Tropical
Tropical fruits are grown in hot and humid regions. As their name implies, many of these fruits are grown in tropical regions and are especially sensitive to cold temperatures. A large majority of tropical fruit are typically brightly colored to attract pollinators and consumers to transport seeds throughout their ecosystems.
Agave is a member of the Agave genus, which contains some 200 species in the family Asparagaceae. While this plant is native to arid and semiarid regions of the Americas, particularly Mexico, and the Caribbean, it can grow in almost any climate. The soil and climate of the southwestern US leads to some of the best production of agave. Agave is utilized in the production of sweeteners and is a key ingredient in the tequila making process.
Avocado (Persea americana), are part of the plant family Lauraceae. Another name for Avocado is the alligator pear. Native to the western hemisphere, this flowering tree is known to have elliptic or egg-shaped leaves. This fruit is technically a berry that creates one large round seed with two cotyledons. The berries can vary in size; the smallest are about the size of an egg and the largest can reach up to 4 pounds. This fruit is grown commercially in Florida, California, Hawaii, South Africa, South America, and Australia.
Bananas, fruit of the genus Musa of the family Musaceae, are one of the most important fruit crops in the world. The banana is grown in the tropics, and though it is most widely consumed in those regions, it is valued worldwide for its flavor, nutritional value, and availability throughout the year. Bananas grow best in full sun, as well as soil that is loamy, compost-rich, and well-drained.
Cocoa, also called Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is a tropical evergreen tree (family Malvaceae) grown for its edible seeds. The scientific name means “food of the gods” in Greek. Native to lowland rainforests of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, cocoa is grown commercially in the New World tropics as well as western Africa and tropical Asia. Its seeds, called cocoa beans, are processed into cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and chocolate.
Coffee comes from the seeds of a small tree in the genus Coffea. There are more than 75 known species of coffee. More than 70% of the world’s coffee production comes from the Arabica species. Coffee requires good water drainage, slightly acidic soil, and balanced nutrients. Only two states can produce coffee commercially, Hawaii and California.
Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), also called kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry, produces a woody vine and edible fruit of the family Actinidiaceae. The plant is native to mainland China and Taiwan and is also grown commercially in New Zealand and California. Kiwi requires fertile, well-drained soil. Kiwis thrive in full sun.
Mango plants (Mangifera indica) are a member of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae) and one of the most important and widely cultivated fruits of the tropical world. The mango tree is considered indigenous to southern Asia, especially Myanmar and Assam state of India, and numerous cultivars have been developed. Mangos require full sun and soil that is rich, well-draining, and acidic to neutral. Florida, Hawaii, and California produce the most mangos in the US.
Papaya (Carica papaya), also called papaw or pawpaw, is a succulent fruit of a large plant of the family Caricaceae. Though its origin is rather obscure, the papaya may represent the fusion of two or more species of Carica native to Mexico and Central America. Today, it is cultivated throughout the tropical world and into the warmest parts of the subtropics.
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a perennial plant of the family Bromeliaceae, popular for its edible fruit. Pineapple is native to tropical and subtropical America and has been introduced elsewhere. Pineapples are generally grouped into four types: Smooth Cayenne, Red Spanish, Queen, and Abacaxi. Pineapple is actually a collection of small berries instead of one solid fruit. Pineapple grows best in slightly acidic soil, full sun, and hot climates. Most of the US pineapple is produced in Hawaii or Puerto Rico.
Plantains are within the major group of banana varieties (genus Musa) and are staple foods in many tropical areas. The edible fruit of plantain bananas has more starch than the common dessert banana and is not eaten raw. Plantains are generally grown in warm, tropical climates.