Medellin’s culinary magic isn’t just in its restaurants; it’s hanging from the trees. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country on Earth, and nowhere is this more delicious than in its fruit markets. For a visitor, walking into a market like Plaza Minorista or even a high-end supermarket in Poblado is like entering a new world of flavor. Forget apples and bananas; here, you will find “alien-looking” fruits that taste like perfume, flowers, and tart candy. Trying them isn’t just a snack; it’s an essential cultural experience.
Here are the 5 exotic fruits you simply cannot leave Medellin without trying:
- Granadilla: The “crack-and-slurp” snack. This fruit looks like an orange, hard-shelled ball. To eat it, you crack the shell open with your fingers to reveal a cluster of greyish, jelly-covered seeds that look like… well, alien brains. Don’t be scared! It is incredibly sweet, floral, and crunchy. It’s the perfect, refreshing hiking snack.
- Lulo: The taste of Colombia. You will see this bright orange fruit everywhere, but it is rarely eaten raw because it is quite tart. Instead, it is the king of juices. Ask for a Lulada (an icy, chunky drink) or a Jugo de Lulo in water or milk. It tastes like a complex, citrusy mix of kiwi, lime, and rhubarb.
- Mangostino: The Queen of Fruits. If you see these deep purple, round fruits, buy them immediately. They are seasonal and highly prized. Inside the thick purple rind are segments of pure white, marshmallow-soft flesh that taste like a delicate mix of lychee, peach, and strawberry. It is widely considered one of the most delicious fruits on the planet.
- Guanábana (Soursop): The dinosaur egg. You can’t miss this massive, green, spiky fruit that looks prehistoric. Inside, the white pulp is creamy and custardy with a flavor often described as “strawberry-pineapple with sour citrus notes.” It is best enjoyed as a smoothie (en leche) or as a sorbet.
- Tomate de Árbol: The savory surprise. Don’t let the name (Tree Tomato) fool you; this isn’t for salads. It is a tangy, egg-shaped red fruit that locals absolutely love blended into a juice. It has a unique, savory-sweet flavor profile that is unlike anything you’ve tasted before.
Your Private Market Tasting Tour
Navigating a busy local market can be intimidating if you don’t speak the language or know how to pick the ripe fruit. Don’t miss out on the flavors just because you don’t know where to start.
When you book your stay with MedellinVillas.com, our concierge team can arrange a private exotic fruit tasting. We can have a curated basket of the season’s best fruits waiting in your villa upon arrival, or better yet, book a private chef to prepare a tropical fruit brunch, turning these exotic ingredients into fresh juices, parfaits, and cocktails right in your kitchen.
Contact our concierge team to taste the true biodiversity of Colombia.
