Holiday Ayo - TasteAtlas, an encyclopedia of traditional culinary delights from various countries, updated its list of the 'Top 26 Southeast Asian Fruits' (August 13th).

It lists Southeast Asian fruits considered to have the best flavors.

These are tropical fruits that grow along the Earth's equator. These include durian, rambutan, mangosteen, sapodilla, and even ambarella. So, which one is the best?

The top spot, apparently, isn't durian, but rather mangosteen, with a rating of 4.5. This Indonesian fruit is praised for its soft, juicy texture and delicious taste with a sweet and slightly sour touch.

Mangosteen can be enjoyed straight or added to smoothies, tea, desserts, and even ice cream.

Second place is taken by the popular banana, Mas, in Malaysia. Despite its small size, measuring 10-15 cm in length, this banana is loved for its sweet taste and delicious creamy texture.

Another banana comes in third place, but it's the Raja banana, a variety widely enjoyed in Indonesia.

TasteAtlas defines this banana as having a pleasant sweetness, creamy texture, and a hint of citrus.

Next, in fourth place is the Philippine banana, the Latundan banana. Its skin is thinner than that of a Cavendish banana and it's smaller.

Latundan bananas are around 10-12.5 cm long.

In fifth place is the calamansi, with a rating of 4.3.

This citrus fruit has a yellowish-green color. Its aroma and flavor are considered distinctive, with a blend of sweet and sour.

This citrus fruit is considered versatile for use in both food and drinks.

In sixth place is the Vietnamese coconut, originating from Ben Tre province. Thanks to the rich, fertile, clay-rich saltwater, the coconuts grown here enjoy excellent conditions. The water is sweeter and the flesh is fatter.

Then there's the rambutan, in seventh place, with a rating of 4.1. TasteAtlas describes this fruit as having a slightly sour and sweet flavor. In the Philippines, rambutans are often used, including their seeds, which are roasted and made into snacks.

Durian finally made the list of the 'Top 26 Southeast Asian Fruits' at number 8. It's the Musang King variety from Malaysia, with a rating of 4.1.

Musang King has been popular since the 1980s, known for its creamy flesh and intense flavor.