Monsteras, those tropical houseplants with the cool, natural leaf holes that have been flooding your Instagram feed for the past few years, have gone viral for more than just looking cool on your windowsill: They actually bear fruit.
Influencers are dubbing Monstera deliciosa (which means “delicious monster”) the “fruit salad” plant, maintaining that the strange-looking, sweet and delicious spiky fruit is well-deserving of its name.
Miami Fruit, a South Florida company specializing in exotic fruit, including Monstera deliciosa, shared a TikTok video on July 21 introducing the funny fruit. In it, one of the company’s founders, Edelle Schlegel, describes its look as “corn on the cob from another planet” and the taste as, “all the fruit combined with a hint of Pop Rocks candy.” Specifically, pineapple, mango, and banana, she adds later on. “It has these interesting honeycomb scales that fall off as it ripens,” she says in the video that has been viewed more than 7.4 million times. There is one caveat, however. “Unripe, the fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause a burning sensation in your mouth and throat, so make sure to eat it ripe to avoid getting burned.”
Lydia Keating, an influencer who heads up the so-called “Fruit Gang,” put Monstera deliciosa to the test in a July 28 video (viewed over 39 million times) after being “intrigued” by Miami Fruit’s claims. “It’s an interesting shape, it has a nice kind of curve,” she says after pulling three unripe pieces of the fruit out of a box. “She did say the honeycomb is supposed to flake off if it is ripe,” she says.
In several follow up videos she continues documenting the ripening process, trying it on August 3, demonstrating that the honeycombs were finally falling off. “Oh my god,” she exclaims, biting into the flesh. “The flavor is actually insane. I’ve never had a fruit that tastes like this. The flavor is like, you go on a journey,” she continues. “You start sweet, and then you kind of go into pineapple, and then from pineapple you almost go to coconut, and then banana,” she continues, noting that the center is hard, “like corn on the cob.”
Justin Hancock, a horticulturist with Costa Farms in Miami, describes the fruit as looking “almost prehistoric or reptilian, like elongated cylinders up to 12 inches long covered with hexagonal green scales,” he says. Underneath the scales is the fruit, which has a ripe banana-like texture and decidedly tropical flavor. “To me, most are reminiscent of bananas mixed with the tang of pineapple and the sweetness of marshmallows,” he adds, pointing out that because Monstera deliciosa plants are propagated by seed, there may be subtle differences between plants, just like how different apple varieties have their own unique flavor profiles.
Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant is a popular houseplant grown for its large glossy leaves with signature holes. What many don’t realize is that this plant can also produce an edible fruit called monstera fruit or Mexican breadfruit. Though not commonly found in grocery stores, monstera fruit can be purchased from specialty fruit sellers when in season. Here is a complete guide on where to buy monstera fruit.
Monstera deliciosa is native to southern Mexico and Panama. In the wild, these plants grow as large vines and can reach up to 66 feet in height. The monstera fruit is borne from the fertilized spathe, which starts off covered by a hood called the spadix. As the oval fruit ripens over the course of a year, the protective scales fall off from bottom to top, revealing the delicious fruit inside.
When ripe, the monstera fruit has a sweet tropical flavor reminiscent of pineapple and mango. The texture is soft and juicy. However, unripe monstera fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause throat irritation, so it’s important not to eat the fruit before the scales have naturally fallen off.
Where to Find Monstera Fruit for Sale
Monstera fruit has a short season from late spring through early fall. Since it takes nearly a year for the fruit to ripen on the vine, fresh monstera fruit is rarely found in regular supermarkets. However, you may be able to find monstera fruit at the following types of specialty vendors:
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Online fruit sellers – Several online stores specialize in selling exotic and tropical fruits that ship nationwide. This is often the easiest way to get monstera fruit. Some popular online sellers include Miami Fruit, Fruit Hunters, and Exotic Fruit Box.
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Local nurseries – Some plant nurseries that sell monstera houseplants may also sell monstera fruit when in season, especially in tropical climates like Florida and Hawaii. Call ahead to ask if they have any fruit available.
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Farmers markets – In locations where monstera can grow outdoors like Florida, California, and Hawaii, farmers markets are a good place to check for monstera fruit from July to September. Look for vendors selling tropical fruits.
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Ethnic grocery stores – In areas with large Latin American populations some ethnic grocery stores may carry monstera fruit at certain times of year. Try stores specializing in Mexican Central American, or South American products.
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Fruit stands & produce markets – Independent fruit sellers and produce markets in warm climates may offer monstera fruit when in season. Check stands advertising exotic or tropical fruits.
