35 Caribbean Fruits & Vegetables: Health Benefits and Use

Get fresh Caribbean fruits and vegetables at a local market in 2025

Caribbean fruit markets are vibrant hubs of activity, offering an array of fresh, organic produce that reflects the region's rich agricultural heritage. These markets are the perfect place to discover an assortment of exotic produce, often grown using traditional, sustainable farming methods.

We recommend to support farmers and the community by getting your Caribbean fruits and veggies at the local market. Visiting a Caribbean fruit market is an immersive experience, where the vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and friendly vendors create an unforgettable shopping adventure.

5 Essential tips for visiting a Caribbean fruit market:

1. Go early for the best selection: Markets are freshest in the morning
2. Bring cash: Many vendors only accept cash, so have small bills and coins
3. Try new fruits: Embrace the variety and taste fruits you've never had before
4. Wash before eating: Ensure all fruits are thoroughly washed before consuming
5. Respect local customs: Be polite, greet vendors, and handle fruits with care

Let's see which Caribbean fruits and vegetables you may be able to pick up at the market during your Caribbean vacation.

1. Soursop: Nature's Tangy Delight!

The fruit has a spiky green exterior and a soft, fibrous white flesh inside that is both sweet and tangy. Soursop is rich in vitamins C and B, and it is often used in beverages, desserts, and traditional medicine due to its potential health benefits. It is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. It grows on the Annona muricata tree, which is part of the custard apple family.

Easy Ways to Enjoy Soursop

• Smoothies: Blend soursop pulp with yogurt or milk for a refreshing drink
• Ice Cream: Make homemade soursop ice cream for a tropical treat
• Juice: Extract the juice and mix with water and a bit of honey
• Tea: Use soursop leaves to brew a calming tea
• Desserts: Incorporate soursop into pies, cakes, or puddings
   

2. Passion Fruit: Humble Outside, Complex Inside

Passionfruit's intricate floral pattern, a symbol of enchanting complexity, draws many in. Seemingly humble in its small round appearance, passion fruit delivers an explosion of tart and tangy flavor under its tough skin, making it an exotic delight. The vibrant, seed-filled pulp, often enjoyed scooped fresh from the shell or incorporated into a variety of dishes, introduces a dynamic taste that parallels its rich nutritional benefits.

Simple Recipes for Passion Fruit

• Juice: Combine the pulp of several passion fruits with water and a touch of sugar
• Sorbet: Blend the pulp with lemon juice and sugar syrup, then freeze
• Salad Dressing: Mix the pulp with olive oil, vinegar, and honey for a zesty dressing
• Glaze for Grilled Chicken: Combine the pulp with soy sauce and ginger

3. Ackee: The National Fruit of Jamaica

Ackee, Jamaica's national fruit, holds an inextricable place in the country's heart, deeply woven into its cultural fabric. In its natural state, ackee appears vibrant red with glossy black seeds nestled within its golden flesh. A staple in Jamaican cuisine , it is commonly paired with saltfish, creating a beloved traditional dish of Jamaica known as "Ackee and Saltfish."

Classic Ackee and Saltfish Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can of ackee (drained)
• 1/2 pound saltfish (codfish)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 2 scallions (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Soak saltfish overnight, then boil and flake
2. Sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and scallions
3. Add tomatoes, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper
4. Stir in saltfish and ackee gently to combine
5. Season with black pepper and cook until heated
    

4. Guava: The Vitamin C Giant

Known for its bold flavor and remarkable nutritional profile, guava stands out as a Caribbean gem. This tropical fruit is lauded for its exceptionally high Vitamin C content, often surpassing that of oranges. Its vibrant pink flesh and crisp texture make it perfect for snacking, juicing, or incorporating into exotic dishes.

Delicious Guava Smoothie Ideas

• Spinach and Banana: Blend guava with spinach and bananas for a nutritious drink
• Tropical Mix: Combine guava, pineapple, and mango for a tropical smoothie

5. Breadfruit: The Starch Alternative

Breadfruit stands out as a remarkable alternative to conventional starches like potatoes or grains. This large, green, globe-shaped fruit is abundant in the Caribbean and has captivated locals and visitors alike for its rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture, which can effortlessly adapt to various cooking methods.

