Mexican cuisine is full of bold flavors and bright colors. Many of those flavors come from tropical fruit, which is what we’re talking about this month because National Tropical Fruit Day is coming up on July 18th. You’ll find tropical fruit in all areas of Mexican cuisine, from beverages to salsa to desserts. Let’s look at just a few.
Here are some of the ways we use tropical fruit in Mexican cuisine.
Salsas and Sauces
Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya are often in salsas and sauces. These fruits combine with other ingredients like chili peppers, onions, lime juice, and cilantro. Together, they create a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Mango salsa, for example, is a popular accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood.
Beverages
You’ll also find tropical fruits in a variety of refreshing Mexican beverages. Aguas frescas—fruit-based drinks—often feature fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, or mango blended with water, sugar, and sometimes lime juice. Additionally, tropical fruits are in fruit juices, smoothies, and cocktails, such as the popular Piña Colada made with pineapple and coconut.
Desserts
Tropical fruits frequently add natural sweetness and tropical flavors to Mexican desserts. One popular dessert is the traditional Mexican fruit salad called ensalada de frutas, which combines a variety of fruits, including tropical options like mango, pineapple, papaya, and banana. Other desserts like paletas (fruit popsicles), helado de coco (coconut ice cream), and tropical fruit tarts often feature tropical fruits as well.
Marinating and Grilling
Tropical fruits, especially pineapple, in marinades tenderize and add flavor to meats, particularly for dishes like al pastor, where marinated pork is cooked on a spit. The enzymes in the fruit help break down the meat fibers and infuse them with a sweet and tangy taste.
Salads and Ceviche
Tropical fruits are sometimes incorporated into salads and ceviche dishes. For example, a popular Mexican fruit salad called bionico includes a mix of chopped tropical fruits like banana, papaya, melon, and berries, topped with yogurt and granola. In ceviche, fruits like mango or pineapple may be added to complement the flavors of the seafood.
Authentic Mexican Cusine | California Burritos
For delicious and authentic Mexican flavors, come to California Burritos! Enjoy your favorite foods from Mexican cuisine, or give our Salvadorian dishes a try. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, we have the flavors you love!