Do any other fruits grow in Goa, apart from mangoes?

Any mention of fruits of Goa, and the mango is the first thing that comes to mind. But, apart from mangoes, Goans enjoy a variety of locally-grown fruits all year round. Some of these are…

BANANAS

Several varieties of bananas, such as Amti, Raspali, Velchi, Saldatti, Savaboni, Myndoli and Sugandi are grown in Goa.

CHIKOOS

The sweet chikoo (Manilkara zapota) came to Goa via the Portuguese.

GUAVAS

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit which is used to make a local delicacy called perada.

MANGOES

Known as the ‘king of fruits’, a mind-boggling variety of mangoes (Mangifera indica) are grown in Goa, from the famed Mankurad to the less well-known Bardez Monserrate and Manga Hilario.

CUSTARD APPLES

Custard apples (Annona squamosa) were brought to Goa from Indonesia by the Portuguese.

JACKFRUIT

The jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) ripens during the summer in Goa and is known as ‘vegan chicken’ the world over.

PAPAYA

Commonly found growing in home gardens, the papaya is another fruit which the Portuguese brought to Goa all the way from South America.

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