Popular Breadfruit Recipes

• Roasted Breadfruit: Roast until the flesh is tender and smoky
• Breadfruit Chips: Slice thin and fry to crispy perfection
• Breadfruit Fritters: Spice and deep-fry for a tasty snack

6. Tamarind: The Sweet and Sour Snack

Tamarind's unique flavor profile, a balance of sweetness and tanginess, makes it an extraordinary culinary delight. Caribbean cuisine has long celebrated tamarind's versatility, incorporating it in a myriad of dishes ranging from savory sauces to refreshing beverages.

Fun Tamarind-Based Snacks

• Tamarind Balls: Blend tamarind pulp with sugar for a sweet treat
• Tamarind Chutney: A zesty relish perfect for pairing with fritters or fish
• Tamarind Popsicles: Freeze tamarind pulp for a refreshing snack

7. Banana: The Versatile Favorite

Bananas are ubiquitous in the Caribbean, appreciated for their sweetness and versatility. They are enjoyed fresh, fried, or blended into smoothies, adding a sweet, tropical touch to various dishes. Bananas are also a rich source of potassium, making them a healthy snack option.

Creative Banana Recipes

• Banana Bread: Use ripe bananas to bake moist and flavorful banana bread
• Fried Bananas: Slice and fry bananas for a crispy, sweet treat
• Banana Smoothies: Blend bananas with milk and other fruits for a refreshing drink

8. Coconut: The Tropical Staple

Coconut is a staple in Caribbean diets, with both its water and flesh used in a variety of dishes and beverages. The rich, nutty flavor of coconut enhances everything from desserts to savory curries. Coconut water is also a popular hydrating drink, rich in electrolytes.

Coconut Uses in Cooking

• Coconut Rice: Cook rice with coconut milk for a creamy, flavorful side dish
• Coconut Milk Smoothies: Blend coconut milk with tropical fruits for a rich smoothie
• Coconut Desserts: Use shredded coconut in cakes, cookies, and other desserts
   

9. Pineapple: Iconic Sweet Delight

Pineapples are not just one of the most popular Caribbean fruits but it is a wordwide favorite. Pineapples are known for their tangy sweetness and are a beloved fruit in the Caribbean. They are often eaten fresh, juiced, or grilled, adding a vibrant flavor to any meal. Pineapples are also high in vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion.

Enjoying Pineapple

• Grilled Pineapple: Grill pineapple slices for a caramelized treat
• Pineapple Salsa: Combine pineapple with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a zesty salsa
• Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeeze pineapple for a refreshing drink

10. Plantains: The Starchy Versatile Fruit

Plantains are a versatile, starchy fruit commonly used in Caribbean cooking. They can be fried, boiled, or baked, and are often served as a side dish or snack. Unlike bananas, plantains are usually cooked before eating, as their starchy texture becomes tender and flavorful when cooked.

Tasty Plantain Recipes

• Tostones: Fry plantain slices twice for a crispy snack
• Maduros: Fry ripe plantains until caramelized and sweet
• Plantain Chips: Slice and fry plantains for a crunchy snack
   

11. Spanish Limes: Best Snack For A Beach Day

Spanish limes, also known as quenepas, are small, green fruits with a sweet and tangy pulp. They are typically enjoyed fresh and make a refreshing snack. The pulp is juicy and flavorful, making Spanish limes a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ways to Enjoy Spanish Limes

• Fresh Snack: Simply peel and eat the pulp fresh
• Spanish Lime Juice: Extract the juice for a tangy drink
• Desserts: Use the pulp in fruit salads and desserts
   

12. Mamey Sapote: The Creamy Delight

Mamey sapote is a fruit with creamy, orange flesh that is rich and sweet. It is perfect for eating fresh or adding to smoothies and desserts. The fruit is also a good source of vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious choice.

Mamey Sapote Recipes

• Mamey Smoothies: Blend mamey with milk or yogurt for a creamy drink
• Mamey Ice Cream: Use mamey pulp to make a rich, flavorful ice cream
• Fresh Slices: Enjoy mamey sapote sliced and fresh

13. June Plum: The Tart and Crunchy Fruit

June plum, also known as golden apple, is tart and crunchy, often eaten fresh or used in sauces and drinks. The fruit has a unique flavor that combines sweetness and tartness, making it a versatile ingredient in Caribbean cuisine.