How to Buy Monstera Fruit Online
Purchasing monstera fruit online is often the simplest way to get this uncommon tropical fruit. Here are some tips for buying monstera fruit online:
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Check seller reviews – Read seller reviews to ensure a reputable company that provides high-quality fruit and reliable service. Avoid sellers with no reviews.
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Understand shipping times – Since most sellers grow their own fruit, allow 1-2 weeks for the fruit to ship depending on ripeness. Select expedited shipping for faster transit.
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Check for deals – Some sellers offer deals like free shipping over a certain dollar amount. Opt for bulk purchases to save on costs.
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Know policies – Review refund and shipping policies in case fruit arrives damaged or needs to be returned, Look for satisfaction guarantees
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Check ripening – Inquire whether fruit will be shipped ripe and ready-to-eat or whether some additional ripening is required.
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Mind the season – Place pre-orders in advance since monstera fruit has a short season. Be flexible on ship dates depending on availability.
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Request care tips – Ask for care instructions like proper ripening, storage times, and usage ideas to get the best results from your fruit.
What to Expect When Buying Monstera Fruit
If you’ve never purchased monstera fruit before, here’s what to expect:
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Limited quantities – Because of small harvests, most sellers only have a few pieces of fruit available at a time. Buy quickly before it sells out.
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Expensive price – Due to difficulties growing and ripening the fruit, monstera fruit tends to be pricy, often $50-$100 for one fruit. Buy in bulk to lower costs.
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Pre-orders – Monstera fruit goes fast, so many sellers take pre-orders when out of season to reserve fruit for the next harvest.
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Long stem – The monstera fruit grows off a long, tough stem which is usually left attached. Trim off what you don’t need.
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Varying ripeness – Each fruit ripens gradually from the stem up, so sections will be ripe while others remain covered in scales.
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Short shelf life – Ripe monstera fruit is highly perishable. Eat within 2-3 days of arrival for best flavor, texture and juiciness.
Tips for Ripening & Storing Monstera Fruit
Follow these tips to ripen an unripe monstera fruit and store it properly:
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Place stem-end down in a jar or glass to ripen. Supporting the fruit allows the scales to slough off as it ripens from bottom to top.
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Ripening can take 1-2 weeks. Check daily and eat segments as scales fall off to expose the ripe fruit. Do not force scales off.
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Ripe fruit is soft with a strong fruity aroma. Eat only ripened segments – unripe portions can cause throat irritation.
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Once ripe, store leftover fruit in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days maximum. Discard when moldy.
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Do not freeze monstera fruit. Freezing will damage the delicate texture and flavor. Enjoy fresh for best taste.
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If fruit starts to ferment, compost immediately. Fermented monstera fruit gives off unpleasant odors.
With proper care, you can enjoy every last juicy bite of this exotic tropical fruit. Just be sure to purchase your monstera fruit from a reputable source.
Best Online Stores to Buy Monstera Fruit
To help you get your hands on this unique fruit, here are some top recommended online stores for purchasing monstera fruit:
Miami Fruit
Miami Fruit is a family-owned tropical fruit seller located in Miami, Florida. They have over a decade of experience growing and providing exotic fruits from their own farm. Miami Fruit occasionally offers monstera fruit in season and also accepts pre-orders. Their fruit is carefully packaged to ensure safe shipping.
Pros
- Free shipping over $75
- Good selection of tropical fruits
- Farm fresh fruit
- Care instructions provided
Cons
- Limited supply of monstera
- Can sell out quickly
Fruit Hunters
Fruit Hunters provides home delivery of fresh exotic fruits grown sustainably on small farms. Their monstera fruit is harvested from plants in South Florida. You can pre-order monstera fruit to secure your shipment for the next harvest. Fruit Hunters has excellent customer reviews.
Pros
- Pre-order available
- Bi-weekly shipping
- Excellent customer service
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Limited fruit quantities
- Cannot ship to CA
Exotic Fruit Box
Exotic Fruit Box delivers an assortment of tropical fruits nationwide. They source rare and organic fruits from small farms across the Americas. Their fruit is ripened to perfection before quick delivery in insulated boxes with gel packs. Monstera fruit may be included depending on availability.
Pros
- Perishable shipping expertise
- Source from many farms
- Good for fruit variety
- Satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
- Mixed fruit only
- Monstera not always available
With the surge in popularity of exotic tropical fruits, the options for buying monstera fruit online continue to expand. Be sure to also check out lesser known farms and nurseries selling through their websites or local delivery services. The thrill of tasting this rare delicacy is worth seeking out a supplier.
