20 Exotic Tahitian Fruits To Try on Your Trip to French Polynesia

Spring has arrived in Mo'orea, painting the island in vibrant hues and filling the air with the sweet scent of plumeria and Tahitian gardenia. This season also brings tropical bounty: trees are heavy with ripe mangoes and creamy avocados, joining the year-round favorites of bananas, papayas, and pineapples. But to truly experience the authentic taste of Tahiti, I highly recommend discovering the unique seasonal fruits that go beyond the familiar. To guide your culinary exploration, we've curated a list of the must-try local Tahitian fruits to seek out during your Polynesian getaway.

1. Coconut Heart (Sprouted Coconut)

Let's start with the quintessential symbol of the tropics. In French Polynesia, the coconut is more than a drink with a little umbrella; it's deeply woven into island life. You’ll find it used in every form: Young Coconut Water is the most refreshing, hydrating nectar after a day in the sun. Coconut Meat (Flesh) is eaten fresh, grated, or made into milk to make poisson cru, the national dish of marinated raw fish. Coconut Milk is used in dishes like poisson cru au lait de coco and cafe au lait du coco. The Coconut Heart, last but certainly not least, is the sprouted inside of a coconut. It is a delicate, rare, and delicious delicacy.

2. Breadfruit (‘Uru)

A staple carbohydrate for centuries, the breadfruit is a fundamental part of the Polynesian diet. Shaped like a small ball with little green hexagons all over, this starchy fruit is not eaten raw but cooked in a variety of ways. Try it roasted, fried into chips, or boiled and mashed. My Tahitian family often makes it by putting it directly in a fire until blackened on all sides and then carefully allowing it to cool and removing the skin with tree leaves. The heart should be soft and creamy, with a faint smoky flavor.

3. Noni (The "Cheese Fruit")

Consider this the adventurous entry of our list. The noni fruit is famed for its purported health benefits, but it’s notorious for its pungent aroma, often compared to strong, ripe cheese. Most visitors try it as a juice, which is more palatable than the raw fruit. It’s a cultural experience - to try Noni is to connect with a plant deeply respected in Polynesian herbal medicine. Think of it like a wheatgrass shot. I recommend trying it out at Fare Tutava in Mo'orea, one of my favorite restaurants for their breakfast "formulas".

4. Fe'i

Fe'i looks like a red banana but must be cooked. Not quite like a banana and not quite like a plantain, the texture and taste are almost more like a sweet potato. A very traditional side dish, it is often served with taro and sweet potato and coconut milk or miti hue (somewhere between yogurt and milk, made from fermented coconut). My mother-in-law says fe'i is great for the kidneys. I find them to be delicious - easily one of my favorite Tahitian fruits that I'd never heard of or tried before coming to French Polynesia!

5. Banana

In French Polynesia, bananas sold on the side of the street are about as fresh as it can get. Rima rima bananas are short and sweet - "rima" means "finger" in Tahitian. Rio are the slightly longer banana shown in the bottom left corner of the photo above. The hamoa variety is the popular with locals.

6. Vanilla (Vanille)

Yes, vanilla is a fruit - the only edible fruit of the orchid family. French Polynesia, particularly the island of Taha'a (the "Vanilla Island"), produces some of the world's finest vanilla. The pods are thick, oily, and incredibly fragrant. You’ll find it infused into everything from sauces and desserts to Tahitian Coffee, and, of course, ice cream. Experience the rich, complex flavor behind one of the region's most famous exports.

7. Pineapple (Ananas)

These pineapples are in a league of their own; this is what a pineapple is supposed to taste like. Grown in the rich, volcanic soil, they are incredibly sweet, fragrant, and less acidic than their commercial counterparts. The island of Moorea is famous for its pineapple plantations. They are small, but mighty, and undoubtedly an iconic Tahitian fruit.

8. Tahitian Chestnut (Mape)

Tahitian chestnuts are a delicious and nutritious snack. With a great sweet-savory profile, they must be cooked before consuming. They are often boiled or roasted and make for quite an affordable and filling treat, commonly found at local markets.

