Have you ever wandered through a market and wondered about the strange, vibrant fruits in colorful displays? You may see things that are difficult to pronounce or even one or two that you’ve never seen before. Exotic fruits add variety to your diet, bringing unique flavors and health benefits.
Are you ready to explore beyond the usual apples and bananas? These are 10 exotic fruits you’ve never tried before but definitely should.
1. Durian
Durian is native to Southeast Asia and is rich in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. It’s often called the “king of fruits” and is popular for its powerful and pungent smell. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it type of fruit — it has a sweet, creamy interior, making it a delicacy. For others, the scent is off-putting enough that they never try it. This is one for adventurous eaters.
2. Akebi
Akebi is native to Japan, China and Korea. Its purple skin encases translucent white flesh along with many glossy black seeds. It’s known for its sweet and floral taste and can be found in September and October. Though its texture might remind you of a watermelon — thick and spongy — the flavor is much more delicate.
3. Kiwano
The kiwano — also known as horn melon — hails from sub-Saharan Africa and is a true conversation starter. It has spiky orange skin and a bright green, jelly-like interior. It looks more like an alien fruit than something you’d find in a fruit bowl. However, its flavor is mild, offering a mix of cucumber and zucchini with a hint of lime. It’s perfect for snacking on or adding to salads and cocktails.
4. Cherimoya
Cherimoya — the “ice cream fruit” — is a creamy, custard-like fruit that’s native to the Andean region of South America. The flavor is often compared to a banana, strawberry and pineapple blend. Cherimoya has a green, scaly exterior, and inside, you’ll find soft and white flesh — sweet and aromatic. This makes it an irresistible treat for those with a sweet tooth. Additionally, it helps digestion, has anti-inflammatory compounds and increases immunity. Cherimoya is as healthy as it is delicious.
5. Babaco Fruit
Native to Ecuador, the babaco is a natural hybrid of the Papaya. Yet, its shape and texture are quite different. It has smooth, pale yellow skin and a tangy flavor. The taste is juicy, a bit acidic and low in sugar. You can make juices, smoothies or even fresh fruit salads.
6. Passion Fruit
You may have had passion fruit if you’ve been to Costa Rica or other tropical regions. It is small, round and known for its vibrant purple or yellow skin. This versatile fruit is packed with aromatic pulp and crunchy black seeds. You can add it to deserts, smoothies or yogurt — or scoop out the refreshing interior. Passion fruit is also known for its rich content of vitamins, antioxidants and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.
7. Guava
Guava is a tropical fruit that might be more familiar than others on this list. Its unique flavor and nutritional profile make it worth mentioning. It comes in various colors, including green, yellow, white, pink or red. Its sweet and tangy flavor makes it ideal for juices, jams and desserts.
8. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit — also known as pitaya — is both visually appealing and delicious. It features a vibrant pink exterior and white or deep red flesh dotted with small black seeds. It’s native to Central America and has a sweet flavor with a texture that crosses kiwi and pear. It’s also loaded with fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a great choice for digestion and skin health.
9. Jackfruit
Jackfruit might be one of the largest fruits you’ll ever encounter — it can weigh up to 80 pounds. Despite its massive size, jackfruit has a sweet, tropical flavor and a unique texture. When ripe, it tastes like a banana, pineapple and mango blend. Unripe jackfruit is often used as a meat substitute for vegan and vegetarian dishes due to its ability to absorb flavors in savory dishes.
10. Prickly Pear
Prickly pear, also known as the “cactus pear,” is the fruit of the prickly pear cactus native to Mexico and the southwestern U.S. Its vivid pink or yellow skin makes it as gorgeous as it is tasty. Peeling away the rough exterior, you’ll discover a sweet, juicy meat brimming with small edible seeds. It is a rich source of fiber, antioxidants and vitamins that may help regulate blood sugar levels, support heart health and improve digestion. It’s often used to make juices, jams or candy in various regions.
It’s Time to Choose Your Favorite Fruit
These 10 exotic fruits only scratch the surface of the wide and interesting variety that’s out there. These are an excellent place to begin, whether you want to improve your health, spice up your meals or try something new. Next time you’re at the market, look for one of these colorful options and give it a try. Who knows — you might find your new favorite fruit.
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