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Did you know that even if you were to eat a different fruit every day of your life, you still wouldn’t be able to taste every variety that exists on planet earth? If you don’t know how to pick them, exotic fruits may seem intimidating at first. However, with a few simple tips, you can become a pro and start reaping the benefits of the incredible nutrition they can provide in no time. If you’re used to enjoying the same staple fruits you’ve grown up eating, it might be time to expand your culinary horizons and try some of these 12 exotic and unusual fruits.
1. Pitaya
You may have seen this fruit, also known as “dragon fruit”, pop up in your Instagram feed a lot lately as the pink flesh of one of its varieties makes absolutely gorgeous smoothie bowls and smoothies. If you want to hop on the pitaya bandwagon and start making your breakfasts a hundred times more appealing, here’s what you need to know about this unique fruit.
There are two varieties of dragon fruit. The Hylocereus undatus has a pink leathery exterior and a creamy white flesh with tiny black seeds, while the Hylocereus costaricensis has a darker pink skin and deep pinkish flesh. Their taste is similarly mild and reminiscent of a berry mixed with a pear. They are considered ripe when fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. Their scaly leaves get dry when the fruit is overripe, so be aware.
2. Jackfruit
This India native plant, also common in Asia, Africa, and South America, is an amazing nutrition powerhouse. Jackfruit is rich in B-vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and antioxidants. It contains a high percentage of carotenoids because of the deep yellow color of its pods. It’s also a good source of flavonoids which along with carotenoids protect us from diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic degenerative diseases.
If you want to get your hands on this massive fruit (they can weigh up to 132 pounds!), your best bet is your local Asian or Indian market. Look for a jackfruit that is light brown in color and fragrant. You will be delighted to know that when perfectly ripe, jackfruit tastes just like the Juicy Fruit gum.
3. Physalis
You may already be familiar with physalis by their other name, “ground cherries.” They originate from tropical South America but they can grow in temperate regions and are pretty easy to find. That’s great news because physalis are delicious and packed full of beneficial nutrients.
They are a good source of vitamin A, C, antioxidants, and fiber. Physalis contain a lot of phenolic acids, which are a type of phytochemicals called “polyphenols.” These chemical compounds play a large role in preventing oxidative stress that is responsible for aging and degenerative diseases. Their taste would be best described as sweet but slightly tart.
4. Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit native of Central America but it can typically be found in most grocery stores and health food shops. Its flesh is either yellow, orange or pinkish. It’s packed with vitamin A and C, calcium, magnesium, and fiber. It also contains an enzyme called papain that helps with digestion and fighting cancer. Its seeds are edible and have actually been found to contain isothiocyanate, which is a phytochemical protective against breast, colon, prostate, leukemia, and lung cancer. A ripe papaya should taste like a cantaloupe with a slightly musky flavor.
5. Mango
Mangoes are one of the most popular exotic fruits out there, and for good reason! There are more than hundreds of varieties in the world, each with a unique taste. The Tommy Atkins, Kent, and Ataulfo varieties are the ones most commonly found in our supermarkets. Some are stringy while others are smooth and almost buttery. A ripe mango should feel slightly soft to the touch and be fragrant.
Mangoes are full of vitamin A, C, and E as well as potassium, iron, and zinc.
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