Southeast Asian fruits in Little Saigon are in season but not locally grown

Titi Mary Tran/Nguoi-Viet English

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.