Hawaii’s hot, humid, and sunny summer weather will have you craving cool snacks. Skip the sugar-laden ice cream and opt for some natural sweets instead by indulging in these seasonal tropical fruits.

5 Tropical Fruits to Eat During the Summer

1. Mango

Mangoes usually have a golden yellow flesh encased in a red or orange shell depending on how ripe they are. They’re high in vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system. You can eat them sliced up raw or juice them for a refreshing drink.

2. Banana

Thanks to their easily removed protective peel, bananas are an on-the-go snack: you can pack one in your bag and eat it at any time with no cutting or washing needed. These fruits are packed with potassium, an essential macromineral. Bananas are soft and easily mashed, which makes them ideal for adding to smoothies or even bread.

3. Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit looks just as vibrant as its name suggests: it has a pinkish outer husk while the inner flesh may range from white to bright magenta. High in B vitamins, it has been shown to support glycemic control and could be helpful for diabetics in managing blood glucose levels. Scoop out the dragon fruit pulp and make a salad along with blackberry, mango, blueberry, and kiwi.

4. Papaya

The papaya has a tough green skin that will turn yellow when ripe. Cut the fruit in half, and you’ll find orange flesh and dark black seeds inside. Papaya is high in potassium and vitamin C, and has been shown to improve immune function. Besides spooning out the flesh to eat, you can use papaya to make jam for your morning toast.

5. Liliko’i

A liliko’i or Hawaiian passionfruit is small and round with a yellow rind and seedy, yellowish/orangish pulp. Research shows it promotes metabolic health. It’s a versatile fruit that can be used to make fruit butter, sorbet, and even balsamic dressing.

Get a taste of these fresh tropical fruits at Kahuku Farms on the North Shore of Oahu. All of their produce is grown onsite. You can also enjoy a farm tour before visiting their cafe to try local foods like their Papaya Power smoothie, grilled banana bread, or mango iced tea. Check out their full menu online. To sign up for a tour, call (808) 628-0639.