Those bright vans parked everywhere in Malta and Gozo sell fruit - and lots of it!
The warm Mediterranean climate and fertile soil of the island create the perfect conditions for a variety of unique and delicious fruits, although quite a few of our fruit is imported, especially from nearby Sicily.
Let's embark on a fruity journey through Malta, discovering the Maltese names and English translations of these fruits.
Photo: Canva
- Bettieħ (Melon) - A favorite during the scorching summer months, the Maltese melon is renowned for its juicy and refreshing flesh. Its vibrant orange hue and sweet taste make it a perfect choice for cooling down on a hot day.
- Tin (Fig) - Figs are a staple in Maltese cuisine, and you can find them in many traditional dishes. These sweet, soft, and fiber-rich fruits are often enjoyed fresh or dried.
- Frawli (Strawberry) - Maltese strawberries are a small but delightful treat. They are packed with flavor and are commonly used in desserts, jams, and pastries.
- Ħawħ (Peach) - Peaches are a symbol of summer. With their fuzzy skin and succulent flesh, they are perfect for snacking or incorporating into desserts.
- Ċiras (Cherry) - Cherries are a favorite fruit in Malta, especially during the cherry season in late spring and early summer. The local variety is sweet and slightly tart, making it a delicious addition to fruit salads and tarts.
- Bajtar (Prickly Pear) - The prickly pear cactus produces a unique fruit with a tough, spiky exterior and sweet, red or yellow flesh. It's commonly used to make jams, drinks, and even liqueurs.
- Prunji (Plum) - Their sweet and slightly tart flavor makes them perfect for snacking or transforming into jams and preserves.
- Dulliegħ (Watermelon) - Watermelon is the ultimate thirst quencher. Its juicy, sweet, and crisp flesh is a go-to choice for hot summer days.
- Rummien (Pomegranate) - Pomegranates, known as “rummien” in Maltese, are celebrated for their vibrant color and antioxidant-rich seeds. They are often used in salads, desserts, or enjoyed as a refreshing juice.
- Larinġ (Orange) - Oranges are a worldwide favorite, and in Malta, they are widely consumed as fresh fruit, juiced, or used to make marmalade.
- Lumi (Lemon) - A kitchen staple for adding zesty flavor to a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory.