Mamón Chino: A Beloved Fruit of Costa Rica
Mamón Chinos are sweet, juicy, and delicious. Despite their slightly unconventional appearance, these red, hairy fruits are a wonderful and inexpensive snack to carry along on your travels. This might be the reason you have been seeing their lively, colorful shells strewn around town or decorating the beach.
“Chinese sucker” would be the direct translation for its Spanish name, although in English they are called rambutan. The fruit is native to Southeast Asian countries but has adapted very well to Costa Rica’s tropical climate and an extremely popular fruit here.
Mastering the Art of Eating Mamón Chino
To enjoy a rambutan, use a knife or your fingers to break open the tough, spiny shell and peel it off to expose the fruit’s flesh. The meat of the fruit is firm and akin to a grape though slightly denser. Describing the flavor is more of a challenge, but some liken it to a fusion of a grape, sweet lychee, and a pear. Keep in mind that the fruit’s core has a large pit as you bite into them.
Seize the Season of This Delicious Tropical Fruit
The peak season for these sweet treats is September and October, so make the most of this time by keeping an eye out for local fruit vendors or paying a visit to a farmers' market. Rambutans are packed full of antioxidants, as well as nutrients like vitamin C and rich fiber content, they offer a wholesome treat for your palate.
