Taste the Rum, Spirits and Fruit Juice of Moorea

Published on 21 July 2023

Reading time: 4 min.

If you feel like a break from basking in the sun, head for Mount Rotui in Cook’s Bay. At the foot of the mountain you’ll find a fruit juice factory, which welcomes visitors. It is also a rum distillery.

While you’re in The Islands of Tahiti, try to visit to the Rotui fruit juice factory in Moorea.

You can follow the production process that transforms the delicious local variety of pineapple, Queen Tahiti, into an equally delicious fruit juice and an exceptional sparkling wine, Brut d’Ananas, the only one of its kind in the world. The pineapples are specially selected, cut, pressed and bottled in the factory.

It’s best to visit the factory in the morning, when production is at its peak. You’ll be able to taste some of the fruit juices, wines and rums, before going for a stroll in the pineapple fields to clear your head!

On the way back to your accommodation, you can round off the day with a late afternoon swim and then watch the beautiful sunset.

A visit to Manutea rum distillery

Manutea rums are known throughout French Polynesia. In Moorea, the sugarcane is grown mainly in the Opunohu Valley. Its cultivation dates from ancient times and the local variety, O’Tahiti, is grown all over the world. The rum distilled in The Islands of Tahiti is authentic and traditional, and includes white rum, dark rum and even vanilla-flavored rum. It has earned the reputation of being a rum of excellent quality. Try some and judge for yourself !

Enjoy a rum-based cocktail © Manutea Tahiti

Rum bottle © Manutea Tahiti — Enjoy a rum-based cocktail © Manutea Tahiti

To learn more about the cultivation of sugarcane in The Islands of Tahiti, and its transformation into rum, visit the Manutea distillery in Cook’s Bay. You’ll be shown the full process and given the opportunity to taste some of the different varieties of rum as well as the distillery’s other products, which include fruit juices and spirits. A bottle of rum from Tahiti makes a unique and exotic addition to any drinks cabinet, so don’t forget to take a bottle home with you!

Enjoy local fruit without moderation

During your stay in The Islands of Tahiti, it would be a pity not to try some of the local fruit. You might never have seen some of the varieties, but don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations in Moorea’s shops and markets.

Pineapples were first introduced into French Polynesia by British explorers, which explains why the Tahitian word for a pineapple is painapo. Another fruit that you’ll see everywhere is the Marquesan taporo no matuita. It is a lime, used as a lemon in Tahiti to accompany fish, seafood and in cocktails. The breadfruit, or ‘uru in Tahitian, is eaten cooked and is an integral part of the local cuisine. Take advantage of being in the The Islands of Tahiti and try some of the other delicious tropical fruits.

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