19 Delicious Chilean Fruits: Experience The Exotic

Traveling in South America will introduce you to many new fruit varieties, and Chilean fruits are no exception. From the bustling markets of Santiago to the serene orchards in the countryside, each place introduces a new fruit, flavor, and culinary experience.

So, sit back and enjoy the richness and diversity of these delicious Chilean fruits. You may even discover a new favorite fruit!

19 Popular Chilean Fruits to Try on Your Next Trip to South America

Fruit production regions in Chile include O’Higgins, Maude, and Bio Bio.

Chirimoya or Custard Apple

One of the most beloved Chilean fruits is the Chirimoya, also known as the custard apple.

Custard Apples have a sweet taste similar to a combination of pineapple, banana, and strawberry.

The texture of the Chirimoya is creamy and smooth, making it a satisfying treat for any fruit lover.

The popularity of these delicious fruits in Chile stems from their versatility in cooking and their potential health benefits. Mark Twain once called these the most delicious fruit known to men. And it is hard to disagree.

Chirimoya has high levels of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Tuna Fruit or Prickly Pear

One of the more popular Chilean fruits is the Tuna Fruit, also known as Prickly Pear.

This vibrant fruit is known for its unique taste and texture. The Prickly Pear has a subtle sweetness and a hint of sourness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Its soft and juicy texture makes it a refreshing treat during hot summers in Chile. Prickly Pears grow on tall cacti and are also favored for their health benefits.

Tuna fruits are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and have anti-inflammatory properties. Its popularity in Chile can be attributed to its versatility in cooking and its delectable flavor.

Related: 17 Tropical Fruits You Need to Try

Uvilla

Uvilla, or aguaymanto, is a tiny round fruit with a sweet and slightly sour taste. It is native to Chile and grows on bushes in the Andes Mountains.

The texture of this super-sweet fruit is similar to that of an apricot, with its flesh being crunchy and juicy at the same time.

Due to its unique flavor and texture, Uvilla has become popular among fruit enthusiasts in Chile. It can be eaten fresh or used as an ingredient in desserts.

Uvilla also contains high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals that are essential for maintaining good health.

Lucuma or Egg Fruit

Chilean fruits are renowned for their delicious taste and unique flavors; the lucuma, or egg fruit, is no exception.

This exotic fruit has a creamy, smooth texture that is similar to custard or pumpkin, with a distinctly sweet taste that is often compared to caramel or maple syrup.

It’s no wonder that the lucuma is so popular in Chile, where it is used in various traditional dishes and desserts, including ice cream, cakes, and pies.

The lucuma, a staple fruit at markets, is delicious and packed with nutrients, including antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy and tasty addition to any diet.

Maqui Berry or Chilean Wineberry

Chile has various unique and flavorful fruits, but the Maqui Berry, also known as the Chilean Wineberry, is among the most popular.

This fruit has a distinct, sweet-tart flavor with undertones of blackberry and cherry, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The texture is soft and juicy, with a slight crunch from the tiny seeds.

What makes this berry so special, however, is its powerful antioxidant properties, which have been praised for their potential health benefits.

Whether eaten fresh or used in jams, juices, or desserts, the Maqui Berry is a cherished ingredient in Chilean cuisine that truly encapsulates the country’s rich and diverse fruit offerings.

Manzana or Chilean Apples

Chilean Apples, known locally as Manzana, are a delicious fruit with a unique taste and texture that makes them popular in Chile and beyond.

These apples have a sweet and slightly tart taste, with a crisp and juicy texture that is perfect for snacking or baking.

Their year-round availability makes Chilean Apples stand out, thanks to the country’s mild climate.

As a result, these apples are exported in large quantities worldwide each year.

Whether enjoyed on their own or used in a recipe, the delicious flavor of Chilean Apples cannot be beaten.

Nalca or Chilean Rhubarb

The Nalca, also known as Chilean rhubarb, is a fascinating fruit that grows in southern Chile.

This fruit is an absolute treat for the taste buds, with a unique flavor profile that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of apple and the earthiness of carrot.

The texture of Nalca is also quite remarkable – it’s firm and juicy at the same time, almost like a cross between a fruit and a vegetable.

Arandano or Blueberries

The Arandano, or Blueberry, is a popular fruit in Chile known for its unique taste and texture.

It has a slightly tart flavor with a touch of sweetness, making it perfect for adding to salads, smoothies, or even eating alone as a healthy snack.

A convenient and versatile Chile fruit.

The texture of Chilean Blueberries is soft and juicy yet still firm enough to hold its shape.

It is also well known for its low-calorie count and high nutritional value.

The Arandano is highly sought after in Chile and is often found in most grocery stores year-round.

One of the most popular recipes featuring the Arandano is a simple blueberry jam, which is perfect for spreading on toast or adding to yogurt.

Cerezas or Chilean Cherries

Cerezas, also known as Chilean Cherries, are a popular fruit in Chile known for their delicious sweet taste and unique texture.

Unlike other cherry varieties, Cerezas have a firmer and juicier texture, making them perfect for snacking or adding to salads or desserts.

These cherries are essential to Chilean cuisine and a must-try for any foodie visiting the country.

One of the most popular recipes made with Cerezas is a chocolate and cherry brownie bite, an indulgent sweet treat.

Whether you’re snacking on them or baking them into your favorite cherry recipe, Cerezas will become a new favorite in your fruit bowl.

