Zanzibar, the tropical island off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich cultural heritage.
But did you know that Zanzibar is also a fruit lover’s paradise?
The island’s tropical climate and fertile soil make it the perfect place to grow exotic fruits.
From sweet and tangy pineapples to creamy and succulent durians, Zanzibar has something for every taste bud.
Read on as we introduce you to the top exotic fruits of Zanzibar that you should try when you visit.
Whether you enjoy them fresh, juiced, or cooked, these fruits will delight your senses and make you fall in love with Zanzibar even more.
Let’s get to it already, shall we?
Top 17 Exotic Fruits Of Zanzibar
1. Jackfruit
Unlike the breadfruit, jackfruit’s flavor varies tremendously depending on its ripeness.
The flesh becomes softer and sweeter as it matures, developing a unique fruity aroma with hints of banana, pineapple, and jackfruit gum.
This ripe version shines in desserts like pancakes, ice cream, and jams.
It is a large, spiky fruit with a sweet, tangy taste and texture similar to pulled pork.
It is also used in many Zanzibar dishes, including curries.
2. Pineapple
Zanzibar pineapples boast a unique flavor profile thanks to the island’s rich soil and sunshine.
They’re sweeter and juicier than many commercial pineapples, with a sublime hint of coconut woven into their tangy goodness.
The flesh is also fibrous and firm, perfect for snacking or adding texture to various dishes.
These delicious fruits are available year-round in Zanzibar, with peak season between December and February.
You’ll find them everywhere, from bustling markets and street vendors to restaurant menus and roadside stalls.
The most iconic way to enjoy this sweet and tangy fruit rich in vitamin C is to cut it into slices or chunks and savor its juicy sweetness.
Pineapple is commonly used in smoothies, desserts, and salads.
3. Papaya
Zanzibar papayas boast a distinctive flavor profile, unlike their supermarket counterparts.
They’re incredibly sweet with a honeyed aroma, often lacking the tartness in less-ripe varieties.
The flesh is creamy and smooth, melting in your mouth with every bite.
These beauties thrive in Zanzibar’s tropical climate, enjoying peak season between November and February.
You’ll find them abundantly at local markets, street vendors, and even growing in backyards.
The best way to savor the natural sweetness is to enjoy slices or chunks as a refreshing snack or light breakfast.
Or blend it with other fruits and coconut milk for a healthy and delicious drink.
4. Watermelon
Zanzibar watermelons boast a surprising depth of flavor.
They’re perfectly ripe and incredibly sweet, often with a subtle honeydew or cantaloupe undertone.
The flesh is crisp and juicy, offering hydration with every bite.
These summertime favorites thrive in Zanzibar’s balmy climate, with peak season running from April to June.
You’ll find them everywhere – piled high at bustling markets, sliced by friendly street vendors, and even offered as snacks on sun-soaked beaches.
Watermelon in Zanzibar goes beyond simple slices.
It is the perfect option for beating the heat. It is juicy and sweet with a high water content.
5. Banana
Zanzibar boasts over 50 banana varieties, each with its personality.
Explore tiny, sweet Maokoto bananas, plump red Ndizi with a hint of sourness, or the giant Gonja, perfect for sharing.
While Zanzibaris enjoy ripe bananas as snacks, their culinary repertoire goes far beyond.
Green bananas find their way into stews, curries, and cakes, offering a savory and slightly starchy twist. Ndizi na samaki, a local favorite, is bananas boiled in coconut milk with fish.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Zanzibar’s markets.
Bargain with friendly vendors, learn Swahili names for different varieties and savor the freshest bananas, often picked that morning.
Try Banana Zanzibar, a local cocktail blending rum, banana liqueur, coconut milk, and spices for a tropical tastebud explosion.
Taste Zanzibar home with dried banana chips, banana jam, or banana-infused honey.
6. Mango
Zanzibar mangos boast an explosion of sun-kissed sweetness, vibrant colors, and unique varieties waiting to tantalize your taste buds.
Unlike its one-dimensional counterpart, Zanzibar boasts over 15 distinct mango varieties, each with its personality.
Boribo Muyuni: The undisputed queen of Zanzibari mangoes, renowned for its juicy, golden flesh and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Dodo: Vibrant orange skin and a refreshingly tart bite, perfect for a tangy treat.
Shomari: Green-skinned with a creamy, custard-like texture and a subtle floral aroma.
Juju: Petite and playful, ideal for popping in your mouth like sweet candy.
7. Soursop
This spiky green fruit with creamy white flesh is a must-try for any visitor to the island.
Soursop boasts a unique flavor profile. It’s sweet and tangy, with a hint of citrus and pineapple.
Some compare it to bubblegum or banana cream pie. The creamy flesh has a fibrous texture, so be prepared for some seeds.
Soursop grows best in tropical climates, and Zanzibar certainly fits the bill.
You’ll find it throughout the year, with peak season usually between December and March.
Look for soursop at local markets, street vendors, and restaurants.
8. Guava
A round or oval fruit with green or yellow skin and pink or white flesh.
