Every year around this time, fruit stands all over Costa Rica begin to glow bright red. This is because mamones chinos, as they’re called in Spanish, are in season. A favorite among locals, they signal the transition from the green season into the final stretch of the year.
Originally from Southeast Asia, lychees are now grown in several tropical regions, including Costa Rica’s Central Pacific and northern Caribbean areas, where the warm, humid climate allows them to flourish. In Costa Rica, they are often harvested from small local farms before appearing at markets and roadside stands.
Peel away the skin, and you’ll find a juicy, translucent fruit that’s sweet, slightly tangy, and refreshing, perfect for a beach day snack. Locals often buy them by the kilo straight from vendors, enjoying them on the go or sharing them with friends and family.
During mamón chino season, you’ll even see the colorful shells scattered along sidewalks and roads, a small sign of how loved this fruit is as a snack to carry anywhere.
The outside might look a little scary or unfamiliar with its spiky appearance, but once you try it, you’ll discover a tropical delight that’s both fun to eat and a symbol of Costa Rica’s rich fruit diversity.
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