Tropical Fruits You Can’t Easily Find in Taiwan—No Flight to Southeast Asia Needed!

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
Taiwan is located at the junction of climate zones. Although parts of it have a tropical climate, the variety of tropical fruits is still not as abundant as in Southeast Asian countries. There are many fruits with unusual appearances and distinctive flavors, making fruit tasting an adventure and a way to get to know the local culture when traveling in Southeast Asia. This includes the Thai mangosteen, which the Council of Agriculture recently announced will soon be allowed for import. Here are 5 kinds of tropical fruits that are hard to find in Taiwan.

Mangosteen
Since 2003, due to quarantine issues such as fruit flies, the import of mangosteen has been banned, and it has not appeared in Taiwan’s markets for 16 years. Many people traveling to Southeast Asia would specifically buy mangosteen to eat, as a taste of their childhood memories. Recently, the Council of Agriculture announced conditional permission for the import of ambient-temperature Thai mangosteen. It could be available as early as July. The sweet-and-sour, creamy, and juicy white flesh of this “queen of fruits” is highly anticipated.

Salak
As the name suggests, salak has a peel that looks like the brown scales of a snake. The skin is thin but tough, while the flesh is white with a slight yellow tint, plump, crisp, sweet with a hint of sourness, and has a unique aroma. It is a cool-natured fruit originally from Indonesia and is widely produced across Southeast Asia. Salak from different regions may also vary slightly in appearance and taste.

Rambutan
A ripe rambutan is slightly larger than a ping-pong ball, with a deep red peel covered in soft coarse hairs. Inside is an ivory-colored oval-shaped flesh. In terms of eating method, flesh appearance, and taste, it resembles a firmer and fleshier version of lychee. This tropical fruit is originally from Southeast Asia and is considered a warm-natured fruit.

Musang King
Besides Thai durian, Malaysian durian is also among the best, and Musang King is a must-try fruit in Malaysia and a favorite among locals. Musang King is smaller in size, has more flesh and a smaller seed, and boasts an exceptionally rich durian flavor. Unlike Thai durian, Musang King must be allowed to ripen naturally on the tree until it falls. Premium Malaysian durian is basically only available in Malaysia and Singapore.