Banana

Bananas are widely consumed because of its affordability in the local market and the nutritional benefits we can get from it. There are lots of varieties of Bananas worldwide and one of the top growers in Asia is the Philippines particularly in Mindanao area. The photo above is a Lacatan banana. Its longer and thicker in skin than the Latondan variety. I personally prefer this over other varieties. I highly recommend to eat atleast 1 or 2 bananas a day. It promotes regularity, lowering the risk of heart attack and blood pressure and a mood booster as well.

Santol

I remember during my school days that was around the late 90's when this fruit was sold just outside of our school campus. It was displayed peeled and already sliced. I can choose to dip it through a vinegar, soy sauce or just plain rock salt. The Santol or cotton fruit is another native fruit from the Southeast Asia. The outer rind has a thick texture in some varieties which is sour in taste, while the white pulp in the seeds is also eaten. There are two varieties of Santol. The yellow and the red Santol. It appears that the red ones are a common variety. Santol can also be candied. In Thailand, it is used in some of their cuisines. But as for me, I still prefer to eat it with my favorite dip.

Fresh Santols are usually hand picked by climbing up on its tree.

Rambutan

A bunch of Rambutan with one fruit half peeled. 

The Rambutan tree.

This hairy fruit has became one of the top tropical fruits across Asia, Africa and in some countries in Latin America. And now is largely increasing in production in Australia. The fruit is similar to the taste of a Grapes which is sweet, mild and acidic in flavor. It's also a popular Garden tree and only grows in a warm climate such as in the Philippines. Today, there are other varieties of Rambutan cultivated in some parts of Asia. Rambutan is usually sold fresh in the market. It's also used for making Jams and Jellies.

Calamansi

When you're always working in the kitchen, don't ever miss this citrus fruit in your grocery list. It's one of the most essential ingredients to have in your kitchen. The Calamondin or what is locally called as Calamansi is known to have many uses in terms of cooking, medicinal or even as an ointment. In the Philippines, the Calamansi is used as a main condiment for Pancit dishes. It may also be used for eliminating the smell of any fish by extracting juice into it. Did you know that Calamansi is also used for pastries and desserts like cakes, pies or even jam. And the fact that It's very high in Vitamin C, Calamansi is widely used as a Juice. so make one Calamansi juice a day.

Marang

The Marang fruit or also called Johey Oak is native to some parts of Southeast Asia such as in Mindanao, Philippines. 

It's similar to Jack fruit and Durian based on its appearance but not as intense when it comes to the smell. The ripened marang turns into brownish in color and will fall off into the ground.

The fruit has a sweet creamy taste and the seeds itself is also consumable when boiled or roasted. During the Kadayawan festival in Davao, one of the abundant fruits that floods the streets is the Marang. I call it "The seeds of sweets."

Durian

Some of you may hate this thorny fruit but what you smell like hell is certainly a heaven to your taste buds! Durian is popularly known as the "king of fruits" and is mainly cultivated in the southern parts of the Philippines particularly in Davao region. During Kadayawan festival this particular fruit is very abundant with lots of varieties like Arancillo, Kob, Puyat and a whole lot more that lets you buy in a much cheaper price. However if you can't really persist the strong odour but want to try its flavor, why not switch to Durian candies, Jam, Ice cream, tarts, cake or even coffee. It still gives you the distinctive aroma of this fruit. The seeds are also edible when cooked. So the next time someone lets you to try to eat Durian, just don't mind the smell, taste a little bite of heaven!

Mangosteen

This tropical fruit has recently made a big impact in terms of wellness products and alternative medicine. But why is it that it is now considered as one of the top exported fruits in the country? The answer may be found in some research that Mangosteen have been used to treat skin infections, some diseases even urinary tract infections aside from the fact that its edible pulp is very popular for eating. Mangosteen is also low in Calories and has a good source of Vitamin C. This fruit has a sweet, tangy, juicy flavor with reddish purple rind that has a seed in it. When ripened, the fruit may easily be cracked up by two hands and sometimes the purple juice may stain the skin or fabric. The Phillipines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are the top exporters of Mangosteen in asian countries.

Lanzones

Lanzones is one of my favorite fruits! the variant of Duku is a very good choice since it has a bigger crown and in size with less sap and very sweet in taste. Generally this fruit is grown in some parts of Northern Mindanao and in the province of Paete, Laguna. But did you know that in some parts of Davao city it's also abundantly grown due to a more favorable weather for this fruit. During peak season of Lanzones particularly during Kadayawan Festival of Davao, the main streets are flooded with different varieties of Lanzones with a much cheaper price along with the other fruits locally grown in the region.