Everyone knows that the Philippines is home to some of the best beaches in the world. But did you know this tropical country also boasts delicious fruits (mga prutas in Tagalog)? Today, I will teach you the most common fruits in Tagalog language so that you can impress your Filipino friends and colleagues in no time!
Let’s learn the names of Tagalog fruits together! We’ll talk about Mangga, the famous mango. It’s sweet and juicy. We’ll also try saying Guyabano, a thorny fruit you’ll find here. And, of course, Chico, it’s small but tasty. Learning Tagalog is fun, especially with fruits!
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How Do You Say Fruits In Tagalog?
The Tagalog word for fruit is prutas. For its plural form, you can say mga prutas.
If you’re curious why you need to add the suffix mga, we have a detailed guide on how to make Tagalog words plural.
Names Of Fruits In Tagalog Language
Wondering how exactly you can say the other names of fruits in Tagalog language? The easiest way to learn them is to use the Ling app, which is an easy app to understand the Tagalog names of fruits in a gamified way.
But for now, let me give you the most comprehensive list of common names of Philippine fruits and their translation into Tagalog and English words. Before you visit the regions of the Philippines, we highly recommend that you learn these or save our list on your device since the probability of you seeing all of these in person is high! Trust us… we know!
How Did Spanish Influence Names Of Tagalog Fruits?
A quick Google search on the top fruits in the Philippines will usually show you a list of Spanish words instead. This is because most of the local names are indeed influenced by their Spanish counterparts, a result of the Spanish colonization that lasted over three centuries in the Philippines.
But you do not have to worry because the ones listed above are truly Filipino and are guaranteed to be understood by all of the locals. To illustrate this blend of languages, let’s look at some examples of Tagalog fruits and their Spanish and English counterparts:
These examples show how deeply Spanish has influenced fruits in Tagalog language. It’s a unique part of the Philippines’ rich history and culture. Next time you visit, try using these names to experience the local culture more fully!
Fruits And Vegetables In The Philippines
Contrary to common belief, the Philippines actually has different types of Tagalog fruits even if the weather is pretty different. For instance, they have a local version of grapes, strawberries, cherries, and plums, which are usually cultivated in cold places.
Growing Fruits In Filipino Homes
There is no doubt that the country is blessed with rich soil perfect for cultivating tropical fruits. If you visit the provinces, you will be surprised that almost all families have their own version of a backyard farm where they grow fruits and vegetables in the Philippines for day-to-day consumption. There are days when these plants or trees will just bear too many fruits which is why the locals are constantly looking for ways not to put the excess to waste.
Turning Extra Fruits Into Delicious Treats
And this is where dried fruits started. Aside from mangoes, the Philippines also exports dried pineapples, coconut strips, bananas, and soursop, while other fruits are also preserved to make atchara or pickled condiments or side dishes (and sometimes eaten as it is!). The most popular ones are known as burong mangga or pickled green mangoes, and the traditional atchara is made of green papaya. Most of these fruits are even turned into famous Filipino drinks that are loved globally, too.
Fruits: The Sweet Finish To Filipino Meals
Traditionally, fruits are eaten after a full course or a salu-salo since it has always been deemed that sweets are the perfect way to end a meal. Aside from the chilled locals’ sweets and pastries, fruits like bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and watermelon are more commonly served. Sometimes, fresh coconut or kalamansi water (Pinoy version of lemon water) is served instead of plain old water, too!
Other Vocabulary Words And Phrases About Fruits In Tagalog Language
Did you learn more about the Filipino culture for food? If yes, you may want to ask more questions or even try to speak Tagalog with them. Here are some helpful Tagalog vocabulary to make your language-learning journey more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fruits In Tagalog
What Is The Philippines National Fruit?
The delicious mango is the Philippine national fruit. The most common mango that you can buy from street vendors or grocery stores is the mangang kalabaw or carabao mango. It is also the most exported food product from the Philippines.
Which Fruits Are Native In The Philippines?
Are exotic fruits your thing? If you’re in the Philippines, you’ll be lucky to eat Lanzones, Mangosteen, Chico, Guava, Starfruit (Carambola), Guyabano, Makopa, and Siniguelas.
Some of these fruits may not be exclusively found in the Philippines and may already have been traded to other neighboring countries. Yet, you’ll find the only sweetest and best-tasting Mango in the Philippines.
Which Tagalog Fruits Are Hard To Pronounce?
According to non-Filipino natives, Langka, Katchamita, Dalanghita, Longan, Litsiyas, and Siniguelas are the hardest to pronounce.
Have you noticed that some of the Tagalog words have an “ng” attached to it? Many foreigners say that it’s hard to pronounce this syllable. As part of the Tagalog alphabet, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of words with the “ng” syllable.
Philippine Mango Varieties And Their Cultural Significance
Whenever we think about our Filipino friends, one of the most usual pasalubong or souvenirs they usually give out is the most loved Philippine mangoes! Aside from the fact that it is considered the national fruit of the country, the mangoes harvested in the country are considered the sweetest ones in the world.
They also have different varieties of it which also offer distinct tastes- the most popular ones are Carabao mango, Piko, Katchamita, and Pahutan!
Since there is an abundance on the number of mango trees in the country, Filipinos have made it a point to always upgrade it beyond just being some fruit. The locals took care of their trees and have added specific approaches to ensure that they will stay sweet and juicy. In fact, in 2009, the Philippines officially got the Guinness World Record for having the heaviest mango in the world!
As I end this article, I hope that I was able to provide you with the most useful translations of the Tagalog fruits in the Philippines. If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it on social media and help us reach language enthusiasts who might be interested in learning fruits in Tagalog language. Thank you!