It has a sweet and sour taste and a crunchy texture.
Guava is rich in vitamin C and fiber and can be eaten raw or made into juice, jam, or jelly.
Zanzibar boasts several guava varieties, each with its own personality.
Pink Guava: The classic! Juicy pink flesh with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, ideal for snacking or juicing.
Red Guava: A more intense flavor profile with a hint of berry and a delightful tartness. Great for chutneys and jams.
White Guava: Sweet and mild, with a creamy texture and a subtle floral aroma. Perfect for desserts and salads.
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of local markets.
Choose from a rainbow of guavas, bargain with friendly vendors, and learn Swahili names for different varieties.
Peak season runs from December to March, offering the juiciest and most flavorful guavas.
Attend a “mshako wa feija,” a Zanzibari gathering celebrating the guava with feasting, dancing, and plenty of treats.
9. Rambutan
A hairy red fruit that has a white and translucent flesh that is sweet and juicy.
It has a seed in the middle that is slightly bitter and should not be eaten.
Rambutan is a refreshing snack that can be peeled and eaten by hand.
10. Mangosteen
A purple fruit that has thick and hard skin and a white and soft flesh that is sweet and tangy
It has a delicate and floral flavor and is often called the queen of fruits.
Mangosteen is a rare and expensive fruit that can be eaten fresh or made into juice or sorbet.
11. Breadfruit
Breadfruit has a green, spiky outer skin and a pale yellow or white flesh that is soft and starchy.
It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium and is low in fat and cholesterol.
Breadfruit is a seasonal fruit often used in Zanzibar as a substitute for rice in many villages and even Zanzibar Town.
Donge village is a famous village that grows this kind of fruit; the village is on the way to Nungwi Beach from Stone Town.
12. Passion Fruits
Passion fruit is a tart and juicy fruit commonly used in juices and desserts.
It has a unique flavor that is both sweet and sour.
If you want to try this fruit, you can buy one from the local fruit shops or order fresh Juice from your Hotel.
All Hotels in Zanzibar use this fruit type because of its sourness and sweetness.
13. Coconut
Coconut is a tropical fruit that is widely known and used throughout the world.
It is one of the most photographed fruits in tropical resort advertising.
It grows on the coconut palm tree and has a hard, fibrous outer shell surrounding a creamy white flesh and a refreshing, sweet-tasting juice.
Coconut can be eaten raw when young, or coconut milk is cooked with other foods in Zanzibar, like Cassava, Potatoes, and Rice.
14. Oranges
Oranges are one of the most popular citrus fruits in the world, loved for their sweet, juicy flesh and refreshing flavor.
They are grown in many tropical and subtropical regions and are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Oranges are normally eaten raw or used to make fresh juices and smoothies.
They are also popular in many savory dishes, such as roasted chicken or fish.
For Zanzibar locals, it is just eaten raw, and you can go to some local Restaurants to get its fresh juice and smoothies.
15. Durian
Known as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, this spiky fruit has a pungent odor and a creamy, custard-like flesh.
This is seasonal fruit, if you come to Zanzibar during its time, make sure to try this.
Durian is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium and vitamin C.
It is also rich in antioxidants and contains sulfur compounds, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.
However, durian is not a fruit for everyone. Its strong smell and pungent taste can be off-putting to some people, while others find it a delicacy and enjoy its rich and creamy texture.
16. Tangerine
Tangerines are citrus fruits closely related to mandarins and are believed to have originated in China.
They are small, sweet, and easy to peel, making them a popular snack fruit.
If you visit Zanzibar at its peak season, then expect to find it in every corner because they are grown in most of Zanzibar’s villages, like Bambi, Uzini, Machui, and so on.
Tangerines are a good source of vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals.
They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
17. Pomelo
This giant grapefruit relative boasts a unique personality and offers a refreshing twist on the familiar citrus experience.
Zanzibar pomelos are giants, weighing up to several pounds!
Their thick, green, or yellow rind hides a treasure trove of juicy, slightly acidic flesh, ranging from pale pink to vibrant yellow. It’s a visual and textural stunner!
Zanzibaris call it “balungi,” which holds a special place in their hearts.
You’ll find it bursting from trees in backyards, piled high at local markets, and offered with a smile by friendly street vendors.
Peak season runs from November to February, so come thirsty!
The classic way to enjoy it is to bite into a wedge and let the refreshing burst of citrusy sweetness flood your senses.
Diced pomelo adds zest to tropical fruit salads, poke bowls, and even green salads, or blend it with other fruits and coconut water for a vitamin-packed and refreshing drink.
Conclusion
Zanzibar is a fruit lover’s dream destination, where you can find and taste some of the world’s most exotic and delicious fruits.
From the familiar to the unfamiliar, from the sweet to the sour, from the soft to the crunchy, Zanzibar has fruit for everyone.
Whether you enjoy fresh, juiced, or cooked, these fruits add flavor and color to your Zanzibar experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Zanzibar today and discover the top exotic fruits of this tropical paradise.
You won’t regret it!
