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Monstera deliciosa, often referred to as the “Swiss cheese plant” because of its unique perforated leaves. It is a tropical vine native to the rainforests of Central America.
In addition to being a popular houseplant, Monstera also produces a rare and exotic fruit that’s gaining attention for its sweet, pineapple-banana flavor. But where can you get this coveted fruit?
Is it even possible to find Monstera fruit in your local grocery store? This article explores everything you need to know about finding, harvesting, and enjoying Monstera deliciosa fruit.
Where to Get Monstera Deliciosa Fruit
Finding Monstera deliciosa fruit in your local grocery store can be a challenge, especially if you live outside tropical regions.
The monstera deliciosa fruit is not commonly sold in mainstream supermarkets, as it’s considered rare and typically only available in specific regions where the plant thrives.
1) Tropical Markets and Specialty Stores
The best places to find Monstera fruit are specialty stores and farmer’s markets in tropical and subtropical areas.
In countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama, where the plant grows natively, Monstera deliciosa is more widely available.
You might also find the fruit in stores catering to Latin American, Asian, and exotic foods.
If you’re lucky enough to live in a tropical climate, such as parts of Florida, Hawaii, or southern California, you may be able to find Monstera fruit at local fruit markets or from independent growers.
In fact, some online specialty retailers also sell fresh Monstera fruit, although shipping costs can be high due to the delicate nature of the fruit.
2) Online Retailers and Exotic Fruit Services
If you’re unable to find Monstera deliciosa fruit locally, there are online fruit vendors that specialize in exotic produce.
Websites like ‘Exotic Fruits’ or ‘Miami Fruit’ offer a variety of hard-to-find fruits, including Monstera.
Just keep in mind that these fruits often come with a hefty price tag, and you’ll need to plan for potential shipping delays that could affect freshness.
How Do You Get Monstera Fruit?
Monstera fruit is harvested directly from the plant, but getting the fruit to ripen is a bit of a process.
In the wild, Monstera deliciosa vines produce clusters of fruit that grow on a type of cylindrical flower spike known as a spadix.
These clusters are covered in small hexagonal scales, which protect the developing fruit. As the fruit ripens, the scales begin to fall off, revealing the soft, edible pulp underneath.
Patience is Key
If you have a Monstera plant in your home and you’re hoping to harvest fruit, it’s important to understand that Monstera is a slow-growing vine.
For the plant to produce fruit, it must be mature—typically around 2-3 years of age when grown outdoors in ideal conditions. Indoors, it can take even longer.
To encourage fruiting, you’ll need to ensure your plant is in a warm, humid environment and receives adequate light. Regular pruning and providing a support structure, such as a moss pole, can also help guide the plant’s growth.
Once the fruit starts to ripen, it can take several weeks to fully mature. The fruit is ready to eat when the scales start to loosen and fall off, revealing the soft, creamy flesh inside.
This can take anywhere from 3 to 4 months, depending on the growing conditions.
Is Monstera Fruit a Laxative?
Monstera deliciosa fruit contains an enzyme called *calcium oxalate*, which can cause a tingling or burning sensation when consumed in large quantities, especially if the fruit is unripe.
While the fruit is generally safe to eat when fully ripe, its unripe form can be quite irritating to the digestive system.
However, once fully ripe, Monstera fruit can have a mild laxative effect. This is primarily due to the high fiber content in the flesh, which aids in digestion.
The fruit’s natural sugars and acids also work to stimulate the digestive system, making it a natural remedy for constipation in some cases.
If consumed in moderation, it can help regulate bowel movements without causing any adverse effects.
Caution with Unripe Monstera
As mentioned, unripe Monstera can be irritating to the mouth and throat due to the presence of calcium oxalate.
It’s recommended to wait until the fruit has fully ripened and the scales have fallen off before consuming it. Eating unripened fruit may lead to discomfort or digestive issues like upset stomach, nausea, or even vomiting.
Is Monstera Deliciosa Fruit Rare?
Monstera deliciosa fruit is relatively rare, especially outside of tropical areas.
While the plant itself is quite common as a houseplant or ornamental vine, the fruit is far less frequently encountered due to several factors.
The plant typically only produces fruit in specific growing conditions, which means that it’s not always feasible for growers in non-tropical regions to harvest it.
Limited Availability
Because Monstera fruit requires the plant to be mature and grow in a warm, humid climate, the conditions for fruiting are limited.
It also takes several months for the fruit to ripen fully, making it a lengthy process for farmers or growers.
As a result, most people who live outside of tropical climates may never encounter Monstera fruit unless they travel to regions where it grows naturally.
In tropical areas, however, the fruit is much more common, especially in markets that specialize in exotic produce.
How to Encourage Monstera to Fruit
If you’re hoping to harvest Monstera fruit from your own plant, there are a few things you can do to encourage fruiting.
1) Provide the Right Growing Conditions
Monstera deliciosa thrives in warm, humid environments. Ensure your plant is placed in a location with temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and humidity levels of at least 60%.
In dry climates, you can increase humidity with a humidifier or by placing a water tray near the plant.
2) Adequate Light
Monstera plants do best in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can hinder the plant’s growth and ability to flower.
The right balance is key to encouraging fruiting.
3) Use a Moss Pole
Monstera plants are natural climbers, and using a moss pole or other vertical structure will encourage upward growth, which is essential for supporting fruiting.
The more established the plant’s structure, the more likely it is to produce flowers and fruit.
4) Fertilize Regularly
Providing your Monstera with regular doses of a balanced fertilizer will help it grow vigorously and produce fruit. Organic fertilizers or slow-release pellets are good options.
5) Patience
Monstera fruiting is a slow process. Even with the best care, it may take several years for your plant to produce fruit. Be patient, and continue to nurture your plant.
What Happens if You Eat Monstera Deliciosa Unripe?
Eating unripe Monstera deliciosa fruit can lead to a number of unpleasant side effects due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
These crystals can irritate the skin, mouth, and throat, causing a burning or tingling sensation. In severe cases, consuming unripe Monstera can lead to more serious digestive issues, such as nausea or vomiting.
How to Safely Eat Monstera Fruit
To avoid these issues, make sure the Monstera fruit is fully ripe before consuming it.
Ripe Monstera fruit will have its scales or “skin” begin to fall off, and the flesh will appear creamy and soft. You should also wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any remaining oxalate crystals.
What Are the Side Effects of Monstera Fruit?
While Monstera deliciosa fruit is generally safe to eat once ripe, there are some potential side effects to consider.
1) Mouth Irritation
As mentioned, unripe fruit contains calcium oxalate, which can cause irritation. This effect is minimized when the fruit is fully ripe.
2) Digestive Issues
If consumed in large quantities, the fruit’s fiber content might cause mild digestive upset or diarrhea. However, the fruit is typically well-tolerated when eaten in moderation.
3) Allergic Reactions
While rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to the fruit, experiencing symptoms such as swelling or itching. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to try a small amount first.
Final Thoughts
Monstera deliciosa fruit is a tropical treasure that’s well worth the wait if you’re fortunate enough to encounter it.
While finding the fruit outside of tropical regions can be difficult, there are still a few ways to enjoy this exotic delicacy.
With patience, the right growing conditions, and a little luck, you might just be able to grow your own Monstera fruit and experience the sweet, unique flavor that makes it such a special treat.