Noni, the Magical Fruit of the San Blas Islands

Salinity and lack of protection from the wind makes growing crops in the tiny islands of San Blas almost impossible, instead, wild fruit-bearing trees like the Noni tree and coconut tree are present.

Researchers have long highlighted how certain fruits directly benefit health and how plant-based compounds are vital to a balanced diet.

In the US and Europe, fruits are typically purchased in large supermarkets or local markets. However, that’s not the case for the Guna indigenous people or for sailing yachts in San Blas. The scarcity of supplies—due to a lack of infrastructure—can pose real challenges when it comes to provisioning. That’s why it requires expertise, like that of our experienced crew, to ensure fresh and efficient sourcing.

Nearby jungle crops provide a variety of fruits and vegetables, including different types of bananas and tubers like yams, which can easily be purchased from local veggie boats. The rest of the fruits and vegetables offered on our sailing charters are brought in from Panama City or small towns near the capital. When embarking outside of San Blas—such as during pandemic times—we primarily provision in the small towns of Portobelo or Puerto Lindo, which are close to our marina or anchorage.

On some of the small islands in the outer cays, such as the Coco Bandero Cays and Dutch Cays, you can find a fruit-bearing tree from the coffee family known as Noni. While this fruit is most commonly found in Southeast Asia and Australasia, it was spread across the Pacific by Polynesian sailors. Its presence in the middle of the Caribbean remains a mystery, though some researchers suggest Africa as the plant’s possible origin.

Historically, this plant was used to produce red or yellow dye for clothing. More importantly, it was valued for its medicinal properties—traditionally recommended for high blood pressure, metabolic balance, athletic performance, and various other conditions. However, as with many natural remedies and revered healing plants, there is currently no scientific evidence to fully support these claims. Meet long-lived Julio and his wife of Maqui island of Dutch Cays. Both regularly consume noni fruit from a couple of trees located at the beach next to their hut.

Noni contains many beneficial compounds, including potassium. Some of these substances may help repair damaged cells, activate the immune system, and support other vital functions. Noni juice is also known for its antiviral properties and is traditionally used to relieve cough, fever, and body aches.

A heads-up: Noni fruit has a strong, pungent smell that’s hard to describe—but the closest comparison might be a whiff of Camembert cheese. Yes, the French one. Strange, right? We suggest taking a shot and chasing it with any fruit juice available on the catamaran to help mask the flavor.

Consuming Noni is part of the unique indigenous culture of Panama. Come explore these Caribbean islands on one of our catamaran trips in San Blas.

Catamaran Adventures San Blas