Mamey and Duro-Frio

 My two most recently adopted addictions: Mamey and Duro-Frios (English = Hard-Colds).

The usual spread

 Mamey is a typical Latin American fruit native to southern Mexico. The fruit is similar to an avocado, though sweeter, and bright red on the inside. It is also a seasonal fruit, only available in Cuba in the summer months. I got to try it twice before they disappeared from the markets, and I feel instantly in love.

3 Peso Love 

'When not in season the next best way to consume Mamey is in Batidos (a combination of a smoothie and a milk shake, sol for between 3 15 pesos). It is a heavenly mixture of Mamey, milk, sugar, ice, and various other mystery ingredients. I have located three cafeterias around Havana that still stock Mamey Batidos, and I am constantly on the hunt for more!


Duro-Frio is another addiction entirely. It is the one Cuban food that I can never resist (even in "cold weather" like yesterday when with freezing ocean wind and raging Malecon* see Sandy Post).  Duro-Frios are like the utopia of frozen sweets. Similar to a popsicle, yet so, so much more delightful. They are not too sweet, perfectly textured, and the best refreshment available. But you have to know where to find them. Real Duro-Frios are rarely sold in Cafetarias, but rather from people's kitchens and backyards. To get Duro-Frios you need the right connections (I have 4 such connects in Havana, and I am wiling to share.)

Lex and I eating our 3rd Coco Duro-Frio of the day

The ingredients are an utter mystery. Though they are made in Bucanero Beer cans cut in half, then frozen with a wooden stick handle. I have tried (* in order of deliciousness): coco, mani, limon, pina guayaba, naragja, and chocolate. Coco takes the 1st prize by a long shot. Mani is undeniably incredible, and the rest are mere favorites. 

If you haven't tried it... come to Cuba.