Author Topic: Fruit hunting in Hawaii!!! (Read 10037 times)

ClayMango · « **on:** May 25, 2015, 02:48:00 PM »

Im on the Hunt for Lychee, Mangos, Durian, Mangosteen, sugar apple, whatevers in season...I want it!!!

fruitlovers · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2015, 04:56:50 PM »

Quote from: ClayMango on May 25, 2015, 02:48:00 PM

Im on the Hunt for Lychee, Mangos, Durian, Mangosteen, sugar apple, whatevers in season...I want it!!!

Where are you? There are tons of lychees and mangoes on the Big Island this year. I'm sure they're making their way to Oahu. Ofcoruse you will have to pay inflacted city prices there. Durian you can probably forget it, wrong time. There are a few mangosteen flolating around, high priced as they're off season. Sugar apple not popular in Hawaii. Tons of rollinias though. Others in season: starapple, canistel, white sapote, brazilian cherry,mamey sapote, black sapote, green sapote.

microage97 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2015, 02:47:37 PM »

You gotta go to the local farmer's markets. Many fruits don't ship well.

behlgarden · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2015, 02:51:51 PM »

Oscar what about Jaboticaba?

fruitlovers · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:39:05 AM »

Quote from: behlgarden on May 26, 2015, 02:51:51 PM

Oscar what about Jaboticaba?

Haven't seen any yet.

barath · « **Reply #5 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:52:01 AM »

Ken Love has Jaboticaba at his family farmers market stand now (got some this past weekend) -- at the Keauhou Farmers Market on Saturday. Also get his Shattauer avocados -- they're really excellent.

palologrower · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2015, 06:35:40 AM »

Quote from: fruitlovers on May 25, 2015, 04:56:50 PM

Quote from: ClayMango on May 25, 2015, 02:48:00 PM
Im on the Hunt for Lychee, Mangos, Durian, Mangosteen, sugar apple, whatevers in season...I want it!!!

Where are you? There are tons of lychees and mangoes on the Big Island this year. I'm sure they're making their way to Oahu. Ofcoruse you will have to pay inflacted city prices there. Durian you can probably forget it, wrong time. There are a few mangosteen flolating around, high priced as they're off season. Sugar apple not popular in Hawaii. Tons of rollinias though. Others in season: starapple, canistel, white sapote, brazilian cherry,mamey sapote, black sapote, green sapote.

Oahu lychee prices are dropping! The best year in a while!

ben mango · « **Reply #7 on:** May 27, 2015, 06:47:51 AM »

im kinda pissed I'm missing lychee season this year

Bush2Beach · « **Reply #8 on:** May 27, 2015, 11:30:48 AM »

Quote from: ben mango on May 27, 2015, 06:47:51 AM

im kinda pissed I'm missing lychee season this year

I would be, where you at Ben?

microage97 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 27, 2015, 12:21:08 PM »

Quote from: behlgarden on May 26, 2015, 02:51:51 PM

Oscar what about Jaboticaba?

The season here on the east side of the BI was about a month ago. I haven't seen any at the market the last few times I went.

FrankDrebinOfFruits · « **Reply #10 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:02:10 PM »

I have eaten so much lychees. I am going into lychee OD. Last night prepared lychee ice cream.

ClayMango · « **Reply #11 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:12:29 PM »

Jackpot boys!!! Not sure what variety i got...thought i was buying Kaimana but this seed is much rounder and larger with noticeable acidity. 5.50 a pound!!! Worth it for me though.

ClayMango · « **Reply #12 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:14:07 PM »

bsbullie · « **Reply #13 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:17:06 PM »

Sure looks like Kaimana...price is much higher than what Oscar eluded to.

microage97 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:28:32 PM »

ya I guess the price depends on where you are at. I cringe at paying more than 3.00 a # for anything. Mangosteins run about 3-4 a # here.

ben mango · « **Reply #15 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:51:56 PM »

Quote from: ClayMango on May 27, 2015, 01:14:07 PM

Those mangos on the left and bottom are likely imports.

