Fruit lovers around the world are always on the lookout for unique and delicious varieties. While familiar fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges dominate grocery aisles, there are many exotic fruits from around the globe that remain relatively unknown. These fruits may offer new flavors, textures, and health benefits that can elevate your fruit game. Here are 10 exotic fruits you may have never heard of but should definitely try.
1. Jabuticaba (Brazilian Grape Tree)
Native to Brazil, the jabuticaba fruit grows directly on the trunk of the tree, resembling grapes. The fruit has a sweet and tart flavor with a thick, purple skin and a white, jelly-like interior. Jabuticaba is often used to make juices, jellies, and wine due to its rich flavor and high antioxidant content.
2. Mangosteen
Often referred to as the “queen of fruits,” mangosteen is native to Southeast Asia and has a thick, purple rind with juicy, segmented white flesh inside. Its flavor is a combination of sweet and tangy, making it a refreshing snack. Mangosteen is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and high vitamin C content.
3. Rambutan
Rambutan is a hairy-looking fruit from Southeast Asia that looks like a small, vibrant alien pod. When peeled, it reveals a translucent, juicy flesh similar to lychee, with a sweet and slightly acidic flavor. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and iron, promoting healthy skin and boosting the immune system.
4. Durian
Durian is infamous for its strong odor, often described as a mix of rotten onions and gym socks, but those who brave its smell are rewarded with creamy, custard-like flesh. Known as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, durian has a rich, sweet flavor that is highly prized by locals. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a nutritious treat.
5. Salak (Snake Fruit)
Salak, also known as snake fruit, is native to Indonesia and has reddish-brown scaly skin resembling snake scales. The fruit inside is segmented, with a sweet and tangy flavor that resembles a mix of apple and pineapple. Salak is rich in antioxidants and can help improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.
6. Buddha’s Hand
Buddha’s Hand is a striking fruit that resembles multiple yellow fingers extending from a central base. Known for its intense lemon fragrance, Buddha’s Hand is often used for zesting or as a natural air freshener. It’s not typically eaten raw but is often used to infuse spirits or in cooking for its fragrant citrus flavor.
7. Chayote
Chayote is a green, wrinkled, and pear-shaped fruit that is native to Mesoamerica. Although it is technically a type of squash, it’s often considered a fruit due to its taste and usage. The flesh is mild, crisp, and slightly sweet, making it a popular ingredient in salads, stir-fries, and salsas. It’s also low in calories and high in fiber.
8. Lucuma
Native to Peru, lucuma has a unique, rich flavor that combines sweet potato, caramel, and maple. The fruit is often dried and powdered to be used as a natural sweetener in smoothies, ice cream, or baked goods. Lucuma is high in antioxidants and micronutrients, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B3.
9. Pitaya (Dragon Fruit)
Pitaya, or dragon fruit, is native to Central America but is now grown in many tropical regions. With its striking pink skin and speckled white flesh, it’s often admired for its beauty as much as for its taste. The mildly sweet flavor is often compared to kiwi or pear, and the fruit is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
10. Cempedak
Cempedak is a close relative of jackfruit, native to Southeast Asia. The fruit is elongated with soft, orange flesh inside that has a sweet, fragrant taste. When fried, cempedak becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a popular snack in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.
From the fragrant Buddha’s Hand to the custard-like durian, these exotic fruits are just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking to try a new flavor or reap the health benefits of lesser-known varieties, these fruits offer a unique addition to your diet. Keep an eye out for these exotic gems at specialty markets or when traveling abroad, and explore the diverse and delicious world of tropical fruits.
