One Stop Guide To Costa Rica Tropical Fruit

Costa Rica is a true paradise for anyone who loves tropical  fruit. This small Central American country boasts an incredible diversity of delicious, juicy fruits that grow in abundance across its lush landscape. From the iconic sweetness of mangoes to the tangy refreshment of pineapples, their offerings are truly a delight.

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica or just want to learn more about its incredible fruits, this guide is for you. You’ll learn about the top types that locals enjoy on a regular basis and where to find them. 

Where To Purchase Fruit While Traveling in Costa Rica

One of the best parts about visiting Costa Rica is getting to try all the amazing fruits. But where can you find these delicious fruit? Here are some of the top places to buy them in Costa Rica:

1.    Mercados de Agricultores (Fruit and Vegetable Markets)

These are your typical local farmers' markets here in the US, however in Costa Rica they are available year round and in a permanent spot. They are a great place to find fresh, locally-grown fruit. You can talk to the farmers directly and get the freshest fruit as well as produce. Some locally known markets are Mercado Central(located in the heart of the capital) and El Mayoreo which has better access and it is located a few miles South of Paseo Colon, San Jose. 

2.    Roadside Fruit Stands

As you drive around Costa Rica, you'll see lots of small fruit stands and stalls along the roads. These are run by local farmers and are a wonderful place to stop and buy fresh fruits. You can get classics like bananas and pineapples, as well as rare tropical finds.

3.    Grocery Stores

The grocery stores in Costa Rica, called "Supermercados", also have great fruit sections. You can find all the standard tropical fruits, as well as some unique local varieties. The bigger supermarkets in cities like San José will have the best selection. Some known chains are Mas x Menos, Auto Mercado and Fresh Market and wherever you are in the city, you have access to them. 

4.    Local Fruit Vendors

In many towns and neighborhoods, you can find local fruit vendors who sell their produce right from carts or small shops(Pulperias). These are perfect places to buy fruit if you're staying in one area for a while. The vendors are often very friendly and can tell you all about the different fruit.

5.    Fruit Stands at the Beach

When you're relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica, you'll likely come across small fruit stands set up right on the sand. These are perfect for grabbing a quick, refreshing snack or picking up some fruit to take back to your hotel. You can find classics like pineapples and watermelon, as well as unique tropical fruits like cas and maracuya. The fruits are usually cut fresh right in front of you, so it's super ripe and juicy.

6.    Fruit Delivery Services

If you're staying in Costa Rica for a while, you can even get fresh, local fruits delivered right to your hotel or rental. There are various fruit delivery services that source produce directly from Costa Rican farmers and orchards. You can order a box of mixed fruits or request specific varieties. This is a great option if you want the convenience of having ripe, in-season fruits available throughout your stay.

List of Best Costa Rican Fruits

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, you'll definitely want to make it a priority to try as many of the local fruits as possible. To help you get started, here's a detailed list of the top 10 commonly found fruits in this fruit-filled destination:

1.    Pineapple (Piña)

Costa Rica is one of the world's top pineapple producers, renowned for growing some of the sweetest, juiciest pineapples you'll ever taste. These golden, spiky fruits are a staple in Costa Rican cuisine, enjoyed fresh, in juices, and incorporated into all kinds of desserts and dishes. Be sure to try the pineapple at its peak ripeness for the ultimate flavor experience.

2.    Mango (Mango)

Costa Rica's warm, tropical climate provides the perfect conditions for growing mangoes. These large, fleshy fruits come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, from the classic green-to-yellow varieties to rarer red or purple-skinned types. Mangoes in Costa Rica have an exceptionally sweet, almost honey-like flavor that makes them perfect for snacking, blending into smoothies, or using in salsas and chutneys.

If you want real Costa Rica mango delivered to your door, we recommend Jungle Pulp purees, a real Costa Rica product easy to use for juice, cocktails and desserts.

3.    Papaya (Papaya)

Papayas are incredibly abundant throughout Costa Rica, growing in abundance in both coastal and inland regions. These large, oblong fruits feature a bright orange flesh with a sweet, musky flavor. Papayas are packed with vitamins and are commonly used in smoothies, fruit salads, and even savory dishes in Costa Rican cuisine.

4.    Banana(Banano)

Bananas are truly a dietary staple in Costa Rica, with both sweet (banano) and plantain (plátano) varieties widely available. You'll find bananas served in all kinds of local dishes, from gallo pinto (the national dish) to sweet plantain fritters. Be sure to try bananas at all stages of ripeness, from the starchy, green plantains to the soft, yellow dessert bananas.

5.    Guava (Guayaba)