Shopping for Fresh Produce in Raro

Buying and Finding Fresh Produce In Rarotonga - Local Tips and Advice

Finding and buying fresh produce can be tricky in Rarotonga. Some things are seasonal, we have times of feast and then famine, and many people grow their produce and only sell it when it suits them. At times the weather and heat will play a factor in what is available and the restaurants and Cafes' will have the pick of what is available. 

So where do you find the 'good stuff' in paradise?

Places include, but are not limited to:

• Mama Tua's is 200 m past KAPS and Vili's Burger Joint heading towards town. It has a great range of fruit, vegetables and hydroponic lettuces from 10 am. It can sell out after 1 pm at times. Use these coordinates  -21.228807, -159.731670 (highlight these and open in a browser for the map).
• Wigmores SuperStore is an iconic 24/7 Food and Petrol Store that is usually well stocked with fresh produce and is similar to a Four Square in New Zealand. It also has a wide range of organic and some gluten-free products; and a range of alternative health food products. It's on the southern side of Raro, and there is a saying amongst the locals that if you sit outside Wigmores for 30 minutes on a Sunday you will see half of the Rarotongan population :-) https://www.facebook.com/p/Wigmore-Superstore-100033470677389/ 
• Primefoods is on St Josephs Road, off the main road in town. It has local and imported fresh produce; including mushrooms, an excellent Butchery and Deli, and also stocks Dairy Free and Vegan cheeses, butter and other products https://www.primefoods.co.ck/index.html
• Punanga Nui Markets are best known for the BIG Saturday markets but they sell fresh produce most days except on a Sunday. Cash only. Google it for directions and location.
• CITC Supermarket | Foodlands | KAPS | Oasis | Kavera. The main supermarket in town has undergone a big upgrade focusing on fresh local and imported produce, along with a large range of  frozen produce. They have a big range but be warned that fresh produce from overseas can be expensive...like really expensive! Locals often use frozen vegetables as an option as they are a cheaper option and retain their nutritional value compared to some imported items https://www.citc.co.ck/our-stores/
• Street Stalls. Carrying cash is handy as street stalls pop up or are open daily. Locals set these up on a Friday and Saturday, while others are well known and used by everyone.
• Roadside & Free. If you see fruit and coconuts growing along the side of the road, make sure that it is not part of someone's land or plantation before you take some. You can always ask if a house is nearby but if it looks self-seeded and growing wild help yourself as often fruit goes to waste or is eaten by the birds. Coconuts can be gathered if not from owned land. Be careful when opening these and ask Simon for help if you can't open one up. Nu's are drinking coconuts and sold for $3 to $5 per nu. Chill, slice the soft top off, open the mouth (2 eyes and a mouth - Mickey Mouse nut) with a paring knife and drain into a glass or use a recyclable straw. Super refreshing and great for your health.

Happy holidays and healthy eating!

Posted by Simon Drewery on March 20, 2024