9. Abiu

Not to be confused with the monkey from Aladdin, this yellow fruit with a white fleshy interior is best eaten chilled and right away, as it loses its color even faster than an avocado. A transplant from South America, it has a unique, almost gel-type texture and a sweet, caramel-like flavor.

10. Starfruit (Carambole)

Easily identified by its distinctive star shape when sliced horizontally, the yellow-orange carambole is both beautiful and delicious. Its crisp texture and flavor are a refreshing mix of apple, citrus, and pear.

11. Star Apple (Pomme Etoile)

You'll find this fruit in both a purple and green variety, both with a fleshy, sweet, white pulp inside similar to the texture of a mangosteen. You'll find brown seeds in the form of a star when you cut it open. I often eat it cut in half with a coffee spoon. Find them on the side of the road when in season.

12. Custard Apple (Coeur de Boeuf)

Custard apple, also known as bull's heart, is a delight if you are lucky enough to find it. A local favorite, its creamy flesh truly tastes like custard, making it nature's dessert.

13. Soursop (Corossol)

This spiky green fruit might look intimidating, but its interior holds a treasure: soft, creamy white flesh with a unique flavor that’s tangy and tart with a smidge of sweetness. Try it raw or in a smoothie. Its unique, complex flavor is a true tropical delight!

14. Rambutan

Rambutan may not be new for travelers who have been to Asia, but if you've never had this juicy, sweet treat, make sure you try it. As lychee's fuzzy, flashy cousin, they're as fun to eat as they are delicious.

15. Pamplemousse (The Tahitian Grapefruit)

Growing up in Texas, a Ruby Red Grapefruit was a common part of our breakfast. Well folks, as it turns out, not everything is bigger in Texas. The Tahitian pamplemousse is large, with a thick, greenish-yellow skin and is sweeter and more aromatic than any grapefruit you've had elsewhere. The sweetest grapefruit I've ever had was from a sweet woman selling fruit on the side of the road in Mo'orea. If you're a citrus lover like myself, don't miss this fantastic, juicy snack.

16. Mango (Mangue)

My Mexican mother used to come home with boxes of mangoes when the season came in Texas. Mangoes are one of my favorite fruits. There are multiple kinds of mangoes in Mo'orea: big, small, red, green, orange. If you’re visiting during the summer months (November to March), you are in for a treat. The mangoes here are abundant, dripping with nectar, and possess an almost floral fragrance.

17. Papaya (Papaye)

Available year-round, the papaya in French Polynesia is exceptionally sweet and buttery. Squeeze a fresh local lime over it for a perfect start to your day.

18. Avocado (Avocat)

The avocados in French Polynesia are a revelation. They are larger than the Mexican and Californian avocados I grew up with, and have a richer, creamier texture than many varieties found elsewhere. Eaten fresh with a little salt, mashed into a spread, or simply scooped straight from the skin, they are a delicious and nutritious staple.

19. Guava

Guava trees are common throughout the islands, and other parts of the world. The fragrant pink flesh is packed with flavor and vitamins. You can enjoy them raw, but they are also commonly transformed into delicious jams, jellies, and refreshing juices. Actually, guava jam is one my favorite local gam, and the Passion-Goyave Rotui juice is my favorite local juice.

20. Passion Fruit

These grow aplenty in our garden, and I can easily eat 5-10 a day, feeling grateful for each one. You'll find both yellow and red passionfruit here in Polynesia - I prefer the red variety, as I find them to be more flavorful. Eat them raw or use as an addition to a tropical beverage of your choice. Before coming here, I lived in Portland, Oregon and loved to forage all kinds of berries - they were hands down my favorite fruit. Now, I think it must be passion fruit.

Ready to taste your way through paradise?

Fresh fruit is one of the many perks of being on a beautiful tropical island.

The best way to experience this fruity wonderland is to visit a local market like the Marché de Papeete in Tahiti, or the little outdoor market next to Super U-Are in Mo'orea. You'll also see multiple opportunities for buying fruit from local vendors on the side of the road. Go with a sense of adventure, point at what looks interesting, and enjoy! Other Tahitian fruits like like 'uru and fe'i can be found anywhere serving ma'a Tahiti.

If you're ready to experience all this fruity goodness for yourself, contact us today to start planning your culinary and cultural journey to the islands of French Polynesia. Happy tasting!