When traveling abroad, especially in warm countries, a Russian tourist encounters completely unknown fruits that he has never seen before. I, too, often don’t even believe my eyes what wonders of nature can be found on fruit stands. And so, in order to next time Without bulging my eyes in surprise at the sight of another amazing fruit, I decided to make a list for myself of what you can buy and try in foreign countries.
But I had no idea how much I would have to type! It turns out that there are so many exotic fruits on our wonderful planet that, most likely, few people will be able to try them all in their lifetime. So now on my list 85 exotic fruits , and this is not just a photo with names, but a description and interesting information. I definitely plan to update it periodically, so if you want to learn about all the fruits, check back from time to time!
In addition to the name and common synonyms, for each fruit there is also a description of its appearance, a photograph and, if possible, the taste qualities are characterized in comparison with the tastes known to most people. Because I tried ( as it turned out) is only a small part, then I will talk about the taste of many exotic fruits based on reviews of the lucky ones who actually ate them, and, in many cases, I had to look for information on the bourgeois Internet.
I immediately warn botany experts that in the article the concepts are given at an everyday, understandable level. That is, there is no need to be indignant that in science the concept “ fruit" is absent, but there is only a general term " fetus" Here, by “fruit” I will mean delicacies that grow on trees, bushes or vines, usually sweet or sour-sweet, which can be bitten several times before it is finally eaten. And we will consider “berries” to be small fruits that can be eaten whole in one bite or even eaten by a handful and do not need to be peeled.
By the way, the article does not only cover tropical fruits, because even a representative of temperate latitudes can easily turn out to be exotic.
For ease of navigation through our very voluminous article, use the alphabetical index:
Abakashi(Abacaxi) is mainly grown in Brazil. Most readers, looking at a photo of the fruit, will say that it’s just a pineapple and it’s no longer exotic. But there is no need to rush! Yes, "abakashi" ( word from the Tupi-Guarani Indian language) is one of the varieties of this prickly fruit, but it is called differently for a reason. Strictly speaking, in Portuguese " abacaxi" And " pineapple" - these are synonyms, but with this second, familiar word, they mean a fruit familiar to us. At the same time, in markets in Brazil and Portugal, people prefer to buy “abakashi”, which many consider to be a separate fruit altogether.
Abakashi is rounder, yellower, sweeter, juicier than a regular pineapple ( translated from the words of the Portuguese and Brazilians) and its price is higher. I repeat, this information was taken from the “natives”, that is, from people who know the differences not in theory, but in practice, but for some reason in some articles you will find the opposite statement that abakashi is larger than a pineapple and has an elongated shape...
Like other types of pineapples, abakashi is rich in sucrose, vitamin C, minerals ( potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine), it contains B vitamins and provitamin A.
With your permission, I won’t add a simple, familiar pineapple to the article; we’ll make do with the more exotic abakashi.
Avara(Avarra, Tucum, Awara, Wara, Awarra, Tucum, Tucumã-do-Pará). This palm tree is actively cultivated in the north of the South American continent in countries such as Brazil, Suriname, Guyana, and Guiana. A tree of medium height (up to 15 meters) is notable for being covered with thorns ( both trunk and leaves) and the fruits grow in bunches.
The oval-shaped fruits are similar in size to a regular chicken egg and range in color from reddish brown to orange ( this one is more typical). The pulp is quite juicy, aromatic, its taste is most often compared to apricot, although in fact there is little pulp in them, since most of it is occupied by the pit.
Of course, the fruit contains both carbohydrates and proteins, but a particularly valuable component is fats, or rather oils with high content saturated and unsaturated fatty acids ( for example, Avara is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9). Avar also contains a lot of vitamin A ( about three times more than carrots) and B2.
Actually, as an independent product in its raw form, avar is almost never consumed. Residents of the region where it is actively grown prefer to eat the fruits steamed as a side dish or make a kind of paste out of it, which is used as a base for other dishes. In addition, oil is extracted from Avara ( more from the seeds than from the pulp), which, due to its composition, has found application not only as usual Palm oil, but also as a cosmetic product.
Avocado(Avocado, Perseus americana, Alligator pear). For many, it is no longer an exotic plant at all, but a very frequent guest of salads; it was included in this list simply because it was the first one that came to mind with the letter “A”. Avocados are originally from Mexico, and nowadays they are grown in almost all countries with a suitable tropical and subtropical climate. There are more than 400 varieties that have their own characteristics; I think that even true avocado connoisseurs will not be able to try them all.
The length of the avocado is up to 20 centimeters, the peel is inedible, the flesh is dense, yellow-green or greenish, with one large seed.
A ripe avocado is slightly oily with a slight nutty flavor. Avocado is a favorite of nutritionists around the world due to its numerous useful properties. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, potassium, which is very useful for the prevention of many cardiovascular diseases and has a positive effect on skin health, and also helps fight insomnia.
Aguage(Aguaje, Aguaje, Ita, Buriti, Canangucho) grows in the humid tropics of South America, where it is so incredibly popular that there are concerns for the plant population. Its popularity is due to the supposedly special properties of the fruit, thanks to which girls who consume it regularly maintain their health without any effort. slim figure In addition, it is believed that aguage is a strong aphrodisiac.
The oval fruits are covered with reddish-brown scales, and underneath there is yellow flesh and one large seed. The taste of aguaja is characterized as pleasant, reminiscent of... carrots. In addition to eating fresh, it is used to make juices, jams, ice cream, and interesting wine is obtained from fermented fruits.
Contains a lot of vitamins A, C, as well as phytohormones that imitate female hormones.
Azimina(Nebraska banana, Mexican banana, Asimina, banana tree, Pawpaw, Paw-paw) native to North America, more precisely from the southern states of the USA. But this amazing, seemingly heat-loving plant is able to withstand extreme cold down to −30 Celsius! And thanks to such persistence, one of the ten species is “ Pawpaw three-lobed"- grown by amateur gardeners in our country.
The fruits are collected in inflorescences of up to 8 pieces; they have an oblong oval shape and reach up to 15 cm in length and up to 7 cm in diameter. The thin skin of the fruit changes color from greenish as it ripens ( in unripe ones) to yellowish and even dark brown. The pulp is juicy, light, sweet and very aromatic, often compared to custard. Up to 10 large flat bones are hidden inside. The disadvantage of pawpaw is the poor preservation of the collected fruits, so most often they are eaten freshly picked or various jams are prepared.
Pawpaw is rich in amino acids and microelements, sucrose, vitamins A and C. The fruits do an excellent job of normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and strengthening the immune system.
Akebia quintuple (Climbing cucumber). A very exotic plant can be found in Japan, China and Korea.
The length of the oblong fruits is about 8 centimeters, they are fleshy and colored purple-violet. Outwardly, it may seem completely unattractive - an oblong fruit of a violet-lilac color with pulp falling out. But appearance is deceiving - the pulp tastes like raspberries with a very pleasant aroma.
Aki(Ackee, Bligia is delicious). This tree is native to West Africa and is now also found in Central and South America and the Caribbean islands.
Reddish pear-shaped fruits up to 10 centimeters in length. Pulp ripe fruit It is creamy in color and tastes like walnuts with cheese.
Ambarella(Cythera apple, Otaheite-apple, Tahitian quince, Polynesian plum, Yellow plum, Spondias dulcis, Mombin sweet – not to be confused with Mombin purple). The homeland of this tree is numerous islands of the Pacific Ocean in Polynesia and Melanesia, from where the plant spread west to the tropical regions of America, as well as east to Australia, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, India and a little to Africa; later, ambarella began to be grown on the islands of the Caribbean and was brought to the tropical countries of the Atlantic coast of America.
Ambarella fruits are oval ( the shape resembles a plum, hence the pair of “aliases” of this fruit - Polynesian plum or yellow plum), not very large, from six to nine centimeters in length, grow in clusters. The skin is smooth, thin and tough; in unripe fruits it is green, in ripe ones it thickens and becomes golden-yellow, the flesh is the same color.
The pulp is fibrous, juicy, crispy, sour, and to some people the aroma and taste slightly resembles an unripe pineapple. Particular care should be taken with seeds! They are simply studded with bent spines, up to 1 centimeter long, so that sometimes they penetrate into the pulp of the fruit, and there are from 1 to 5 such “surprises” in each fruit.
Ambarella makes excellent jams, jellies, marmalade and juice, but it is best eaten raw. You can use it still green, then there will be more sourness. In addition to fruits, leaves are eaten - raw ( like a street snack) or boiled/stewed with meat/fish, as well as in soups.
Ambarella is rich in proteins and fats, supports the immune system in tone, is very beneficial for the digestive system and even promotes faster healing of wounds.
Araz(Arazza, Arazá, Araçá-boi, Amazonian Pear or Amazonian Pear; in Latin - Eugenia stipitata). At first, this heat-loving tree grew in the forests of the Amazon River basin, later the plant began to be actively cultivated in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, as well as in Central America and the Caribbean. This fruit does not tolerate transportation very well, so you will not find it outside the regions where it grows.
Fruits in diameter can be from 4 to 12 centimeters ( such large ones reach a weight of 750 grams). Their peel is yellow, thin and, depending on the variety, can be smooth or slightly velvety. The juicy, aromatic yellow pulp is very sour, so arazu is rarely eaten just like that, raw, but is actively used for compotes and jellies. Inside the fruit there are several large elongated “seeds”.
Thanks to the huge amount of vitamin C, as well as the high content of microelements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus) and the macronutrient zinc, araza is excellent as a general strengthening product.
Watermelon-cucumber, cucumber-watermelon – (Melotria rough, Melothria scabra, Mouse watermelon, Mouse melon, Mexican sour gherkins, Sandita, Cucamelon). A very strange subject on our list... Decide for yourself what to classify him as - a fruit or a vegetable. The external color is very reminiscent of a watermelon, and the inside has an easily recognizable cucumber texture, while the size of the fruits growing on the vine is more reminiscent of grapes: only up to 2 - 4 centimeters in length. The homeland of this strange plant is part of America from Mexico to Panama; it is not a hybrid, but an independent plant, known in pre-Columbian times. Abroad, it is better known as “Cucamelon”, which, as in Russian, is formed by adding two words: cucumber and watermelon, that is, “cucumber + watermelon”.
The skin of the fruit is thin, but quite hard, and the pulp is very juicy. The taste is described as more like a cucumber with a slight citrus sourness; those who managed to try “cucumber-watermelon” liked the taste. They can be eaten just like that, but more often they are added to salads, French fries, various salty dishes, and watermelon cucumbers are also pickled. In addition, the vine has edible tubers!
The composition is rich in lycopene ( antioxidant that improves heart function), beta-carotene ( Helps maintain healthy eyes and youthful skin), minerals and vitamins K, E, C and fiber.
Atemoya. This is a hybrid of two plants of the Annonaceae family - cherimoya and noina, and many people confuse them. Like its “parents,” Atemoya appeared in the tropics of South America.
The fruits are, conventionally, heart-shaped (up to 10 cm in length and up to 9 cm in width). The pulp of the fruit melts in the mouth like cream or ice cream, and the taste is a combination of mango and pineapple. Due to the tenderness of the flesh, it is best to eat atemoya with a spoon. There is often a statement that atemoya is the most delicious of exotic fruits. We must remember that its seeds are poisonous!
Bail(Bael, Wood apple, Egle marmalade, Stone apple, Bengal quince, Stone apple, Limonia acidissima, Feronia elephantum, Feronia limonia, Hesperethusa crenulata, Elephant apple, Monkey fruit, Curd fruit). Widely cultivated in Southeast and South Asia.
The ripe fruit is brown in color and up to 20 centimeters in diameter. Ripe pulp is brown, mushy, divided into segments by seeds. The peel of the fruit is very hard, without a hard and heavy object at hand it will not be possible to get to the pulp (that’s why one of the names is “stone apple”). The taste is usually sweetish and astringent, but can also be sour.
Vani(lat. “Mangifera caesia”, White mango, Wani, Belunu, Binjai, Yaa-lam, White mango, Bayuno, Mangga wani, sometimes the name Jack appears, that is, Jack, but should not be confused with Jackfruit!) is actively cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei ( these three states share the island of Borneo, which is considered the birthplace of Vanya), Singapore, Papua New Guinea and the Philippine Islands.
The name is certainly misleading, because this fruit has only a distant relationship with all the familiar mangoes, since they both belong to the same family “Anakrdiaceae” (Sumacaceae), but ordinary mango belongs to the genus “mango” of the same name, and Vani belongs to genus "Anacardium" and is a species of cashew! So “White Mango” is just a trick, it’s better to use one of the local names, the most common being the Indonesian version “Wani” ( emphasis on "and") and Malay "Binjay".
It is important that the fruits are ripe for consumption, since the juice of unripe fruits can cause irritation on the skin and serious consequences if ingested. Unripe fruits are green in color and hard to the touch. When ripe, white mango fruits are quite large, they are oval in shape and reach a length of 15 centimeters and a diameter of 8 cm. The peel is very thin, dark with even darker spots, it is difficult to clean. The pulp is white, juicy, very tender and fibrous in consistency, and inside there is one large seed. Ripe fruits are very aromatic, and everyone who has tried it is delighted with the sweet taste of the pulp. The most interesting comparison is with the taste of ice cream ( it's not the same for everybody…).
