Linda's Tropical Fruits

Vibrant Houston Asiatown Market Linda’s Tropical Fruits Is an Oasis of Rare, Fantastical Produce | Eater Houston

"Founded by Linda Nguyen after years of searching for the fruits of her childhood in Can Tho, this Asiatown shop (opened in November 2017 after she began selling from her Huntington Beach garage) specializes exclusively in rare, seasonal tropical fruits sourced from places like Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, parts of South America and U.S. states such as Florida and California. Bins and boxes regularly hold sugar apples with custard-like flesh, massive spiky jackfruits, kumquats, sweet yellow dates, mangosteen and santol, a variety of mangoes, soursop, and the divisive durian, which the owner recommends trying in pastries or smoothies (a creamy durian-and-milk blend) to ease newcomers into its potent aroma and custardy texture. The shop also emphasizes all-natural, additive-free fruit products—fresh-pressed sugar cane juice, fruit cocktails, smoothies, a Superfruit Slush made from soursop and banana, and an açai-style sorbet fruit bowl topped with red dragon fruit, mango and optional durian—and offers customer education on ripeness and proper storage (including hands-on events like a 25-mango tasting). Serving a diverse, curious crowd, the store aims to reconnect customers with nostalgic flavors while acting as a gateway to lesser-known fruits in the U.S." - Brittany Britto Garley