Longan (Lam-Yai) – look like big brown grapes on a branch. They have a thin but hard shell that is easy to break open. The flesh is clear and very sweet with a pit inside. These are delicious but don’t eat too many at one time, as you can get cold sores or even a fever.
Jackfruit (Khanoon) - This is a fascinating fruit that comes in a huge spindly ball. Opening it up, you can pull out separate pods, which are around 3” long. These pods have large seeds inside that can be peeled, boiled and eaten with salt. The flesh of the fruit has a pungent taste and smell, somewhat crunchy and a little sour/starchy feel to it. Sometimes they are very sweet, and other times they are pretty bland.
Durian (Tu-Rian) - is one of the most bizarre fruits on earth. It is a rich, unique tasting fruit, but to some, it is a putrid-smelling, lousy excuse for a food. It has an extremely strong and unpleasant aroma, as well as a deadly look. Trying this fruit is a step into another world. Durian is quite expensive and due to it’s powerfully imposing smell; it is actually banned from many hotels, busses and planes.
Rose Apple (Chom-Poo) - This looks like a cross between a thin red pepper and an apple. Cut them into lengthwise slices and eat the thin pieces. These are delicious – sweet and crunchy. They are also called Bell or Mountain Apples.
Dragon Fruit (Gao Mung Gorn) - This is probably the most dramatic-looking of all the Thai fruits, and the outside appearance gives NO indicator of the inside appearance at all! The fruit is a bright pink oblong shape with pointed green leaves springing out from all sides – hence the name, as it DOES look a little dragon-like. Cutting it open down the middle of the fruit will display a white center, filled with tiny black dots. To eat this fruit, scoop out the filling with a spoon. This fruit is moist, sweet, crunchy and delicious! When picking out dragon fruit, “the redder the better” for ripeness!
May I 2018
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