In addition to eating it raw, Vani is also consumed dipped in chili and soy sauce... The local population also uses it as a base for the spicy sambal sauce.
From the sweet taste of this fruit it is clear that it is rich in various sugars, but in addition it contains many vitamins (A, B, D, E and especially a lot of C), essential amino acids, of course, micro- and macroelements.
Guava(Psidium, Guayava, Guayaba). Originally from South America ( approximately from the territory of modern Peru), nowadays, in addition to the tropics of America, it is cultivated in Asia, Israel and Africa.
The completely edible fruit can be round, oblong, or pear-shaped. Diameter up to 15 centimeters. The taste of guava does not coincide with the expectation of something exotic - it is completely inexpressive, slightly sweet, but the aroma is pleasant and strong. In the countries where guava grows, they often like to eat it slightly unripe, as it seems to help cool the body on a hot day. You can also often see how such unripe guava is eaten, dipped in a mixture of salt and pepper, they say it is very tonic.
In addition to the usual one, there are also such varieties: red-fruited (“ strawberry guava") and yellow (" lemon guava"). The red-fruited pulp is juicy, translucent, and has a pronounced strawberry flavor. The fruits are yellow and have the same color inside, they have lemon aroma. The name guava is often found, which is one of the most common varieties of guava in cultivation.
Guanabana(Guanabana, Annana muricata, Soursop, Annona prickly, Graviola, Soursop). A relative of noina, cherimoya, and custard apple, it is therefore easy to confuse them at first, and just like them, Guanabana is originally from Latin America, but is now grown in many countries with a suitable climate.
A ripe, round, irregular heart-shaped fruit can reach 12 kilograms. The seeds are large and there are many of them. The fruit looks prickly, but in reality it will not be able to prick you, since the spines are more fleshy than hard. The ripe pulp is fibrous and creamy white in color with a taste unlike anything else. The aroma may be slightly reminiscent of pineapple.
Dacriodes(Safou, Sappho, African pear). This evergreen tree can mainly be found in the north of Nigeria and the south of Angola; in the Asian region it is so far cultivated only in Malaysia.
Oblong fruits of blue and purple shades ( similar to eggplant). The pale green pulp is very fatty - up to 48% fat, and contains a large number of various substances useful and necessary for the body. Those who have tried this fruit say that it has a pleasant, delicate taste.
The fruits, which range in color from deep blue to purple, are also known as African pears and are oblong in shape with pale green flesh inside. These fatty fruits were claimed to have the potential to end famine in Africa, as the fruit is made up of 48 percent essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and triglycerides. It is estimated that from one hectare planted with Safu trees, 7–8 tons of oil can be obtained, and all parts of the plant can be used.
Jaboticaba (Jabuticaba, Brazilian grape tree). From the name it is clear that this plant comes from South America, but sometimes it can be found in Southeast Asia, if not on the shelves, then at least in botanical gardens ( I definitely saw it in Singapore). The tree grows slowly, so difficulties arise with its cultivation.
The way the fruits grow is also interesting: they grow directly on the trunk, and not on the branches of the tree. The fruits are small (up to 4 cm in diameter), dark purple in color. Under a thin dense skin ( inedible) is soft, jelly-like and very tasty pulp, somewhat similar to grapes, with several seeds.
Jackfruit(Eve, Khanoon, Jackfruit, Nangka, Indian breadfruit). A relative of the Polynesian breadfruit and Malaysian cempedak.
These are the largest fruits growing on trees. The official record for jackfruit is a fruit with a girth of 1 meter 120 centimeters and weighing approximately 34 kg.
The peel of the jackfruit smells unpleasant, but underneath there are several pieces of very tasty sweet yellow pulp. The taste is difficult to describe - some combination of banana, melon, marshmallow.
Durian(Durian). Even if you have never seen this fruit, you have certainly heard it more than once. He became famous throughout the world thanks to his amazingly disgusting smell.
But in the world, especially in Southeast Asia, there are a lot of durian connoisseurs, they even called it the “King of Fruits.” Everyone who has tried durian pulp claims that it is extremely tasty. I take your word for it, but I personally can’t overcome myself and eat even a small piece.
Yellow watermelon. A hybrid of wild watermelon, the flesh of which is naturally yellow, and the familiar watermelon with red flesh. This was necessary because it is impossible to eat a wild watermelon, but as a result of crossing it, a watermelon that tasted quite pleasant, similar to the usual one, but with yellow flesh, was obtained. Although the yellow watermelon is much inferior in sweetness to the red one and the taste is not as pronounced.
Figs(Fig, Fig tree, Fig, Wine berry, Smyrna berry, Ficus carica). I think you have come across it more than once on the fruit stands of your city and if you haven’t tried it yet, be sure to do so. The color of fig skin can vary from yellow-green to purple. The red pulp with small seeds is juicy and sweet. The undoubted advantage of figs is that nutritionists classify them as foods that can help you lose excess weight!
Kaimito(Abiu) - do not confuse with the other Kaimito ( Chrysophyllum or Star Apple). Originally from the upper reaches of the Amazon River, it is cultivated in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Trinidad.
The fruits are round or oval with a smooth, bright yellow skin. The white translucent creamy pulp is very sweet. The aroma is vaguely reminiscent of caramel with cream. Before eating fresh Kaimito, it is recommended to wet your lips, otherwise they may stick together due to the latex in the pulp.
Kaimito fruits contain a lot of phosphorus, calcium, iron, amino acids, vitamins A, C, PP and various useful organic substances.
Kanistel(Kanistel, Tiesa, Egg Fruit, Yellow Sapote). The region of origin is the south of Mexico and Central America, in addition it is also grown in the Antilles and the Bahamas, and can often be found in Southeast Asia.
The fruits can be up to 7.5 cm in width and up to 12.5 in length, their shape is very diverse, there are spherical, oval, ovoid, and twisted. The peel color of ripe fruits is yellowish-orange. The pulp is mealy, yellow with 1–4 large seeds. It's funny that the aroma of the pulp is similar to fried pies, but the taste is very sweet due to the high sugar content.
Kanistel is rich in delicate fiber, nicotinic acid, carotene, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus.
Carambola(Starfruit, Kamrak, Ma Phuak, Carambola, Star-fruit). “Tropical Star” or “Tropical Star” this fruit is called simply because in cross-section it looks like a star. The fruit is edible entirely, and if the taste of its juicy pulp does not seem bright enough to you, the aroma is unlikely to leave you indifferent.
Kasturi(Kasturi, Kalimantan Mango, Mangga Cuban, Pelipisa, Mangifera casturi). Endemic plant of the island of Borneo ( Kalimantan).
Without going into biological details, we can say that this is a wild mango. However, the orange, fibrous pulp of kasturi has a more pronounced flavor and a milder aroma than regular mangoes, although not as sweet as mangoes.
Kiwano(Kiwano Melon, Horned Melon, African Cucumber, Antillean Cucumber, Horned Cucumber, Anguria). Originally from Africa, and most widely grown in Central America, New Zealand, Israel.
This is a vine with oblong fruits of yellow, orange or red color. The flesh is green and really looks like a cucumber. The flavor is described as a mixture of cucumber, banana and melon. The dense peel is not peeled off; the fruit is simply cut into slices and eaten like a melon or watermelon.
Kiwano is rich in vitamins (A, groups B and C), macroelements (sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium), and also contains many microelements (iron, copper, zinc and manganese).
Cocona(Nightshade) grows in South America in mountainous regions.
Oval or spherical fruits (up to 4 cm in length and up to 6 cm in width) resemble tomatoes and have three variants of fruit color; yellow, orange and red. The pulp is jelly-like yellow in color with many small seeds. Some say it tastes like lemon and tomato, while others say it tastes like cherries.
Cocoon fruits are rich in B vitamins, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and citric acid.
Coconut I don’t even know if it’s worth mentioning here, because even though it’s an exotic plant for Russian residents, even children know what it is. In the growing regions ( everywhere in the tropics) coconuts are consumed in their entirety, from eating the pulp and juice, to making crafts from the shell and using the peel as fuel. There, in the south, coconuts are sold green on the outside, and inside they have soft translucent flesh and delicious coconut water ( or "milk"). In our stores they are already at a different stage of ripening - with a fibrous peel on the outside and a thick layer of pulp inside with a small amount of liquid.
Sea Coconut (Coco de mer, Double nut, Seychelles nut) grows exclusively on the Seychelles islands, and only on two.
In shape, it is very different from a regular coconut and is most similar to... a woman’s buttocks. The fruits are very large, on average about 18 kilograms, specimens over 25 kg are often found. And even 40 kg! Each coconut collected is numbered and a certificate is issued upon purchase. In terms of taste, it is clearly inferior to ordinary coconuts, but you should definitely try it if possible.
candy tree (Hovénia dúlcis, sweet govenia, is known abroad as Japanese raisin tree or oriental raisin tree, that is, Japanese raisin tree or Oriental raisin tree). Historically it grew in Japan, Eastern China, Korea and up to 2000 meters in the Himalayas. Due to its beautiful spreading crown, it was introduced into some countries as an ornamental plant, and as a result, for example in Brazil, it is considered one of the most common “invaders” of subtropical forests.
The fruits of the candy tree are small, like large peas, and it is not for them that the plant is valued, but for what the fruits are supported on. The fleshy stalk, although it looks very strange, is actually very aromatic and sweet, it is edible raw. But more often the stalks of the candy tree are dried, then they become similar to raisins - both in taste and in appearance ( This is where the Western name "Japanese raisin tree" comes from.). An extract from seeds, twigs and young leaves is used as a honey substitute and is used to make local wine and for sweets.
From useful substances It is worth noting the high content of potassium, antioxidants, vitamins, protein and saccharides ( sucrose, fructose, glucose). In China, candy tree extract has been used for several hundred years to combat hangover symptoms. And so, scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles isolated an active substance from this extract, which they called dihydromyricetin (DHM). It allows you to sober up very quickly and even reduces the craving for alcohol! There are already drugs. The main component of which is dihydromyricetin, in fact, this is the path to creating a “sobriety pill” that not only relieves the symptoms of intoxication, but also helps to overcome alcohol addiction. What a wonderful Candy Tree!
Cream apple (Annona reticulata, Buddha's head, Ox's heart, Cream apple) There can be some confusion here, as the name "cream apple" is often applied to the related plant, cherimoya. Originally from the regions of Central America and the Antilles group of islands, it can now often be found in Southeast Asia.
The fruits (from 8 to 16 cm) are similar in shape to a heart ( hence one of the names), the outside may be yellow or brown with a reddish tint. Inside there is sweet white, almost creamy pulp that melts in the mouth and inedible seeds. There is no consensus on what the smell is like, but it is certainly pleasant.
Kumquat(Kumquat, Fortunella, Kinkan, Japanese oranges). The homeland of the kumquat is China, but nowadays it is grown everywhere where the climate is suitable for other citrus fruits.
This representative of citrus fruits has long been common on supermarket shelves, however, many still have not decided to try it, but in vain. Small oblong fruits (up to four centimeters in length and up to two and a half in width) look like small oranges, but their taste is still different. The main feature of kumkawat is that it is eaten directly with the peel, it is very thin; Only the seeds are inedible.
Lychee(Litchi, Chinese plum, Litchi). Originally from Southern China, it is now actively grown in many countries with a subtropical climate. One of the most popular fruits in Southeast Asia.
The fruits are round (up to 4 cm in diameter) with a reddish tuberous skin, sweet, juicy jelly-like pulp and one seed. Many people confuse it with Longan; they are indeed similar in shape, pulp consistency, and taste, but in lychee it is more pronounced.
Contains a lot of carbohydrates, pectin substances, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and a very high content of vitamin PP.
Longan(Lam-yai, Longyan, Dragon's Eye, but also sometimes called a completely different fruit “pitahaya”) is a close relative of the above-described lychee, also native to China, and currently cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.
Round small fruits with a brownish peel inside have juicy, sweet, translucent pulp and one inedible seed. The pulp is very aromatic and, in addition to sweetness, has a unique, recognizable shade.
Longkong(Langsat, Lonkon, Duku, Lonngkong, Langsat) originally from Malaysia, and is now grown in most countries of Southeast Asia, India, Hawaii.
The round fruits (up to 5 cm in diameter) are covered with a brownish peel and in appearance they can be confused with Longan, however, inside Longkong has not whole, but segmented pulp, reminiscent of garlic in shape. But the taste, of course, is not at all garlicky, but pleasant sweet and sour. The variety called Langsat may have a slightly bitter taste.
Lucuma(Pouteria lucuma) is native to South America and is currently grown there as well as in Mexico and Hawaii.
Oval fruits (up to 10 cm in length) are covered thin skin brownish-green in color with a reddish tint, and the yellow flesh is sweet and has up to 5 seeds. Lucuma belongs to the Sapotaceae family, among which there are many very tasty and unusual fruits, which you will also learn about in our article ( for example, until recently I myself did not know that one of my favorite fruits, “Sapodilla,” turns out to be also sapote).
