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20 Unique Brazilian Fruits

20 Unique Brazilian Fruits

These Brazilian fruits just may surprise you with unique flavors and textures! Find the best places to find Brazilian fruit nearby and try a few suggested recipes here. 

Brazil is a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering a captivating array of exotic and flavorful fruits that reflect the country’s diverse landscapes and climates. 

From the lush Amazon rainforests to the sunny coastal regions, Brazil’s geographical variety has nurtured a rich tapestry of fruit species, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. 

These fruits, both common and rare, contribute to the nation’s culinary heritage, traditional practices, and modern cuisine.

To delve deeper into the realm of Brazilian fruits, we’ve compiled a list showcasing some of the most distinctive and remarkable varieties.

Where To Find Brazilian Fruits

Finding Brazilian fruits in the U.S. can sometimes be challenging due to import regulations, demand, and seasonality. Here are some options:

  • Brazilian & South American stores. Located in big cities, they offer various Brazilian fruits. Just search online or ask around in local Brazilian communities.
  • Latin American markets. Even if you can’t find a specifically Brazilian market, many Latin American grocery stores often stock fruits like guava, passion fruit, and papaya.
  • Asian markets. Some Brazilian fruits are also popular in Asian cuisines. For example, jackfruit (jaca) can often be found in Southeast Asian markets.
  • Amazon. Look for dried Brazilian fruits online at Amazon.com, like this dried acai.

Unique Brazilian Fruits

1. Abacaxi

Abacaxi is the Portuguese word for pineapple, a tropical fruit belonging to the Bromeliaceae family. 

Pineapples are famous for their sweet and tangy flavor, as well as their distinctively spiky appearance. 

The fruit has a tough, rough outer skin that is usually golden-yellow or brown in color, with a crown of spiky leaves at the top. 

Inside, the fruit is composed of juicy, fibrous flesh that ranges from pale yellow to vibrant orange, depending on the variety.
One great recipe that includes this ingredient is Brazilian Grilled Pineapple (Abacaxi).

2. Abiu

Pouteria caimito, commonly known as “Abiu,” is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to the Amazon rainforest and other parts of South America. 

It’s known for its distinct appearance and sweet, creamy flavor.

Abiu’s flavor is a unique blend of sweet caramel, vanilla, and a hint of citrus, setting it apart from other tropical fruits. 

Its creamy texture makes it a tasty, fresh treat and a versatile ingredient for juices, ice creams, and desserts.
Here’s a delicious recipe featuring this fruit: Mangosteen, Abiu & Mamey Sapote.

3. Açaí

The Açaí fruit is a small, round, dark purple berry that grows on the Açaí palm tree. 

It’s native to the Amazon rainforest in South America.

The fruit is about the size of a blueberry or grape and is known for its vibrant color and unique flavor profile that balances sweetness with earthy undertones.

One great recipe featuring this recipe is the Brazilian Açaí Bowl.

4. Ata or Fruta-do-conde

Ata or fruta-do-conde is the Portuguese name for the fruit known as “sugar apple” or sweetsop in English. 

The fruit has a green, bumpy outer skin that resembles scales or segments. 

When ripe, the skin may turn slightly yellow or brown, becoming softer to the touch.

Sugar apple tastes sweet and aromatic, with flavors akin to tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and strawberry.

5. Bacaba

While not as widely recognized on the international stage as certain other tropical fruits, the Bacaba fruit bears immense cultural significance in its native regions.

6. Burahem

Burahem fruit, also known as aguaje or moriche palm fruit, is a vibrant and distinctive fruit found in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions of South America. 

This reddish-purple fruit is elongated and covered in tough, scaly skin. 

Inside, it contains a bright orange pulp with a unique flavor often described as a combo of carrot and sweet potato with a hint of citrus.

7. Cabeludinha

Cabeludinha is a small fruit native to Brazil and is found mainly in the Atlantic Forest. 

It has a thin, somewhat rough, yellow or orange skin, hence the name “Cabeludinha” which means “little hairy one” in Portuguese

The flesh is juicy with a sour-to-sweet-sour taste reminiscent of citrus fruits. 

Due to its tangy flavor, the fruit is often used in making jellies, juices, and liquors. 

In some regions of Brazil, it’s also consumed fresh.

8. Caju

Caju, alternatively referred to as cashew fruit, originates from northeastern Brazil but has found its way to diverse tropical regions across the globe.

The cashew apple is bell-shaped, typically yellow, orange, or red, with a juicy, sweet-tart flavor often likened to a blend of pear, mango, and citrus.

Some recipes that use this ingredient include Honey Roasted Cashews, Cashew Filled Baklava Rolls, and Cashew “Chicken.

9. Camu Camu

Camu Camu is a sour berry from the Amazon rainforest in South America, particularly in Peru and Brazil. 

It’s often about the size of a large grape and has a reddish-purple color when ripe. 

The fruit has a tangy, tart flavor that can be quite intense, making it less commonly consumed as a whole fruit and more often used in various processed forms, such as powders, juices, and supplements.

10. Cupuaçu

Cupuaçu fruit is a tropical fruit that originates from the Amazon rainforest in South America. 

It’s large, brown, and oblong, with a thick, hard rind. 

Inside, the fruit contains a creamy, white pulp with a unique blend of flavors, often described as a mix of chocolate and pineapple with a hint of citrus.

