Growing up in the Philippines, I have vivid memories of my lola’s garden bursting with vibrant fruits. Each month brought a new bounty, from the sweet mangoes of summer to the juicy pineapples of winter. This seasonal dance of fruits is a beautiful tradition, and one that I wanted to share with you.
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The Philippines, an archipelago blessed with tropical weather, has a year-round abundance of fruits. But there’s something special about enjoying fruits at their peak ripeness, bursting with flavor and sweetness. This guide will take you on a delicious journey, month by month, exploring the freshest fruit offerings that the Philippines has to offer.
January: A Sweet Start to the Year
As the New Year begins, the Philippines welcomes a plethora of sweet and tangy fruits. Mangoes, often hailed as the “king of fruits,” are in full swing. Their sweetness and aroma are a welcome treat after the holidays. You’ll also find plenty of lanzones, known for their delicate, sweet-sour flavor, and the refreshing guyabano (soursop) with its creamy, slightly tart flesh.
This time of year also sees the arrival of the durian, a unique fruit with a pungent aroma and creamy, custard-like texture. While some find its smell overwhelming, others adore its rich flavor. There’s also the atis, a heart-shaped fruit with a creamy, custard-like texture and a mildly sweet flavor. It’s a refreshing treat, especially when enjoyed as a dessert.
February: A Burst of Citrus Flavors
February is a month of citrusy delights. The calamansi, a small, tangy citrus fruit, is widely used in Filipino cuisine, adding a bright and refreshing flavor to dishes. Look out for the juicy ponkan, a sweet and seedless mandarin orange, perfect for snacking. You’ll also find the kaimito (star apple), a sweet, creamy fruit with a unique star-shaped cross-section.
This month also sees the peak season for guava, with its distinct sweet-tart flavor. Whether enjoyed fresh, juiced, or in desserts, guava is a beloved staple in the Filipino diet. And for those who prefer a more tropical taste, you’ll also find the sweet and creamy rambutan, a hairy fruit with a delicate flavor.
March: A Blend of Sweet and Tart
March brings the arrival of santol, a sweet and tangy fruit with a unique aroma. It’s often enjoyed fresh, but can also be added to salads or used in desserts. This month also sees the peak season for mangosteen, a royal fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. Its dark purple skin hides a delicate, white flesh that’s truly a delight. You’ll also find the juicy, red bayabas (guava) and the crisp, green santol, a fruit with a distinctive tangy flavor.
For a more exotic taste, look for the marang, a spiky fruit with a creamy, custard-like texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It’s a delicacy that’s definitely worth trying.
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April: The Beginning of Summer Fruits
April marks the beginning of summer in the Philippines, and with it comes a burst of tropical flavors. Watermelon, a refreshing and hydrating fruit, is a favorite during this time. You’ll also find the tart and juicy kasoy (cashew), a fruit with a unique flavor and a high nutritional value. The duhat, a small, black fruit with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, is also in season and is often enjoyed fresh or juiced.
This month also sees the beginning of the mango harvest. From the sweet and aromatic carabao mango to the tangy Pico mango, there’s a variety to suit every taste.
May: A Feast of Summer Delights
May is a month of pure summer indulgence. The mango season reaches its peak, offering a variety of flavors and sweetness. You’ll also find the lanzones, with its delicate sweetness, and the durian, a fruit that’s enjoyed by many during this season. The marang, with its creamy, custard-like texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, is also in abundance.
Enjoy the juicy, red bayabas (guava) and the crisp, green santol, a fruit with a distinctive tangy flavor. And for those who prefer a slightly tart fruit, the star apple is a refreshing option, with its unique star-shaped cross-section.
June: A Taste of Tropical Paradise
June is the heart of summer, and the Philippines is bursting with tropical fruit options. The jackfruit, the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, is a sight to behold. Its sweet, creamy flesh is a versatile ingredient, often used in desserts and savory dishes. You’ll also find the pineapple, with its sweet and tangy flavor, and the banana, a versatile fruit enjoyed in many forms.
This month also sees the arrival of the macopa, a sweet and tangy fruit with a unique texture. It’s often enjoyed fresh, but can also be used in jams and jellies.
July: A Blend of Sweet and Tangy
July continues the summer fruit festival. The sweet, creamy mango is still in abundance, along with the juicy pineapple. The jackfruit season also continues, offering a bounty of its sweet, creamy flesh. For those who prefer a more tart flavor, the guava is a delightful option.
July also marks the peak season for papaya, a sweet and nutritious fruit with a creamy texture. You’ll also find the cherimoya, a sweet and custard-like fruit that’s a real treat.