Lulo(Naranjilla or Naranjilla, Quito nightshade, lat. Solanum quitoense) comes from the foothills of the Andes, that is, from South America, and is currently cultivated there, as well as in the countries of Central America and the Antilles.
The yellow-orange round fruits (up to 6 cm in diameter) most closely resemble tomatoes, but are covered with white hairs. The taste of the pulp is sweet and sour, very interesting; they say it is similar to a mixture of pineapple, strawberry and passion fruit. They are eaten both raw and in the form of juices and desserts. Very healthy fruit- tones, cleanses the blood, even helps restore hair and nails.
Magic fruit (Wonderful berries, Puteria sweetish, Miracle fruit) this representative of the extensive Sapotaceae family grows in West Africa.
Small red oblong fruits (up to 3 cm in length) themselves do not have an unusual taste, but nevertheless, they are very unusual. The protein contained in the magic fruit turns off the taste buds that perceive bitter and sour taste, and after using it, absolutely everything you eat within an hour will seem sweet to you.
The magic fruit, of course, is not considered as an independent dish, but it is great for gastronomic experiments, so that you can surprise a person with the unusual taste of the most ordinary dishes.
Mammea americana (American apricot, Antillean apricot, Mammea americana) originated from tropical America and is now cultivated throughout the world in areas with suitable climates.
Round fruits (diameter up to 20 cm) with orange pulp and one seed are similar in taste to apricot, hence the second name.
Mame(Mamey-sapote, Mamey, Mamey-sapote, Marmalade fruit, Pouteria, Pouteria sapota). Originally from the southern regions of Mexico, it is also grown in the tropical zone of the Americas and Southeast Asia.
The fruits can be spherical or oblong, often very large (up to 20 cm in length and weighing up to 3 kg), covered with a thick reddish-brown peel. The color of the pulp can be pink, reddish, orange or gray, and its consistency is similar to marmalade ( which is reflected in the title), and the taste reminds some of caramel, while others find creamy shades. The fruit usually contains one large seed.
Jujube fruits are rich in vitamins A, C, carbohydrates, vegetable proteins, as well as iron, calcium and potassium.
Mango(Mango) is one of my favorite fruits, and many people around the world consider mango the most delicious fruit. On the one hand, of course, it’s difficult to call it exotic, because you can buy it in any large supermarket in Russia, but anyone who has tried mango in the places where it grows will say that store-bought fruit is absolutely not the same as fresh. Mango is originally from India, and is now grown literally all over the world, wherever there are suitable conditions. And in each country, mango will have its own flavor notes!
The classic color of a ripe mango is yellow, but among the 35 mass-grown varieties there are other colors, such as purple, green or black. Therefore, when buying a green mango, you need to clarify whether it is this variety and the fruit is already ripe.
In addition to its amazing aroma and rich, easily recognizable taste, mango has very useful properties, for example, it has a very good effect on the organs of vision and perfectly strengthens the immune system.
Mangosteen(Mangosteen, Mangosteen, Mangosteen, Garcinia, Mankut) the homeland of this plant is Southeast Asia, from where it spread further across the planet, all the way to Africa and Latin America.
The round fruits (up to 7.5 cm in diameter) are covered with a thick dark purple peel, and the pulp is segmented ( like garlic) into slices with seeds. The taste is sweetish, with a slight sourness, which many people like ( but I still couldn’t “get into it”...). Unfortunately, you often come across diseased fruits that you can’t distinguish from healthy ones in appearance until you peel them; the flesh of such fruits will not be white, but creamy and unpleasant in taste ( We've seen these quite often).
passion fruit(Passion fruit, Passion fruit, Edible passionflower, Edible passionflower, Purple granadilla) is native to South America, and is currently grown in many countries with tropical climates.
Round fruits (up to 8 cm in diameter) can have different colors - yellow, purple, pink, red. In general the taste is more sour than sweet, especially yellow ones ( Personally, they remind me very much of sea buckthorn), therefore, in its pure form, the fruit is not for everyone, as a rule, they consume passion fruit juice mixed with others. The seeds are small and edible, but they may cause drowsiness.
And passion fruit received its other name “Fruit of Passion” because of its supposedly inherent aphrodisiac properties, although there has been no serious research on this topic.
Marula(Marula, Sclerocarya birrea) - except in Africa, in the south and west of the continent, you will not find this tree. It is almost impossible to buy fruits outside the dark continent, since ripe fruits very quickly begin to ferment inside, so that you can easily get mildly intoxicated from eating overripe fruits.
The oblong fruits are covered with a thin yellow skin, and underneath there is white, juicy, tart flesh and one seed. Despite the astringent taste, marula is quite edible fruit, but more often it is used to make various desserts and the signature African liqueur “Amarula”. And from the peel they brew a drink that resembles tea, but with an unusual taste.
The fruits appear twice a year, in March-April and in September-October. Thanks to its rich composition with a large amount of vitamins ( especially high in vitamin C) and minerals, marula is very good for a general strengthening effect on the body, it perfectly removes heavy metal salts and metabolic products. Marula is also suitable for the prevention and treatment of diseases of such body systems as cardiovascular, nervous and genitourinary.
Mathis(South American Sapote, Matisa, South American Sapote) - there is very little information about this fruit, since it is not widespread beyond the region of its origin, that is, beyond the tropical zone of South America.
The fruits are round, ovoid or oval, large (up to 15 cm in length and up to 8 cm in width) with a thick, velvety skin of greenish-brown color. The pulp is orange-yellow, soft, juicy, sweet with a pleasant aroma and from 2 to 5 large seeds.
Mafai(Burmese grape, Mafai, Baccaurea ramiflora, Baccaurea sapida) grows in most South Asian countries, but most commonly in Malaysia and India.
It has nothing in common with grapes except the second name, well, wine is also made from mafai. Round fruits (from 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter) with a peel of different colors, depending on the variety, from yellowish-cream, red and purple. The white pulp, slightly gelatinous in consistency, tastes sweet and sour, is very refreshing, each fruit contains one inedible seed. By the way, the taste of fruits with different peel colors may differ slightly, so if, for example, you tried yellow mafai and were not impressed, then perhaps you will like the red one better.
Mafai does not tolerate long-term transportation very well; ripe fruits are not stored for longer than 5 days. Burmese grapes are full of useful elements, especially a lot of vitamin C and iron, so they are very useful for anemia and as a general tonic.
Mombin purple (Mexican plum, Spondius purpurea, Spondias purpurea, jocote, Hog Plum, Makok, Amra, Siriguela, Ciriguela, Ciruela). Mombin is native to tropical America from Mexico to Brazil and the Caribbean, and was later naturalized in Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
One of the names of mombin purple is “ Ciruela", sometimes used in Latin America, is literally translated from Spanish as "plum", and, in fact, is also used to refer to the common plum. And the Spaniards themselves use a different name for mombin - “ jocote" So look, don’t be surprised by possible confusion with this cleverly hidden fruit! In general, in addition to those I have listed, it has a bunch of local names, listing which would actually take another paragraph...
The fruits are oval, oblong, up to 5 cm long, with thin skin, which can be red, yellow, purple or orange ( the last option looks very much like a kumquat...). The yellow pulp has a fibrous structure; it is aromatic, juicy, and tastes sweet and sour. Inside there is one large bone with grooves.
Contains many B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper.
Monstera(Monstera deliciosa, Monstera attractive, Monstera delightful, Monstera, lat. Monstera deliciosa) comes from Central America, and also for the sake of its delicious fruits cultivated in India and Australia.
By the way, many Russian housewives grow Monstera at home as an ornamental plant, but fruits from flowers are obtained only in suitable climatic conditions. The fruits themselves are similar to corn, they are long, up to 30 cm, and wide, up to 8.5 cm, under a thick peel they hide juicy, aromatic pulp, which tastes like a combination of banana and pineapple.
Loquat japonica (Lokva, Eriobothria japonica, Shesek, Nispero, Nispero) - originally from Japan and China, this plant at one time spread quite widely in the Caucasus, and in earlier times, medlar fruits were quite common, but over time, for some reason, they were forgotten.
Orange-yellow round fruits up to 5 cm in diameter with juicy pulp and one large seed. Some people taste like pear and cherry, others like apple and apricot, but always sweet and sour. I tried Medlar for the first time in Hong Kong, and before that I didn’t even know about its existence; It’s really a very pleasant fruit; it seemed to me that its taste was absolutely independent and easily recognizable. Many beneficial properties, especially for people suffering from hypertension, arrhythmia, dropsy, and heart failure.
Noina(perhaps the most common name in Asia is Sugar apple, Annona scaly, Sugar-apple, Sweetsop, Noi-na). It really resembles an apple in shape and size, but has an original appearance with peculiar “scales”. This lumpy green fruit is widely cultivated in countries with tropical climates - from South America to Polynesia. ( Many people often confuse it with the Guanabana fruit; they are indeed similar, as they are “close relatives,” but they are not the same thing! Guanabana is also often called “sugar apple”, but again, by mistake.)
Under the lumpy skin there is a sweet pulp that tastes very pleasant and hard, inedible seeds (up to 60 pieces). A ripe fruit should be soft when pressed, its pulp will be really tasty, tender and can be safely eaten with a spoon. If you come across an unripe specimen ( hard to the touch), then it’s better to just let it sit for a couple of days and ripen.
And the benefit of noina lies in its rich content of vitamin C, various amino acids and calcium.
Noni(Noni, Morinda citrifolia, Greater moringa, Indian mulberry, Useful tree, Cheese fruit, Nonu, Nono). The homeland of this plant is South Asia, and due to its ease of care and soil quality, it is currently actively grown in most countries with a suitable tropical climate.
The oval fruits are to some extent reminiscent of potatoes in their shape, only green and with pimples, and inside there are many small seeds.
Absolutely, you will not forget this fruit if you try it, but you are unlikely to be delighted with the pungent smell of moldy cheese and bitter taste. That is, noni is definitely not popular among tourists... But the population of the countries where it is grown actively consumes it, often as a main everyday product, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, but has a very low calorie content.
Prickly pear(Indian fig, Indian fig, Indian fig, sabr, prickly pear, tsabr). Cactus! The real one, but not the kind of decorative one that might grow in your home, but a large tree-like plant. The main place of growth ( remember westerns) – America ( both continents). Don’t be embarrassed that some versions of the name contain the adjective “Indian”; if you remember your school history course, you understand that it is only indirectly related to India ( Columbus sailed to open the route to India, hence the confusion).
They eat, of course, not thorns, but fruits ( although they are also prickly...) small sizes (up to 10 cm), which can be of different shades ( green, red or yellow). Their flesh is sweetish-sour ( they say it looks like a persimmon), it is eaten with a spoon, but to get to it, you must first soak the fruit for 20 minutes in cold water, then remove small spines and cut the peel.
Of course, this is one of the most exotic fruits that not every tourist will be able to try.
Pineberry(Pineberry, Pineapple strawberry). It is a hybrid of the South American Chilean strawberry and the North American Virginia strawberry.
Pineberry berries are small, from 15 to 23 mm, have a light color, from white to orange, and have a taste and aroma like pineapple, which is why it got its name.
It is almost impossible to find for sale in Russia, since pineberry is extremely barren, is highly susceptible to rot in rainy weather and does not tolerate transportation well. Pineberries are grown in relatively large quantities in greenhouses in Europe.
Pandanus(Pandan, Screw Palm, Wild Pineapple). Some of the readers are probably very familiar with this plant, since some of its species are ornamental house plants.
The round fruits are shaped like a pineapple and have an orange-red color when ripe. The fruits of only some types of pandanus are conditionally edible. That is, you can chew the juicy pulp and enjoy the taste, similar to pineapple, but then you have to spit it out ( although I have never come across information about any complications if eaten...). Pandanus is mainly used to make juice and essential oil for flavoring various dishes or even soap.
Papaya(Papaya, Melon tree, Breadfruit tree). It is originally from Central and South America, and nowadays it is cultivated in almost all tropical countries. It should not be confused with other “Breadfruit Trees” ( Jackfruit and Breadfruit Artocarpus altilis), there is nothing in common between these plants, it’s just that if papaya is baked over a fire, it will begin to smell like bread.
The fruits grow directly on the tree trunk, they are large, have an elongated shape and can reach a length of 45 cm and a diameter of 30 cm. The color of unripe fruits is green, and the color of ripe fruits is yellow-orange. The taste of ripe papaya is not super exotic and memorable, but still very pleasant, in some way it really resembles melon.
Unripe fruits are also used for food in a wide variety of dishes. Medicines are also made from papaya to treat osteochondrosis and improve digestion. A very useful plant, but the abundance of milky juice in all its parts makes you be careful, as this juice can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Pepino(Melon pear, Sweet cucumber, Solanum muricatum) this shrub is native to South America, where it is mainly grown, and is also cultivated in New Zealand.
Quite large round fruits weighing up to 700 g. They can vary significantly in shape and color, mainly shades of yellow predominate, sometimes with purple or violet streaks. The pulp is very juicy, yellowish in color, the sweet and sour taste resembles melon, and the aroma is a cross between melon, pumpkin and cucumber. Small seeds in the axils of the pulp are edible. Pepino is used as a dessert, added to salads, sauces, and can be preserved or made into jam. Unripe fruits are used as regular vegetables.
Pepino is very rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, PP, as well as iron, potassium pectin. Ripe ones can be stored in the refrigerator for several months, and unripe ones can also be stored for a long time and at the same time ripen.
Pitanga(Eugenia brasiliensis, Grumichama, Brazilian cherry, Southern cherry, Suriname cherry) with the help of one of the names it is clear that the homeland of this plant is South America, in addition, it is cultivated in the Philippines and in African French Guinea.
From the second name it is also clear that the taste of pitanga is most similar to cherries, sometimes with slight bitterness; its red flesh is very juicy with one seed. The round fruits can be various shades of red and even black. But their main feature, which immediately catches the eye, is that they are ribbed.
You can eat it like regular cherries - from eating raw, to juices, mousses, jams, etc. Pitanga contains a lot of vitamins A and C, phosphorus, calcium, anthocyanins, antioxidants and carotene.
Pitahaya(Pitaya, Long Yan, Dragon fruit, sometimes Dragon Eye). Only when I started preparing this article did I learn that pitahaya is a cactus. It is originally from America, but is now grown everywhere in regions with a suitable climate, especially in Southeast Asia.
Large oblong fruits are easy to recognize, as they look very distinctive. The color of the peel can be red, pinkish or yellow, and the color of the pulp is white or red.
The pulp is juicy, with many small edible seeds, the taste is a little sweet, but nothing outstanding, it can hardly be called exotic and memorable. Despite the inexpressiveness of taste. For some reason, the fruit is quite popular and is grown on huge plantations all year round.
Pitahaya contains a high content of phosphorus, iron, calcium, vitamins B, C, E. This fruit will be useful for diabetes or stomach pain.
Platonia is wonderful (Platonia insignis, Bacuri, Bacury, Pacuri, Pakuri, Pakouri, Packoeri, Pakoeri, Maniballi, Bacurizeiro). This tall (up to 25 meters) tree comes from South America and trying it somewhere other than in the countries of this region (Brazil, Guyana, Colombia, Paraguay) is very difficult.
The spherical or oval fruits can be up to 12 cm in diameter. The thick yellow-brown peel hides aromatic white pulp and several large seeds. The sweet and sour pulp is eaten both fresh and in the form of desserts, marmalade, and jelly. Platonia fruits contain a lot of iron, phosphorus and vitamin C.
Pluot(Plumcotte, Aprium) - a hybrid of plum and apricot, with predominant characteristics of plum, obtained in California.
The shape is similar to both a plum and an apricot, but the skin is still smooth and elastic like a plum; the color depends on the variety, it can be from green to burgundy. The juicy pulp is a bit like an apricot, but much sweeter, and the color is closer to purple.
Pluot is used in the same way as its “parents” - whether you just eat it, or make jam or compote, or dessert, even wine is made from it.
Rich in potassium, vitamin C, glucose, excellent during colds, as it has antipyretic properties and the ability to strengthen the immune system.
Pomelo(Pomela, Pamela, Pomelo, Pummelo, Pumelo, Som-o, Pompelmus, Shaddock, Citrus maxima, Citrus grandis, Chinese grapefruit, Jabong, Jeruk, Limo, Lusho, Dzhembura, Sai-seh, Banten, Zebon, Robeb tenga). The birthplace of this citrus fruit is Southeast Asia, it is currently grown in many countries, it is quite a common product in our supermarkets, but many still have not tried it, so for them it is definitely still exotic.
The fruits are spherical, large, sometimes even very large, up to 10 kilograms; It may indicate green or yellow. Under the thick peel, the pulp, like most citrus fruits, is divided into segments; it is not as juicy as that of “relatives” such as orange or grapefruit, but tasty, sweet-sour, refreshing.
If you see this fruit in the nearest store, but haven’t bought it yet, then it’s in vain, know that the pomelo is very healthy citrus, dietary fruit, it contains microelements, vitamins B1, B2, B5, C, beta-carotene. Pomelo is perfect for strengthening the immune system and preventing colds.
Cancer(Salacca wallichiana) is the closest relative of Snake Fruit (Salacca zalacca), which is discussed below. They are very often confused, but the fruits of Rakam ( emphasis on the second “a”), unlike Rakum ( Snake fruit, description and photo below in the text) are more elongated, colored red and have a more pronounced taste. But the rest is the same - scales and spines on the peel, and one growing region in Southeast Asia.
Rambutan(Rambutan, Ngo, "hairy fruit"). The funny appearance of rambutan is immediately remembered. The red round fruits (up to 5 cm in diameter) are truly “hairy”; they are even named so from the Indonesian word “Rambut”, that is, “hair”. In addition to red, rambutan can be yellow or reddish-orange.
These fruit trees are cultivated throughout Southeast Asia ( Rambutan is especially popular in Thailand), as well as in Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean.
The peel is soft, very easily removed by hand, and underneath there is very juicy translucent pulp, aromatic and sweet, often with a slight pleasant sourness. The gelatinous pulp may be red or white in color.
It is better to eat the seed raw, as it can be poisonous and does not have much of a taste, but the roasted seeds can be safely eaten. Jams and jellies are also made from rambutan; it can often be bought in our stores in canned form.
Rambutan fruits contain protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, calcium, nicotinic acid, vitamins C, B1 and B2.
Rose apple (Syzygium iambosus, Malabar plum, Chompu, Chmphū̀, Rose apple, Chom-poo). It is actively grown in the region of its origin - in the countries of Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand.
The shape of the chompu is not at all similar to an apple, but rather looks like a pear or a bell. The color of the fruit may be red ( more often), pale pink or light green. The peel is thin, inside there is juicy pulp and several small seeds, so the chompa can be eaten whole ( Don't forget to wash all fruits thoroughly!).
The taste of the crispy pulp cannot be called expressive and memorable, which is why the fruit is not very popular among tourists. The aroma and taste of chompu vaguely resemble a rose (but I, for example, didn’t catch it at all), but, in my opinion, the Rose Apple is more like an apple. So don’t expect an extravaganza of flavors from the chompu, but with its help you can perfectly quench your thirst.
Rum berry (lat. Myrciaria floribunda, Rumberry, Guavaberry) - often found in nature in Central and South America, on the Caribbean islands, also grown in the USA (Florida and Hawaii) and the Philippines.
The berries are yellow-orange to dark red and almost black, very small, half the size of a cherry ( from 8 to 16 millimeters). The pulp is aromatic, sweet or sweet and sour, translucent, but there is very little of it, since the round seed takes up a lot of space inside.
The berries can be eaten just like that, but more often they are used to make jams and drinks, usually alcoholic, for example “ Guavaberry liqueu r" is a rum-based drink that is a popular Christmas drink among Caribbean islanders.
Contains a lot of iron, vitamin C, amino acids, pectin substances, organic acids, flavonoids.
Buddha's hand(Buddha's Fingers, Finger Citron). This strange fruit with its very unusual shape immediately attracts attention. But you don’t need to buy it to try; you’re unlikely to be happy that it consists almost entirely of a dense peel, like a lemon, and a small amount of inedible pulp.
Despite this, Buddha's Hand is on all fruit counters in Southeast Asia, as it is used in cooking, to flavor baked goods, and to make jam, drinks, and candied fruits.
Salak(Salak, Salacca, Rakum, Snake fruit, Salacca zalacca). A very popular fruit in Southeast Asia.
The teardrop-shaped fruits (up to 4 cm in diameter) are covered with a brown scaly skin, which really resembles snake skin to many. The peel is relatively easy to remove, but it is covered with sharp small spines that easily dig into the skin of your hands, so you need to peel it carefully, preferably with a knife.
Beneath the prickly skin is the pulp. beige colour, which is segmented into several fragments, and several inedible seeds.
You will remember this fruit not only for its unusual appearance, but also for its bright sweet and sour taste, in shades of which some feel persimmon, others pear, others pineapple or banana with a nutty flavor, that is, you must try it, You can't explain it in words.
Salak contains calcium, vitamin C, beta carotene, so its regular consumption has a positive effect on the condition of hair and nails, improves vision, and also has a good effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and brain activity.
Santol(Katon, Sandoricum koetjape, Santol, Kompem rich, Kraton, Krathon, Graton, Tong, Donka, Wild mangosteen, False mangosteen). It is actively grown in the countries of Southeast Asia.
The spherical fruits (up to 7.5 cm in diameter) are covered with a thick, velvety peel, which can be yellowish or reddish-brown in color. The white flesh is segmented into several lobes, each with one seed. The sweet or sour taste of santol is reminiscent of the more common mangosteen, giving it one of its names. There is no need to eat bones, as they lead to intestinal disorders.
Santol contains many vitamins, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, thanks to this composition, it has general strengthening properties, is useful for weakened immunity, diseases of the cardiovascular system, and strengthens bones and teeth.
Sapodilla(Capotato tree, Tree potato, Butter tree, Ahra, Sapodilla, Prang khaa, La-mut, Naseberry, Chiku) originally from Mexico, is now grown almost everywhere in the tropical countries of America and Asia.
Mostly oval, sometimes round fruits (up to 10 cm in length) are covered with a thin skin of brown shades from light to dark; ripe fruits should be dark and soft. The pulp is very tender, juicy, brown in color, sometimes with a pink tint. It tastes like caramel, one of my favorite fruits. Inside the fruit there are about a dozen seeds, each with a hook, so you need to be careful not to accidentally swallow them, otherwise they can get caught in the throat with this hook ( but the seeds are very easily separated from the pulp and I have not had any problems with them).
It is a pity that such a delicious fruit can be stored for no more than 3 days, because of this it can only be tasted in the growing regions or the countries closest to them ( Russia, as you understand, is not one of them).
Sapodilla contains potassium, a lot of vitamin C, calcium, iron, healthy carbohydrates, and, of course, fiber.
Sapote white (White Sapote, Matasano, Casimiroa edulis, Mexican apple, Mexican apple). To the representatives of the Sapotaceae family described above ( sapodilla, lucuma) is not related, since it is part of another family - Rutaceae. The plant comes from the central regions of Mexico and is cultivated in Central and South America, on some Caribbean islands and the neighboring Bahamas, in India, New Zealand, and the Mediterranean.
Round fruits (up to 12 cm in diameter) with thin, smooth yellowish or green skin and creamy white pulp. Tastes similar to vanilla cream or pudding. There is no need to eat the seeds (up to 6 pieces), as they are considered to be poisonous and have narcotic properties.
Sapote green (Green Sapote, Red faisan, Achradelpha viridis and Calocarpum viride). Originally from Central America, the territory of Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Also grown in Australia and Polynesia.
The oval-shaped fruits (up to 12.5 cm in length and up to 7.5 cm in diameter) are covered with a smooth thin peel of olive or yellow-green color, maybe with red-brown speckles. The pulp fits tightly to the peel, it is red-brown in color, very tender, sweet and juicy. Each fruit has 1 or 2 dark brown seeds.
Sapote black (Black Sapote, Diospyros digyna, Chocolate Pudding Fruit, Chocolate Persimmon, Black Persimmon, Chocolate Persimmon, Black Apple, Barbacoa). Neither to the Sapotovs ( sapodilla, lucuma), nor to the Rutovs ( White sapote) has no relation, despite the name, since it belongs to a completely different family - Ebony, and the closest relative of the black sapote known to us is the persimmon. The region of origin is Central America and southern Mexico, and is also grown on islands such as Mauritius, Hawaii, the Philippines, the Antilles and Brazil.
The spherical fruits (up to 12.5 cm in diameter) when ripe become dirty green on the outside, and their flesh is black ( hence the name). The pulp is jelly-like, glossy, even unpleasant in appearance, but very tasty, tender, sweet and reminiscent chocolate pudding. It is eaten simply fresh, and is actively used as an ingredient for confectionery and cocktails. The pulp contains up to 10 flat seeds, which are easily separated from it.
TamarindSweet (Sweet Tamarind, Indian Date, Assam, Sampalok, Chintapandu). This tree of the legume family is native to East Africa and is now cultivated throughout tropical countries.
The fruits are long, up to 20 cm, as befits legumes, they look like beans ( or peas), they are light brown on the outside, and the flesh ( more precisely, the pericarp or pericarp) dark brown. The fruits are very sweet and tart, but you need to eat them carefully, because unlike the legumes we are used to, tamarind has hard fruits hidden in its pulp. large seeds.
It is also used fresh, but is much more widely used in cooking in the form of spices and sauces.
Sweet tamarind contains a lot of vitamin A, C, B vitamins, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and is rich in carbohydrates, organic acids and protein.
Tamarillo(Tamarillo, Tomato tree, Cyphomandra betacea). The countries of the west coast of South America are considered the homeland; grown in almost every country in South America, as well as in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti and New Zealand.
