Year Round

Bananas (กล้วย)

Bananas are one of the most common and widely consumed fruits in Thailand, available in numerous varieties, such as “Kluai Hom” (Cavendish), “Kluai Nam Wa” (Lady Finger), and “Kluai Khai” (Pisang Mas).

• Harvesting: Year-round
• Consumption: Bananas are incredibly versatile. They can be eaten fresh, fried, steamed, or incorporated into a variety of desserts such as banana fritters (กล้วยแขก) and banana in coconut milk (กล้วยบวชชี). They are also commonly used in smoothies and as a natural sweetener in baked goods.
• Benefits: Bananas are rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health, and they also provide quick energy, making them a great snack. Additionally, bananas are high in fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.

Papayas (มะละกอ)

Papayas are another tropical fruit that can be harvested year-round in Thailand. Known locally as “Malako,” they are valued for their sweet, succulent flesh and vibrant orange color.

• Harvesting: Year-round
• Consumption: Papayas are often enjoyed fresh or used in the famous Thai dish “Som Tum” (green papaya salad). Ripe papayas can be added to fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or used in desserts. The unripe green papayas are commonly shredded and used in salads or pickled.
• Benefits: Papayas are rich in vitamin C and A, which support the immune system and promote skin health. They also contain papain, an enzyme that aids digestion and can help with protein absorption.

Coconuts (มะพร้าว)

Coconuts are integral to Thai cuisine and culture, used in various forms ranging from fresh coconut water to coconut milk, which is a staple in Thai cooking.

• Harvesting: Year-round
• Consumption: Coconuts are used in a multitude of ways in Thailand. The fresh water inside young coconuts is a popular drink, while the flesh is often eaten as a snack. Coconut milk is extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts and used in a wide range of dishes, from curries to desserts like “Khanom Krok” (coconut rice pancakes).
• Benefits: Coconuts are a great source of hydration due to their high electrolyte content. Coconut milk and oil are also rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are beneficial for energy and metabolic health.

Pineapples (สับปะรด)

Although typically associated with tropical climates, pineapples in Thailand can be grown and harvested throughout the year, particularly in regions like Prachuap Khiri Khan.

• Harvesting: Year-round
• Consumption: Pineapples are consumed fresh, juiced, or used in cooking. They are a common ingredient in Thai dishes like sweet and sour stir-fry and are also used in desserts and drinks.
• Benefits: Pineapples are rich in vitamin C and manganese. They also contain bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that aids digestion.

Guavas (ฝรั่ง)

Guavas, known locally as “Farang,” are widely available throughout the year in Thailand and are popular for their crisp texture and mildly sweet flavor.

• Harvesting: Year-round
• Consumption: Guavas are often eaten fresh, with a sprinkle of salt or chili powder for extra flavor. They can also be juiced or used in desserts and jellies.
• Benefits: Guavas are exceptionally high in vitamin C—higher than oranges—and are rich in fiber, which helps with digestion. They also contain antioxidants that contribute to overall health and well-being.