Marian plum season in Thailand runs from late January to March in Nakhon Nayok, the province whose mayongchid is protected as a Thai geographical indication (GI). The trees give one main crop a year, so fresh fruit is only on sale for about two months; buy within that window or wait until the next January. Outside the season, Chan Neung Orchard (สวนชั้นหนึ่ง) sells dried Marian plum all year.
When is Marian plum season in Thailand?
Marian plum, also called mayongchid or plum mango, follows a simple yearly rhythm. The trees flower after the cool season at the end of the year, the young fruit sets and swells on the branch, and harvest in Nakhon Nayok begins in late January. Picking continues through February and finishes in March.
The exact start shifts a little from year to year with the weather, and growers in other provinces may harvest at slightly different times. The dates on this page refer to our orchard in Ban Na district, Nakhon Nayok.
Why is the Marian plum season so short?
Marian plum trees produce one main crop a year. We let each fruit ripen on the tree and pick it at the right stage, without forced ripening, so the harvest cannot be stretched beyond the weeks when the fruit is ready.
Once the last fruit is picked in March, there is no fresh Marian plum from our trees until the following year. If you want fresh fruit, it pays to order as soon as the season opens.
When is the best time to buy fresh Marian plum?
Any time between late January and March gives you in-season fruit. A few points help you plan:
- Order early for gifts. The season usually overlaps with Chinese New Year, and boxed Jumbo or Premium fruit is a popular seasonal gift. Ordering at the start of the season gives you the widest choice of grades and boxes.
- The crop is fixed. There is one harvest a year, so when a grade sells out it does not come back until next season.
- Travellers to Thailand can find fresh mayongchid between late January and March. Outside those months, look for dried fruit instead.
At harvest we sort every fruit by hand for shape and skin, grade it by size, wrap each fruit in foam and pack it to reduce bruising on the way to you.
How are Marian plums graded?
Fresh Marian plum is graded by size, measured as the number of fruits that make up one kilogram. Fewer fruits per kilogram means bigger fruit. Grade is about size, not flavour: every grade is the same Thoonklao fruit from the same trees.
| Grade | Fruits per kg | Average weight per fruit | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 12-14 | about 71-83 g | Wooden gift boxes and special occasions |
| Premium | 15-17 | about 59-67 g | Gift boxes, woven baskets and family treats |
| Medium | 18-20 | about 50-56 g | Everyday eating |
| Small | 20 or more | under 50 g | Eating in quantity, juice and desserts |
Weights are averages worked out from the fruits-per-kilogram range. We do not publish prices for fresh fruit because they change through the season; ask for today’s price on LINE @channeung. We also pack fresh fruit in gift boxes and woven baskets; see fresh Marian plum grades and boxes for the current options.
How do you choose ripe Marian plum?
Whether you buy from us or at a market stall, four checks help you pick sweet fruit:
- Colour: deep, even yellow-orange. A lot of green means the fruit will taste sharply sour.
- Skin: smooth and taut, without bruises or scrapes.
- Weight: firm and heavy for its size. Light or soft fruit has less juicy flesh.
- Smell: a light, sweet aroma.
How do you store fresh Marian plum?
Do not wash the fruit before storing it, because moisture shortens its life. Wrap the fruit loosely in paper towel, put it in a closed container and keep it in the main compartment of the fridge. Avoid the freezer and the coldest spots, where the skin bruises easily.
Stored this way, fresh Marian plum keeps for about 5-7 days. Wash it just before eating and serve it chilled.
Can you get Marian plum outside the season?
Yes, in dried form. Dried Marian plum from our orchard is available all year. It has no added sugar and no preservatives, and its sweetness comes from the fruit’s natural sugar, so it keeps the sweet-sour taste of mayongchid long after March.
Cafés and businesses can also ask about frozen pitted fruit for drinks and desserts. More common questions are answered in our Marian plum FAQ.
To reserve fresh fruit for the next season, or to order dried Marian plum now, see how to order.
Lazada