The Nam Doc Mai variety is originally from Thailand, with an exceptional appearance and eating quality. It can sometimes be found in specialty markets in Japan, Europe, and rarely the United States. Small quantities shipping from Ecuador are available from October to December. The fruit are long, slender and sigmoid, weighing from 12 to 16 oz. The ripe fruit range from a greenish- to canary-yellow, rarely with a reddish blush on the sun-exposed shoulder. The fruit are most often eaten when ripe, when the flesh is soft and juicy, with a sweet and aromatic flavor. The fruit are also used while mature green for dipping in sauces, and for the making of sweet preserves and pickles