Pejibaye - One of Costa Rica’s must-try Ingredients

A little-known Central & South American Super Fruit: Pejibaye

If you visit any of the major supermarkets in Costa Rica, you will be surprised to find a steaming cart with an unusual orangey-red simmering fruit in the fresh produce section. What kind of fruit is sold from a vat of boiling water?

Pejibaye is the fruit of the peach fruit palm tree and available readily across Central & part of South America. The fruits are harvested from large clusters and then boiled for several hours to cook them completely. Then the skins are peeled away and the large seed inside is removed. In the past, after eating the fruits, the skins would be saved and used for their oils as a natural sunscreen.

Pejibaye & Costa Rican Gastronomy

It is a favourite ingredient in hearty soups, and also enjoyed on its own with a dollop of sour cream or mayonnaise. We have one friend who likes to eat the pejibaye topped with something sweet to tame the deep savoury flavours, like a drizzle of organic honey or sweet maple syrup. I have found it prepared in different ways during the Foodie Tours in San Jose, like ceviche, churros, chips, puree, etc. So far my favorite recipe is the creamy soup with a hint of coconut milk!

Pejibaye Ceviche Costa Rica

It is a truly unique flavour, best-described as a cross between a baked potato and a chestnut. It is also one of the region’s super fruits, highly rich in minerals, vitamins and fibre. It’s basically a natural carb-loading food (so one for dieters to likely avoid) but a perfect snack for athletes or anyone needing a boost after a vigorous workout.

If you want to move beyond the boiled version and sample the Pejibaye prepared in these innovative ways (ceviche, puree, soup), join our personalized San Jose Food Tours. It is the easiest way to guarantee you taste this unique super-fruit during your visit.

This savoury ingredient is also found in all sorts of new recipes including cakes and liquors. The fruit is particularly well-known and consumed in Tucurrique and in fact, every October this small village celebrates the National Pejibaye Festival with their home-town delicacy celebrated in a multitude of ways. There is also folkloric dancing, artisans, horseback riding and rodeos.

So if you’re visiting Costa Rica and need a boost after a busy bike ride or white water rafting, skip the avocado toast and try out this unique and healthy super-fruit.

Buen provecho, and pura vida!