10 Exotic Fruits Found In The World
Exotic fruits are unique and uncommon fruits that are typically not widely available in mainstream markets or regions. These fruits often come from tropical or subtropical climates and boast intriguing flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse textures. Here are some examples of exotic fruits.
10. Durian
Durian is a large, spiky fruit native to Southeast Asia, known as the "king of fruits." It is highly distinctive due to its potent aroma, which is both beloved by its enthusiasts and considered offensive by some. The fruit's smell has been described as strong, pungent, and even likened to a combination of rotten onions, turpentine, and raw sewage.
Despite its unique and divisive smell, durian is highly prized for its rich and creamy flesh, which has a custard-like texture and a complex, sweet flavor with hints of almond, caramel, and a slight bitterness. The flesh is typically pale yellow to cream-colored and contains large seeds within its segments.
Durian is often consumed fresh and is a popular ingredient in various sweet and savory dishes, including ice creams, cakes, smoothies, and traditional Southeast Asian desserts. It holds cultural significance in the region and is sometimes regarded as an aphrodisiac.
While durian is celebrated for its exquisite taste and texture, it is important to note that some hotels, public transportation, and certain establishments in Southeast Asia have rules against bringing the fruit indoors due to its strong smell. So, if you're intrigued by durian, be prepared for a sensory adventure if you decide to try it!
09. Mangosteen
Mangosteen, also known as the "queen of fruits," is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The fruit is highly regarded for its exquisite taste, delicate texture, and nutritional benefits.
Mangosteen has a thick, dark purple or reddish rind with a green calyx at the stem. When opened, it reveals soft, juicy, and sweet white segments arranged in a round pattern, resembling a segmented orange. Each segment contains a few seeds, which are usually not eaten.
The flavor of mangosteen is a harmonious balance of sweetness and tartness, often described as luscious, delicate, and reminiscent of a blend of tropical fruits like peach, strawberry, and pineapple. The fruit is enjoyed fresh and is considered a refreshing treat in hot and humid climates.
In addition to its delectable taste, mangosteen is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. It is believed to have various health benefits and has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Due to its relatively short shelf life and difficulties in transportation, mangosteen is not as widely available in some parts of the world. However, if you have the opportunity to taste this exquisite fruit, it's an experience you won't soon forget.
08. Dragon Fruit
Mangosteen, also known as the "queen of fruits," is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The fruit is highly regarded for its exquisite taste, delicate texture, and nutritional benefits.
Mangosteen has a thick, dark purple or reddish rind with a green calyx at the stem. When opened, it reveals soft, juicy, and sweet white segments arranged in a round pattern, resembling a segmented orange. Each segment contains a few seeds, which are usually not eaten.
The flavor of mangosteen is a harmonious balance of sweetness and tartness, often described as luscious, delicate, and reminiscent of a blend of tropical fruits like peach, strawberry, and pineapple. The fruit is enjoyed fresh and is considered a refreshing treat in hot and humid climates.
In addition to its delectable taste, mangosteen is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. It is believed to have various health benefits and has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Due to its relatively short shelf life and difficulties in transportation, mangosteen is not as widely available in some parts of the world. However, if you have the opportunity to taste this exquisite fruit, it's an experience you won't soon forget.
07. Rambutan
Rambutan is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The fruit gets its name from the Malay word "rambut," which means "hair," due to the numerous hairy protrusions on its skin.
The rambutan fruit is roughly the size of a golf ball and has a round or oval shape. Its outer skin is covered in soft, flexible, and spiky hairs, which are usually green or yellow when the fruit is unripe and turn vibrant red or orange when ripe. The hairs can be easily peeled away to reveal the edible part of the fruit.
Once the hairy skin is removed, the translucent and juicy flesh of the rambutan becomes visible. The flesh is sweet and slightly acidic, with a flavor profile similar to lychee and grape. It surrounds a single seed, which is not typically eaten.
Rambutan is best enjoyed fresh and is commonly served as a refreshing snack. It can also be used in various desserts, fruit salads, and beverages. The fruit's unique appearance and delightful taste make it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike, especially in its native regions.
06. Persimmon
Persimmon is a flavorful fruit that belongs to the genus Diospyros and is widely grown in various parts of the world. There are different varieties of persimmons, with two main types being the Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons.
Fuyu persimmons are squat and tomato-shaped, resembling a flat-bottomed pumpkin. They have a thin, edible skin that ranges in color from pale yellow to vibrant orange when ripe. The flesh of Fuyu persimmons is crisp and sweet, with flavors reminiscent of a mix of pear, mango, and cinnamon. They are usually eaten while still firm and can be enjoyed like an apple or sliced for salads and desserts.