Enjoying June Plum

• Fresh Slices: Eat the fruit fresh for a tart snack
• June Plum Juice: Blend the fruit with water and a touch of sugar
• Sauces and Chutneys: Use june plum in savory sauces and chutneys


 14. Longan: The Sweet and Juicy Snack

Similar to lychee, longan fruits are sweet and juicy, typically enjoyed fresh as a refreshing snack. The translucent flesh has a pleasant texture and a subtle sweetness, making it a popular choice for desserts and drinks.

Ways to Enjoy Longan

• Fresh Snack: Peel and eat fresh longan for a juicy treat
• Longan Syrup: Preserve the fruit in syrup for a sweet dessert topping
• Longan Tea: Use dried longan to brew a fragrant tea
   

15. Chayote: The Mild and Versatile Fruit

Chayote, although often considered a vegetable, is actually a fruit with a mild flavor, used in salads, stews, and stir-fries. Its crisp texture and subtle taste make it a versatile ingredient in many Caribbean dishes.

Cooking with Chayote

• Salads: Slice chayote thinly for a refreshing salad
• Stews: Add chayote to soups and stews for added texture
• Stir-Fries: Stir-fry chayote with garlic and herbs for a simple side dish



16. Sapodilla: The Sweet and Grainy Delight

Sapodilla, also known as naseberry, has a sweet, malty flavor and a grainy texture, enjoyed fresh or in desserts. The fruit's brown flesh is rich and sugary, making it a favorite among those with a sweet tooth.

Enjoying Sapodilla

• Fresh: Eat sapodilla fresh for a sweet treat
• Smoothies: Blend sapodilla with milk for a creamy drink
• Desserts: Use sapodilla in pies and pudding



17. Dragon Fruit: The Vibrant and Exotic Fruit

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is renowned for its vibrant color and unique appearance. The flesh is mildly sweet and has a texture similar to kiwi, making it a popular addition to fruit salads and smoothies.

Ways to Enjoy Dragon Fruit

• Fresh Slices: Eat dragon fruit fresh for a colorful snack
• Smoothies: Blend dragon fruit with other tropical fruits
• Salads: Add dragon fruit to fruit salads for an exotic twist



18. Rambutan: The Hairy and Sweet Fruit

Rambutan is a hairy fruit with a sweet and juicy flesh, similar to lychee. The outer shell is covered in soft spines, which protect the translucent, juicy interior.

Enjoying Rambutan

• Fresh: Peel the shell and eat the fresh fruit
• Fruit Salads: Add rambutan to fruit salads for a tropical touch
• Desserts: Use rambutan in sweet desserts and drinks

19. Surinam Cherry: The Tangy and Unique Fruit

Surinam cherry is a small, ribbed fruit with a tangy flavor. The bright red or orange fruit is often used in jams, jellies, and juices, and can also be eaten fresh.

Ways to Enjoy Surinam Cherry

• Fresh Snack: Eat the cherries fresh for a tart treat
• Jams and Jellies: Use Surinam cherries to make preserves
• Juice: Blend the cherries for a refreshing juice

20. Lychee: The Delicate and Sweet Fruit

Lychee is a small, round fruit with a sweet and fragrant flesh. The outer shell is rough and pinkish-red, but inside, the juicy fruit is a delight to eat.

Enjoying Lychee

• Fresh: Peel and eat lychee fresh
• Lychee Juice: Blend lychee for a refreshing drink
• Desserts: Use lychee in sorbets and fruit salads

21. Jackfruit: The Large and Versatile Fruit

Jackfruit is known for its large size and versatile use. The flesh can be eaten ripe for a sweet treat or used unripe as a meat substitute in savory dishes due to its fibrous texture.

