Fruits from Madagascar – categorized by seasons
In Madagascar, there is a wide variety of fruits, so many that some of them are only known in their original region. There are only two seasons in the country, the rainy season and the winter season. During the rainy season, most fruits are available, but there are also varieties that are present all year round.
Madagascar has a rich flora and fauna diversity with an endemism rate of almost 80%. It is not surprising that it is home to a wide range of unique fruits and plants.
There is also a wide variety of fruits available in Madagascar. Some of the edible fruits are only known to the residents of the regions where they come from. Wherever you are in Madagascar, you can always find fresh seasonal fruits that are never lacking.
We will give you a brief overview of the fruits that are usually found fresh in stores and well-prepared in restaurants throughout Madagascar.
Between November and February
During this time, when the rain is heaviest, fruits flood the local markets. Among the most locally and even globally appreciated fruits are the. Lychee. It is not only deliciously sweet, but it also has many other benefits. The Lychee is a fruit that comes in two varieties: the Christmas fruit known in Europe and the locally known as hairy Chinese Lychee Rambutan that ripen in June. Both have a somewhat similar appearance and taste, but look different.
Aside from the Lychee, the month of December in Madagascar is also marked by the presence of Peaches at 
the vendors’ stalls. Only two varieties are still available. The first variety is the one with a slightly hairy skin, which also differs in size from the other type. The second is smaller and has a smooth skin. This variety, called “rà-kena,” is the one that most characterizes the Christmas season in Madagascar. However, during this time of year, many other fruits are also available, such as plums, pears, mangoes…actually, all fruits that we know from Europe except cherries, which cannot thrive in tropical countries. This is also the time when many locally endemic fruits ripen, such as cinnamon apples (Annona squamosa), soursop or graviola (Annona muricata),. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Papaya where there are also several varieties. Pineapple, many varieties of bananas, carambola, guavas, passion fruits and much more.
Between March and May
This period is marked by the harvest, but various fruits are still available. Among the fruits that can be enjoyed during this season are apples, pears, and persimmons. Apples can be sweet or sour, green or red. There is also the star fruit or carambola (Averrhoa carambola), a fruit native to Madagascar with diuretic and laxative properties. 
Properties. It has a very white and crisp flesh. Due to its rather acidic taste, it is most appreciated when cooked. Avocado is another fruit available this season. Avocado can be used, for example, as an appetite suppressant. The fruit can also help reduce belly fat or regulate your body’s sugar levels.
By the end of May, oranges and mandarins begin to ripen. In Madagascar, the oranges on the stands are often green or slightly yellowish. Despite their color, they can be ripe, juicy, and sweet. The color of oranges is only achieved when they are fully mature. When temperature fluctuations between day and night are quite large, mandarins can be easier to turn orange. There are two main varieties on the island, which only differ in the appearance of their skin.
Between June and August
This period marks the beginning of winter and the final end of rainfall. It is also marked by the celebration of the country’s independence on June 26. On the fruit side, you have the opportunity to enjoy the Corossol. It is 
A fruit with a random shape, green color, and covered with spikes. Although sweet, its flesh is quite firm, making it difficult to eat. It is usually processed into juice and sold in almost every corner store. This fruit belongs to the same family as the custard apple (Annonaceae).
The custard apple has a rounder shape and a yellow skin with spikes on the top. Inside, its white flesh is tender and sweet. However, the seeds are very numerous, which can prevent you from fully enjoying them. Other fruits you can find in this family include the cherimoya and the soursop.
Some of the fruits you can find in Madagascar are Jujubes, Zebis, or Jackfruits. Jackfruits are mainly found in the northwest and east of the country. They can be very heavy and are very nutritious.
From September to October
During this time of year, vegetation starts to grow again, even though winter is not yet over. If you want to enjoy strawberries during your trip to Madagascar, this is the time of year. In some areas of the Big Island, pomegranate trees also grow. From these trees come the pomegranates.
When they are ripe, they are bright red. These fruits are special because their seeds are edible and very sweet. Then there is the pineapple, a fruit known to cause irritation in the mouth when consumed. This is caused by the presence of bromelain, an enzyme capable of breaking down proteins. And finally, there is the papaya, an orange fruit with delicate, sweet flesh. It can easily be processed into juice, but it is usually eaten fresh as a fruit. Many other fruits are available, but it is difficult to list them all.
Fruits for all seasons
Throughout the year, fruits are available in a variety of colors and flavors. From the sweet and juicy strawberries to the tangy pineapple, there is a fruit for every taste preference. Whether eaten fresh or processed into delicious juices, fruits are a healthy and delicious snack option. Explore the world of fruits and discover new flavors to enjoy throughout the year.
Available fruits are also found in Madagascar. The most famous among them are certainly bananas. Bananas exist in many varieties and are available all year round in all regions.
Then there are lemons, combavas, pomelos, all of which are known to be rich in vitamin C fruits. Due to their acidity, they are mainly consumed as juice or as a sauce with fish dishes.
The coconut is also a fruit that is available all year round and can be eaten in various ways. To facilitate consumption, it is first grated. frucht)
Kaki (Diospyros kaki)
Pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus)
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)
Salak (Salacca zalacca)
Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota)
Sternfrucht (Averrhoa carambola)
In Madagascar, the baobab fruit is a lesser-known fruit due to the baobab tree only growing in certain regions of the country. Baobab trees are massive trees with crowns that are difficult to reach. This fruit, also known as monkey bread, has many virtues and can be consumed during your stay in Madagascar.
Very rare fruits from Madagascar
Tamarillo (Solanum Betaceum)
Le Mokotra (Srychnos spinosa)
Loquat (Japanese fruit)
Kaki (Diospyros kaki)
Pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus)
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)
Salak (Salacca zalacca)
Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota)
Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola)
Exotic Fruits from Madagascar: Cherimoya, Guava, Cactus Pear, Mangosteen, Rambutan, Sapodilla, Physalis, Tamarind, Cashew Fruit & Seeds, Mountain Papaya, Breadfruit, Limes, Mulberry, Custard Apple, Jackfruit, and Soursop. Discover the unique flavors of these tropical fruits from Madagascar! (Cucumis melo)
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Black Sapote (Diospyros digyna)
Golden Apple (Spondias dulcis)
Java Apple (Syzygium samarangense)
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella)
Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi)
Spanish Lime (Melicoccus bijugatus)
Longan (Euphoria longan)
Thika Nut (Raphia farinifera)
Kaffir Lime or Combava (Citrus hystrix)