The oval-shaped fruits (up to 10 cm in length, up to 5 cm in diameter) really resemble tomatoes, covered with a smooth, dense peel that tastes bitter. The color can be yellow, orange-red, sometimes purple. The pulp is golden-reddish, with many small seeds, it tastes sweet-sour-salty, similar to a tomato with a flavor of passion fruit or currant. Usually it is eaten with a spoon, simply cutting the fruit in half.
Contains little fat and carbohydrates; rich in potassium, A, B6, C, thiamine, riboflavin.
Umari(Umari, Guacure, Yure, Teechi) native to the Brazilian Amazon; grown in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.
The fruits are oval (from 5 to 10 cm in length and from 4 to 8 cm in diameter), covered with a thin, smooth peel of yellow, red, black or green. You can eat it with the peel, and the layer of pulp is only 2–5 mm, it is yellow in color, oily, sweet, with a strong characteristic pleasant taste and aroma. There is one hard, large seed inside the fruit; they are fried and eaten. Umari is consumed simply like a regular fruit, and also due to its fatty, oily texture, literally like butter spread on cassava bread.
Umari contains fats, carbohydrates, proteins, zinc, calcium and vitamin A.
Feijoa(Feijoa, Pineapple Guava, Akka Sellova, Akka Feijoa, Feijoa Sellova). Originally from South America, it is now grown everywhere in regions with a suitable subtropical climate (including Russia).
Small oval-shaped fruits (up to 5 cm long and up to 4 cm in diameter) are covered with either a smooth yellow-green peel or a lumpy dark green peel; it tastes sour, so it is better to eat without it. The color of the ripe berry is white or cream, it is juicy, jelly-like and divided into several sections and contains several edible seeds. The sweet and sour taste is reminiscent of a mixture of strawberries, pineapple and kiwi.
Feijoa contains a lot of sugars, organic acids, iodine, and vitamin C.
Physalis(Physalis, sometimes called Emerald berry or Earth cranberry, Peruvian gooseberry, Bladderberry, Dog cherry, Marunka, Strawberry tomato) - you've probably seen it many times, it is very often used to decorate confectionery products, although it is also found simply on sale. It looks like a small tomato, and its main feature is an openwork, airy “box”, which is obtained from dried physalis flowers.
Orange small fruits are juicy, sweet with slight sourness, depending on the specific variety ( and there are a lot of them) the taste and aroma may contain various shades, for example, strawberry in Strawberry physalis.
It contains a fairly high content of vitamins A, C, group B, tannin, polyphenols, glucose; fiber, antioxidants, fruit and organic acids, tannins.
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis, Breadfruit, Pana). The same name is sometimes used for Jackfruit and Papaya, so don't get confused! New Guinea is considered to be its homeland, from where this plant spread across the islands of Oceania and to the countries of Southeast Asia. The very productive breadfruit tree is a staple food in some countries.
The fruits are very large, round-oval (up to 30 cm in diameter and weight up to 4 kg) covered with a rough peel, which is green when unripe, but in the ripe fruit it is yellow-brown. The wild variety of breadfruit contains many seeds in the fruit, but the cultivated variety has no seeds.
Unripe pulp is white, fibrous, starchy, and ripe pulp becomes soft and changes color to cream or yellow. The ripe fruit is sweetish, but overall the taste is not particularly attractive, rather reminiscent of potatoes and bananas. Unripe fruits are consumed as vegetables, and when they are cooked, you can feel the bready taste.
Breadfruit is very nutritious and contains ( dried) 4% protein, 14% sugars, 75-80% carbohydrates ( it's mostly starch) and contain virtually no fat.
Chrysophyllum (Star Apple, Star Apple, Cainito, Star apple, Milkifruit, Kaimito) NOT TO BE CONFUSED with Kaimito ( or Abiu). Originally from Central America, today it is cultivated in the tropics of South America, India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and Tanzania.
The spherical or oval fruits (up to 10 cm in diameter) are covered with a smooth, inedible green or purple-brown skin, depending on the variety. The pulp can be white to purple in color, it is juicy, jelly-like, sweet and very sticky with milky juice. The fruit contains up to 8 shiny dark brown inedible seeds. If the fruit is cut crosswise, the cut pattern will look like a star. The ripe fruit is wrinkled and soft and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, making it a great gift for friends and family from your tropical vacation.
Contains a lot of phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin C, amino acids and protein; has low glucose content.
Chempedak(Artocarpus champeden, Chempedak or Cempedak). Originally from Malaysia, where it is mainly grown, it is also cultivated in neighboring Brunei, Thailand, and Indonesia. A relative of Marang, Breadfruit and Jackfruit.
The fruits are elongated, large (up to 45 cm in length and up to 15 cm in width), covered with a yellow-brown rough peel, and smell pleasant. The peel can be easily removed by hand, but it is worth remembering that due to the latex it secretes, it is very sticky. The pulp is divided into segments, it is dark yellow in color, juicy, sweet and tender, with round bones (they are also eaten). The taste of Chempedak is similar to its relative - Jackfruit.
Chempedak contains B vitamins, vitamin C, carotene, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, that is, a very useful fruit, in particular for strengthening the immune system, bones and teeth, and is also very good as a general strengthening product.
Cherimoya(Annona cherimola, Cream apple, Ice cream tree, Graviola, Tzumux, Anona poshte, Atis, Sasalapa and a whole bunch of other possible names...). Native to the foothills of the South American Andes, it is widely grown in regions with suitable subtropical climates throughout the planet.
Cherimoya has many close relatives, so sometimes it is easy to get confused, for example, Custard apple is also called Annona reticulata, and there is also Annona spiny ( Guanabana or Soursop), Annona squamosus ( Noina or Sugar Apple).
The fruit is heart-shaped (up to 20 cm in length and up to 10 cm in width), covered with a green peel with characteristic irregularities. The pulp is white, fibrous-cream in consistency, with a pleasant aroma and complex taste from a mixture of passion fruit, banana, pineapple, strawberries and cream. The seeds are very hard and small, so cherimoya must be eaten carefully.
Cherimoya has a lot of useful things: proteins and carbohydrates, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, organic acids.
Jujube(Real jujube, Unabi, Chinese date, Pectoral berry, Chapyzhnik, Jujuba, Jujube). Cultivated in Southeast and Central Asia, Japan, Australia, the European Mediterranean, and the Caucasus.
The fruits are ovoid or round, although in fact they vary greatly in shape. The smooth, thin, shiny peel is also distinguished by a variety of colors, which can be green, yellowish, dark red, brown and combinations thereof. The pulp is dense, white, sweet juicy ( looks like an apple), eaten with the peel; There is one bone inside.
Jujube is rich in vitamins C, B, A, beta carotene, amino acids, microelements, proteins, sugars and many other useful substances, the names of which are difficult to pronounce.
Yangmei(Mountain Peach, Yangmei, Chinese Strawberry or Chinese Arbutus, Red Wax). Originally from China, where it has been mainly grown for more than two thousand years, but is also found in neighboring countries.
The fruits are “rough” balls (up to 2.5 cm in diameter) and can be colored in various shades from reddish to purple or violet. The pulp is tender and juicy, red in color with one large seed. Yangmei's taste is sweet and tart, even tart, with hints of cherry, blackberry and strawberry.
Yangmei is rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and ascorbic acid.
How many exotic fruits have you tried? And which of those listed in the article did you learn about for the first time?
Lychee (Litchi, Chinese plum, Litchi).
The round fruit is red, up to 4 cm in diameter. A wonderful, very tasty fruit. It has one bone in the middle. Look like Longon in shape, texture and bone, but with more rich taste and aroma. Very juicy, sweet, sometimes with sourness. The peel is easily separated from the white-transparent pulp.
Unfortunately, fresh Lychee cannot be consumed all year round: the Lychee harvest season begins in May and lasts until the end of July. The rest of the year it is almost impossible to find.
During the off-season in Asia, you can buy canned Lychee in jars or plastic bags in own juice or coconut milk.
Ripe fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can freeze and store peeled fruits in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Lychee contains a lot of proteins, pectin substances, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. A very high content of nicotinic acid - vitamin PP, which actively prevents the development of atherosclerosis. The widespread occurrence of Lychee in Southeast Asian countries is the reason for the low level of atrosclerosis in this region.
Rambutan
Rambutan (Rambutan, Ngo, “hairy fruit”).
The round fruits are red, up to 5 cm in diameter, covered with soft spine-like shoots. The pulp covering the seed is a transparent white elastic mass with a pleasant sweet taste, sometimes with a sour tint. The stone is quite tightly connected to the pulp and is edible.
Contains carbohydrates, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, niacin and vitamin C. The fruits have a short shelf life - up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Harvest season: May to October.
Peel by cutting the peel with a knife, or without using a knife, as if twisting the fruit in the middle.
Rambutan is eaten fresh, made into jams and jellies, and canned.
Mangosteen
Mangosteen (Mangosteen, mangosteen, mangosteen, garcinia, mankut).
The fruits are the size of a small apple and dark purple in color. Under the thick, inedible peel, there is edible pulp in the form of garlic cloves. The pulp is sweet with sourness, very tasty, unlike anything else. Typically seedless, although some fruits contain small, soft seeds that can be eaten.
Sometimes diseased Mangosteen fruits are found, with dark creamy, sticky and unpleasant-tasting pulp. Such fruits cannot be identified until you peel them.
The harvest season is from April to September.
Natural biologically active substances, contained in mangosteen, reduce inflammatory reactions: swelling, soreness, redness, high temperature.
Eye of the Dragon
Dragon's Eye (pitaya, pitaya, long yang, dragon fruit, pitaya).
These are the fruits of a cactus. Dragon's eye is the Russian version of the name of this fruit. International name - Dragon Fruit.
Quite large, oblong fruits (palm-sized) with a red, pink or yellow color on the outside. Inside the flesh is white or red, dotted with small black seeds. The pulp is very tender, juicy, slightly sweet, with an unexpressed taste. It is convenient to eat with a spoon, scooping out the pulp from the fruit cut in half.
Dragon's eye is useful for stomach pain, diabetes or other endocrine disease.
Harvest seasons are all year round.
Durian
King of fruits. The fruits are very large: up to 8 kilograms.
A fruit famous all over the world for its smell. Almost everyone has heard of it, some have smelled it, and very few have tried it. Its smell is reminiscent of onions, garlic and worn socks. Due to its smell, this fruit is even prohibited from entering hotels, transport and other public places. To remind you of the ban in Thailand, for example, they put up signs with a crossed out image of the fruit.
The sweet pulp of the fruit has a very delicate consistency and does not correspond at all unpleasant smell. You should try this fruit, if only for the reason that many have heard about it, but few dare to try it. But in vain. The taste is very pleasant, and the fruit itself is considered the most valuable fruit in Asia. It is very high in calories and healthy. Durian also has a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac.
Sold cut (into slices) and packed in polyethylene. In supermarkets you can find very interesting sweets with the taste and smell of Durian.
Sala
Sala (salak, rakum, snake fruit, snake fruit, sala)
Oblong or round fruits of small size (about 5 cm in length) of red (Rakum) or brown (Salak) color, covered with dense small spines.
A fruit with a very unusual, bright sweet and sour taste. To some it resembles a persimmon, to others a pear. It’s worth trying at least once, and then see how you like it...
You should be careful when peeling the fruit: the spines are very dense and dig into the skin. It's better to use a knife.
Season - from April to June.
Carambola (Starfruit, Kamrak, Ma Phuak, Carambola, Star-fruit).
“Star of the tropics” - in cross-section, it looks like an asterisk.
The fruit has an edible peel and is eaten whole (there are small seeds inside). The main advantage is a pleasant smell and juiciness. The taste is not particularly distinctive - slightly sweet or sweet and sour, somewhat reminiscent of tasting an apple. The fruit is quite juicy and perfectly quenches thirst.
Sold all year round.
People with severe kidney problems are not recommended to consume Carambola.
Longan (Lam-yai, Dragon's Eye).
Small fruits, similar to small potatoes, covered with a thin inedible skin and one inedible seed inside.
The pulp of Longan is very juicy, has a sweet, very aromatic taste with a peculiar shade.
Season - from July to September.
Longkong/Langsat
Longkong (Longan, Lonkon, Langsat, Lonngkong, Langsat).
Longkong fruits, like Longan, are similar to small potatoes, but are slightly larger in size and have a yellowish tint. You can distinguish it from Longana if you peel the fruit: when peeled, it looks like garlic.
They have a sweet and sour interesting taste. The fruits are rich in calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates and vitamin C. The burnt skin of Longkong produces an aromatic smell, which is not only pleasant, but also useful, as it serves as an excellent repellent.
Fresh fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 4-5 days. The skin of a ripe fruit must be dense, without cracks, otherwise the fruit will quickly deteriorate.
Season - from April to June.
Sometimes the same variety is sold - Langsat, which looks no different, but has a slightly bitter taste.
Jackfruit (Eve, Khanoon, Jackfruit, Nangka, Indian breadfruit).
Jackfruits are the largest fruits that grow on trees, weighing up to 34 kg. Inside the fruit are several large sweet yellow slices of edible pulp. These slices are sold already peeled, since you yourself cannot cope with this giant.
