Naranjilla

Sweet-and-sour naranjilla juice is Ecuadorians’ favourite drink – the fruit takes its Latin name from Quito.

The naranjilla (lulo) is a shrub of the nightshade family reaching 1–2.5 m, with thick, hairy stems and very large, velvety leaves with purple veins, spiny in some varieties. White or purplish flowers grow in the leaf axils. The fruits are round, 4–6 cm across, with an orange skin covered in easily rubbed-off hairs; inside is greenish, juicy, highly aromatic flesh with a refreshingly sour taste. The plant needs the warmth, moisture and partial shade of mountain forests.

Significance in the country

The Latin epithet quitoense refers to Quito, where the first specimens to be described came from. In Ecuador naranjilla juice, blended with water or milk and sugar, is one of the most popular drinks, and the fruit is also made into ice cream and sorbets.

Where it grows

Grown mainly on the eastern slopes of the Andes and in the upper Amazon – in Pastaza, Napo, Morona-Santiago, Sucumbíos and Zamora-Chinchipe – as well as on the western slopes in Pichincha and Santo Domingo.

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