fruit salad.

Tamarind

This is a bean that grows on a very tall tree. The name comes from Arabic and means Indian Date. Green tamarinds are used by Vietnamese when cooking fish and are also often added to soups. Brown tamarind is used in chutney to give a sharpness of flavour.

Custard Apple

The skin is bumpy and light green in colour. Inside, the fruit is white with black seeds. It has a mild flavour and a smooth texture. It is excellent served with a dash of orange juice. Available from May to July.

Durian

This fruit comes in a variety of sizes. It looks like a lopsided ball with a spiky skin and has a very distinctive odour. The meat is yellowish-white and the texture is very smooth.

Guava

This pear-shaped green fruit is available most of the year. Vietnamese children eat them raw, but the taste is very tart. However, quartered, seeded stewed in a light syrup they make a good dessert. They also can be used ta make jelly or jam.

Maprane

The fruit is yellow and about the size of a cherry. It looks like longan but has a sour taste.

Persimmom

This fruit is a bright orange about the size and shape of an orange. It is eaten raw and has a smooth taste and texture. Available from October to December.

Lecuma

This fruit is about the same size and shape as an avocado. However, it is yellow skinned and has a yellow pulp with a tan-coloured seed. It is eaten raw and has a taste similar to raw potatoes.

Litchi

The fruit is golden yellow in colour and is the shape and size of a large cherry. Litchis can be stewed or eaten raw.

Pomegranate

It is around deep red or purple fruit and only the seeds are eaten. They are often used in Indian dishes.

Pomelo

This is a variety of grapefruit but is sweeter than the American kind. It is easily sectioned and peeled. It is available during the winter-spring months and grows in the Saigon-Bien Hoa area.

Rambutan

This is around reddish-yellow fruit which is covered with long whiskers. It is easily peeled and eaten raw. It has a sweet flavour and is a great favourite with ants, so be sure the fruit is well shaken and washed before bringing it into the house. Available from April to June.

Sapodilla

Sometimes called potato fruit, it has a dark brown skin which is slightly rough, very much like a potato, .and is the size of a large plum. The flesh is a golden brown with a delicate sweet flavour. Available from May to July.

Sour Sop

It is a first cousin of the custard apple but has a tart taste. The soursop has a rough green, spiky skin that feels much like an avocado. It is about the size and shape of small papaya and may be eaten raw or pureed and used as a topping for ice cream.

Star Apple

There are two types, one is a deep purple colour and the other a light green. Both have shiny skins and both have the same taste, despite their appearance. To serve, they are cut crosswise so that the seeds are easily removed. The skin contains a milky juice which is extremely bitter so it must not be allowed to touch the inner fruit.