The pulp has a sickly sweet taste, reminiscent of melon and marshmallow. It is very nutritious: it contains about 40% carbohydrates (starch) - more than in bread.
Season - from January to August.
You can risk bringing such a monster home whole; it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. But it is better to buy cut and packaged slices of pulp.
Important! Some people experience an unhealthy reaction in their throat after eating Jackfruit - spasms and difficulty swallowing. Everything usually goes away within an hour or two. Perhaps this is an allergic reaction. Be careful.
Pineapple.
Pineapple fruits do not need any special comments.
It should only be noted that Pineapples bought in Asia and Pineapples bought in Russia are completely different things. Pineapples in Russia are a pitiful imitation of the real Pineapples that you can try in their homeland.
It is worth mentioning separately about Thai Pineapple - it is considered the most delicious in the world. You should definitely try it and be sure to bring it home with you to pamper your family. For local consumption, it is better to buy already peeled.
Pineapple season - all year round
Mango.
According to some estimates, Mango is considered the most delicious fruit in the world.
Mango is quite widely known and sold in Russia. However, the taste and aroma of Mango in its homeland is very different from what is sold in our stores. In Asia, its fruits are much more aromatic, juicier, and the taste is richer. And indeed, when you eat fresh, ripe mango, grown, for example, in Thailand It seems that there is nothing tastier.
The fruit is covered with an inedible peel that cannot be separated from the pulp: it must be cut off in a thin layer using a knife. Inside the fruit there is a rather large, flat stone, from which the pulp also does not come out, and it must be separated from the stone with a knife, or simply eaten.
The color of Mango, depending on the degree of ripeness, varies from green to yellow (sometimes to yellow-orange or red). For local consumption, it is better to buy the ripest yellow or orange fruits. Without a refrigerator, such fruits can be stored for up to 5 days, in the refrigerator for up to 30 days, unless of course they were previously stored somewhere else.
If you want to bring several fruits home, you can buy fruits of medium maturity, greenish in color. They keep well and ripen on the road or at home.
Noina
Noina (Sugar apple, Annona scaly, sugar-apple, sweetsop, noi-na).
Another unusual fruit, which has no analogues and is not similar to any of the fruits we are used to. Noina's fruits are the size of a large apple, green in color, and lumpy.
Sweet inside the fruit aromatic pulp and many small hard seeds.
It is very inconvenient to clean due to the lumpy skin. If the fruit is ripe, then the pulp can be eaten with a spoon, after cutting the fruit in half.
The fruit is rich in vitamin C, amino acids and calcium.
Season - from June to September.
Sweet Tamarind
Sweet Tamarind (Indian date).
Tamarind is considered a spice of the legume family, but is also consumed as an ordinary fruit. The fruits are up to 15 centimeters long and have an irregular curved shape. There is also a variety of Tamarind - green Tamarind.
Under the hard brown peel, resembling a shell, there is brown pulp that is sweet and sour with a tart taste. Be careful - there are large hard seeds inside the Tamarind.
By soaking tamarind in water and grinding it through a sieve, the juice is obtained. Ripe dried tamarind is used to make sweets. You can buy in the store and bring home wonderful tamarind sauce for meat and sweet tamarind syrup (for making cocktails.
This fruit is rich in vitamin A, organic acids and complex sugars. Tamarind is also used as a laxative.
Season - from October to February.
Mammea americana.
This fruit, also known as American apricot and Antillean apricot, is native to South America, although it can now be found in almost all tropical countries.
This fruit, which is actually a berry, is quite large, growing up to 20 centimeters in diameter. Inside there is one large or several (up to four) smaller seeds. The pulp is very tasty and aromatic, and, in accordance with its second name, tastes and smells like apricot and mango.
The ripening season varies depending on the region, but mainly from May to August.
Cherimoya (Annona cherimola).
Cherimoya is also known as Cream Apple and Ice Cream Tree. In some countries, the fruit is known under completely different names: in Brazil - Graviola, in Mexico - Poox, in Guatemala - Pac or Tzumux, in El Salvador - Anona poshte, in Belize - Tukib, in Haiti - Cachiman la Chine, in the Philippines - Atis , on Cook Island - Sasalapa. The fruit is native to South America, but it can be found in warm year-round countries in Asia and South Africa, as well as in Australia, Spain, Israel, Portugal, Italy, Egypt, Libya and Algeria. However, the fruit is rare in these countries. It is still most common on the American continent.
It is quite difficult to clearly recognize the Cherimoya fruit at the first inexperienced glance, since it exists in several types with different surfaces (lumpy, smooth or mixed). One of the tuberculate varieties, among others, is Noina (see above), which is widespread in the countries of Southeast Asia. The size of the fruit is 10-20 centimeters in diameter and the shape of the cut fruit resembles a heart. The consistency of the pulp resembles an orange and is usually eaten with a spoon, it is very tasty and tastes immediately like banana and passion fruit, papaya and pineapple, and strawberries with cream. The pulp contains very hard pea-sized seeds, so be careful, otherwise you may lose a tooth. It is usually sold slightly unripe and hard and must sit for 2-3 days before acquiring its true amazing taste and texture.
The ripening season is usually from February to April.
Noni (Noni, Morinda citrifolia).
This fruit is also known as Big Moringa, Indian Mulberry, Healthy Tree, Cheese Fruit, Nonu, Nono. The fruit is native to Southeast Asia, but now it grows in all tropical countries.
The Noni fruit resembles a large potato in shape and size. Noni cannot be called very tasty and aromatic, and, apparently, that’s why tourists very rarely encounter it. Ripe fruits have an unpleasant odor (reminiscent of moldy cheese) and a bitter taste, but are considered very healthy. In some regions, Noni is a staple food for poor people. It is usually consumed with salt. Noni juice is also popular.
Noni bears fruit all year round. But you can’t find it in every fruit market, but, as a rule, in markets for local residents.
Marula (Marula, Sclerocarya birrea).
This fruit grows exclusively on the African continent. And it’s not easy to find it for sale fresh in other regions. The thing is that after ripening, the fruits almost immediately begin to ferment inside, turning into low alcohol drink. This property of marula is happily used not only by the inhabitants of Africa, but also by animals. After eating marula fruits that have fallen to the ground, they often become “tipsy.”
Ripe Marula fruits are yellow in color. The size of the fruit is about 4 cm in diameter, and inside there is white pulp and a hard stone. Marula does not have an outstanding taste, but its pulp is very juicy and has a pleasant aroma until it begins to ferment. The pulp also contains great amount vitamin C.
The Marula harvest season takes place in March-April.
Platonia wonderful (Platonia insignis)
Platonia grows only in South America. It is impossible to find it in the countries of Southeast Asia.
Platonia fruits are up to 12 centimeters in size, with a large thick skin. Under the skin there is white tender pulp with a sweet and sour taste and several large seeds.
Kumquat
Kumquat is also known under the names Fortunella, Kinkan, Japanese oranges. This is a citrus plant. It grows in southern China, but is also widespread in other tropical countries. Kumquat fruits can also be found on the shelves of our stores, but the taste is not at all what you can taste at home in its freshest form.
Kumquat fruits are small (from 2 to 4 centimeters), similar to small oblong oranges or tangerines. The outside is covered with a very thin edible peel, the inside and structure and taste are almost the same as an orange, except that it is a little sour and bitter. Eaten whole (except for the seeds).
The ripening season is from May to June, you can buy all year round.
Guava
Guava (Guajava), Guiava or Guava is found in almost all tropical and subtropical countries. Despite the fact that the fruit is considered exotic, you should not expect an exotic taste from it: a rather mediocre, slightly sweet taste, reminiscent of a pear. It may be worth trying once, but you are unlikely to become a fan. Another thing is the aroma: it is quite pleasant and very strong. In addition, the fruit is very healthy, rich in vitamin C and perfectly improves the overall tone of the body and improves health.
The fruits come in various sizes (from 4 to 15 centimeters), round, oblong and pear-shaped. The skin, seeds and pulp are all edible.
Passion Fruit/Passion Fruit
This exotic fruit is also called Passion Fruit, Passiflora, Edible Passion Flower, Granadilla. It is native to South America, but can be found in most tropical countries, including Southeast Asia. “Passion Fruit” received its second name because it is credited with the properties of a strong aphrodisiac.
Passion fruits have a smooth, slightly elongated, rounded shape and reach 8 centimeters in diameter. Ripe fruits have a very bright juicy color and are yellow, purple, pink or red. The yellow fruits are less sweet than others. The pulp also comes in different colors. Under the inedible peel there is a jelly-like sweet and sour pulp with seeds. You can’t call it particularly tasty; juices, jellies, etc. made from it are much tastier.
When eating, it is most convenient to cut the fruit in half and eat the pulp with a spoon. The seeds in the pulp are also edible, but they cause drowsiness, so it is better not to overuse them. Passion fruit juice, by the way, also has a calming effect and causes drowsiness. The most ripe and delicious fruits are those whose peel is not perfectly smooth, but is covered with “wrinkles” or small “dents” (these are the ripest fruits).
The ripening season is from May to August. Passion fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for one week.
Avocado
Avocado is also called American Perseus and Alligator pear. It is generally accepted that Avocado is a fruit. This may be true from a scientific point of view, but in taste it is more of a vegetable.
Avocado fruits are pear-shaped, up to 20 centimeters long. Covered with tasteless and inedible peel. Inside there is dense pear-like flesh and one large seed. The pulp tastes like an unripe pear or pumpkin and is nothing special. Avocados are more often used for cooking than for eating raw. So you shouldn’t rush to try this fruit. But dishes prepared with Avocado can greatly diversify the holiday table. On the Internet you can find many recipes for avocado dishes, including salads, soups, main courses, but on vacation you are unlikely to need all this, so you can not look at Avocado.
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis, breadfruit, pana)
Breadfruit should not be confused with Jackfruit. Jackfruit, although known as Indian breadfruit, is actually a completely different fruit.
Breadfruit can be found in all tropical regions, but mainly in the countries of Southeast Asia and Oceania. Due to the very high yield of Breadfruit, its fruits in some countries are the main product of kicking, like potatoes in our country, for example.
Breadfruit fruits are round in shape, very large, can reach 30 centimeters in diameter and four kilograms in weight. Ripe fruits are consumed raw, like fruits, and unripe ones are used as vegetables in cooking. It is better to buy ripe fruits on vacation, or even better, already cut into portions, because... You are unlikely to be able to cut up and eat the whole fruit. When the fruit is ripe, the pulp becomes soft and slightly sweet, reminiscent of banana and potato in taste. Not to say that the taste is outstanding, and therefore breadfruit is not often found on tourist fruit markets. The taste of bread can only be felt when the unripe fruit is cooked.
Breadfruit ripening season, 9 months of the year. You can buy fresh fruits all year round.
Jabuticaba
Jaboticaba (Jaboticaba) is also known as the Brazilian grape tree. It can be found mainly in the countries of South America, but sometimes it is also found in the countries of Southeast Asia.
This is a very interesting, tasty and rarely found exotic fruit. If you can find it and try it, consider yourself lucky. The fact is that the Jaboticaba tree grows very slowly, which is why it is practically not cultivated.
The way the fruits grow is also interesting: they grow directly on the trunk, and not on the branches of the tree. The fruits are small (up to 4 cm in diameter), dark purple in color. Under the thin, dense peel (inedible) there is soft, jelly-like and very tasty pulp with several seeds.
The tree bears fruit almost all year round.
Kiwano Melon is also known as Horned Melon, African Cucumber, Antillean Cucumber, Horned Cucumber, Anguria. Kiwano really looks like a large cucumber when cut. Although whether it is a fruit is still a question. The fact is that Kiwano fruits grow on a vine. It is cultivated mainly in Africa, New Zealand, and the American continent.
Kiwano fruits are oblong, up to 12 centimeters in length. The color varies from yellow, orange and red depending on the degree of ripening. Under the thick skin, the flesh is green and tastes somewhat reminiscent of cucumber, banana and melon. The fruit is not peeled, but cut into slices or in half (like a regular melon), and then the pulp is eaten. Both unripe and unripe fruits are consumed raw. Unripe fruits can be eaten with seeds as they are soft. It is also used with salt.
Miracle fruit
The magic fruit grows in West Africa. He has no outstanding exotic taste, but is famous and interesting because after you eat it, for about an hour all foods will seem sweet to you. The fact is that the Magic Fruit contains a certain protein that temporarily blocks the taste buds on the tongue that are responsible for sour taste. Therefore, you will be able to eat lemon and it will taste sweet to you. True, only freshly picked fruits have this property, and during storage they quickly lose it. So don’t be surprised if the “trick” doesn’t work on the fruit you bought.
The fruit grows on small trees or shrubs, has a rounded oblong shape, 2-3 centimeters long, red in color, with a hard seed inside.
The magical fruit bears fruit almost all year round.
Bael (Aegle marmelos)
Bail is also sometimes called “Stone Apple” because of its peel. Very widespread in the countries of Southeast Asia.
Bail fruits are not so easy to find in fruit markets in their entirety. And even if you meet him, you yourself will not be able to cope with him. The fact is that its peel is hard as a stone, and it is impossible to get to the pulp without a hammer or hatchet.
