It seems like people here find a way to incorporate passion fruit into just about everything! We also learned about lulo (naranjilla or "little orange" in English), a small fruit with a distinctive tangy flavor that is commonly used to make juice.
The history of Colombian fruit is closely connected to the country's Indigenous communities, who gathered and cultivated native plants long before Europeans arrived. Over time, agriculture and trade introduced new crops and influenced local food traditions. Today, fruit markets reflect Colombia's biodiversity and the long history of people growing, sharing and enjoying these foods.
Visiting the market reminded me that learning about a new country does not always require visiting famous landmarks. Sometimes, something as simple as trying unfamiliar foods can teach so much about a place and its history. Getting to taste around twenty different fruits in one visit was a memorable way to begin my Fulbright experience and discover flavors that we normally don’t encounter in the US. As I continue exploring Colombia, I look forward to discovering even more of the foods that make this country so special.
If you could visit a Colombian fruit market, which fruit would you be most excited to try? Would you be willing to taste twenty different fruits in one visit?
