The available fruits in California are varied due to the warm and enjoyable climate. Adding to that blessing are the diverse imported fruits from tropical countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. Combined, they make Little Saigon a paradise for fruit lovers.
Rambutan, mangoestine, durian, jackfruit, xoai-tuong mangoes, vú sữa milky star fruit, dưa gang melon, longan, lychee, tamarind, guava, pomelo – and more – easily can be found in any Vietnamese supermarket. It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – or the cost of an airline ticket to Southeast Asia — to enjoy one of these heavenly fruits that are grown afar.
Little Saigon, which has the largest overseas Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, is a prime target for these imports – some of which have been newly approved for import. Some of the favorable fruits, such as xoai-tuong mangoes and mangoestines, are considered rare commodities and are well sought after as Vietnamese refugees and immigrants still long for that homeland taste.
So here are the fruits that are in season right now. Enjoy them while the supply lasts.
Mangoesteens – Măng Cụt. Known for its sour and sweet taste, mild and elegant flavor, each mangoesteen contains between two and eight white juicy cloves. Some of the big cloves have pits inside. White cloves are to consume and the purple shells can be broken by putting them between the two palms of your hands. (Photo: Titi Mary Tran)
Xoài Tượng Mangoes. Unlike many green mangoes, xoai-tuong mangoes taste sweet and mildly sour, and a lot better when they are freshly green and crunchy. The price is $4.99 per pound when the fruit is green and $3 for each when it is ripe. Each xoài tượng mango weights about 2 pounds. This is one of the fruits that’s recently been approved to import to U.S. from Vietnam.
Rambutans- Chôm Chôm. Once a rare fruit in Little Saigon, rambutans now is one of the common finds in Vietnamese supermarkets for $1.99 per pound on average. (Photo: Titi Mary Tran)
Green Guarvas – Trái ổi. These humongous green guavas are priced based on their freshness. The cost about $4 per pound for the freshest green ones. (Photo: Titi Mary Tran)
Dưa Gang Melon. These versatile melons are utilized to their fullest in Vietnamese dishes. While the crunchy young dua gang melons are pickled and used as one of the savory condiments to eat with rice, noodle soups and rolls, the creamy ripe version is eaten in smoothies and as a dessert in the hot summer. Health benefits include vitamin A, C and K. Extra benefits in old tales are believed to be weight loss and diabetic prevention. (Photo: Titi Mary Tran).Lychees -Trái vải. (Photo: Titi Mary Tran)Longans – Trái nhãn. (Photo: Titi Mary Tran)
Durians-Trái sầu riêng. (Photo: Titi Mary Tran)Bread Fruits – Trái Sake. (Photo: Titi Mary Tran)
phía góc phải bên dưới của khung video.