Bush2beach, I'm working in Colorado

Quote from: bsbullie on May 27, 2015, 01:17:06 PM

Sure looks like Kaimana...price is much higher than what Oscar eluded to.

No surprise there.

bsbullie · « **Reply #16 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:56:55 PM »

Quote from: ben mango on May 27, 2015, 01:51:56 PM

Quote from: ClayMango on May 27, 2015, 01:14:07 PM

Those mangos on the left and bottom are likely imports.

Bush2beach, I'm working in Colorado

Quote from: bsbullie on May 27, 2015, 01:17:06 PM
Sure looks like Kaimana...price is much higher than what Oscar eluded to.

No surprise there.

While I have never been to Hawaii the writing on the box holding the bags of lychees sure looks like it is from an oriental market (which might explain the highter price...).

simon_grow · « **Reply #17 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:15:36 PM »

Nice pick up, I also agree it looks a lot like Kaimana.

Simon

ClayMango · « **Reply #18 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:18:34 PM »

I browsed mulple street and marjet vendors in china town....the lychee price was firm...cheapest was 5.00 a lbs...you had some discolored marutis going for much cheaper....

I passed on Mango this time...i saw some Pirie Mangos for 4.50 A lbs but decide On pure lychees...50.00 dollars worth purchased...should last a little while...next stop Fiji!!!

HMHausman · « **Reply #19 on:** May 27, 2015, 03:09:46 PM »

Quote from: ClayMango on May 27, 2015, 01:12:29 PM

Jackpot boys!!! Not sure what variety i got...thought i was buying Kaimana but this seed is much rounder and larger with noticeable acidity. 5.50 a pound!!! Worth it for me though.

These definitely look like Kaimana......but if you are tasting acidity, that would not be consistant with Kaimana.

Quote from: ben mango on May 27, 2015, 01:51:56 PM

Perhaps these are the ones that had acidity. They do not look like Kaimana.

fruitlovers · « **Reply #20 on:** May 27, 2015, 05:44:24 PM »

Quote from: bsbullie on May 27, 2015, 01:17:06 PM

Sure looks like Kaimana...price is much higher than what Oscar eluded to.

He's in a tourist area. Most of the island of Oahu is tourist area. And most of those lychees come from another island: Big Island, so you're paying for inter island transportation as well as a lot of extra middle men. Lychees are selling for around $3 a pound retail here, and should drop lower as we're not at peak of season yet.
That's not Kaimana, but not sure what type it is. Kaimanas have bigger shoulders. If what you're eating has acidity it probably was picked too early. Lots of vendors pick them too early.

microage97 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 27, 2015, 05:51:07 PM »

Quote from: fruitlovers on May 27, 2015, 05:44:24 PM

If what you're eating has acidity it probably was picked too early. Lots of vendors pick them too early.

I agree. They seem to be a fruit that go off pretty quickly from what I have experienced.

fruitlovers · « **Reply #22 on:** May 27, 2015, 07:48:17 PM »

Quote from: microage97 on May 27, 2015, 05:51:07 PM

Quote from: fruitlovers on May 27, 2015, 05:44:24 PM
If what you're eating has acidity it probably was picked too early. Lots of vendors pick them too early.

I agree. They seem to be a fruit that go off pretty quickly from what I have experienced.

They keep pretty well if refrigerated. At farmer's markets no refrigeration. And many stores keep them in an area without refrigeration also. Vendors also pick them green because early fruits fetch a higher price (from the unweary or the desperate).

behlgarden · « **Reply #23 on:** May 27, 2015, 08:21:28 PM »

Oscar, what would be best place to get fresh and cheaper fruits like lychee and mangoes in Big Island? Hilo side or else? I will be there next week and can't wait to pigout on tropical fruits

wslau · « **Reply #24 on:** May 28, 2015, 12:26:04 AM »

Quote from: ClayMango on May 27, 2015, 02:18:34 PM

I browsed mulple street and marjet vendors in china town....the lychee price was firm...cheapest was 5.00 a lbs...you had some discolored marutis going for much cheaper....

