Freshest Fruit in Costa Rica

Since I have arrived in Costa Rica I have tasted some of the freshest fruit I have ever eaten.

Everyday at Serendipity Adventures' offices we get to enjoy fresh fruit and a delicious green salad for lunch. We have had all different kinds of fruit including locally grown pineapple, mango, papaya, watermelon, strawberries and bananas.  One morning we even got freshly squeezed orange juice.

Turrialba produce market

On the weekends I travel to the busier city of Turrialba, where I go to the fresh produce market.  I've been to produce markets before in my home country of the U.S., but none of them compare to the ones in Costa Rica.  All of the local farmers come to town and sell their delicious produce from smaller towns, such as San Antonio of Santa Cruz, where Serendipity's office is located.

Some produce stands have fresh coconuts, which are a refreshing treat to enjoy as I was around taking in all my surroundings.  There's always live music playing, and the whole experience feels more like a festival rather than an ordinary Saturday morning.  Everything always looks so delicious I have a hard time deciding what to bring back with me.  The local bananas are much smaller than ones in the U.S., but a lot sweeter and more delicious.  Farmers get to wait until they are at their peak ripeness before picking them, which is the reason for the extra sweetness they have.

Bananas are Costa Rica's major agriculture export along with coffee, sugar, cocoa, cattle and meat products. Coffee was the major export for many decades and a very important part of Costa Rican history, but in recent years was surpassed by bananas. Other agricultural exports from the country include tropical fruit, such as pineapple, melon, mango, papaya, and coconut.

In many towns local people go to the market to shop for fresh produce, vegetables, and cheeses.  Markets are usually in larger cities such as San José, Turrialba, and San Ramon.  Many people from smaller towns make their trip to the market an all day outing.  They use the day to buy fresh produce and other daily items for the week that they can't get where they live.  Usually markets are during the weekend, and are a one or two day event.  In Turrialba the market takes place on Friday and Saturday.  Markets are a great way to see the local people and immerse yourself in the culture on your Costa Rica vacation.

The fresh produce is one of my favorite parts about living here and I always look forward to going to town to try new things and experience the culture of Costa Rica.