Monstera deliciosa also known as the Swiss cheese plant produces a fascinating fruit that is gaining popularity for its delicious taste and unique appearance. But where can you buy this special fruit, given its tropical origins? Here is a guide to help you find monstera fruit for sale and add it to your exotic fruit sampling.
What is Monstera Fruit?
Monstera deliciosa is a tropical vine native to Central America that is often grown as a houseplant The monstera plant produces intriguing spiked fruits that have scales or plates covering the flesh inside It is also called the “fruit salad plant” due to the pineapple-like flavor,
When ripe, the scales detach to expose the edible fruit segments beneath. It has a sweet, tangy tropical taste reminiscent of pineapple and mango. The texture is juicy and succulent.
Where Does Monstera Fruit Grow?
In the wild monstera plants grow in tropical jungles from southern Mexico through Panama. The plants can climb up trees and spread over a wide area in search of sunlight.
Commercially, monstera fruit is also grown in tropical regions of South America, Asia, and Africa. It is easy to cultivate in warm, humid environments.
While monstera houseplants are common, getting them to fruit indoors can be challenging due to light requirements. It’s best to look for commercial fruit sources outside the home grower market.
When is Monstera Fruit in Season?
Monstera has two main harvest seasons each year in tropical locales:
- Summer: June to August
- Late Fall/Early Winter: November to January
Peak availability is typically July through September. Outside of prime harvesting times, fresh monstera fruit may be limited or unavailable.
Where to Buy Monstera Fruit
Here are some options for where to find monstera fruit for sale when it’s in season:
Online Stores
Several online retailers offer mail order monstera fruit when available. This lets you try exotic tropical produce from the comfort of home. Check for:
- Miami Fruit – A leading seller of fresh tropical fruits with reliable quality.
- iHeartFruit – Specializes in exciting and rare tropical fruit varieties.
- Fresh Produce Network -Sources from dedicated growers to find unique offerings.
- Marky’s – Carries a wide array of tropical fruits, juices and preserves.
Local Markets
In urban areas with large Hispanic communities, check Hispanic and ethnic markets for produce availability. Names to search for:
- Monstera
- Monstera deliciosa
- Guanábana
Often it is mixed among other tropical fruits like guanabana, mamey sapote, black sapote and jackfruit. Availability depends on season and location.
Specialty Grocery Stores
Some gourmet grocers and high-end chains like Whole Foods may carry monstera fruit when in season. Check stores known for exotic and rare produce.
Tropical Fruit Farms
In Florida, Hawaii, Southern California and other warm climates, small specialty farms grow monstera and other tropical crops. Search “tropical fruit near me” and visit farm stands.
International Markets
When traveling to tropical destinations like Mexico, Central America, Asia and parts of South America, look for fresh monstera fruits sold by street vendors, farms, markets and grocery stands.
What to Look for When Buying Monstera Fruit
Choose ripe, high quality monstera fruit with these tips:
- Fruit should feel heavy for its size, indicating juiciness.
- Avoid any bruising, punctures or soft spots.
- Scales should be intact; ripened areas will detach easily when lightly scraped.
- Color is green with some yellowing as it ripens.
- Stem/stalk should be green; brown indicates over-ripeness.
- Try for fruit grown locally rather than imported when possible.
- Pick up several at different ripeness levels for continued eating.
How to Ripen Monstera Fruit
Monstera fruits do not ripen all at once. Instead, they ripen in “scales”, with each section becoming ready at different times. Here’s how to handle ripening:
- Place upright in a jar, with stem end down.
- Keep at room temperature out of sun.
- Ripe scales detach easily when scraped.
- Eat scales immediately upon ripening.
- Refrigerate opened sections to halt ripening.
- Allow unopened scales to continue ripening.
- Discard any unopened sections after 2 weeks.
With this guide, you can track down your own monstera fruit and enjoy this unique tropical delicacy. Check specialty stores online and in your area when in season. Pick fruits at the peak of freshness and ripen properly at home for a delicious exotic treat!
Fun Fact : The Monstera plant is grown as an ornamental plant. One plant can grow many more by way of propagation.
Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese plant, is a split-leaf philodendron that bears this tasty fruit when it’s fully grown. It comes from Mexico and has been brought to other tropical parts of the Americas.
The fruit tastes very similar to Cherimoya. It has hints of flavors reminiscent of pineapple candy and has a texture similar to mango. The fruit MUST BE EATEN RIPE.
Monstera is normally available in July and August, September & October Only. Refer to our SEASONAL GUIDE
Please Note:
- Since fruit comes in many shapes and sizes, we try to fill our boxes as full as they can go.
- When you place your order, please keep an eye on the delivery times to make sure you get your box on time. Fruit will ripen quickly in the heat outside.
- Orders are packed and sent out at the start of the week after the date of purchase. ORDERS DO NOT SHIP UPON PURCHASE.
Monstera Deliciosa Fruit Harvest & Tasting! Possibly the best fruit I’ve ever eaten!!!
FAQ
Can you get Monstera deliciosa fruit?
Does Trader Joes sell Monstera plants?
When can I pick monstera fruit?
Are Monstera fruits rare?
Can you eat Monstera fruit?
Absolutely! The mild, tropical flavor of Monstera fruit complements a wide range of savory dishes, including salads, stir-fries, and even savory pies. The Monstera fruit, with its captivating appearance, intriguing growth patterns, and diverse culinary applications, stands as a testament to the biodiversity and wonder of our natural world.
Where can I buy Monstera deliciosa?
For instance, Miami Fruit sells Monstera Deliciosa grown in South Florida, and Etsy provides an option to preorder 100% organic, non-GMO Monstera Deliciosa fruit grown in the United States, with free shipping. To properly store and ripen Monstera fruit, place it tip-down in a jar or glass, and let it rest on a counter Miami Fruit.
Where can I buy Monstera fruit?
Monstera fruit can be difficult to find in stores, as it is not a common crop. However, it may be available at some specialty fruit markets or online retailers. Here are a few places where you may be able to buy Monstera fruit: Specialty fruit markets: Some specialty fruit markets may carry Monstera fruit, especially in tropical climates.
Are Monstera deliciosa edible?
The fruits of Monstera deliciosa are edible. Once they have ripened, they are delicious and taste like a mix between pineapple and banana. The underripe fruit is highly irritating to the mouth and stomach. This is due to the high levels of oxalic acid in the fruit. The fruit can take up to a year to develop and ripen.