I passed on Mango this time...i saw some Pirie Mangos for 4.50 A lbs but decide On pure lychees...50.00 dollars worth purchased...should last a little while...next stop Fiji!!!

Clay,
What?....How could you pass on the Pirie's!

barath · « **Reply #25 on:** May 28, 2015, 01:03:08 AM »

Quote from: behlgarden on May 27, 2015, 08:21:28 PM

Oscar, what would be best place to get fresh and cheaper fruits like lychee and mangoes in Big Island? Hilo side or else? I will be there next week and can't wait to pigout on tropical fruits

Was just there on vacation -- the Hilo side is way cheaper than the Kona side. Even for the common stuff -- in Kona there was a store selling papayas for $1.79 each. In Hilo at the farmers market it was 5 for $1, not that it was even necessary to buy them at all around there. We were a bit disappointed with the South Kona Fruit Stand -- was supposed to be the best of the options over there, but their stuff was picked way too early and never ripened properly or had poor flavor. The Hilo farmers market was the best of all of the ones we went to (and we went to pretty much every market and store we could). However if you're in Kona on a Saturday check out the Love family farmers market stand -- their avocados are way better than anything we got in Hilo. Mangos were ok but a bit disappointing -- I think it's at the edge of the season right now.

fruitlovers · « **Reply #26 on:** May 28, 2015, 03:11:06 AM »

Quote from: behlgarden on May 27, 2015, 08:21:28 PM

Oscar, what would be best place to get fresh and cheaper fruits like lychee and mangoes in Big Island? Hilo side or else? I will be there next week and can't wait to pigout on tropical fruits

Come pig out at my place.

Other places you can pig out that will just cost you just a little bit are Hilo Farmer's market (open every day, but Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the best), or Makuu market (only open on Sunday).

fruitlovers · « **Reply #27 on:** May 28, 2015, 03:15:00 AM »

Quote from: barath on May 28, 2015, 01:03:08 AM

Quote from: behlgarden on May 27, 2015, 08:21:28 PM
Oscar, what would be best place to get fresh and cheaper fruits like lychee and mangoes in Big Island? Hilo side or else? I will be there next week and can't wait to pigout on tropical fruits

Was just there on vacation -- the Hilo side is way cheaper than the Kona side. Even for the common stuff -- in Kona there was a store selling papayas for $1.79 each. In Hilo at the farmers market it was 5 for $1, not that it was even necessary to buy them at all around there. We were a bit disappointed with the South Kona Fruit Stand -- was supposed to be the best of the options over there, but their stuff was picked way too early and never ripened properly or had poor flavor. The Hilo farmers market was the best of all of the ones we went to (and we went to pretty much every market and store we could). However if you're in Kona on a Saturday check out the Love family farmers market stand -- their avocados are way better than anything we got in Hilo. Mangos were ok but a bit disappointing -- I think it's at the edge of the season right now.

Mango season has just started over here. You missed my mango harvest by just one week. I have quite a few varieties. You also missed peak of lychee season here by just one week. But i'm sure you got to eat plenty in Kona.

ben mango · « **Reply #28 on:** May 28, 2015, 07:19:55 AM »

Quote from: fruitlovers on May 27, 2015, 05:44:24 PM

Quote from: bsbullie on May 27, 2015, 01:17:06 PM
Sure looks like Kaimana...price is much higher than what Oscar eluded to.

He's in a tourist area. Most of the island of Oahu is tourist area. And most of those lychees come from another island: Big Island, so you're paying for inter island transportation as well as a lot of extra middle men. Lychees are selling for around $3 a pound retail here, and should drop lower as we're not at peak of season yet.
That's not Kaimana, but not sure what type it is. Kaimanas have bigger shoulders. If what you're eating has acidity it probably was picked too early. Lots of vendors pick them too early.

