An avocado tree produces green fruit that some say is the most nutritious fruit in the world due to the array of vitamins and minerals and the fact that is a source of monosaturated fat. A popular way to eat avocado in the Philippines is by scooping ripe flesh from the skin and mixing it with sugar and milk.
Also called Sweet Sop or Sugar Apple, the atis fruit belongs to the Annona family. A small tree that grows 10 to 20 feet in height, the atis tree produces fruit with white flesh, black seeds and a sweet taste. It produces fruit about three times a year. The whole atis tree has medicinal properties except the seeds, which are toxic.
In the Philippines, the coconut palm tree is called the "tree of life" as the whole tree has uses. Coconut fruit grow high up on the palm trees and can be eaten plain or cooked. In addition, coconut oil can be used as a substitute for diesel gasoline.
A native to Asia, but grown in Southern Philippines, many consider durian an exotic fruit. Its name comes from "duri," the Malay word for thorn. The soccer-sized durian fruit has a thick, spiny shell and delicious fruit. However, the taste of durian far outstrips that of its pungent smell. The tree grows well over 100 feet tall and can survive for centuries.
Guyabano grows on a small tree, about 8 to 20 feet tall, and also goes by the name of Soursop. The skin of the fruit is green and spiky and the flesh is white and pulpy and high in vitamins and minerals. The dark seeds inside the guyabano are inedible.
Mangoes grow on evergreen trees that are related to the cashew. Called "apple of the tropics," mango is a widely cultivated fruit tree. The mango tree's widespread branches grow up to 100 feet tall and some have lived over 300 years. The fruit varies in both size and color; ranging from round to oval and from green, yellow and red. The Philippine mango is the country's national fruit and is known the world over for its sweet, distinctive taste.
This slow growing evergreen tree gets 20 to 80 feet in height and produces round fruit whose purple skin encases segments of white flesh. Along with its medical properties, mangosteen's delectable flavor has earned it the name, "Queen of Fruits."
