Coconuts are extremely popular and can be consumed in all forms, and the tree itself is said to have originated on the island. The Cocos Nucifera, using its scientific name, drops the fruit when it is green and ripe. We can then remove the kernel (our coconut) with a machete. Then if you pierce two holes in it, you will be able to drink its refreshing juice, the coconut "water”.

Once the nut has been scooped out, the pulp inside the coconut is removed, and can be squeezed or infused in water, creating coconut “milk”. It can also be grated or dried into long shavings, which is an essential ingredient in pol sambol, served with curry rice. The coconut flower can be used in various dishes or distilled into a syrup which has a honey-like and caramelized taste, and the sap can be fermented to make palm wine. As for palm oil, often the subject of much debate, the government has recently banned its sale.

A blessed land for the fruits of the Americas 

It is also worth mentioning cocoa as it grows in the same fields as the coconut and rubber trees, and its fruit can only be consumed after a long and elaborate preparation, so keep in mind that when you spot a basket of it, it is usually just for decoration.  

Cultivated in the southern part of the island, the cocoa tree actually originates from another part of the world - America. But there is a "local" variety known as "old red ceylon", which grows in the south of the island. It is one of the oldest surviving species and was introduced in the 17th century by the colonialists. But as Sri Lanka became one of the most renowned producers of it, it has since pretty much disappeared from the rest of the world.  

Going back to the subject of fruit, there are even more varieties from the Americas, such as dragon fruit, which grows wonderfully in humid areas and low altitudes. Its funny appearance resembles a pink ball, which can be sliced in half and eaten like a kiwi. It looks pretty similar to a kiwi on the inside, as the seeds are also found in the middle of the fruit. Also originating from the Americas, passion fruit does not get its name from any aphrodisiac properties, but is instead a reference to the Passion (crucifixion) of Jesus, and was also called the "flower of the five wounds" and used by missionaries to convert people to Christianity. 

Native to the Caribbean and Amazonian America, the pineapple was first introduced to the Reunion and Mauritius, and was associated with the esteemed Queen Victoria, who was fond of it. The fruit then moved west, eventually reaching Colombo and Kandy.

The papaya came to us from Mexico, but in Ceylon it is used mostly as a vegetable, and is served grated. Also of American origin, although people assume it is Asian, the durian has a very strange appearance, almost like a pod with dinosaur skin. When you split it open, you will find white flesh, and if it is not too ripe, you will be able to enjoy the creaminess of the fruit. But of course, the durian has a very bad reputation because of its pungent smell, so much so that it was in fact banned from the underground in Singapore.

Rare and amazing fruits

Mango is a pretty common dessert which comes from India, and is a popular ingredient for chutneys. The Sri Lankan variety grows in the north of the island, not far from Arunadhapura. But it is smaller than the pulpy versions we tend to find in Europe.

Much less famous is the mangosteen, with its round and bumpy purple shell. Slightly larger than an apricot, it can be opened with a knife to reveal white flesh separated into five to seven quarters, just like garlic cloves. But you should not confuse it with the rambutan, which means "hairy" in Malay. Underneath what looks like hair ranging from orange to purple red, it has white flesh reminiscent of a lychee.

In conclusion, the wonderful Sri Lanka is a fantastic place where everything seems to grow, but you need to take some precautions to avoid any incidents. For instance, always eat the fruit from the tree, and not those that have been opened and exposed to heat or insects. The best is to get it from the basket full of fresh fruit in your hotel room, which is a very common practice.