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From sweet jackfruit to tart mangosteen – Cambodian Fruits offer an explosion of flavor! Whether you’re a fan of juicy mangoes, exotic dragon fruit, or any of the other delicious offerings, you’ll be sure to find something that satisfies your craving for these 15 popular tropical fruits in Cambodia.
Cambodia is a great place for growing fruit because of the country’s landscape and climate. The various regions within Cambodia have different soils, rainfall amounts and temperatures which provide the perfect conditions for a variety of fruit trees to flourish.
Festivals Celebrating Fruits in Cambodia
Cambodia is a land of cultural treasures, and among them are the country’s vibrant fruit festivals. Celebrations occur across many provinces, each with its unique fruit of focus. For example:
- In Battambang province, the Khmer Durian Festival celebrates the spiky fruit of the durian tree, known for its strong odor but delightful flavor.
- Cambodia’s main fruit festival is called the Kandal Fruits Festival and takes place annually in Kandal Province. This festival celebrates a variety of fruits, specifically durian, mangosteen, rambutan and langsat. The festival typically lasts for three days and is a great opportunity for locals to enjoy different types of fresh fruit from across the country.
- In Kampong Cham, there is a yearly Lychee festival.
What better way to experience different cultures than to celebrate with Cambodian fruits!
Explore 15 Delicious Fruits in Cambodia
Wood Apple
Wood apple is a fruit that is widely known in Cambodia, and one of the most popular fruits in Cambodia.
With its rough exterior and hard shell, the appearance of the wood apple may not be as striking as other fruits, but its taste and nutritional value make up for it.
Wood apple has a sweet-sour taste with a crunchy texture.
In Cambodia, these fruits are commonly used in desserts and drinks such as bubur kedondong (coconut and wood apple pudding) and milkshakes.
Besides their delicious taste, they are also known for their medicinal properties.
It is believed to have several health benefits, such as aiding digestion, improving heart health, and boosting the immune system.
Related: 13 Delicious Types of Papaya
Dragon Fruits
Dragon fruit is a striking tropical fruit that has become increasingly popular in Cambodia.
These Cambodian fruits boast bright pink and green exterior that looks like something out of a fairytale.
Inside, the fruit is soft and juicy, with white or pink flesh dotted with tiny black seeds.
Cambodians have been cultivating dragon fruit for years, and today it can be found in local markets across the country.
Not only does it make for a stunningly beautiful addition to any fruit platter, but the dragon fruit is also loaded with many health benefits.
Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, this superfruit is a delicious way to add a boost of nutrition to your diet.
Plum Mango
Plum mangoes are another of the many exotic Cambodian fruits.
This delectable fruit offers a tantalizing blend of sweetness and tartness, with a juicy and refreshing texture that makes it a popular choice in Cambodian cuisine.
Whether enjoyed fresh or incorporated into dishes such as salads, curries, and desserts, plum mango offers a delightful burst of flavor and a taste of the vibrant culture and cuisine of Cambodia.
Related: Top 20 Fruits in Zanzibar
Cashew apple
The cashew apple may not be the most popular fruit in Cambodia, but it is certainly one of the most unique.
While cashew nuts are well-known and highly prized, the cashew apple is not as well-known.
The fruit itself is kidney-shaped and has waxy, yellow or red skin.
Once peeled, the flesh is juicy and acidic, with a taste that is similar to a combination of apple and grape.
Unlike many other fruits, the cashew apple is not typically eaten raw. Instead, it is often used to make refreshing drinks or fermented into a wine-like beverage.
Langsat
Langsat, also known as duku, is a popular fruit that can be found in Cambodia.
This sweet and sour fruit has brownish-yellow skin and is about the size of a golf ball.
The flesh of the langsat is translucent and contains one large seed.
The fruit is typically eaten fresh, but can also be used in desserts and other dishes.
The delicious fruits are known for their health benefits, as it is high in vitamins and antioxidants.
Mangosteen
Mangosteen, also known as the “queen of fruits,” has been one of Cambodia’s favourite fruits for centuries.
Mangosteen has a sweet-tart flavor and soft but crunchy texture.
Not only is this purple fruit delicious, but it also has a wide range of health benefits.
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and fiber, this fresh fruit has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, skin infections, and even cancer.
Farmers in Cambodia take great pride in cultivating mangosteen, and it is often considered a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
Durian
If you’re a fan of exotic fruits, then durian in Cambodia may just be your next obsession.
This spiky, green-skin fruit is known for its unpleasant smell and creamy texture that many describe as a mix between onions, custard, and cheese.