Quote from: fruitlovers on May 28, 2015, 03:15:00 AM

Quote from: barath on May 28, 2015, 01:03:08 AM
Quote from: behlgarden on May 27, 2015, 08:21:28 PM
Oscar, what would be best place to get fresh and cheaper fruits like lychee and mangoes in Big Island? Hilo side or else? I will be there next week and can't wait to pigout on tropical fruits

Was just there on vacation -- the Hilo side is way cheaper than the Kona side. Even for the common stuff -- in Kona there was a store selling papayas for $1.79 each. In Hilo at the farmers market it was 5 for $1, not that it was even necessary to buy them at all around there. We were a bit disappointed with the South Kona Fruit Stand -- was supposed to be the best of the options over there, but their stuff was picked way too early and never ripened properly or had poor flavor. The Hilo farmers market was the best of all of the ones we went to (and we went to pretty much every market and store we could). However if you're in Kona on a Saturday check out the Love family farmers market stand -- their avocados are way better than anything we got in Hilo. Mangos were ok but a bit disappointing -- I think it's at the edge of the season right now.

Mango season has just started over here. You missed my mango harvest by just one week. I have quite a few varieties. You also missed peak of lychee season here by just one week. But i'm sure you got to eat plenty in Kona.

you just said you aren't at peak season for lychee, but then said that someone already missed it. you say mango season just started there, but yours are already done? so what is it?

behlgarden · « **Reply #29 on:** May 28, 2015, 09:07:45 AM »

Quote from: fruitlovers on May 28, 2015, 03:11:06 AM

Quote from: behlgarden on May 27, 2015, 08:21:28 PM
Oscar, what would be best place to get fresh and cheaper fruits like lychee and mangoes in Big Island? Hilo side or else? I will be there next week and can't wait to pigout on tropical fruits

Come pig out at my place. Other places you can pig out that will just cost you just a little bit are Hilo Farmer's market (open every day, but Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the best), or Makuu market (only open on Sunday).

I will call you once there. I will be in Hilo and volcano side for two days. Then i will be on kona side. What side are you Oscar? Would love to buy from you and check things out.

barath · « **Reply #30 on:** May 28, 2015, 11:01:14 AM »

Quote from: fruitlovers on May 28, 2015, 03:15:00 AM

Quote from: barath on May 28, 2015, 01:03:08 AM
Quote from: behlgarden on May 27, 2015, 08:21:28 PM
Oscar, what would be best place to get fresh and cheaper fruits like lychee and mangoes in Big Island? Hilo side or else? I will be there next week and can't wait to pigout on tropical fruits

Was just there on vacation -- the Hilo side is way cheaper than the Kona side. Even for the common stuff -- in Kona there was a store selling papayas for $1.79 each. In Hilo at the farmers market it was 5 for $1, not that it was even necessary to buy them at all around there. We were a bit disappointed with the South Kona Fruit Stand -- was supposed to be the best of the options over there, but their stuff was picked way too early and never ripened properly or had poor flavor. The Hilo farmers market was the best of all of the ones we went to (and we went to pretty much every market and store we could). However if you're in Kona on a Saturday check out the Love family farmers market stand -- their avocados are way better than anything we got in Hilo. Mangos were ok but a bit disappointing -- I think it's at the edge of the season right now.

Mango season has just started over here. You missed my mango harvest by just one week. I have quite a few varieties. You also missed peak of lychee season here by just one week. But i'm sure you got to eat plenty in Kona.

We were sad to not really get much in the way of mangoes. Despite lychees not being at peak, though, we ate a ton of excellent lychee. Fortunately the houses we stayed at had giant old lychee trees overflowing with fruit, so some days we ended up eating so many lychees we got stomach aches. A good problem to have

microage97 · « **Reply #31 on:** May 28, 2015, 11:46:52 AM »

Quote from: fruitlovers on May 28, 2015, 03:11:06 AM

Quote from: behlgarden on May 27, 2015, 08:21:28 PM
Oscar, what would be best place to get fresh and cheaper fruits like lychee and mangoes in Big Island? Hilo side or else? I will be there next week and can't wait to pigout on tropical fruits

Come pig out at my place. Other places you can pig out that will just cost you just a little bit are Hilo Farmer's market (open every day, but Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the best), or Makuu market (only open on Sunday).

Spot on Fruitlovers! The hilo market is really nice, things are a little more than Makuu, but the selection is great and if it is a first time visit a must see. Makuu has great food and usually good music as well.

