25 Exotic Fruits You Might Not Know About
Fruits are an essential part of our diet and a major source of nutrition. Fruits in our regular routine have high nutritional value. Adding these fruits to your diet may have a huge positive impact on your health.
But, did you know there are fruits there that most people have never even heard of? In addition to the apples and bananas, there are some gems that not only taste amazing but also offer remarkable health benefits.
In this blog post, we will explore a myriad of exotic fruits that you find in fruit gift baskets but don’t know about. Read ahead if you wish to add some new fruits to your diet.
List of Exotic Fruits
1. Durian
Originating from Southeast Asia, Durian is a delicious fruit. Its spiky exterior is matched by its aroma, which is so strong that it’s actually banned in certain hotels and public transportation in Asia.
However, once you get past the smell, you'll be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind experience— textured flesh with a yellow hue. Apart from its taste durians are packed with nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin C, and various minerals.
Also Read: 11 Spiny Fruit Names
2. Mangosteen
Often considered the companion to Durian, Mangosteen boasts a purple rind that conceals its snow white and juicy segments inside. This tropical fruit hails from island nations in Southeast Asia.
It has long been used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Its flavor offers a blend of sweetness and tanginess.
3. Rambutan
The Rambutan, which is native to Southeast Asia, is called so because of its appearance of hair according to the Malay word. When you peel off its spiky skin, you'll find a translucent fruit that surrounds a central seed.
While it shares similarities with lychee in terms of taste and texture. The rambutan has a flavor that is both refreshing and delicious.
Also Read: 19 Red Fruit Names With Pictures
4. Jackfruit
Jackfruit is originally from South India. It has now been widely cultivated in regions across the globe. This massive fruit can weigh up to 80 pounds! Its outer covering is green or yellow with cone-shaped spikes.
When you crack it open, you'll discover pods that enclose seeds and are surrounded by fragrant flesh. Besides being enjoyed fresh, jackfruit’s texture also makes it a popular meat substitute in vegan dishes.
5. Salak
Salak or snake fruit comes from Indonesia. It gets its name due to its brown scaly skin. Under this distinctive skin lies flesh that resembles an apple when touched.
Its taste combines sweetness with sourness although it can be quite tangy if consumed before ripened. Salak also provides antioxidants and various vitamins as part of its profile.
6. Persimmon
Persimmon is a flavorful fruit with a sweet taste and a shiny outer skin. The color and shape of this fruit often varies from round or flat and deep orange to reddish-brown.
Ripe Persimmon has soft and pudding-like flesh that has a combined taste of sweetness and tanginess. It is a popular fall fruit that is enjoyed fresh and as well as in various culinary creations. This fruit adds a unique taste to salads, desserts, and even savory dishes.
Also Read: 33 Green Fruits To Include In Your Diet
7. Soursop
You'll find soursop in the regions of the Americas. It has a spiky heart-shaped skin and a soft pulpy white interior divided into segments with seeds scattered throughout.
Its taste is quite impressive, described as a blend of strawberry, pineapple, and citrus flavors. People do not only enjoy soursop as a fruit. They also use it to create refreshing beverages, ice creams, and other delectable sweets.
8. Longan
Known as the "dragon’s eye" because of its appearance, Longan is native to Southern Asia. The translucent flesh resembles pearls. It encloses a black seed that gives it its dragon’s eye nickname.
While it belongs to the family of lychee and rambutan fruits, Longan has its unique flavor. Sweet with a subtle muskiness. In medicine, it is believed to offer various health benefits.
Also Read: Which is the Best Time To Eat Fruits?
9. Pitaya (Dragon Fruit)
Pitaya is from Central and South America but is now widely cultivated in Southeast Asia dragon fruit is a cactus fruit that catches attention with its vibrant scaly exterior. Whether white or red on the inside the flesh offers a sweetness with a texture reminiscent of kiwi due to its tiny black seeds.
When it comes to nutrition these fruits offer more than appeal. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber which are beneficial for our health.
10. Buddha’s Hand
This citrus fruit is quite different from others you may know. It doesn't have segments like citrus fruits. Instead, people value its zest and its unique shape that resembles fingers in a prayer position.
Apart from using it as a natural air freshener or decorative piece the zest of Buddhas Hand is also used to add flavor to desserts, beverages, or candies.
11. Cherimoya
This fruit is from the Andes mountains Cherimoya is a fruit, with an exterior shaped like a heart. Inside this fruit lies a creamy flesh that resembles custard.
Its sweetness combined with flavors has earned it the nickname "nature’s ice cream." Besides being delightful to taste buds cherimoya is packed with vitamins and minerals vitamin C and B vitamins.
Also Read: 16 Fruits With Many Seeds
12. Passionfruit
Originating from South America but now grown in regions worldwide passionfruit has a rough outer shell that conceals aromatic seeds surrounded by jelly-like pulp.
