Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool, rainy winters.
The climate is determined by Lebanon’s location between the subtropical dryness of the African continent and the subtropical humidity of the eastern Mediterranean area.
Between summer and winter, autumn and spring are transitional seasons that offer the best kind of fruits there is:
Sugar-apple or “Ashta”
What is it? Ashta is the fruit of Annona squamosa. The Arabic name “ashta” meaning “cream”, refers to the sweetness of the fruit. Ashta is round, green and grows on a tree.
Where to find it? Ashta grows in coastal regions, not far from Beirut. You can find it in the nearest fruit market.
How to eat it: Open the fruit in half with your hands, tear a piece gently and suck the white flesh, which will instantly melt in your mouth and release a black seed, spit it and enjoy the sweetness.
Pomegranate or “Remmen”
What is it? Red-purple in color, the pomegranate fruit is a berry with seeds and pulp. Depending on the variety and degree of ripeness, the seeds of the pomegranate can vary in taste from only a little sour to a little sweet.
Where to find it? Remmen grows in coastal and interior regions. You can find it in the nearest fruit market.
How to eat it? It is the same as Ashta, but the little tiny seeds are edible. You can also consume its molasses or “Debs El Remmen” with Tabouleh and Lahm B’aajine.
Learn how to make Debs el Remmen over at our friends, Easy Lebanese Recipes.
Persimmon or “Kharma”
What is it? The persimmon is an edible fruit that grows on trees. It is round and its color varies from yellow to red. It looks a lot like a tomato and you can easily get confused between the two fruits.
Where to find it? Persimmon tree can easily be grown in any climate. You can find it in the nearest fruit market.
How to eat it? Just like you would eat a tomato, or you can bite it like an apple.
Bon appetit!
