Sesel Sa! January - March 2015 Jan - March 2015 | Page 35

YEARLY FRUIT SEASON
IN THE SEYCHELLES
passion fruit, or pawpaw. A visitor will never be
disappointed should they wish to sample some of
the local produce.

JANUARY

Interestingly, if the fruits are not available all year
around, they will be in season twice a year. Such
as the different types of mangoes, breadfruit, all
the citrus fruits, pineapple, golden apple, and
the grapefruit. February to April and September
to November are the two lushest periods of
the year. Red, yellow and orange can be seen
through the otherwise green canopy. These are
the times when most of the local fruits will ripen
and branches will hang low. It is when the trees
smell wonderfully sweet and the ground is soon
covered with the fruits that animals got to before
humans did. It is a wonderful time when one feels
inspired to break out in song.

FEBRUARY

Only in Seychelles

MAY

Keep in mind that some of the fruits will only
be found in Seychelles, these are of the coconut
family. The coco-de-mer, the “palmist” and the
“pti koko maron” are endemic to the islands.
The coco-de-mer has become a symbol for
the country, so much so that it is used as the
passport stamp that authenticates a visit to
the islands. Its tree has a unique nut that most
would agree closely resembles the shape of a
woman’s bottom. At first sight it is known to bring
a smile to the faces of visitors. The coco-de-mer
unfortunately is not to be tampered with, they
are a protected species and it is against the law
to have any. The “palmist” however is considered
to be a delicacy, its salad is a frequent dish on the
menu for auspicious feasts and is ref