Now, this fruit is not native to Ecuador. It’s not even native to South America. It originates from Southeast Asia. So, how did it get here? No clue. But it’s the start of achotillo (known as rambutan in other parts of the world) season in Ecuador, and the streets are littered with spiky shells.

A dozen of these prickly creatures costs a dollar. To eat it, you break the reddish skin open to reveal the white, pulpy fruit. It’s pretty easy to peel and pop the fruit into your mouth. The flesh tastes like nature’s sweet tart, and you nibble it away from the seed in the middle. Supposedly they are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Regardless of the health benefits, I love the taste and look of these things.