Fruit Loop - Crazy fruits of Colombia

Fruit in Colombia: Tomate de Arbol, Pitahaya, Lulo, Granadilla, Maracuya, Curuba, Feijoa

One of my favorite things to eats is fruit. Since I was a kid, I've loved fruit. Strawberry, watermelon, nectarines and citrus being among some of my favorites. Occasionally in California we get to see some tropical fruits like dragon fruit or plantains. But on my recent trip to Colombia, I was thrown for a loop. I encountered fruits I've never seen or imagined. At one breakfast, I found myself asking, "How do I eat this?".

Buying fresh fruit at the market in the plaza

Most of all thought the strange textures, bright flavors and exotic looks of the fruits of Colombia inspired me. Fruit is widely available on street corners at small stands throughout Colombia in cities and small villages. It's common to buy fruit on the streets from a cart or a freshly squeezed orange juice. Better yet, a freshly made juice from Lulo or Zapote will really make your mouth happy. Fresh fruit juice on the streets of Colombia became one of my favorite indulgences. Though everyone says to avoid fruit and juice on the streets, I ingested both daily without any problems. Just be wise and trusting of the person you buy from. If you're buying juice make sure it is made with bottled water or milk. Bagged water or milk is okay too... It sounds strange to us, but the often use bagged water. It helps cut down on cost and waste.

Fruit sold on the streets of Barranquilla

PLANTAINS & BANANAS

GRANADILLA

First thing in Colombia, Coffee

Colombians like their coffee. Usually, black or tinto as they call it. First thing was first while waiting at the airport in Bogotá was I need a coffee. It was early in the morning and I had been up for too many hours thanks to Continental Airlines screwing up the first day of my trip because once we were on the plane, they discovered that "the computer was not up to date". How reassuring.

Café con Leche at Juan Valdez Café

Anyhow, I needed coffee to wake me up. So I went to have my first Colombian coffee where any Colombian would get theirs. The Starbucks of Colombia, Juan Valdez. Yes, the guy we grew up seeing with his donkey on TV commercials is the mainstream Colombian coffee chain. You will find these in malls, airports and stand alone cafes throughout the country. And you can count on it to be a fresh, good cup of coffee. Better than any Starbucks in the states.

Pastry with guava filling at Juan Valdez Café

So, I had a great cup of coffee sweetened with panela (dried sugar cane) and a pastry filled with guava. Yum.

Use Panela (dried sugar cane) to sweeten your drinks for a richer flavor

I'm back!

It's been nearly a month since I've shared anything with you. That's because I've had a month long journey through Colombia and now I have alot to share with you. I'll be posting all the delicious meals I've experienced in South America. Some of the best street food I've ever had - fried to perfection; Refreshing fruits along the Caribbean Coast and strange fruits made into wonderful natural juices; Amazing restaurants with dirt floors on the beach, culinary delights recommended by Anthony Bourdain, and home cooked meals at my friend's mom's restaurant in Bogotá.

Man selling fruit on village street in Colombia

I'll be posting all week, so check back everyday for new discoveries from Colombia. Also follow me on Facebook for more details and photos.