What Fruit Can You Find in Niue?
The tropical island of Niue should be brimming with tropical fruit, but surprisingly, there is less variety than elsewhere in the South Pacific. However, despite the island’s non-existent running water and difficult agriculture conditions, there are some fruits that have thrived on the island making Niue the perfect place to try some new exotic fruits. Check out some of the top fruits in Niue you have to try in the list below!
For more food talk, including where to eat and food tours, see The Complete Food Guide to Niue.
1. Coconut (Niu)
Anyone who’s anyone knows that the coconut is not a nut; it’s a fruit! Of which, it is the most important fruit on the island. The word “Niue” actually means “behold coconuts”, which goes to show how well coconut palms grow on the island (coconuts were actually brought to the island by early Polynesian settlers, due to the lack of coconut palms that naturally grew here).
Coconuts are often for sale in just about any grocery store in Niue, as well as the Niue Market. Additionally, coconut demonstrations are part of some of Niue’s nature tours, such as A5 Tours, where you’ll see how to husk a coconut.
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Mango (Mago)
A favourite in smoothies and cocktails in Niue, mangos are a favoured seasonal fruit. Enjoy a juicy mango in Niue typically available to buy at markets and grocery stores in the summer months. Learn more about where to buy groceries in Niue in The Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Niue.
© NiuePocketGuide.com3. Noni
Noni grows from trees in the coffee family, but they are more famous for their smell than their taste. Admittedly, noni is not a fruit you’ll want to get your face too close to, which is why noni is mostly produced as a superfood having a wide range of health benefits, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, analgesic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing effects.
There is a noni farm in Vaiea, which produces noni juice that you can pick up at Double M in Alofi. Otherwise, noni trees can be spotted along some of Niue’s sea tracks.
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Pawpaw (Loku)
Pawpaw, also known as papaya or “loku” in Niuean, is a smooth sweet fruit with a soft fleshy centre. It’s another great fruit for smoothies, as well as in a popular Niuean dish called takihi, which is a treat made from taro, coconut cream and pawpaw. Pawpaw is typically available all year round and grows in abundance across the island, including at the Scenic Matavai Resort.
See more dishes made with Niuean fruit in the Niue Food: 10 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try.
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Banana (Futi)
Yep, you’ll find plenty of bananas in Niue, typically in the back yard of family homes. You’ll often see bananas for sale at the Niue Market, while a fun banana snack to try is Lupe Banana Chips, also sold at the Niue Market and Airport Market. If you get the chance, try the native red banana called a “hulahula”. Bananas can also be tried in smoothies and often cooked as a side dish at restaurants.
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. Vanilla
Ok, not a fruit, but we can’t go without mentioning this iconic produce of Niue. Niue is home to several organic vanilla plantations, where vanilla beans and essence can be bought in gift stores and grocery stores. Vanilla tours are available to learn more about the arduous vanilla growing process with Niue Vanilla International. See the 10 Things to Do in Niue for Foodies for more details.
(c) niuepocketguide.com7. Lime
Limes are easily grown on the island, adding a zing to drinks, meals and condiments. The citrus fruit is not particularly pleasant on its own, but no doubt it will be added as a flavouring in many meals sampled in Niue, particularly in a raw fish dish called ota ika.
© NiuePocketGuide.com8. Avocado
While technically avocados are berries, they have become an increasingly popular fruit in the Western world. Avocado trees grow very well in Niue, with the fruit containing healthy fats and vitamins. Its subtle taste and slimy texture are added to many dishes in Niue.
© NiuePocketGuide.com9. Watermelon
Watermelon has grown increasingly popular in Niue. The season the fruit is typically available is in the summer months and is one of the fruits you can try during the A5 Plantation Tours when in season. It’s a refreshing and watery fruit making a good addition to a healthy breakfast. Learn more about A5 Tours and more in The Best Guided Tours in Niue.
© NiuePocketGuide.com10. Passionfruit (Vine)
Abundant in many Niueans’ gardens and plantations between January and September, passionfruit might be messy to eat but it’s worth trying to get your hands on some of these sweet and refreshing fruit. Again, you’ll likely pick some up on a plantation tour, while some accommodations might leave them in a gift basket for you on arrival – cute!
© NiuePocketGuide.comMore About Exotic Fruits in Niue
That’s it for the best exotic fruits in Niue to try. For more stories to make you salivate, take a look at these:
- The 10 Best Restaurants in Niue
- 10 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try
- 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Niue
Finally, head to The Complete Food Guide to Niue for even more advice on food, where to eat and foodie experiences.
