Dominican Republic, a Tropical Breeding Ground in The Caribbean
The Dominican Republic is a country with fertile land, where it's common to find tropical fruit trees in gardens or patios.
This Caribbean island offers a wide variety of regional fruits with excellent nutritional properties—many of which are still unfamiliar to locals and at risk of disappearing.
Today, with the rise of eco-friendly living, many foreigners, and locals are choosing to buy a house with land or a farm on the north coast.
Century 21 Perdomo offers numerous properties for sale, perfect for creating your own tropical garden or orchard. We also have lots and farmland for sale in residential areas.
Below, you'll find an introduction to some tropical fruits you can grow in the Dominican Republic—whether for personal use or commercial purposes.
Fruits Grown on The Dominican Republic’s North Coast Region
The Dominican Republic is home to a wide range of tropical and regional fruits—many of which are considered exotic by foreigners and even by some Dominicans. Here are a few that can thrive right in your backyard.
- First is the chinola, known internationally as passion fruit or maracuyá.
This climbing plant often grows on rooftops or forms natural pergolas.
Passion fruit makes a refreshing juice and is also enjoyed directly from the shell with a sprinkle of sugar to offset its acidity.
Many beachside bars in the north serve it in cocktails, like the passion fruit mojito. - Next is the soursop, or guanábana.
The Dominican expression “caer redondo como una guanábana” ("to fall flat like a soursop") describes a hard fall—based on how the heavy fruit flattens when it hits the ground.
- Fruits grown in mountain areas include strawberries, grapes, apples, dragon fruit (pitahaya), star fruit, and guava.
- Coastal fruits include the coconut, which also grows easily in backyard gardens.
- Beach grape trees are common along the shores of Sosúa and Puerto Plata.
Their fruit is slightly sweet and tart.
Century 21 Perdomo offers beachfront condos and apartments for sale where these trees often grow nearby.
The Avocado: a Beloved Fruit in the Dominican Republic
The avocado is one of the most important fruits in Dominican cuisine—and a favorite among foreign visitors as well. People consume it daily, whether on its own or as part of countless recipes. Its high nutritional value makes it a go-to ingredient for plant-based meals and creative, balanced dishes.
This fruit is a staple in many Dominican households. Buying a home or plot on the north coast allows you to grow your own avocado tree—and enjoy both its shade and its harvest.
Scenic Roads to Buy Fresh Fruit Along the Way
It's very common to find fresh fruit being sold on roadsides throughout the Dominican Republic. If you're heading to Samaná—whether for sightseeing or to view real estate listings in Las Terrenas—take a break along the way to visit the colorful almond stalls, which are also perfect for taking a photo.
Alternatively, if you take the Jamao road, you'll find fruit and vegetable stands selling a wide variety of produce. Another option is La Cumbre, a scenic tourist route known for its organic produce and association with the Dominican Amber Route.
Don’t forget about Panorámica Street, which connects Puerto Plata with Santiago—the country’s second-largest city. Here, you can buy fruits, plants, and local crafts.
Enjoying Dominican Fruits: Fresh, Blended, or Preserved?
When choosing fruit, the aroma, color, and texture can guide how best to enjoy it. These elements reveal ripeness and help determine whether a fruit is best eaten fresh, blended into a smoothie, or turned into jam or sweets.
While many fruits in the Dominican Republic are best eaten raw, others are perfect for smoothies. Popular choices include zapote, chinola, soursop, and papaya.
One traditional drink is the “morir soñando” (meaning “to die dreaming”), a refreshing mix of orange or passion fruit juice, milk, and crushed ice—usually made with cow’s milk or evaporated milk.
Each region in the Dominican Republic has a unique climate that supports fruit and vegetable growth. The north coast, including Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabarete, is especially attractive—not only for its agriculture but also for its water sports.
It's an ideal place to build your dream home by the sea, complete with a tropical garden and easy access to surfing and windsurfing.
Contact Century 21 Perdomo to learn more about available homes, condos, and land for sale—and the opportunities for real estate investment in the Dominican Republic.