Papayuelo or Mountain Papaya

The Papayuelo, also known as the Mountain Papaya, is a fruit that is beloved by many in Chile.

Unlike its tropical Papaya cousin, the Chilean papaya has a unique taste and texture that sets it apart.

Its flesh is creamy and juicy, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that is reminiscent of a mix between a pear and a melon.

Its texture is similar to that of a banana but with a softer bite.

Coquitos or Palm Tree Nuts

Coquitos, also known as Palm Tree Nuts, are a delicious fruit that is widely consumed in Chile.

The coquitos are small, brown nuts with a sweet and nutty flavor.

The texture is crunchy and slightly chewy, making it a satisfying snack.

Apart from its taste and texture, the coquitos are also packed with nutritional benefits like vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

One of the most popular ways to eat coquitos is to roast them.

Murtilla or Murta or Chilean Guava

Chilean fruits are known for their unique flavors and textures, and one such fruit that stands out is the Murtilla, also known as the Chilean Guava.

The Murtilla has a sweet and tangy taste that is often compared to a mix of cranberries and raspberries, and its texture is soft and pulpy.

It is a popular fruit in Chile, especially during the summer months, as it is often used in traditional desserts like Murtilla ice cream and Murtilla tart.

The fruit is also used to make a refreshing drink called Murtado, which is a popular summer beverage in Chile.

Frutilla or Chilean Strawberry or Chilean White Strawberry

Chilean fruits are known for their unique flavors and textures; the Frutilla or Chilean White Strawberry is no exception.

This fruit is popular among locals and visitors alike, known for its sweet taste and juicy texture.

The white strawberry is often used in desserts, such as a popular recipe for Frutillas con Crema, which is a dish of sliced Frutillas topped with homemade whipped cream.

The fruit is also enjoyed on its own as a refreshing snack. Its popularity in Chile can be attributed to its ability to thrive in its cool climate and high altitudes.

Whether enjoyed fresh or incorporated into a delicious dessert, the Chilean white strawberry is a must-try for any fruit lover visiting Chile.

Pepino Dulce

Chilean fruits are known for their unique flavors and textures; Pepino Dulce is no exception.

This fruit, also known as the sweet cucumber, has a distinct taste that is difficult to compare to any other fruit.

Its soft and juicy texture makes it a refreshing snack on a hot day.

Pepino Dulce has become increasingly popular in Chile due to its versatility in cooking and is commonly used in a salad called “ensalada de frutas” or fruit salad.

The dish combines various fruits and is dressed simply with honey, making it a delicious and healthy dessert option.

Membrillo or Quince

Chilean fruits are a treasure trove of unique flavors and textures, and the Membrillo stands out in particular.

This yellow fruit, also known as the quince, has a distinctive tart taste that can be softened when cooked with sugar.

Its texture is hard and almost inedible when raw, but it becomes soft, translucent, and fragrant when cooked.

In Chile, it is a very popular fruit that is used in many recipes. One of the most well-known is the dulce de membrillo, a sweet paste made from cooked quince and sugar.

It is often enjoyed as a dessert, bread, or crackers spread.

Limón de Pica

The Pica Lemon is a small yet powerful fruit that is popular in Chilean culture.

Its flavor is very acidic and tart, with a slight sweetness that balances the sourness.

The texture of the Pica Lemon is firm and slightly crunchy, making it an interesting addition to any meal.

Known for its high levels of Vitamin C, this fruit is a great source of nutrition.

Paltas or Chilean Avocados

Paltas, commonly known as Chilean Avocados, are a treat for the taste buds.

The fruit has a creamy texture and a nutty flavor, making it stand out from other avocados found worldwide.

Its rich taste and velvety texture stem from its natural growth process in Chile’s ideal climate and soil.

Paltas are used in various Chilean dishes and are praised for their health benefits and delicious flavor. They can be used to make dips and salsas.

Calafate Berry

The Calafate Berry is a small but mighty fruit that is a beloved staple in Chilean cuisine.

Its unique flavor is often described as a cross between a blueberry and a cranberry with a slightly tart taste that is perfect for baking or making jams and jellies.

When fresh, Calafate Berries have a firmer texture similar to a grape, but their texture becomes soft and luscious when cooked.

This fruit has become popular in Chile due to its many health benefits, including its high fiber content and abundant antioxidants.

One popular recipe is the Calafate berry tart, which combines fresh Calafate Berries, sugar, and cinnamon before being baked to perfection in a buttery crust.

It’s a delicious way to showcase the unique flavor of this amazing Chilean fruit.

Chilean Kiwi fruit

The Chilean Kiwi fruit is a sweet and tangy fruit that has been popular in Chile.

The texture of this fruit is fluffy, and the taste is a combination of sweet and sour.

The fruit is widely cultivated in Chile due to its high nutritional value and recipe versatility.

It is commonly used in fruit salads, smoothies, and even in savory dishes.

The Chilean Kiwi fruit is also famously used to make a refreshing salsa that pairs well with grilled fish or chicken.

Final Thoughts on Chilean Fruits

Chile has a wealth of unique and delicious fruits that will satisfy any fruit lover. Chilean fruits are unique from the sweet and tangy Murtilla to the creamy and nutty Paltas.

They not only offer incredible flavors and textures but many of their health benefits as well.

Whether you’re snacking on them fresh or enjoying a decadent dessert made with them, Chilean fruits will surely make an enjoyable addition to any meal.

So, if you find yourself in Chile, try these unique fruits and discover the delightful flavors of South America.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Chilean Fruits