Cooking with Jackfruit

• Ripe: Eat the sweet, ripe flesh fresh
• Curry: Use unripe jackfruit in curries for a meat-like texture
• Desserts: Use ripe jackfruit in sweets and desserts



22. Sorrel: A Taste of Caribbean Tradition

Sorrel is the Jamaican name of both a flower and a drink made from it, also known as the hibiscus sabdariffa flower. It is a popular Caribbean beverage known for its tart, cranberry-like flavor. Traditionally enjoyed during Christmas, it is now available year-round. Sorrel is often brewed with spices like cinnamon, clove, and ginger, and sometimes mixed with rum. It's rich in antioxidants and may offer health benefits like lowering blood pressure and improving liver health.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Sorrel

• Sorrel Drink: Brew sorrel flowers with spices like ginger, clove, and cinnamon. Sweeten to taste and enjoy this refreshing, tart beverage chilled or warm.
• Sorrel Sorbet: Enjoy sorrel in a frozen form by blending the brewed drink with sugar and freezing it into a delightful sorbet. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
• Sorrel Jam: Cook sorrel flowers with sugar and pectin to create a tangy jam. Spread it on toast or use it as a topping for desserts for a unique flavor twist.

23. Prickly Pear: The Colorful and Nutritious Fruit

Prickly pear, also known as cactus fruit, is a vibrant fruit with a sweet taste and numerous health benefits. The fruit is typically red or purple, and the flesh contains small, edible seeds.

Ways of Enjoying Prickly Pear

• Fresh: Peel and eat the flesh fresh for a juicy snack
• Juice: Blend prickly pear for a refreshing and nutrient-rich juice
• Salads: Add prickly pear to fruit salads for a pop of color and flavor
   

24. Carambola: The Star-Shaped Fruit

Carambola, commonly known as starfruit, is a tropical fruit known for its unique star shape when sliced. It has a crisp texture and a mildly sweet and tangy flavor.

Ways to Enjoy Carambola

• Fresh Slices: Eat fresh carambola slices as a refreshing snack
• Juices: Blend carambola for a tangy juice
• Garnishes: Use starfruit slices to garnish drinks and desserts

25. Avocado: The Creamy and Versatile Fruit

Avocado is a creamy fruit rich in healthy fats and nutrients. It is commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes, adding a smooth texture and rich flavor.

Cooking with Avocado

• Guacamole: Mash avocado with lime, salt, and spices for a classic dip
• Smoothies: Blend avocado with fruits for a creamy smoothie
• Salads: Add avocado slices to salads for a nutritious boost

26. Cherimoya: The Custard Apple

Cherimoya, also known as custard apple or sweet apple, has a creamy, custard-like texture and a sweet, tropical flavor. The fruit is typically enjoyed fresh or used in desserts.

Enjoying Cherimoya

• Fresh: Scoop out the creamy flesh and eat fresh
• Smoothies: Blend cherimoya with other tropical fruits
• Desserts: Use cherimoya in custards and ice creams
   

27. Cocoplum: The Small and Sweet Fruit

Cocoplum is a small, sweet fruit often found growing along coastal areas in the Caribbean. It can be eaten fresh or used in jams and desserts.

Ways to Enjoy Cocoplum

• Fresh: Eat fresh cocoplum as a sweet snack
• Jams: Make cocoplum jam for a delicious spread
• Desserts: Use cocoplum in pies and tarts
   

28. Mammee Apple: The Tropical Delight

Mammee apple is a tropical fruit with a sweet and aromatic flavor. This Caribbean fruit has a thick, brown skin and bright orange flesh, often eaten fresh or used in preserves.

Enjoying Mammee Apple

• Fresh: Eat the sweet flesh fresh
• Preserves: Make mammee apple jam or jelly
• Beverages: Use mammee apple in smoothies and drinks



29. Sweet potato: 

The sweet potato is very nutritious and high in vitamin A. The sweet potato grows in most warm and moist climates, including the Caribbean. Its scientific name is Ipomoea batatas. The sweet potato is not related to yams or potatoes. The sweet potato plant is a climbing vine.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato

1. Helps good digestion
2. Supports healthy vision
3. Helps to control diabetes
4. Helps in cancer prevention
5. Contributes to the minimization of heart risks
6. May enhance brain function
7. May boost the immune sytem
8. Helps to improve skin
    

30. Breadnut: The Nutty Fruit

Breadnut is similar to breadfruit but produces edible seeds that are cooked and eaten like nuts. The seeds are rich in protein and can be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour.

Ways to Enjoy Breadnut

• Boiled: Boil breadnut seeds for a nutritious snack
• Roasted: Roast the seeds for a crunchy treat
• Flour: Grind seeds into flour for baking

31. Calabash: The Versatile Gourd

Calabash is a large gourd used in Caribbean cultures for its edible flesh and hard shell, which can be dried and used as containers or utensils.

