Varieties of fruits in the Philippines are quite fewer than other countries, but they are produced more abundantly. The main reason behind it is that the tropical climate of the country only allows for certain fruits to grow any time of the year.
Common fruits
These are the types of fruits which can be found on every home. They are sold by most vendors in nearby markets, so there is little worry of not finding these types of fruits. At least a few of these fruits are available in more than 90% of Filipino homes.
- Apple. This is the red-skinned one whose insides are yellowish. They are often eaten by many Filipinos because of the saying that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away".
- Banana. Whether large and fat or small and thin, bananas are abundant in the Philippines. The fact that it is easy to peel makes it convenient to eat. It is also rich in some nutrients that are usually not in significant amounts in other fruits. They are sometimes eaten raw.
- Mango. This fruit is enjoyed either raw or ripe. When raw, Filipinos eat them solid, and when available, they add salt or bagoong (anchovies preserved with salt and has a dark brown color) to mask the sour taste, and is really delicious for them. When ripe, they are sweet and they can also be processed to produce amazing mango desserts.
- Watermelon. They are available from large to really large. There are many seedless types sold in the market.
- Orange. This fruit make the house really colorful. This is especially available during special occasions where food is abundant and displayed.
- Pineapple. They may differ in size, but their taste remains just the same. It is believed that eating pineapples is healthy for digestion and aids in weight control.
- Tomato. This fruit makes good combinations with many Filipino recipes and make appetizing side dishes when mixed with other viands of strong taste.
- Calamansi. They are sometimes referred to as "little lime", because of their strongly sour taste and similarity in shape and color. They make great sauces and is usually mixed with soy sauce for fried dishes, and is sometimes mixed with water (cold water when available) and sugar to become a beverage.
- Coconut. Most markets have this type of fruit. It is commonly used for cooking. Filipinos also often use it to produce coconut juice, which is a popular beverage especially during the sunny season. Coconuts are seldom stored in homes; they are used immediately after purchased.
Uncommon fruits
Some fruits are bought only during special occasions, or only by people who wish to buy them regardless of taste, price, or availability. Less than 20% of Filipino homes have any of these fruits.
- Grape. This fruit is grown in not many locations in the Philippines, or sometimes imported from other countries.
- Pear. This is a yellow-skinned fruit that look much like apples, which makes young Filipinos call them "yellow apples". They have a sweet appetizing taste. Not many farms in the Philippines produce this type of fruit.
- Avocado. They are sold by not many vendors in markets.
- Guava. These are uncommon not because they are difficult to produce, but it is because not many Filipinos eat them. This type of fruit offers medicinal benefits aside from being nutritious.
- Jackfruit. This fruit is not common primarily because of its taste (and also because it is difficult to hold for some people), but it proves to have some great benefits.
Occasional fruits
These types of fruits are rarely available because they cannot grow in most parts of the country. Less than 10% of Filipino homes have any of these fruits.
- Strawberry. In the Philippines, this fruit is known to grow in Baguio City, but can also grow on other parts of the country. Eating it is a craze for most Filipinos in the country because of its taste that differs from nearly all other fruits and because of its low supply. They are very often available locally in supermarkets, but from there they have high prices.
- Lanzones. These are fruits with light brown skin, and whose insides are white and translucent. Depending on what you bite on the fruit, it can taste sweet, sour or bitter. They are available by the stem, similar to grapes. Its stem has a white, sticky fluid.
Though not all of the fruits in Filipino homes are listed here, those listed above may be found in most of Filipino homes in every neighborhood.