The fruits are round or pear-shaped with a diameter of up to 20 centimeters. The ripe fruit is yellow. Inside there is pulp and several seeds covered with hairs. The pulp is yellow, fragrant, not too sweet and slightly astringent.
If you don’t manage to try the fruit fresh (which, in general, you shouldn’t worry about), you can buy tea made from the fruits of Bail, called Matum. It is a fruit cut into circles and dried. It is believed to be very effective in the treatment of colds, bronchial and asthmatic diseases.
Buddha Hand is a variety of Citron. It is also called Buddha Fingers and Finger Citron.
We decided to mention this very exotic fruit so that you don’t try it during your vacation in a tropical paradise. This is not a fruit that you will enjoy the taste of. Undoubtedly, the fruit is very interesting and healthy, and when you see it, you will most likely have a desire to try it. But don't rush. It is widely used in cooking, but you are unlikely to eat it. The Buddha's Hand fruit consists almost entirely of peel (the pulp is inedible), which is similar to lemon peel in taste (sour-bitter taste) and violet in smell.
The shape of the fruit is very interesting and looks like a palm with a large number of fingers, reaching a length of 40 centimeters. You can buy it only to bring it home with you as a souvenir, and at home to prepare various dishes with citrus flavor (compote, jelly, candied fruits) from it.
The term “fruit” appeared in 1705 and since then has meant edible or inedible fruits of trees and shrubs (previously, all plant fruits were called vegetables). The product is one of the main components of the human diet, since, depending on the variety, it contains many vitamins and microelements. According to rough estimates, there are just over 2000 fruits on the planet.
passion fruit
An ancient tropical crop of the genus Passiflora, producing oval fruits of yellow or dark purple color (when ripe) growing on vines. Passion fruit is grown for its juice, which is often added to other fruit juices for flavor. Passion fruit is a yellow-orange or dark purple oval-shaped fruit measuring about 6-12 cm. Fruits with smooth, shiny skin are preferred, but are sweeter with rough, cracked skin.
Medlar
tour. muşmula
This is a whole genus of plants, including almost 30 species. However, there are two main cultivated types of loquat: German and Japanese. The German medlar has been known to mankind for more than 1000 BC. In the territories of Ancient Babylon and Mesopotamia, it was freely traded, and it was transported on ships to the west to Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. It was from here that medlar came to European lands. To date German medlar grows in the Balkans, Asia Minor, Crimean Mountains, Transcaucasia, Armenia, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Greece and northern Iran. The tree is quite finicky and grows well only in dry, sunny places and slightly acidic soil.
Nectarine
A fruit that is a smooth-skinned peach. Despite popular myth, nectarines are obtained through selection or simple mutation of peaches and are not a hybrid of peach and plum.
This classic example of a bud mutation occurred when peach trees self-pollinated. Peach trees sometimes produce nectarines, and nectarine trees sometimes produce peaches. Nectarines were first mentioned in 1616 in England.
Papaya
A low, slender tree with a thin, branchless trunk 5-10 meters high, topped with an umbrella of palmately dissected leaves on long petioles. Papaya leaves are large, 50-70 centimeters in diameter. The flowers develop in the axils of the petioles, turning into large fruits, 10-30 cm in diameter and 15-45 cm in length. Ripe papaya fruits are soft and range in color from amber to yellow.
Peach
Tree of the Rosaceae family, has a subgenus almond. It differs from almonds only in its fruits. The leaves are lanceolate with a serrated edge and almost sessile, appearing before the leaves develop, pink flowers. The fruit is a peach, spherical, with a groove on one side, usually velvety. The peach pit is wrinkled, furrowed and pitted.
Pomelo
English pomelo
Citrus fruits of the evergreen tree of the same name. The peel of the fruit is quite thick, and the segments are large, separated by hard white partitions that taste bitter. The color of ripe broom can vary from light green to yellow-pink. Usually only one side acquires a pink color, which was turned towards the sun during ripening. The fruit is a record holder among citrus fruits. Its diameter can be 30 cm, and its weight can reach 10 kg. The taste of pomelo is very close to grapefruit, but the pulp is not as juicy and when peeling, the internal membranes are more easily separated from the edible part.
Pomeranian
It is also called Chinotto or Bigaradia - it is a woody evergreen plant belonging to the Rutaceae family, a species of the Citrus genus. It is considered a hybrid of pomelo and tangerine. Fresh bitter orange is considered inedible, and is valued mainly for its zest. The peel is quite easy to separate from the fruit; you just need to cut it into 4 parts. Orange zest is used to make desserts. It is also often added to ice cream. For this dessert you need to take orange zest and juice, cream and sugar. All this needs to be whipped with a mixer and sent for freezing.
Rambutan
Tropical fruit tree of the Sapindaceae family. Rambutan fruits are small, the size of a hazelnut, grow in clusters of up to 30 pieces and are rounded “balls” with an elastic peel of yellow or red color, covered with fleshy hairs 4-5 cm long. Rambutan pulp covering the seed (edible, but to taste resembling an acorn), is a transparent white gelatinous mass with a pleasant sweet taste.
It’s strange why I didn’t try this fruit in Spain. Apparently the title confused me - nisperos. I didn’t know the translation, and there was no one nearby who could tell me what kind of exotic it was.
This time I bought it and tried it. And I was not disappointed - tasty, juicy, refreshing. The fragrant and fleshy fruits caused an explosion of taste sensations. Out of surprise, I even coughed, as the juice jumped out of the fruit in splashes, like from a bottle of gas. Now I will no longer miss an opportunity to enjoy a fruit I have discovered to my heart’s content. That’s how you live forever, and you won’t try everything.
Nisperos ( Nisperos) in Spanish (emphasis on first syllable) or Japanese medlar is an Asian fruit that has existed on earth for several millennia. The birthplace of this tree is China, its subtropical regions. Medlar has taken root well in Japan and hence its name.
Until the 19th century, loquats did not grow in Spain or other Mediterranean countries. It was brought to Spain by sailors about two thousand years ago. The warm coastal areas of the Mediterranean are ideal for the tender tree, and it grows in the same area as citrus trees.
There are many varieties of loquats, each with some differences. As a rule, it has a pear-shaped fruit up to 8 cm in diameter, with smooth skin from yellow-orange to dark orange. It has soft yellow, very juicy pulp with a sweet and sour taste, similar to the taste of a mixture of apricot, apple, and plum. In appearance, medlar is very similar to apricot.
The fruit contains 2-4 large seeds that can be dried, roasted, ground and brewed as coffee for cores. Raw seeds It is better not to consume them, as they contain small amounts of toxic substances. But a decoction of the seeds can be used to treat the gastrointestinal tract.
In Spain there are 2 most common varietiesArgelino And Tanaka. The evergreen tree begins flowering in the fall, and the harvest ripens from May to June. The flowers resemble the scent of almonds.
The fruits are consumed raw. Can be served with cheese or cold meat, jamon. And those with a sweet tooth can experiment by combining nisperos with bananas, ice cream, and yogurt. Due to the high content of pectin, medlar is especially suitable for making preserves or jam; you can prepare juice, compote, and sauce. 
This low-calorie product contains a lot of carbohydrates and fiber, and is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. It contains carotene, vitamin C and B vitamins. And you get tired of listing the number of minerals: selenium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, iodine, zinc, calcium, sodium - and that’s not all.
Therefore, this amazing fruit can be safely consumed when losing weight and treating the urinary tract, relieving pain from kidney stones, normalizing intestinal function, cleaning the liver and blood vessels from toxins and waste, and reducing sugar. Loquat helps control blood cholesterol and blood pressure.
But we should not forget that you need to follow moderation when dieting: a fasting day can only be 1 time per week and don't eat anymore 1 kg per day. 
For bronchial asthma and respiratory diseases, the pulp of the fruit along with the seeds is prepared alcohol tincture. Grind 5 pieces of medlar, add 2 tablespoons of honey and 100 ml of alcohol or vodka. Mix everything and leave in a dark place for a week. Take 30 g after straining 3 times a day before meals. There is relief from cough, removal of mucus from the lungs and improvement in general condition. Lovers of exotic plants have learned to grow medlar from seeds and admire it as an ornamental bush, and even harvest a small harvest after 5 years at home. There is a Spanish site for lovers of this fruit http://www.nisperosruchey.com/
Only the most timid traveler, finding himself in an exotic country, embarrassed by its appearance, smell or name, will refuse to try some unfamiliar fruit. Accustomed to apples and oranges, tourists can hardly force themselves to bite into a piece of mangosteen, durian or herring. Meanwhile, it is a gastronomic revelation that can become one of the most vivid impressions of the entire trip.
Below are exotic fruits from different countries - with photos, descriptions and English equivalents of names.
Durian
Durian fruits - “a fruit with the taste of heaven and the smell of hell” - are irregularly oval in shape, with very sharp spines. Under the skin there is viscous pulp with a unique taste. The “king of fruits” has a pungent ammonium smell, so strong that durian is prohibited from being transported on airplanes and taken into hotel rooms, as evidenced by the corresponding posters and signs at the entrance. The fragrant and most exotic fruit in Thailand is very rich in vitamins and nutrients.
A few rules for those who want to taste (not try!) durian:
- Do not try to choose the fruit yourself, especially during the off-season. Ask the seller about this, have him cut it up and pack it in transparent film. Or find already packaged fruit in the supermarket.
- Press the pulp lightly. It should not be elastic, but easily knead under your fingers, like butter. The elastic pulp already smells unpleasant.
- It is not advisable to combine it with alcohol, since durian pulp acts on the body as a huge stimulant. Thais believe that durian warms the body, and a Thai proverb says that the “heat” of durian can be tempered by the coolness of mangosteen.
Where to try: Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia.
Season: from April to September, depending on the region.
Mangosteen
Other names: mangosteen, mangosteen. It is a delicate fruit with thick purple skin and round leaves at the stem. The white pulp resembles a peeled orange and has a difficult to describe sweet and sour taste. Inside the mangosteen there are six or more soft white segments: the more there are, the fewer seeds. To choose the right mangosteen, you need to take the most purple fruit in your hand and lightly squeeze it: the peel should not be hard, but not very soft. If the skin is dented unevenly in different places, the fruit is already stale. You can open the fruit by making a hole in the peel using a knife and fingers. Do not try to take the slices with your hands: the pulp is so tender that you will simply crush it. Tolerates transportation well.
Where to try: Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica.
Season:
Jackfruit
Other names: Indian breadfruit, eve. It is a large fruit with thick, spiky yellow-green skin. The pulp is yellow, sweet, with an unusual smell and taste of a Duchess pear. The segments are separated from each other and sold in bags. Ripe pulp is eaten fresh, unripe pulp is cooked. Jackfruit is mixed with other fruits, added to ice cream, coconut milk. The seeds are edible when boiled.
Where to try: Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore.
Season: from January to August, depending on the region.
Lychee
Other names: litchi, Chinese plum. The heart-shaped or round fruit grows in clusters. Under the bright red skin there is white transparent pulp, juicy and sweet in taste. During the off-season in Asian countries, these tropical fruits sold canned or in plastic bags.
Where to try: Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Australia, China.
Season: from May to July.
Mango
One of the most popular fruits in all tropical countries. The fruits are large, ovoid, elongated or spherical in shape. The pulp is yellow and orange, juicy, sweet. The smell of mango is reminiscent of apricot, rose, melon, and lemon. Unripe green fruits are also eaten - they are eaten with salt and pepper. It is convenient to peel the fruit with a sharp knife.
Where to try: Philippines, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil, Cuba.
Season: all year round; peak in Thailand from March to May, in Vietnam in winter and spring, in Indonesia from September to December.
Papaya
A large fruit with yellow-green skin. The cylindrical fruits of exotic fruits reach 20 centimeters in length. The taste is something between melon and pumpkin. Ripe papaya has bright orange, unusually tender flesh that is pleasant to eat and aids digestion. Unripe papaya is added to spicy Thai salad (som tam), it is fried, and meat is stewed with it.
Where to try: India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali, Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia.
Season: all year round.
Longan
Other names are lam-yai, “dragon's eye.” It is a round, brown fruit that looks like a small potato. Very sweet and juicy, it has a lot of calories. The easily peeled skin covers translucent white or pink flesh, similar in consistency to jelly. At the core of the fruit there is a large black seed. Longan is good for health, but you should not eat a lot at once: this will lead to an increase in body temperature.
Where to try: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China.
Season: from mid-June to mid-September.
Rambutan
Rambutan is one of the most famous tropical fruits, which is characterized by “increased hairiness.” Under the red fuzzy skin hides white translucent flesh with a sweet taste. To get to it, you need to “twist” the fruit in the middle. The fruits are eaten fresh or canned with sugar. Raw seeds are poisonous, but roasted ones are harmless. When choosing, you need to be guided by color: the pinker, the better.
Where to try: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, India, partly Colombia, Ecuador, Cuba.
Season: from mid-April to mid-October.