Uses for Calabash

• Fresh: Eat the flesh cooked in stews or soups
• Containers: Use the dried shell as bowls or utensils
• Decorative: Carve and decorate the shells for crafts



32. Malanga: Nutty Flavor, Easy Digestion!

Malanga is a tropical root vegetable, similar to taro, with a nutty flavor. It's used in soups, stews, and baking, and is known for being hypoallergenic and easily digestible.

Cooking with Malanga

• Boiled: Boil malanga for a side dish
• Mashed: Mash cooked malanga for a creamy texture
• Fried: Slice and fry malanga for a crispy snack

33. Craboo: Tropical Wine Ingredient

Craboo, a small fruit from the "Bahamian Cherry" family, is popular in Belize and other parts of Central and South America. The fruits, which range in color from green to yellow or reddish-brown, are enjoyed in various forms such as wine, stewed, preserved, rum cream, ice cream, and with condensed milk.

Ways to Enjoy Craboo:

• Craboo Wine: Ferment craboo fruits to create a unique, flavorful wine.
• Stewed Craboo: Cook craboo fruits with sugar and spices for a sweet, tangy treat.
• Craboo Ice Cream: Blend craboo fruits into a creamy, refreshing dessert.
   

34. Okra: The Slimy Vegetable

Okra is a popular vegetable in Caribbean cuisine, known for its mucilaginous texture when cooked. It is often used in soups, stews, and fried dishes.

Cooking with Okra

• Soups and Stews: Add okra to soups and stews for thickness
• Fried: Fry okra for a crispy snack
• Pickled: Pickle okra for a tangy side dish

35. Papaya: Tropical Sweetness, Nutrient Richness

Papaya (Carica papaya), or pawpaw, is a tropical fruit with sweet, musky flavor and vibrant orange flesh. Oval-shaped and weighing one to two pounds, it ripens from green to yellow. Inside, it contains juicy flesh and edible black seeds. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, papaya is enjoyed fresh, in salads, smoothies, or as a digestive aid due to its enzyme, papain. It's popular in both Asian and Caribbean cuisines.

Papaya Lime Salad

Ingredients

• 1 ripe papaya
• 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Papaya: Peel the papaya, cut it in half, and remove the seeds then dice it into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of one lime then add one tablespoon of honey and a pinch of salt, and stir until well combined.

Combine: Pour the lime and honey dressing over the diced papaya. Gently toss to coat the papaya evenly with the dressing.

Garnish and Serve: Optionally, chop a few fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them over the salad for added freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing papaya lime salad!

Try 5 Caribbean fruit cocktail recepies

Enjoy these tasty fruit cocktails from fresh produce. You can make them at home or in your apartment during your Caribbean vacation.

1. Caribbean Mango Passion

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 passion fruit, pulp scooped out
• 2 oz rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine the ingredients in a blender
2. Blend until smooth
3. Pour into a chilled glass
4. Garnish with mint leaves

2. Pineapple Coconut Delight

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 oz coconut rum
• 1 oz coconut cream
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• Ice
• Pineapple slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine the ingredients in a blender
2. Shake well until chilled
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice
4. Garnish with a pineapple slice and cherry

3. Tropical Guava Breeze

Ingredients

• 1 cup guava nectar
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz club soda
• Ice
• Lime wheel for garnish
   

Instructions

1. In a shaker, combine guava nectar, lime juice, vodka, and ice
2. Shake well until chilled
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice
4. Top with club soda
5. Garnish with a lime wheel

4. Papaya Sunset

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh papaya chunks
• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1 oz grenadine
• Ice
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine papaya chunks, white rum, orange juice, and ice
2. Blend until smooth
3. Pour grenadine into the bottom of a glass
4. Slowly pour the blended mixture over the grenadine to create a layered effect
5. Garnish with an orange slice

5. Starfruit Mojito

Ingredients

• 1 ripe starfruit, sliced
• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Soda water
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice
   

Instructions

1. Muddle starfruit slices and mint leaves in a glass
2. Add ice, white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup
3. Stir well
4. Top with soda water
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and a starfruit slice