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Fruits are an integral part of our daily diet, providing us with essential nutrients and a wide range of health benefits. While most of us are familiar with common fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges, there are countless other exotic fruits out there that you may have never heard of before. From the tropical rainforests of South America to the islands of Southeast Asia, these fruits offer unique flavors, textures, and health benefits that are worth exploring.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 20 exotic fruits that you may have never tried or even heard of before.
We’ll explore their origins, nutritional benefits, and culinary uses, so you can broaden your fruit horizons and discover new favorites. Whether you’re a fruit lover looking to expand your palate or simply curious about the wide variety of fruits available in the world, this article will provide you with an exciting journey of discovery.
So let’s dive in and explore these exotic fruits!
Uncovering the World’s Most Exotic Fruits
There are a plethora of exotic fruits around the world that are both delicious and unique. Here are some of the most exotic fruits:
1. Cherimoya
Cherimoya is a sweet and creamy tropical fruit that is native to South America. It is often referred to as the “custard apple” due to its creamy texture and sweet flavor that is similar to vanilla custard. This fruit is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It can be enjoyed fresh, or used in smoothies, desserts, and sauces.
2. Lychee
Lychee is a small, round fruit with a rough, reddish-brown skin and a sweet, juicy white flesh. This fruit is native to China and is now grown in many other countries. Lychee is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It can be eaten fresh or used in salads, drinks, and desserts.
3. Carambola
Carambola, also known as star fruit, is a tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It has a distinctive star shape when sliced, and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Carambola is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It can be eaten fresh, or used in salads, drinks, and as a garnish.
4. Falsa
Falsa is a small, dark purple fruit that is native to South Asia. It has a tart and tangy flavor that is similar to cranberries. Falsa is a good source of antioxidants and can be eaten fresh, or used in jams, syrups, and sauces.
5. Wax apple
Wax apple, also known as java apple, is a bell-shaped fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It has a waxy skin that is edible, and a juicy, slightly sweet flavor. Wax apple is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It can be eaten fresh or used in salads and drinks.
6. Kiwano
Kiwano, also known as horned melon or African horned cucumber, is a spiky fruit that is native to Africa. It has a bright orange, jelly-like flesh with a sweet and sour flavor. Kiwano is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It can be eaten fresh or used in salads and drinks.
7. Feijoa
Feijoa, also known as pineapple guava, is a small, green fruit that is native to South America. It has a sweet, tangy flavor that is reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and strawberry. Feijoa is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It can be eaten fresh, or used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
8. Salak
Salak, also known as snake fruit, is a small, brown fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It has a scaly skin that is easily peeled, revealing a juicy, sweet, and sour flesh. Salak is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It can be eaten fresh, or used in salads and desserts.
10. Miracle fruit
Miracle fruit, also known as miracle berry, is a small red fruit native to West Africa. It contains a protein called miraculin that binds to the taste buds and makes sour and bitter foods taste sweet. This effect can last for up to two hours. Miracle fruit is commonly used as a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer for food and drinks. It is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used as a treatment for diabetes, obesity, and chemotherapy-induced taste changes.
11. Sapodilla
Sapodilla is a sweet and juicy tropical fruit native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It has a brown and rough skin, and its flesh is creamy and grainy, similar to that of a pear. Sapodilla is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, especially potassium and iron. It is commonly eaten fresh or used to make desserts and drinks. It is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used to treat cough, diarrhea, and skin problems.
12. Mangosteen
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a dark purple and thick skin, and its flesh is white, juicy, and sweet. Mangosteen is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, especially xanthones, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is commonly eaten fresh or used to make juice, jam, and desserts. Mangosteen is also used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and skin infections.
13. Pomelo
Pomelo, also known as Chinese grapefruit, is a large and citrusy fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a thick and yellowish-green skin, and its flesh is pink or white, juicy, and slightly sour. Pomelo is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system, lower cholesterol, and prevent cancer. It is commonly eaten fresh or used to make salads, jams, and drinks. In traditional Chinese medicine, pomelo is used to treat cough, asthma, and urinary problems.
14. Cupuaçu
Cupuaçu is a tropical fruit native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. It has a thick and brown skin, and its flesh is white, creamy, and tangy, similar to that of a mix of chocolate, banana, and passion fruit. Cupuaçu is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, especially theobromine, which has a stimulating effect on the body. It is commonly used to make juice, ice cream, and desserts, and is also used in cosmetics and personal care products.
14. Buddha’s hand
Buddha’s hand, also known as fingered citron, is a citrus fruit native to China and India. It has a yellow and fragrant skin, and its flesh is white, dry, and inedible. Buddha’s hand is mainly used for its zest, which has a strong and sweet aroma, and is commonly used to flavor dishes and drinks. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat cough, stomach problems, and skin infections.
15. Durian
Durian is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a spiky and tough skin, and its flesh is yellow, creamy, and has a strong and pungent smell, similar to that of rotten onions or gym socks. Durian is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, especially potassium and iron. It is commonly eaten fresh or used to make desserts and drinks. Durian is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used to treat fever, jaundice, and skin problems.
16. Rambutan
Rambutan is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a spiky and red skin , and its flesh is white, juicy, and sweet, with a large seed in the center. Rambutan is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system, improve digestion, and prevent cancer. It is commonly eaten fresh or used to make juice, jams, and desserts.
17. Fruit salad plant
The fruit salad plant, also known as Monstera deliciosa, is a tropical plant native to Central America. It has large and glossy leaves with distinctive holes and cuts. The fruit of the plant is edible and resembles a green ear of corn with a texture similar to a pineapple. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with hints of banana and pineapple. The fruit salad plant is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. It is commonly used in fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts.
18. longan
Longan, also known as dragon eye, is a tropical fruit native to China and Southeast Asia. It has a thin and brownish-red skin, and its flesh is white, juicy, and sweet, with a large seed in the center. Longan is rich in vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants, which help improve circulation, boost energy, and prevent aging. It is commonly eaten fresh or used to make desserts, drinks, and traditional medicines.
19. Banan passion fruit
Banana passion fruit, also known as curuba or tacso, is a tropical fruit native to the Andean region of South America. It has a yellow and wrinkled skin, and its flesh is yellow or orange, juicy, and tart, with numerous small seeds. Banana passion fruit is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help regulate digestion, boost the immune system, and prevent chronic diseases. It is commonly eaten fresh or used to make juice, jams, and desserts.
20. jackfruit
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to South and Southeast Asia. It has a spiky and greenish-yellow skin, and its flesh is yellow and fibrous, with numerous large seeds. Jackfruit is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, especially potassium and magnesium. It is commonly used as a meat substitute for its texture and flavor, and is also used to make desserts, jams, and drinks. Jackfruit is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used to treat asthma, fever, and diarrhea. The seeds of the jackfruit are also edible and can be roasted or boiled.
Final Thoughts
We have explored 20 exotic fruits that many people may not have heard of before. These fruits are unique in appearance, flavor, and nutritional value, and they offer a variety of health benefits.
Some of these fruits, like mangosteen and durian, are highly prized in their native regions for their flavor and medicinal properties. Others, like the fruit salad plant and jackfruit, are used for their versatile culinary uses and health benefits.
Many of these exotic fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, making them important components of a healthy and balanced diet. They also offer a unique and exciting way to explore different cultures and cuisines.
While some of these fruits may be difficult to find in certain regions, they are becoming more widely available in specialty markets and online stores.
So why not step out of your comfort zone and try something new? Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite fruit!
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