Though considered a delicacy throughout Southeast Asia, durian has a particularly special place in Cambodian cuisine, where it’s often used in desserts or enjoyed on its own.
Mangoes
Mangoes have become a beloved fruit in Cambodia.
Known as the national fruit, mangoes have a long and rich history in Cambodia.
The first record of mango cultivation in Cambodia dates back to the 18th century.
Since then, mangoes have been a staple of Cambodian cuisine, from salads to desserts.
But it’s not just the delicious taste that makes mangoes popular; they are also packed with nutrients with many health-related benefits.
Banana
Bananas have become a staple in the diet of many Cambodians, with the fruit being widely available throughout the country.
From street vendors to supermarkets, one can easily find this delicious and nutritious fruit.
Bananas not only provide energy but also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and vitamin C.
In addition to being consumed as a snack or dessert, bananas are also used in many Cambodian dishes, adding a sweet and savory touch. Whether fried or grilled, mashed or blended, bananas are a versatile ingredient that enhances the flavor of many traditional Cambodian dishes.
Pineapples
Pineapples in Cambodia have always been a staple in the country’s cuisine.
With their sweet, tangy flavor and juicy texture, it’s no wonder why pineapples are sold widely throughout Cambodia.
These tropical fruits can be found in street markets and grocery stores all throughout Cambodia, and are often used in local dishes such as the popular pineapple fried rice.
Pineapples are also known for their health benefits, like boosting immunity and aiding in digestion.
Related: Pineapple Slushie Recipe
Rambutan
Rambutan has become one of the staple fruits in Cambodia, with its unique appearance and sweet taste making it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
The small, red, hairy fruit is rich in fiber and vitamin C, providing numerous health benefits for those who indulge. But it’s not just the nutritional value that draws people to the rambutan.
Its delicious flavor and juicy flesh make it a refreshing snack on a hot day or a sweet treat at the end of a meal.
In Cambodia, rambutan is often used in desserts and traditional dishes, adding a unique twist to classic recipes.
Related: Rambutan vs Lychee vs Longan – Similarities and Differences
Watermelons
Watermelons have become a favorite fruit amongst the locals in Cambodia, with their sweet and refreshing taste.
They have also become increasingly popular for their health benefits, including being a great source of hydration during the hot and humid Cambodian summers.
The vibrant green and red colors of watermelons can be seen in most markets across the country.
Related: Sparkling Watermelon and Lychee Cocktail
Lychee
Lychees are a popular fruit in Cambodia, known for their sweet and juicy flavor.
This tropical fruit is native to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated in Cambodia for centuries.
The fruit’s juicy, succulent flesh and delicate floral aroma make it a popular ingredient in many traditional Cambodian dishes.
During the peak season, vendors sell lychees by the side of the road, offering the fruit fresh from the tree.
Its popularity has even led to a yearly lychee festival in the province of Kampong Cham, where visitors from all over the country come to taste the sweet and refreshing fruit.
Related: Lychee Martini Recipe
Coconuts
Coconuts have become a staple in Cambodia, not just for their refreshing juice, but also for their versatile flesh.
Once cracked open, the inner flesh can be eaten on its own or used in dishes like curries and desserts.
But it’s the juice that steals the spotlight, especially on hot summer days. With a subtle sweetness and nutty flavor, coconut juice is the perfect way to stay hydrated and cool.
Jackfruit
Its tropical flavor has been described as a mix between pineapple, mango, and banana, making it a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth.
But Jackfruit is not just reserved for dessert or snacking; Cambodian cuisine also incorporates this fruit into savory dishes such as curries, stews, and salads.
One popular dish is “Gra-jab’- a jackfruit salad with pickled vegetables and peanuts.
Summary for Cambodian Fruit
If you enjoyed this look at the tastiest fruits in Cambodia, you may be interested in some of our other fruit-related articles, including:
- Fruits of Vietnam – An Eating Guide
- 15 Delicious Fruits in Bali
- 21 Scrumptious Indonesian Fruits You Need to Try
- African Pear – The Unique African Fruit
- Vietnamese Star Apple
- What to Eat in Cambodia
- 29 Yellow Fruits – Nature’s Golden Treats
Frequently Asked Questions
Durian is one of the most expensive fruits in Cambodia. Known as the “king of fruits,” it has a unique creamy texture and sweet flavor. This seasonal fruit is highly sought after by locals and foreigners alike.
Native fruits in Cambodia include rambutan, mangosteen, durian, jackfruit, and watermelons. These tropical fruits can be found in abundance throughout the country during their respective seasons.
