Why Fruit in Colombia Tastes Better Than Anywhere Else

Colombian fruit is unlike anything I’ve had before—fresh, flavorful, and nothing like the imported fruit back home. Here’s why it’s so good.

As I stood at the fruit stand in La Candelaria, Bogotá, I took my first bite of fresh Colombian fruit and instantly understood why locals take so much pride in it. Unlike in Canada, where tropical fruit has to be picked early and shipped long distances, here in Colombia, it’s sold at peak ripeness. That means every bite is packed with flavor, something you just don’t get when fruit is harvested too soon and left to ripen artificially.

I tried mangostino (mangosteen), and the taste was unreal—sweet, juicy, almost like a mix of peach and citrus but with a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then there were lychees, with their delicate floral sweetness. These fruits aren’t just delicious; they’re a direct connection to the land. You can taste the difference when something is grown nearby and sold fresh instead of being transported thousands of miles.

For travelers, this is something you have to experience. If you visit Colombia, don’t just eat at restaurants—go to the markets, try the fruit, talk to the vendors. It’s one of the best ways to connect with the culture.

This clip is part of my full video where I explore Bogotá’s street markets and taste fresh Colombian fruit—watch the full experience here.