Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola)

A sweet, tangy greenish-yellow fruit from Indo-China. Most homes in the Osa Peninsula have a Carambola tree in their homes, as it fruits all year long.

A Carambola tree for you to see is located near the steps of cabin #3. 

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Introduced to the Americas on Columbus return voyage in 1493. The stalks are hand-cut and then sent on heavy rollers to get them squeezed (juice). The sugar industry wasn’t successful in the Osa Peninsula because the area lacked several economic components. 

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)

Produces a huge canopy of light, feathery leaves with 8-inch pods. Tamarind is the base for the world known “Worcestershire Sauce”. The pulp is used to make fresco, very refreshing and works as a natural laxative. 

Soursop

Is the famous relative to the anona. Endemic to warmer costal areas in Central America. Some fruits get to weight up to 20 pounds (check the ones near the pool!). 

Guava (Psidium guajava)

The tree reaches 20 feet and grows only in hot, moist lowlands in Central America. Animals promote tree dispersal because of the hard seeds that are indigestible. The tangy-sweet pulp makes wonderful jelly, juice concentrates and fruit paste. 

Mango (Anacardiaceae family)

Endemic to India, brought to America over 450 years. The 40-foot trees have dense dark canopies and produces fruits only once a year. This avocado-shaped fruit is voted the guests most favorite fruit. 

Water Apple (Genus syzgium)

Originally from Asia, is now found all over tropical America. Is a small pear-shaped bright red fruit containing white meat and one large seed. It fruits only twice a year, when ready has an unforgettable magenta color. (A tree grows near bungalow 3). 

Nance (Genus byrsonima)

Small yellow fruit very prized by Costa Ricans are available from July-September. The cortex of this medium size tree has a chemical used to tan leather, common name Shoemakers Tree. When trying it for the first time, people either like it or hate this juice. 

Papaya (Carica papaya)

Endemic to the Caribbean and Central America. Columbus described it as “they are fruit of angels”. The fruit is firm, melon-like in texture and the cavity filled with edible pea-size black seeds. The aromatic perfume and flavor makes it irresistible fore toucans and woodpeckers