A Guide to Enjoying Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Mauritius
A vegetable curry is normally an essential part of a typically Creole-Mauritian meal whereas a fruit salad or an exotic ripe and juicy fruit (mango or pineapple) complements the meal.
Being a tropical island, Mauritius has an excellent variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. The wide variety of fruits and vegetables produced in Mauritius are very much appreciated by the local people. It is worth highlighting that they form a very important part of their daily meals. A vegetable curry is normally an essential part of a typically Creole-Mauritian meal whereas a fruit salad or an exotic ripe and juicy fruit (mango or pineapple) complements the meal.
Food markets in Mauritius are where you want to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables - they’re cheaper than the supermarkets and offer a more exciting shopping experience than fluorescent-lit aisles.
Here’s all you need to know make the most of the fresh produce available on the island.
Local Vegetables in Mauritius
The local markets of Mauritius display an array of colourful and fresh fruits & vegetables. Cultivated locally in rural areas, they are picked up early in the morning to be sold during the day. There are a variety of leafy vegetables which are cooked as broth or sautéed with onions to accompany a creole rougaille or any other sauce.
Some common vegetables that can be found on the stalls are listed below:
Aubergines (Eggplants) also known as Bringelles or Brinzel
Cabbages known as Lichou
Chayotte known as Chouchou
Cassava known as Manioc
Bitter gourd known as Margose
Bottle gourd known as Calebasses
Okra (Ladyfinger) known as Lalo
Patty pan known as Pattison
Pumpkin known as Giraumon
Green beans known as Haricots
Spinach known as Epinard
Water cress known as Cresson
Amaranth leaves known as Brèdes Malbar
Most of the fruits ripen in summer, but some of them can be procured at any time during the year.
Local Fruits in Mauritius
The paradise island of Mauritius offers a diverse selection of tropical fruits for the pleasure of fruit lovers. Most of the fruits ripen in summer, but some of them can be procured at any time during the year. All these freshly grown delicious fruits can be brought in markets all over the island.
Among the exotic variety of tropical fruits you will find:
Dwarf Bananas known as Banane Zinzeli
Sugar apple known as Zatte
Litchi
Longan
Java Apple known as Jamalac or Zamalac
Java Plum known as Jamblon
Jackfruit
Pomegranate
Chinese Guava known as Goyaves de Chine
Papayas
Mangoes (different varieties)
Pineapples
Coconuts