Enjoying Monstera Fruit at Home
Once you get your hands on some monstera fruit, here are some serving ideas:
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Eat fresh by scooping out ripe segments with a spoon
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Top yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding
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Blend into smoothies, juices, or ice cream
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Mix into fruit salad
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Bake into pies, cakes, or other desserts
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Infuse into water or cocktails
Because of its mild pineapple-mango taste, monstera fruit mixes well with coconut, citrus, vanilla, ginger, and rum. Its creamy textureeven when fully ripe makes it ideal for desserts rather than eating raw.
Try getting creative with this unique fruit. Part of the experience is the excitement of trying an exotic delicacy that few have had the chance to taste.
Is Monstera Fruit Worth Trying?
Monstera deliciosa produces one of the most intriguing exotic fruits that can be grown. Though uncommon to find and priced at a premium, monstera fruit offers a delightful tropical flavor and fun conversation piece for any fruit lover. Its ripening process spanning nearly a full year symbolizes the patience and care required to enjoy this special treat. For those curious about rare tropical fruits, monstera fruit is certainly one worth trying should you come across it for sale.
How Healthy Is Monstera Deliciosa Fruit
Because of how rare it is, Monstera fruit wont be found in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nutritional analysis database. But it shares some nutritional properties with other fruits, says Keri Gans, RDN, a nutrition consultant in New York City and the author of The Small Change Diet. “It is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant which helps our body fight against free radicals.” Vitamin C has been shown to support immune health and help protect against certain kinds of cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Both Gans and Hancock confirm that eating the fruit prior to reaching full ripeness, before the outer scales fall off, could cause an unpleasant reaction. “It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and burning inside your mouth, tongue, and throat, as well as itchiness on the skin, face, and scalp,” Gans explains. Hancock has firsthand knowledge of this. “I’ve had the experience of getting too eager and eating too far into the fruit. It’s not pleasant,” he says. Gans adds that you might also experience digestive side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, due to the calcium oxalate. “When the fruit is ripe, the calcium oxalate dissipates,” Gans says.
Also, while the fruit is generally safe for human consumption, Gans maintains that dogs and cats should not eat it.
Monstera Deliciosa Fruit Harvest & Tasting! Possibly the best fruit I’ve ever eaten!!!
FAQ
Does Trader Joes sell Monstera plants?
Not only are they tropical and lush-looking, they’re also resilient and low-maintenance, making them perfect presents for novice growers and seasoned plant-parents alike. It’s a real win-win…. and with prices this good, you might as well head to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s and join the Monstera mania today!
Can I eat Monstera fruit?
The whole plant is mildly toxic to humans and pets due to its calcium oxalate content, which are thread-like crystals. Ripe portions of fruit are safe to eat, though my throat still had a slight reaction so I didn’t eat too much.
When can I pick Monstera fruit?
Established plants generally require no fertilising. The elongated fruit is ready to harvest when the caps of the fruitlets at the base start to spread and show creamy colour between them, usually, about 12 months after flowering. When mature, the fruit can be brokcn off, leaving the flower stem.
Where can I buy Monstera deliciosa fruit?
You can easily get Monstera deliciosa fruit in the market if you reside in or around Southern Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Belize, the native habitat of the Monstera plant. Seal the Monstera deliciosa fruits in a jar or grass to ripen. After placing the fruits in the container, cover them with a brown bag.
Is Monstera deliciosa ripe?
However, if it is ripe, the fruit of Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese plant, is edible and safe for humans. The unripe Monstera deliciosa fruit is entirely green with scales.
Where does Monstera deliciosa come from?
Origin: Monstera Deliciosa is native to Panama and up into Southern Mexico. You may recognize the name because this is the fruit from the common houseplant, Monstera. Our Monstera Deliciosa is grown on small sustainable farms in South Florida! Monstera Deliciosa is an amazing fruit borne by a beautiful plant and is often grown as an ornamental!
How long does it take Monstera deliciosa to grow?
Shipping calculated at checkout. This fruit is commonly known as Monstera Deliciosa. Commonly grown as a house plant the monstera is quite popular but only seems to produce fruit when in the ideal environment. After the flower has been pollinated it can take 12 entires months for the fruit reach maturity. We then harvest them and ship them.
What do Monstera deliciosa fruits look like?
Monstera deliciosa fruits resemble green ears of corn on the cob coated with hexagonal-shaped scales if grown outdoors. They can develop into 12 inches long and 2 inches thick. All Monstera plant species, as are their leaves, stems, and fruits, are toxic.
Where can I get free shipping on Monstera plants?
Get free shipping on qualified Monstera Plants products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Outdoors Department.