Delicious Monster

The Delicious Monster (Monstera deliciosa) is a creeping vine native to tropical rainforests of southern Mexico south to Colombia. It has been introduced to many tropical areas, and has become a mildly invasive species in Madeira.

The fruit is up to 25 cm long and 3-4 cm diameter, looking like a green ear of maize covered with hexagonal scales. The fruit may be ripened by cutting it when the first scales begin to lift up and it begins to exude a pungent odor. It is wrapped in a paper bag and set aside until the scales begin popping off. The scales are then brushed off or fall away to reveal the edible flesh underneath. The flesh, which is similar to pineapple in texture, can be cut away from the core and eaten. It has a fruity taste similar to jackfruit and pineapple. The unripe green fruits can irritate the throat and the latex of the leaves and vines can create rashes in the skin, because both contain potassium oxalate: that's the reason why the fruit must be consumed when the scales lift up.