While a tequila-making cactus might be the first thing you think of, there’s a whole heap of fruit from Mexico that deserves way more attention. The blue agave plant, which tequila comes from, isn’t really a fruit but it’s such a huge part of Mexican culture and flavour it deserves a shout-out.
Beyond agave, Mexico’s sun-soaked lands grow some of the tastiest and most unique fruit anywhere.
Here’s the Street Food Guy’s take on the best fruit from Mexico, counting down from ten to one.
10. Guava
Guava is everywhere in Mexico. Sweet and tropical with pink or white flesh, it’s often eaten fresh or turned into juices and candies. The flavour is a nice balance of sweet and tart that you can’t get enough of.
9. Sapote
Sapote covers a few different fruits but the black sapote stands out. It looks like a green tomato but tastes like chocolate pudding when ripe. Creamy and sweet, perfect fresh or in desserts.
8. Mamey
Mamey is a big, rough-skinned fruit with bright orange flesh. Its flavour is a mix of pumpkin, almond, and sweet potato. Popular in southern Mexico, it’s often blended into shakes or eaten fresh.
7. Mexican Plum
Small and round, Mexican plum is more tart than sweet. Great for jams or eaten fresh if you like sour fruit. Grows wild and features in traditional dishes.
6. Nopal Fruit (Tuna)
The fruit from the prickly pear cactus, called tuna, has sweet, juicy flesh inside a tough, spiky skin. Once peeled carefully, it’s refreshing and tangy — a summer favourite.
5. Cherimoya
Called custard apple by some, cherimoya is creamy with flavours of banana, pineapple, and papaya. Soft and sweet, usually eaten fresh or in smoothies.
4. Mexican Lime
Smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, Mexican limes are essential to Mexican food. Their tart juice brightens tacos, drinks and desserts, and the zest adds punch.
3. Mango
Mexican mangoes are juicy and sweet, especially ripe in summer. Different varieties all shine fresh or in salsas. The classic way? Mango dipped in chili powder and lime.
2. Papaya
Papaya has soft orange flesh and black seeds. Sweet and refreshing, eaten fresh or in juices and smoothies. Also good for digestion.
1. Avocado
Avocado tops the list of fruit from Mexico. Creamy, buttery and packed with good fats, it’s the base of guacamole and a Mexican staple. Grown all over Mexico and used in countless dishes.
Bonus: Blue Agave
Not a fruit exactly, but blue agave deserves a mention. The heart of this cactus, called the piña, is harvested to make tequila. You don’t eat it raw but its sweet nectar is fermented and distilled into one of Mexico’s most famous exports.
Mexico’s fruit is as vibrant as its culture. From sweet mangoes to tart limes and creamy avocados, the best fruit from Mexico delivers flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
If you get the chance, hit a Mexican market and dive into the fresh fruit. Try it with chili and lime like locals do. It’s a feast for the senses and one of the best parts of Mexican street food culture.