HIfarm · « **Reply #32 on:** May 28, 2015, 12:33:56 PM »

I was at Hilo Farmers market Tues & Oscar's pricing was right on the money. A lot of vendors had lychee and the going price for Kaimana was $3 / lb. I did see another variety there going for $2.50. A year ago, 5 or even 6 papaya for a dollar was not uncommon at the HFM. However, now something like 3/$1 is more typical. If you check supermarkets on either side of the island, prices are typically crazy and the fruit is often not local.

I have tried the farmers market in Kona a few times and I have never caught Ken there, it seems he is always travelling when I visit that side of the island. The stuff the other vendors brought there seemed less "exotic" than typically seen in Hilo.

I think we have some microclimates where seasons vary a bit. For example, you may have a situation where something has finished in Puna but is still bearing (or has just started) along Hamakua (or vice-versa). Hilo market generally has fruit coming in from both these areas so the item may be present at Hilo market longer than it might be at Makuu, for instance.

John

behlgarden · « **Reply #33 on:** May 28, 2015, 01:38:56 PM »

this is all great stuff. me and my family with two little mango and lychee nuts (boys) are going on a fruit diet in Big Island. woo hoo.

fruitlovers · « **Reply #34 on:** May 28, 2015, 07:51:32 PM »

Quote from: behlgarden on May 28, 2015, 09:07:45 AM

Quote from: fruitlovers on May 28, 2015, 03:11:06 AM
Quote from: behlgarden on May 27, 2015, 08:21:28 PM
Oscar, what would be best place to get fresh and cheaper fruits like lychee and mangoes in Big Island? Hilo side or else? I will be there next week and can't wait to pigout on tropical fruits

On Hilo side, about one hour drive from Hilo. Keep in mind Kona to Hilo is about 3 hour drive one way, so you definitely want to come over when in Volcano.

Come pig out at my place. Other places you can pig out that will just cost you just a little bit are Hilo Farmer's market (open every day, but Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the best), or Makuu market (only open on Sunday).

I will call you once there. I will be in Hilo and volcano side for two days. Then i will be on kona side. What side are you Oscar? Would love to buy from you and check things out.

On Hilo side, about one hour drive from Hilo. Keep in mind Kona to Hilo is about 3 hour drive one way, so you definitely want to come over when in Volcano. Better you tell me NOW what days you are going to be in Volcano, so i can try to set some time aside. Otherwise might be too busy.

ClayMango · « **Reply #35 on:** May 28, 2015, 10:59:21 PM »

Just to report back...Those definitely taste and look like Kaimana to me. I was just surprised that about 1 out of 4 lychee had some noticeable acidity, the First ever Kaimana Lychee I had was just mainly Sweet. Guys I've been gorging on Kaimana for the past few days....literally almost a Lychee only diet... Almost gone

I have to bags left on the Marutius in the Fridge in my office....saved the worst for last

Must eat all the Kaimana while they are Red and pretty!

side note....I'm starting to appreciate the acidity in the Marutitus.

Sorry Warren....The Lychee bug was too strong....would much rather have a Lychee than a Pirie Mango...would have gladly grabbed a Nam Doc Mai if they had one....God that sweetness (It is not a honey flavor sweet) is amazing!

bsbullie · « **Reply #36 on:** May 28, 2015, 11:22:26 PM »

MangoFang · « **Reply #37 on:** May 29, 2015, 02:27:19 PM »

Clay - are you stationed over there for now?
Who's taking care of things back at the ranch?

?

Gary

ScottR · « **Reply #38 on:** May 29, 2015, 07:37:33 PM »

Last time we were over on the Big Is. for the F.O.F. we had good luck getting fruit @ Hilo farmers Mrkt. also picked up nice Kahalu'u at Ken Loves wife at Kona Farmers Mrkt. wanted to try a big round avocado they had I think was Rodriguez it was like 4-5" in diameter never tried one.

Also got some nice flavorful lilikoi hybrid passiflora that were good.

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Author Topic: Fruit hunting in Hawaii!!! (Read 10037 times)