Discover the vibrant array of seasonal fruits in Mexico with our comprehensive guide. From luscious mangos available from May to July to the beloved tomatoes and tomatillos ripening during the summer months, there’s an abundance of flavors to explore. Corn, a staple crop, takes center stage from May to September, while other delightful options like plantains, green and red chiles, apples, onions, and pumpkin make their appearances throughout the year. Join us as we delve into the enticing world of Mexico’s seasonal fruits and uncover a palette of freshness and taste.
Key Facts
- Mangos are a popular fruit in Mexico and are grown in southern Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Thailand, and throughout much of Asia. Varieties like “Manilita,” “Tomy,” “Sensacion,” “Ataulfo,” and “Manila” are available from May to July.
- Tomatoes and tomatillos are widely consumed in Mexico. Tomatoes ripen from June to August, while tomatillos have a longer season from May to November.
- Corn is a staple crop in Mexico, and its season runs from May to September. Different types of corn include “Flint,” “Field,” and “Sweet” corn, with “Sweet” corn being the most commonly found in grocery stores.
- Other seasonal fruits in Mexico include plantains (year-round), green chile (August-September), red chile (September-November), apples (August-March), onions (July-March), and pumpkin (August-March).
Spring Fruits
During the spring season in Mexico, a variety of fruits are in season, including:
- Mangoes
- Papayas
- Avocados
- Strawberries
- Pineapples
These fruits are widely available and offer a range of flavors and nutritional benefits. Mangoes are known for their sweet and juicy flesh, while papayas are rich in vitamins A and C. Avocados are a good source of healthy fats and fiber. Strawberries are a popular berry fruit with a sweet and slightly tart flavor. Pineapples are a tropical fruit with a juicy and refreshing taste.
Summer Fruits
Summer in Mexico brings an abundance of refreshing and flavorful fruits, including:
- Watermelons: Juicy and sweet, watermelons are a popular choice for hydration and summer gatherings.
- Guavas: Tropical fruits with a unique flavor and aroma, guavas are rich in vitamin C and commonly used in juices and desserts.
- Melons: Cantaloupes and honeydews are refreshing fruits with high water content, making them ideal for fruit salads and smoothies.
- Limes: Small citrus fruits, limes add a tangy flavor to Mexican cuisine and are widely available during the summer.
- Mexican plums: Also known as ciruelas, Mexican plums are small fruits with a sweet and tart flavor, often enjoyed fresh or in jams and desserts.
These summer fruits are widely available in Mexico and offer a range of nutritional benefits and culinary uses.
Fall Fruits
As the summer heat subsides, Mexico welcomes a variety of fall fruits, including:
- Pomegranates: Known for their vibrant red arils, pomegranates are a symbol of fertility and abundance in Mexican culture. They are rich in antioxidants and have a sweet-tart flavor.
- Cherimoyas: Also known as custard apples, cherimoyas are unique fruits with a creamy white flesh and a sweet, custard-like flavor. They are a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
- Persimmons: Persimmons are orange-colored fruits with a soft, jelly-like flesh. They have a sweet and slightly astringent flavor and are a good source of vitamins A and C.
- Apples: Apples are a popular fall fruit worldwide, and Mexico is no exception. Mexican apples come in a variety of colors and flavors, and are often used in desserts and ciders.
- Grapes: Grapes are a versatile fruit that can be eaten fresh, used in winemaking, or dried into raisins. Mexico produces a variety of grape varieties, including red, green, and black grapes.
These fall fruits are widely available in Mexico and offer a range of flavors and nutritional benefits.
Winter Fruits
As the year draws to a close, Mexico’s winter fruits offer a burst of sweetness and nutrition, including:
- Oranges: A classic winter fruit, oranges are a good source of vitamin C and have a refreshing, tangy flavor.
- Tangerines: Smaller and sweeter than oranges, tangerines are easy to peel and a popular choice for snacks and salads.
- Grapefruits: Grapefruits are a larger citrus fruit with a tart and tangy flavor. They are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Guavas: Although guavas are typically associated with summer, they are also available during the winter months in Mexico. They are rich in vitamin C and have a unique flavor and aroma.
- Passion fruits: Passion fruits have a vibrant purple exterior and a juicy, aromatic pulp. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, and have a sweet-tart flavor.
These winter fruits are widely available in Mexico and offer a range of flavors and nutritional benefits.
Year-round Fruits
Winter Fruits
As the year draws to a close, Mexico’s winter fruits offer a burst of sweetness and nutrition, including:
- Oranges: A classic winter fruit, oranges are a good source of vitamin C and have a refreshing, tangy flavor.
- Tangerines: Smaller and sweeter than oranges, tangerines are easy to peel and a popular choice for snacks and salads.
- Grapefruits: Grapefruits are a larger citrus fruit with a tart and tangy flavor. They are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Guavas: Although guavas are typically associated with summer, they are also available during the winter months in Mexico. They are rich in vitamin C and have a unique flavor and aroma.
- Passion fruits: Passion fruits have a vibrant purple exterior and a juicy, aromatic pulp. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, and have a sweet-tart flavor.
These winter fruits are widely available in Mexico and offer a range of flavors and nutritional benefits.
Conclusion
Embrace the flavors of Mexico’s seasonal fruits and elevate your culinary journey. From the succulent mangos that grace the summer months to the versatile tomatoes and tomatillos, each season brings forth a new wave of delicious possibilities. With corn as a staple crop and an array of other fruits like plantains, chiles, apples, onions, and pumpkins making their appearances throughout the year, Mexico’s bounty is truly a feast for the senses. So, go ahead and savor the vibrant tastes and aromas of Mexico’s seasonal fruits, and let your taste buds embark on a delightful adventure.
Sources:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/fruit-and-vegetable-seasons-2342821
https://www.eternal-expat.com/2018/10/04/fruits-and-vegetables-of-mexico/
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/food/a-guide-to-mexican-fruits-when-where-and-why-to-buy-them/
FAQs
What fruits are in season in Mexico during the spring?
- Mangoes
- Papayas
- Avocados
- Strawberries
- Pineapples
What fruits are in season in Mexico during the summer?
- Watermelons
- Guavas
- Melons
- Limes
- Mexican plums
What fruits are in season in Mexico during the fall?
- Pomegranates
- Cherimoyas
- Persimmons
- Apples
- Grapes
What fruits are in season in Mexico during the winter?
- Oranges
- Tangerines
- Grapefruits
- Guavas
- Passion fruits
Where can I find information about the nutritional benefits of Mexican fruits?
- The National Institute of Public Health of Mexico (INSP) provides information on the nutritional content of Mexican fruits and vegetables: https://www.insp.mx/
- The Mexican Ministry of Health also provides information on the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables: https://www.gob.mx/salud/