Colombia is a tropical country where many varieties of fruits are produced, some as exotic as granadilla, soursop and lulo. The fact that there are so many exotic fruits makes Colombia a very attractive destination for international tourists, who travel to the country to, in addition to visiting the countless tourist attractions, delight your palate tasting the delicious variety of fruits that the country offers, most of them unknown to them.

Here we present seven exotic Colombian fruits that you may have already tried if you are in this country and that you should do if you plan to come here.

1. Borojo (borojoa patinoi): This fruit is native to the Colombian Pacific, grown in departments such as Chocó and Valle del Cauca. It provides a large amount of protein, phosphorus and vitamins B and C. It is popularly known as the "fruit of love" for its aphrodisiac properties.

Among the benefits of consuming the juice of this fruit are the fact that it can help reduce cholesterol problems, protect brain functions, supply large amounts of energy and can help combat the symptoms of depression since it is a source of vitamin B3. It is generally consumed in juices with milk.

2. lulo (solanum quitoense): This delicious fruit is used in the preparation of juices, smoothies and desserts. It is quite acidic, so it is not common to ingest it directly. The lulo has diuretic properties and facilitates the elimination of toxins from the body.

It also contributes to the strengthening of bones, as it has a high content of phosphorus, iron and calcium. In Colombia a delicious refreshing drink called "lulada" is made, which contains, in addition to lulo, lemon and grated panela.

3. Chontaduro (Bactris gasipaes): This fruit is common in many tropical countries in Latin America. It is produced in its great majority in the department of Cauca and in the Colombian Pacific. Chontaduro is a quite popular fruit for being a great sexual enhancer (a characteristic that it shares with borojo).

It is a good source of fat and is rich in minerals such as copper, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc. In Colombia it is consumed with honey and some people add salt to it.

4. Soursop (annona muricata): White on the inside and green on the outside. If you come to Colombia you cannot leave without trying this tropical wonder. This fruit has excellent medicinal properties and is used as a treatment to fight cancer, hypertension, asthma and diabetes.

It is common to consume it raw, in juices, smoothies and desserts. Its leaves can also be used to make tea, which is constituted as a relaxing drink and helps control sugar levels.

5. Pitahaya (Selenicereus megalanthus): Pita… what?… Pitahaya. This exquisite tropical fruit is known as the "dragon fruit". It can be found in two varieties, yellow and red. Among its properties, it stands out that it is anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidants, as well as helping to prevent kidney stones and regulate blood sugar level. It is usually eaten raw or in juices, ice cream, smoothies and cakes. This fruit is exported to 21 countries from Colombia. Without a doubt, a captivating fruit.
6. Cape gooseberry (physalis peruviana): Its exotic bittersweet flavor surprises those who taste it for the first time. It is a great source of vitamins A, B and C, as well as containing potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc, among other minerals. Its juice has diuretic and digestive properties and promotes sleep. It is a good source of vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, B9, C and K, also providing minerals such as iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. This fruit is generally consumed raw. 
7. Grenadilla (Passiflora liguralis): Sweet and refreshing. A natural delight to the palate of those who consume it. The Jesuit missionaries gave it the name of "passion flower", due to the similarity of parts of the plant with some of the symbols that represented the passion of Christ on his way to Calvary (the whip, the nails and the crown of thorns).

The cape gooseberry, like the soursop, has great anticancer potential due to its nutritional properties. It is considered a super food. It can be consumed in many ways, the most common being juices, jams, raisins, and pulp.

The variety of exotic fruits in the country, the cultural richness and the teaching of Spanish make Colombia a great destination for thousands of visitors who want to know more about these aspects in particular.

En Nueva Lengua You have the opportunity to try these and many more fruits, while you learn Spanish and get to know Colombian gastronomy through activities such as tastings, the gastronomic tour and the Colombian cooking classes, where you can try many more dishes and typical foods of this country.

Arnaud from France shares his experience at the Spanish school Nueva Lengua, speaking of one of the exotic fruits called "passion fruit or passion fruit". He makes an invitation to study Spanish at Nueva lengua, at the same time that it is known about Colombian gastronomy and culture.

Do you know other exotic fruits from Colombia that catch your attention? Share them in the comments.

If you want to receive more information about the school and the courses we offer, write to: contactenos@nuevalengua.com

Balaram Oviedo - Spanish teacher.