Some great recipes using this ingredient include Cupuaçu Ice Cream and Cupuaçu “Hot Chocolate.

11. Goiaba

Goiaba, also known as guava, is a tropical fruit that comes from the guava tree. 

It’s native to Central America but is now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. 

The outer skin is generally thin and can be eaten, although it’s often discarded due to its slightly bitter taste. 

The inner flesh is the edible part and is known for its sweet and tangy flavor.
Goiabada (Guava Dessert) is a good recipe that uses this fruit.

12. Graviola

Graviola fruit is a tropical fruit that comes from the Annonaceae family. 

The graviola fruit is typically green covered in soft spines or thorns. 

Its flavor is a mix of sweet and slightly tangy, often compared to a combination of strawberry, citrus, and pineapple. 

The fruit is commonly used to make beverages, desserts, and various culinary creations in regions where it’s grown.

Some recipes feature this fruit: Soursop Juice and Soursop Smoothie.

13. Jabuticaba

Jabuticaba fruit is a unique and fascinating fruit native to Brazil. 

Unlike most fruits that grow on branches, jabuticaba grows directly on the trunk and branches of its tree, giving it an almost surreal appearance. 

The fruit is small, round, and dark purple when ripe, resembling grapes in size and shape.

Jabuticaba has a sweet and tart flavor, and it is often enjoyed fresh or used to make jams, jellies, wines, and liqueurs. 

Recipes that include this fruit are Jaboticaba Jam and Jabuticaba Fruit Cake.

14. Jenipapo

Jenipapo refers to the fruit produced by the Genipa genus, specifically the species Genipa americana, which is also known as huito and genipap. 

The taste of the jenipapo fruit’s pulp is generally described as slightly sweet and tart, and it’s consumed in some regions either fresh or processed into beverages, jams, and other culinary products.

15. Maracujá

Maracujá, also known as passion fruit, is a tropical fruit that comes from the passionflower plant. 

The outer rind of the fruit is hard and may appear wrinkled or dimpled, while the interior contains a gel-like pulp filled with numerous edible seeds.

The flavor of maracujá is rich, tropical, and often described as a combination of sweet and tangy, with floral undertones. 
Some great recipes include Mango & Passion Fruit Mochi and Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Recipe.

16. Murici

Murici is a tropical fruit that grows in various regions of the Americas, including parts of Central and South America. 

The color of the fruit’s skin can vary, but it’s often shades of yellow or orange when ripe. 

The fruit contains a small amount of flesh surrounding a large seed with a flavor described as tangy, tart, and slightly sweet, with a unique and complex flavor profile.

Here’s a great recipe featuring murici: Murici Mousse

17. Pequi

Pequi is a tropical fruit native to the cerrado biome of Brazil and other parts of South America. 

It’s characterized by its large size, rough exterior, and spiky appearance, with a thick and tough outer skin that’s typically green when unripe and turns yellow or orange when ripe.

The taste is often described as both nutty and slightly tangy, and it’s known for being an acquired taste due to its distinctive flavor. 

A few of the best recipes that use this ingredient are Pequi Rice and Galinhada.

18. Pitanga

Pitanga is a small, round, reddish-purple fruit from a plant commonly referred to as Surinam cherry or Brazilian cherry. 

Pitanga fruit is small and round, resembling a cherry in appearance. 

The flavor of pitanga fruit is a combination of sweet and slightly tangy, with a taste that is often described as a mix of cherry, cranberry, and citrus.

19. Siriguela

The fruit of the Siriguela tree is also called “ciruela” in some regions, which translates to “plum” in English, although it’s not directly related to the common plum fruit.

The flesh is usually yellow or orange and has a juicy and sweet-tart flavor. 

The taste is often described as a mix of flavors with a slightly astringent quality, including pineapple, mango, and citrus. 

Here’s a great recipe: Seriguela Caipiroska.

20. Umbu

Umbu fruit is a tropical fruit that originates from Brazil. 

The fruit is small to medium-sized, with rough and wrinkled skin ranging from green to yellow when ripe. 

The flesh of the fruit is juicy and has a tart and slightly sweet flavor, often likened to a mix of citrus and tropical fruits. 

It’s consumed fresh or used in various culinary preparations such as juices, jams, and sweets.

The bottom line

In this exploration of Brazilian fruits, we’ll delve into the unique characteristics, culinary uses, and cultural significance of some of the most notable varieties. From the iconic açaí to the lesser-known cupuaçu, each fruit contributes to the vibrant mosaic of flavors that define Brazil’s gastronomic landscape.

More About Brazilian Food

20 Unique Brazilian Fruits

20 Unique Brazilian Fruits

These Brazilian fruits may surprise you with unique flavors and textures, featuring the famous açaí, the underrated cupuaçu, the delicious abacaxi, and more. 

Ingredients

  • Abacaxi
  • Abiu
  • Açaí
  • Ata or Fruta-do-conde
  • Bacaba
  • Burahem
  • Cabeludinha
  • Caju
  • Camu Camu
  • Cupuaçu
  • Goiaba
  • Graviola
  • Jabuticaba
  • Jenipapo
  • Maracujá
  • Murici
  • Pequi
  • Pitanga
  • Siriguela
  • Umbu

Instructions

  1. Find your favorite fruit from our Brazilian Fruits list.
  2. Decide what recipe you're going to make using the chosen fruit. 
  3. Share your journey to our Facebook page.

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