The perfect blend of sweetness and tartness makes passionfruit highly sought after for desserts, drinks, and salads. It is also high, in fiber and vitamin C.
13. Chayote
Chayote, a pear-shaped wonder, offers a crisp and mild bite. Its versatility shines in salads or as a cooked side, delivering a subtle, refreshing taste.
14. African Horned Cucumber
This fruit, also known as the kiwano melon stands out with its horn spines and vibrant appearance. It originates from Sub-Saharan Africa.
From the inside, this fruit can be scooped out and enjoyed offering a refreshing blend of cucumber and lime flavors. The African Horned Cucumber is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Also Read: 25 Delicious Yellow Fruits to Enjoy
15. Sapodilla
Sapodilla, a tropical delight, is a small, brown fruit with a grainy texture and a sweet, honey-like flavor. This exotic fruit is often enjoyed fresh or used in desserts and smoothies. It's known for its unique combination of caramel and pear undertones, making it a delightful treat for the palate.
16. Tamarillo
Native to the region of South America, the tamarillo (also called tree tomato) has an egg-shaped form with skin. Depending on the variety its flesh ranges from sour to sweet sometimes requiring a touch of sugar or salt to enhance its taste. It is rich in vitamins A and C making it both nutritious and delicious.
Also Read: A Guide to 10 Irresistible Seedless Fruits
17. Jabuticaba
Hailing from Brazil jabuticaba stands out for its growth habit where fruits directly sprout from the tree trunk. These dark berries resemble grapes.
Have a slightly tart pulp that is often used in jellies, wines, or enjoyed fresh. The fruit is abundant in antioxidants anthocyanins that contribute to its purple color.
18. Pomelo
Originating from Southeast Asia pomelo can be considered as the "granddaddy" of grapefruits due, to its size.
Beneath its peel, you'll find a slightly tangy flesh that is not as bitter, as grapefruit. When eaten fresh or added to salads pomelos are not refreshing but also provide nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
19. Kumquat
Kumquat is a tiny citrus fruit that packs a punch of flavor. Unlike traditional citrus fruits, you can eat the sweet, edible skin and savor the tart flesh inside. Its distinctive sweet-tangy taste makes it a unique and refreshing addition to salads, preserves, and cocktails.
Also Read: 10 Rainy Season Fruits in India
20. Loquat
Loquat, often called the "Japanese plum," is a small, sweet fruit with a unique flavor reminiscent of apricots and cherries. Its smooth, orange skin hides juicy, mildly tangy flesh that's enjoyed fresh or used in jams and desserts.
21. Star Fruit
Star fruit, also known as carambola, is a tropical delight with a distinctive star-shaped cross-section. Its flavor varies from sweet to slightly tart, and its crisp texture makes it a refreshing addition to fruit salads and garnishes for cocktails. Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, it's as nutritious as it is visually appealing.
22. Noni (Cheese Fruit)
Noni, often referred to as the "Cheese Fruit," is a tropical fruit known for its pungent aroma and strong flavor. Despite its off-putting scent, it's used for its potential health benefits and is sometimes incorporated into juices and supplements.
Also Read: 20 Winter Season Fruits To Stay Healthy
23. Cucamelon
Cucamelon, also known as "Mexican sour gherkin" or "mouse melon," is a miniature cucumber-like fruit that's both cute and tasty. These tiny, green gems have a refreshing crunch and a slightly tangy, cucumber-citrus flavor.
24. Feijoa
Known as pineapple guava, this green gem delivers a sweet, slightly tangy experience. Best savored fresh or transformed into delectable jams.
25. Santol
Santol, a tropical fruit also known as "wild mangosteen," features a sweet and tangy pulp encased in a thick rind. Its unique taste is a blend of citrus and peach, making it a favorite in many Southeast Asian cuisines.
Also Read: 8 Reasons That Make Fruit Basket A Suitable Gift
Wrapping Up
Our world is filled with a range of delicious fruits that many of us may not have had the opportunity to try. Exploring these fruits allows us to discover tastes and enjoy their advantages. So the next time you go grocery shopping, consider trying something new.
If you wish to try unknown exotic fruits, explore the collection at Fruitsmith. You will find a collection of exotic and regional fruits available in impressive combos and hampers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why some fruits are called exotic fruits?
Some fruits are called exotic because they are not regionally grown. They are specific to an area or a country. Plus these fruits are from tropical and sub-tropical areas. These fruits are less commonly known and have a unique flavor and appearance.
2. Which fruits are considered exotic?
Many fruits out there are considered exotic. It depends on the area where you live. In some areas, one fruit might be considered exotic and the same fruit might be common in some other areas. Some of the exotic fruits in India are:
- Passion Fruit
- Cherimoya
- Kiwi
- Persimmon
- Salak
