Ticos (Costa Ricans) love ‘em. All throughout Latin America and Malaysia, these brilliant red, Porcupine-like fruit are the favorite of the masses.
Also know as Rambutan, you can read all about them right here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambutan
So why am I writing about this little creatures today? Because my daughter, who is cautious about what foods she puts in her mouth, went nuts after I was able to lure her to eat one. Her first bite was suspicious, and a bit nervous as I pealed the exterior away. She saw the inner opaque ball and caught a whiff. “Daddy, does that taste like oranges?” Close.Lychee is the similarity here. Place this ball in your mouth and enjoy its yummy goodness. My daughter’s eye lit up immediately as she pealed away the “meat” from its core. Then, “Daddy, can we go get a bag of these things, these are ricisisimo!” (Otherwise, delicious)
Locally called Mamones, these “hair balls” are a hit in July and August. The street vendors line up on the highway with stands and bags everywhere. Bright yellows and reds bring so much color to our lives. Now that Mango season is now done, it’s wonderful that there is always something new around the corner.
I rushed and bought her a bag of 25 for about a buck. Yes, some things are cheap here, this being one. The other was last months Mangos that fell from our trees –for free.
Today we are peeling Mamones and combining them with maracuya (another delicacy for another article later), bananas, basil and papaya. An explosion of colors for our afternoon smoothie.
The season for Mamonchinos is here until mid-August. If you want to enjoy some traditional Costa Rica food, this is the time to be here. Rain/green season is here, and it’s full of life that the summer months do not create.
I am endlessly amazed how tour books say for travelers to stay away from Costa Rica in the rainy months. This time of the year is full of amazing fruits that summer just does not produce. Combine that with a lightening and thunder show to add some excitement. If you do not experience Costa Rica in July / August, you are missing perhaps the best time of the year – and you will miss eating Mamones.Cheers to an explosion of fresh fruits! It’s Mamonchino Season!
JDub