Hachiya persimmons, on the other hand, are heart-shaped and have a distinct pointed end. When ripe, their skin turns deep orange and becomes very soft and jelly-like. The flesh of Hachiya persimmons is extremely sweet and smooth, almost custard-like in texture. They are best enjoyed by spooning out the ripe flesh or using it in baking and desserts.
Persimmons are known for their nutritional benefits, containing vitamins A, C, and E, as well as dietary fiber and antioxidants. They are often consumed during the fall and winter months when they are in season, and their unique flavor and texture add a delightful touch to various dishes and culinary creations.
05. Kiwano
Kiwano, also known as the African horned cucumber or jelly melon, is a unique exotic fruit with a distinctive appearance. It features a spiky, bright orange-yellow skin that resembles a horned sea creature, giving it its nickname. The inside of the fruit is filled with a jelly-like, lime green flesh containing numerous edible seeds. The taste of kiwano is often described as a combination of cucumber and banana, with a hint of tanginess. This unusual fruit is not only visually striking but also offers a refreshing and mildly sweet flavor, making it an exciting addition to fruit salads, desserts, or enjoyed on its own.
04. Physalis
Physalis, commonly known as cape gooseberry, golden berry, or husk cherry, is a small, round fruit enclosed in a delicate, papery husk. The husk gives it a lantern-like appearance, and when fully ripe, the fruit is a golden-orange color. Native to South America, Physalis has become popular worldwide due to its unique and slightly tart flavor, which blends sweetness with a subtle tanginess.
The fruit itself is small, usually about the size of a cherry, and has a juicy texture. The flavor is often likened to a mix of pineapple, citrus, and tomato. Physalis is not typically eaten raw by itself but is commonly used as a garnish, added to salads, or incorporated into desserts, jams, and sauces. It's a versatile and visually appealing fruit that adds a burst of flavor and color to various culinary creations.
03. Jabuticaba
Jabuticaba is a fascinating exotic fruit native to Brazil. It grows directly on the trunk of the tree and branches, giving it a unique appearance. The fruit is small, round, and has a dark purple to almost black color when fully ripe. Its skin is smooth and glossy.
The most distinctive feature of jabuticaba is its taste. When you bite into the fruit, you'll find a sweet and juicy white or pinkish flesh that surrounds one to four seeds. The flavor is reminiscent of a blend of grapes and plums, with a subtle tartness that makes it a delightful treat.
Jabuticaba is commonly enjoyed fresh, eaten as a snack, or used to make delicious juices, wines, liqueurs, and jams. Its rarity outside of Brazil adds to its allure, making it a sought-after delicacy for fruit enthusiasts seeking new and unique taste experiences.
02. Salak
Salak, also known as snake fruit, is a tropical fruit native to Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. It gets its name from the reddish-brown scaly skin, which resembles snake scales. The outer skin is thin and brittle, but it is relatively easy to peel, revealing the fruit inside.
The fruit of the salak is small, about the size of a small fig, and has a white, crunchy, and juicy flesh. It is divided into segments, each containing a large inedible seed. The taste of salak is sweet and slightly tangy, with a unique combination of flavors that includes hints of pineapple, apple, and strawberry.
Salak is popularly consumed fresh, either on its own as a healthy snack or mixed into fruit salads for added texture and flavor. Additionally, it is often used in desserts, beverages, and jams due to its delightful taste and appealing appearance. With its intriguing texture and delightful flavor profile, salak remains a beloved tropical fruit enjoyed by locals and travelers alike.
01. Cherimoya
Cherimoya, also known as "custard apple," is a delicious and tropical fruit native to South America, particularly the Andes region. It is known for its unique appearance and delectable flavor. The fruit is typically heart-shaped, with a green, bumpy, and leathery skin.
When ripe, the skin of the cherimoya yields to gentle pressure, indicating its readiness to be enjoyed. Inside, the fruit contains a creamy and custard-like flesh that is white in color and filled with dark seeds. The texture is smooth and velvety, similar to a ripe avocado, and the flavor is often described as a delightful blend of tropical fruits like banana, pineapple, and mango, with a hint of citrus.
Cherimoya is best eaten fresh and can be scooped out with a spoon, making it a delightful treat on its own. It can also be used in smoothies, ice creams, sorbets, and various desserts. This luscious fruit is cherished by many for its unique taste and creamy texture, making it a prized delicacy in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
