Anh Co Tran’s Favorite Fruits
If you follow Anh on Instagram, you’ll know he has a love for fruit. He eats it often and likes to pick up seasonal finds at farmers’ markets or when he travels. Some of his favorites are tropical and hard to find, while others are everyday classics that he enjoys in his own way. Anh shared some of his favorite fruits, have you tried any of these?
Sugar Apple (Sweetsop)
Anh’s favorite exotic fruit is the Sugar Apple, also called Sweetsop. On the outside, it has a bumpy green skin, but inside the flesh is soft, creamy, and very sweet, almost like dessert. It has a hint of tropical flavor similar to banana or pineapple. They’re common in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America. In the U.S., you can sometimes find them at Asian or Latin American markets, especially in Southern California, Florida, and other warm regions during their late summer to fall season.
Mangosteen
The Mangosteen is another fruit he loves. It has a thick purple skin that hides soft white sections inside. The taste is sweet and slightly tangy, making it refreshing and rich at the same time. Mangosteen is native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In the U.S., fresh mangosteen is harder to find, but you can sometimes get it at specialty Asian markets when it’s in season.
Star Apple (Caimito)
Anh also enjoys Star Apples, sometimes called Caimito which he loves to bring for his friends. The fruit has smooth skin in shades of purple or green and a jelly-like inside with a star shape. The fruit is native to the Caribbean and Central America, but it’s also widely grown in tropical regions like Southeast Asia, West Africa, and South America. In the U.S., you might find it in specialty markets in Florida or Southern California when it’s in season.
Starfruit (Carambola)
When he’s on vacation, Anh often enjoys Starfruit. It’s crisp, juicy, and shaped like a star when cut. He loves it since it reminds him of his sister’s plant, though it can show up at other times of year too. Starfruit comes from Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and the Philippines. It is also grown in warm parts of the U.S. like Florida and Hawaii.
Cherries
Anh also likes cherries, because of the natural effect of making him sleepy. Tart cherries contain melatonin which is the natural chemical that helps you fall asleep. Because of that, he now eats them mostly at night.
A Simple Pleasure
For Anh, fruit is more than just food. It’s something he eats often, tied to memories, family, and travel. Whether it’s a rare tropical fruit or a bowl of cherries before bed, fruit is one of his everyday joys.
To see more from Anh’s travels, follow him on Instagram @anhcotran.