Explore Unique Fruits in Brazil

When Brazil comes to mind, you may think of its vibrant carnival—one of the most famous in the world—along with samba music, stunning beaches, and lush rainforests. Another iconic feature is the towering 98-foot high Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world.

Furthermore, Brazilian cuisine stands out, especially its popular dish feijoada, a hearty bean stew typically composed of slow-cooked black beans with pork or beef. If visiting Brazil, make sure to indulge in the colorful and diverse fruits available, frequently showcased at local markets.

1. Jabuticaba

The jabuticaba (zha-bu-chee-KAH-bah) is among the most unusual fruits native to Brazil. This dark purple fruit resembles a perfectly round grape; however, instead of consuming the thick skin, you’ll pierce it with your teeth, pushing the fruit’s flesh into your mouth while discarding the small seed.

This sought-after and occasionally pricey fruit can be found in limited quantities at local grocery stores or packed in boxes at fruit and vegetable markets. Its flavor is a delightful blend of tartness and sweetness, reminiscent of grape juice.

Interestingly, jabuticaba grows directly on the trunk of its tree, beginning as small green spheres before ripening into dark purple. The name originates from two words in the Tupi language, roughly translating to “place where tortoises come from.”

2. Atemoia

The atemoia (ah-teh-MOY-ah) is a delicious fruit often available in outdoor markets in Brazil, typically priced higher than many other common fruits.

This large green fruit is a cross between a sugar apple and cherimoya, and it should be consumed when it yields slightly to pressure. Once opened, you’ll find white flesh inside—soft and somewhat grainy in texture—offering a delightful mix of sweetness and acidity. Each portion of the fruit contains sizable black seeds that you’ll need to spit out.

3. Açaí

Açaí (ah-sigh-EE) is a fruit found in the Brazilian Amazon, renowned internationally for its antioxidant properties. While it can be purchased fresh in some regions, most often, people enjoy the frozen pulp. Many locals order a bowl of cold açaí pulp, often topped with bananas and granola, making it a refreshing treat.

4. Passionfruit

Passionfruit, known as maracujá (mah-rah-ku-ZHAH) in Portuguese, comes in two primary varieties: sweet (doce) and sour (azedo). Generally, the sweet option is preferred. To enjoy it, simply cut the fruit in half and scoop out the edible juice and seeds.

One popular dessert featuring this fruit is mousse de maracujá, a light mousse made from sweet condensed milk and passionfruit juice with a topping of fresh passionfruit seeds. This rich, flavorful dessert can be found in many Brazilian restaurants, cafes, and buffets.

5. Guava

Guava, or goiaba (goy-AH-bah), is a staple fruit in Brazil, available throughout the year in markets, grocery stores, and street vendors. Two primary varieties exist—goiaba branca (white) and goiaba vermelha (red).

It can be enjoyed in various ways: sliced into rounds, bitten into like an apple, or cut in half to scoop out the flesh along with the edible seeds. Moreover, guava is transformed into a delightful paste called goiabada, which is essentially guava cooked with sugar and water to form a soft, thick consistency. This makes for a great gift due to its affordability and longevity. It is often paired with plain white cheese, particularly queijo Minas, to create a dessert known as Romeo e Julieta, symbolizing the perfect pairing of flavors.

6. The Best Bananas

In Brazil, bananas are unique and abundant, with many affordable varieties readily available in markets. The banana-maçã or apple-banana is especially popular for its delightful taste.

Consumed best when the skin is fully yellow and dotted with brown spots, this small fruit should feel soft to the touch. If firm, it may impart an unpleasant texture. The flavor is sweet, vaguely reminiscent of apple, and they tend to be sold in clusters, often at slightly higher prices than other banana varieties.