What Fruit to Try 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, see The Guide to Food in Niue.
1. Coconut
Ok, it might be a little weird to start a list of Niue fruits with a nut, but the coconut is one of the most important foods on the island. The word “Niue” actually means “behold coconuts”, which goes to show how well coconut palms grow on the island! Coconuts are 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 Misa’s Nature Tours and A5 Tours, where you’ll see how to husk a coconut.
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Mango
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 Where to Buy Food in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Noni
Noni grows from trees in the coffee family, but they more famous for their smell than the 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, where tours can be organised through the Visitor Information Centre in Alofi. Otherwise, noni trees can be spotted along the Matapa Chasm Sea Track, as well as on Misa’s Nature Tour.
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Pawpaw
Pawpaw, also known as papaya, 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.
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Banana
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. 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, again, 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 roadside stalls. Vanilla tours are available to learn more about the vanilla growing process and try some aromatic treats with Niue Vanilla International. See 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.
(c) Pixabay8. 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.
(c) Pixabay9. Watermelon
Finally, watermelon has grown increasingly popular in Niue. The season the fruit is typically available is in the summer months and is one of the fruit you can try during the A5 Rainforest & Plantation Tours. 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.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMore About Exotic Fruits in Niue
- The 10 Best Restaurants in Niue
- 10 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try
- 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Niue
That’s it for the best exotic fruits in Niue to try. Now head to The Guide to the Niuean Culture for Travellers for even more advice on the local customs, food and similar cultural experiences.