Pitaya
Other names are pitahaya, long yang, “dragon fruit”, “dragonfruit”. It is the fruit of a cactus from the genus Hylocereus (sweet pitaya). Very beautiful in appearance: bright pink, the size of a large apple, slightly elongated in shape. The peel is covered with large scales, the edges are green. If you remove the skin (as in the case of an orange), you can see dense white, red or purple pulp inside with many small seeds. Good in fruit cocktails combined with lime.
Where to try: Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, partly Japan, USA, Australia, Israel.
Season: all year round.
Carambola
Other names are “tropical stars”, starfruit, kamrak. Its yellow or green fruits are similar in size and shape to bell peppers. When cut, they have the shape of a star - hence the name. Ripe fruits are juicy, with a slight floral taste, not very sweet. Unripe fruits contain a lot of vitamin C. They are good in salads and smoothies; they do not need to be peeled.
Where to try: Borneo island, Thailand, Indonesia.
Season: all year round.
Pomelo
This fruit has many names - pomela, pamela, pompelmus, Chinese grapefruit, sheddock, etc. The citrus fruit looks like a huge grapefruit with white, pink or yellow pulp, which, however, is much sweeter. It is widely used in cooking and cosmetology. The smell is the best guide when buying: the stronger it is, the more concentrated, rich and fresh the taste of the pomelo will be.
Where to try: Malaysia, China, Japan, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Tahiti, Israel, USA.
Season: all year round.
Guava
Other names are guava, guava. Round, oblong or pear-shaped fruit (from 4 to 15 centimeters) with white flesh and yellow hard seeds. Edible from skin to pit. When ripe, the fruit turns yellow and is eaten with the peel to improve digestion and stimulate the heart. When unripe, it is eaten like a green mango, sprinkled with spices and salt.
Where to try: Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, Tunisia.
Season: all year round.
Sapodilla
Other names are sapotilla, tree potato, ahra, chiku. A fruit that looks similar to kiwi or plum. The ripe fruit has a milky caramel taste. Sapodilla can be a little "knitty" like a persimmon. Most often it is used for making desserts and salads. Unripe fruits are used in cosmetology and folk medicine.
Where to try: Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, USA (Hawaii).
Season: from September to December.
Sugar Apple
A very healthy pale green fruit. Under the distinctly lumpy, swamp-green skin hides sweet, aromatic flesh and seeds the size of beans. Aroma with subtle pine notes. Ripe fruits are moderately soft to the touch, unripe ones are hard, and overripe ones fall apart in the hands. Serves as the basis for Thai ice cream.
Where to try: Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, China.
Season: from June to September.
Chompoo
Other names: rose apple, Malabar plum. The shape resembles a sweet pepper. It comes in both pink and light green. The pulp is white, dense. There is no need to peel it, there are no seeds. The taste does not stand out in any way and is more reminiscent of slightly sweetened water. But when chilled, these tropical fruits quench your thirst well.
Where to try: India, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Colombia.
Season: all year round.
Ackee
Ackee, or bligia savory, is pear-shaped with a red-yellow or orange skin. After full ripening, the fruit bursts and creamy pulp with large glossy seeds comes out. These are the most dangerous exotic fruits in the world: unripe (unopened) fruits are highly poisonous due to their high toxin content. They can be eaten only after special processing, for example long-term boiling. Ackee tastes like a walnut. In West Africa, soap is made from the peel of the unripe fruit, and the pulp is used for fishing.
Where to try: USA (Hawaii), Jamaica, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Australia.
Season: from January to March and from June to August.
Ambarella
Other names: Cythera apple, yellow plum, Polynesian plum, sweet mombin. Oval fruits golden color with thin hard peel collected in clusters. Inside there is crispy, juicy, yellow flesh and a hard bone with spines. It tastes like a cross between pineapple and mango. Ripe fruits are eaten raw, juices, jams, and marmalade are prepared from them; unripe fruits are used as a side dish and added to soups.
Where to try: Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Fiji, Australia, Jamaica, Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname.
Season: from July to August.
Bam-balan (Bambangan)
Winner in the category “Most native taste”. Bam-balan resembles borscht with sour cream or mayonnaise. The fruit is oval-shaped, dark in color, the smell is slightly pungent. To get to the pulp, you just need to peel off the skin. The fruit is also added to side dishes.
Where to try: Borneo island (Malaysian part).
Salak
Other names are sala, herring, rakum, “snake fruit.” Round or oblong small fruits grow in clusters. Color - red or brown. The peel is covered with small spines and is easily removed with a knife. There are three sweet segments inside. The taste is rich, sweet and sour, reminiscent of either persimmon or pear.
Where to try: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia.
Season: all year round.
Bael
Other names: tree apple, stone apple, Bengal quince. When ripe, the grey-green fruit turns yellow or brown. The peel is dense, like a nut, and it is impossible to get to it without a hammer, so the pulp itself is most often sold in the markets. It is yellow, with fuzzy seeds, and is divided into segments. Bail is eaten fresh or dried. It is also used to make tea and sharbat drink. The fruit has an irritating effect on the throat, causing a sore throat, so the first experience with bail may be unsuccessful.
Where to try: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand.
Season: from November to December.
Kiwano
Also - horned melon, African cucumber, horned cucumber. When ripe, the shell becomes covered with yellow spines, and the flesh acquires a rich green color. The oblong fruits are not peeled, but cut, like a melon or watermelon. The taste is a cross between banana, melon, cucumber, kiwi and avocado. In other words, it can be added to both sweet and savory dishes, as well as pickled. Unripe fruits are also edible.
Where to try: Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Israel, USA (California).
Season: all year round.
Miracle Fruit
Other names: wonderful berries, sweetish puteria. The name of the exotic fruit is completely deserved. The taste of the fruit itself does not stand out in any way, but for an hour it will seem to a person that everything he eats after is sweet. Taste buds are deceived by a special protein contained in magic fruits - miraculin. Sweet foods seem tasteless.
Where to try: West Africa, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Australia, USA (South Florida).
Season: all year round.
Tamarind
Tamarind, or Indian date, belongs to the legume family, but it is also consumed as a fruit. Curved fruits up to 15 centimeters long with a brown peel and sweet and sour pulp. It is used as a spice, is part of the famous Worcestershire sauce and is used to prepare snacks, desserts and various drinks. Sweets are prepared from ripe dried tamarind. As souvenirs, tourists bring home meat sauce and syrup for cocktails based on Indian dates.
Where to try: Thailand, Australia, Sudan, Cameroon, Oman, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama.
Season: from October to February.
Marula
Fresh marula is found exclusively on the African continent, and all because after ripening the fruits begin to ferment in a matter of days. The result is a low-alcohol drink (you can find elephants “intoxicated” by marula). Ripe fruits are yellow in color and resemble a plum in appearance. The flesh is white, with a hard stone. Until the fermentation process begins, it has a pleasant aroma and unsweetened taste.
Where to try: South Africa (Mauritius, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Botswana, etc.)
Season: since March.
Kumquat
Other names are Japanese orange, fortunella, kinkan, golden apple. The fruits are small, they really look like mini-oranges, the crust is very thin. Edible entirely, excluding the seeds. It tastes a little sour than orange, smells like lime.
Where to try: China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Greece (Corfu), USA (Florida).
Season: from May to June, on sale all year round.
Citron
Other names: Buddha's hand, cedrate, Corsican lemon. Behind the external originality lies a trivial content: the oblong fruits have an almost solid peel, reminiscent of lemon in taste and violet in smell. It can only be used for making compotes, jellies and candied fruits. Often the Buddha's hand is planted in a pot as an ornamental plant.
Where to try: China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, India.
Season: from October to December.
Pepino Dulce
Also - sweet cucumber, melon pear. Formally, it is a berry, although a very large one. The fruits are varied, coming in different sizes, shapes and colors, some are bright yellow with red or purple streaks. The pulp tastes like melon, pumpkin and cucumber. Overripe pepino is tasteless, as are unripe ones.
Where to try: Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus, Indonesia.
Season: all year round.
Mamey
Other names are sapota. The fruit is small and round. Inside - orange pulp, as you might guess, tastes like apricot. It is added to pies and cakes, canned, and jelly is made from unripe fruits.
Where to try: Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Antilles, USA (Florida, Hawaii), Southeast Asia.
Naranjilla
Other names: naranjilla, lulo, golden fruit of the Andes. Externally, naranjilla resembles a hairy tomato, although its taste is reminiscent of pineapple and strawberries. The juice and pulp are used to make fruit salads, ice cream, yoghurts, biscuits, sweet sauces and cocktails.
Where to try: Venezuela, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile.
Season: from September to November.
Other names: Indian mulberry, cheese fruit, pork apple. The fruit is the size of a potato or large plum, the skin is translucent. When ripe, noni turns from green to yellow and almost white. Noni has a strong aroma and bitter taste, which is why it is sometimes called the “vomit fruit.” Popular rumor ascribes to noni the properties of curing almost half of the diseases, and some call it the most useful exotic fruit.
Where to try: Malaysia, Polynesia, Australia, Southeast Asia.
Season: all year round.
Jabuticaba
Also - jaboticaba, a Brazilian grape tree. The fruits, which look like grapes or currants, grow in clusters on trunks and main branches. The skin is bitter. Juices are made from the pulp alcoholic drinks, jelly, marmalade.
The juicy and aromatic fruits are shaped like a melon, reaching 25 centimeters in length and 12 centimeters in width. The skin is slightly hard, red-brown. The pulp is white, sour-sweet, the seeds are located in five nests. It is eaten fresh and used to make juices, yoghurts, liqueurs, jams, sweets and chocolate. It is believed that the most delicious cupuacu is the one that fell to the ground.
Where to try: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Colombia.
Season: all year round.
Marang
Marang fruits are elongated and have a thick skin covered with spines that harden as they ripen. Inside there are white segments with seeds; they are quite large, about a third of the palm of your hand. Everyone describes taste differently. So, some are sure that it resembles an ice cream in a waffle cup, others - that it resembles a marshmallow. Still others cannot describe their feelings at all. Marang is not exported because it spoils instantly. If the dents do not straighten out when pressed, you need to eat it immediately. If the fruit is slightly squeezable, it should be allowed to sit for a couple of days. Marang is usually eaten fresh, but is also used in desserts and cocktails. The seeds are fried or boiled.
Where to try: Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Borneo, Australia.
Season: from August to the end of April.
Fruits of Thailand
Fruits are sold year-round, although mangosteen, for example, is not very common during the off-season, and pineapples are twice as expensive. You can buy it at markets, from street stalls, or from merchants with mobile carts.
Pineapple, banana, guava, jackfruit, durian, melon, star fruit, coconut, lychee, longan, longkong, mango, mangosteen, tangerine, mapla, noina, papaya, pitaya, pomelo, rambutan, herring, sapodilla, tamarind, jujube.
Fruits of Vietnam
Vietnam, one of the largest suppliers of fruits in the world market, can become a serious competitor even to Thailand. The most fruit is in the south of Vietnam. During the off-season, prices for especially exotic fruits can increase 2-3 times.
Avocado, pineapple, watermelon, banana, guava, jackfruit, durian, melon, star apple, green orange, carambola, coconut, lychee, longan, mango, mangosteen, tangerine, passion fruit, milk apple, mombin, noina, papaya, pitahaya, rambutan , rose apple, sapodilla, tangerine, citron.
Fruits of India
India is located in several climatic zones, which creates favorable conditions for growing fruits characteristic of both tropical and temperate zones (highlands). On the shelves you can find familiar apples, peaches and grapes and exotic coconuts, papaya and sapodilla.
Avocado, pineapple, anonna (cherimoya), watermelon, banana, guava, guava, jackfruit, fig, carambola, coconut, mango, tangerine, passion fruit, papaya, sapodilla, tamarind.
Fruits of Egypt
The harvest in Egypt is harvested in spring and autumn, so fruit is almost always in season here. The exception is border periods, for example, early spring, when the “winter” fruits have already departed, and the “summer” fruits are just approaching.
Apricot, quince, orange, watermelon, banana, grapes, pomegranate, grapefruit, pear, guava, melon, fig, cantaloupe, starfruit, kiwi, red banana, lemon, mango, pickle, medlar, pepino, peach, pitaya, pomelo, sugar apple, physalis, date, persimmon.
Fruits in Cuba
Unlike Egypt, the seasons in Cuba are much more clearly defined. All year round you can buy pineapples, oranges, bananas, guavas, and papaya. The most delicious mangoes are in July-August; in the summer, the season of mamoncillo, cherimoya, carambola and avocado also starts; in the spring - coconuts, watermelons, and grapefruits.
Avocado, pineapple, annona, orange, banana, Barbados cherry, grapefruit, guava, caimito, star fruit, coconut, lime, lemon, mamoncillo, mango, passion fruit, papaya, sapodilla, tamarind, cherimoya.
Fruits in the Dominican Republic
The tropical Dominican Republic predictably has a lot of fruits: from the most common ones like bananas and pineapples to exotic ones - granadillas, mamoncillos and sapotas.
Avocado, pineapple, annona, watermelon, banana, granadilla, pomegranate, grapefruit, guanabana, melon, caimito, kiwi, coconut, mamoncillo, mamon, mango, passion fruit, sea grapes, medlar, noni, papaya, pitahaya, sapota.
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