Summer and fresh fruit go hand in hand — but after powering through an entire bag of B.C. peaches, it doesn’t hurt to mix things up a bit. Luckily, we live in one of the country’s most diverse cities, which means that, among the many perks, we can enjoy the fruits of the world. That is, if you know where to find them.
Let us help with that.
We went foraging for spiky kirin fruit, creamy atemoya and other “exotic” fruits popping up around the city. Whether you’re looking for a taste of home, a new addition to your morning smoothie or a conversation piece for your fruit bowl, here’s a list of hard-to-find fruits — and where to find them in the city.
Before you dive in, a heads up: Like any seasonal fruit, many of these products are only around for a brief time, so it’s worth calling ahead before making the trip.
Yes, there is such a thing as a yellow watermelon (and orange and white). From the outside, it looks like any other watermelon, but slice it open and you’ll find a bright yellow centre. The flavour is slightly different from the melons traditionally found in grocery stores. It’s still super juicy, but sweeter and almost honey-like.
Where to find: T&T Supermarket (multiple Edmonton locations), Sun Best Fruit in the Old Strathcona Farmers Market (10310 83 Ave NW, Edmonton)
Known for its juicy, sweet flavour with just a bit of tang, mangosteen is a favourite in Southeast Asian kitchens. The purple rind is thick, but inside is soft white segments that taste almost candy-like. It’s great on its own, tossed into a fruit salad, or used as an elevated topping for desserts.
Where to find: Tropical Delight Produce in the Bountiful Farmers’ Market (3696 97 St NW, Edmonton), Real Canadian Superstore in Kingsway (11541 Kingsway NW, Edmonton), T&T Supermarket (multiple Edmonton locations)
Yes, this melon is named after the big red man himself. Originating in Spain, it’s also known as Christmas melon or Piel de Sapo (meaning “toad skin” in Spanish), it has a mild, sweet flavour with a hint of floral. It tastes like a honeydew-cantaloupe hybrid but subtler. It’s super refreshing and makes a great summer snack — weird name, great taste.
Where to find: Italian Centre Shop Little Italy (10878 95 St NW, Edmonton)
This tropical fruit, also known as a custard apple, is a hybrid of two fruits native to the American tropics: cherimoya and sugar apple, and known for its super sweet, creamy flesh with hints of pineapple and banana. It’s rich, custardy and completely different from the usual fruit bowl staples.
Where to find: T&T Supermarket (multiple Edmonton locations), Tropical Delight Produce in the Bountiful Farmers’ Market (3696 97 St NW, Edmonton)
It looks like lychee, but it’s not. Native to tropical Asia and China, the flavour is a little more light and less aromatic. It’s juicy, sweet and super easy to snack on — just peel and pop. You can toss it into drinks, desserts or salads for a light, tropical touch. It’s small, but packs a lot of flavour.
Where to find: HMart (3803 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton), T&T Supermarket (multiple Edmonton locations)