August: The Return of the Rains
As the rains begin to fall in August, the Philippines welcomes a variety of fruits that thrive in these conditions. You’ll find the guyabano (soursop) with its creamy, slightly tart flesh, and the duhat, a small, black fruit with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. The citrus family is also well-represented, with the calamansi, ponkan, and suha (pomelo) all in season.
Another fruit that thrives in the rainy season is the bilimbi, a tangy and sour fruit often used in salads and chutneys. Its unique flavor and texture make it a welcome addition to any meal.
September: A Harvest of Summer’s Bounty
September is a time of transition, with the summer fruits slowly giving way to the fruits of the cooler months. You’ll still find mango, jackfruit, and pineapple in abundance, but the lanzones, with its delicate sweetness, starts to make its appearance. This month also sees the arrival of the atis, a heart-shaped fruit with a creamy, custard-like texture and a mildly sweet flavor.
The durian, with its pungent aroma and creamy, custard-like texture, also makes a comeback this month. And for those looking for a tangy treat, the guava is a delightful option.
October: A Taste of Autumn
As the weather cools down in October, the Philippines welcomes tropical fruits with a more delicate flavor. The lanzones, with its sweet and fragrant flesh, is a popular fruit during this month. You’ll also find the duhat, with its tangy and slightly sweet flavor, and the star apple, known for its star-shaped cross-section. The santol, with its unique tangy flavor, is also in abundance and can be enjoyed fresh or added to salads.
October also sees the arrival of the pomarrosa, a sweet and aromatic fruit with a soft texture. It’s often used in desserts and beverages.
November: A Blend of Tradition and Flavors
November is a time of celebration in the Philippines, and the fruit offerings reflect the joyous atmosphere. The lanzones, with its delicate sweetness, is a favorite during this month, alongside the atis, with its creamy, custard-like texture and a mildly sweet flavor. You’ll also find the duhat, with its tangy and slightly sweet flavor, and the star apple, known for its unique star-shaped cross-section. The santol, with its tangy flavor, is also in season this month.
This month also sees the arrival of the chico, a sweet and creamy fruit with a smooth texture. Its unique flavor is often enjoyed in desserts.
December: A Festive Fruit Extravaganza
December heralds the arrival of the holiday season in the Philippines. Fruits like the mango, banana, and pineapple are popular ingredients in holiday dishes and desserts. The lanzones, with its delicate sweetness, is also a favorite during this month. The santol adds a unique tangy flavor to holiday meals, and the atis, with its creamy, custard-like texture, is enjoyed as a refreshing dessert.
For those looking for a more unusual fruit experience, the durian, with its pungent aroma and creamy, custard-like texture, is a popular choice during this month.
Tips for Enjoying Seasonal Fruits
Eating seasonally is not just about enjoying the freshest flavors. It’s also a way of supporting local farmers and contributing to sustainable agriculture. Here are some tips for enjoying seasonal fruits in the Philippines:
• Visit Local Markets: Farmers’ markets are a great way to find fresh, locally grown fruits. You’ll also have a chance to interact with the farmers and learn about the different varieties of fruits available.
• Seek Out Specialty Stores: Some stores specialize in selling exotic and seasonal fruits. You’ll often find unique varieties that are not found in regular supermarkets.
• Experiment with Recipes: There are endless ways to enjoy seasonal fruits. From salads and desserts to smoothies and jams, explore different recipes to find your favorites.
• Share the Experience: Sharing fruit is a great way to connect with loved ones. Invite friends over for a fruit tasting party, or include seasonal fruits in your next get-together.
FAQs about Fruits in Season in the Philippines
Q: Where can I find a complete list of fruits in season in the Philippines?
A: You can find comprehensive lists of fruits in season in the Philippines online, at local farmers’ markets, and in agricultural magazines and publications.
Q: Are there any websites or apps that track seasonal fruits in the Philippines?
A: Yes, there are websites and apps that provide information on seasonal fruits in the Philippines. Some examples include the Department of Agriculture website and various online farmers’ market platforms.
Q: What are the best ways to store fruits to maintain their freshness?
A: Store fruits at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the type of fruit. Avoid storing fruits in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
Fruits In Season By Month In Philippines
Conclusion
The Philippines, a tropical paradise, offers a diverse range of fruits throughout the year. This guide provides insight into the delicious bounty that awaits you, month by month. Enjoy the fresh flavors, support local farmers, and celebrate the vibrant culture of the Philippines, one juicy fruit at a time.
Are you excited to explore the wonderful world of fruits in season in the Philippines? Let us know your favorite fruits and any tips you have for enjoying them!
