Region of Origin
Commodity:
Monstera
Description & Origin
Monstera deliciosa is an iconic tropical plant also known as Swiss Cheese plant due to the characteristic holes in its broad leaves. The fruit of Monstera deliciosa is the only edible portion of the plant. The fruit looks like a corn cob with hexagonal green “scales” that naturally fall away as it ripens after being picked, releasing a strong tropical aroma. It is essential that monstera fruit ...
Other Names
Ceriman, Fruit Salad Plant, Pengali Banana
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Full nutritional analyses of monstera are not readily available.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Monstera are primarily consumed out of hand, but can also be added to smoothies, ice creams, sorbets, or fruit salads.
Flavor Pairings
Mango, Lime, Strawberry, Coconut, Banana, Pineapple, Mint, Aloe Vera, Honey, Agave Nectar
HOW TO USE
It is very important to wait until the outer scales of monstera naturally fall away from the fruit before consuming to ensure ripeness. This process may take 5-7 days at room temperature to begin. Once the tiles have fallen away, we recommend chewing a small portion of the flesh underneath, spitting it out, and waiting 10 to 15 minutes to see if any itchiness or other reaction develops. If it does, no worries – some lemon or lime juice with a dash of vinegar may help to neutralize the itch. If not, keep eating! The scales will begin to come off starting at the top and moving towards the tip of the fruit over several days. As such, we recommend eating monstera over the course of multiple days as the scales fall away. Once the scales separate from the fruit, move them aside. The exposed fruit can be sliced into rounds like a pineapple or the kernels of fruit can be pulled off of the core. Black specs or bits along the flesh are normal, and do not affect flavor – although they can be rinsed off, if desired.
HOW TO STORE IN THE KITCHEN
Monstera can be stored at room temperature as it ripens. Ripe flesh of the monstera may be stored in the refrigerator or frozen.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Only the kernels of flesh are edible on a monstera, so we don’t recommend using any other portions of the plant or fruit!
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
50-59°F
STORAGE TEMP ZONE:
55-60°F (Warm Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
Unknown, but likely
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
Unknown
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Unknown
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Unknown
RIPENS AFTER HARVEST:
Yes
PROFESSIONAL RIPENING RECOMMENDED:
No
QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Monstera should be firm and green-yellow with all scales intact upon arrival. Some browning between scales is normal, but they should be free from decay. They are not sized or graded.
IMPORTANT HANDLING NOTES
Monstera will begin to reach ripeness and scales will begin to fall in approximately 5 to 7 days at room temperature.
OPTIMUM SHELF LIFE
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, monstera may last 1-2 weeks.
