When we say fruits, we think of bananas, watermelon, apples, and other European and American varieties. Of course, they are healthy and delicious, but don’t you think you’re missing out if you don’t try the different rare fruits of the world?
Nature has given us the gift of fruits, and we should see to it to explore them and be amazed at how different fruits taste. Good thing we’ve done the work of introducing you to some of the most beautiful and delicious rare fruits around the world.
Unique Rare Fruits of the World: Tamarillo
At first glance, the Tamarillos look like red ripe tomatoes. These fruits are native to countries in the Andes region of South America.
They are also known as the “tree tomato,” and they are related to tomatoes, eggplants, and chili peppers.
How about the taste? Well, the taste of these fruits are a mix of tangy and complicated, with some similarity to kiwis and guava on one hand and tomato on the other.
Buddha’s Hand
Is this the first time you’ve seen this fruit? Well, you’re right, the name is based on how it looks, as you’ve probably guessed.
If not, the Buddha’s hand is so-named because it has tendrils coming out of it that look like fingers. Also known as a “fingered citron,” these fruits most likely originate from India and China and smells like a fragrant lemon. You can also infuse spirits with it!
Exotic Mexican Fruits: Sapodilla
The sapodilla is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean—and is considered one of the most-priced exotic Mexican fruits.
This fruit is delicious. The fruit is essentially a larger berry, each with seeds in the middle.
When ripe, the taste of these fruits is generally very sweet and also earthy or malty. Yummy! Be sure to take the seeds out before you eat one!
Exotic Tropical Fruit: Breadfruit
If you think this one looks kind of like a jackfruit, you’re right—these are in the same family! The breadfruit seems to have origins in Oceania, though it has since spread to Central and South America.
It’s one exotic tropical fruit that you’ll love. These large fruits can be eaten at various stages, with a generally potato-like taste and a texture that feels like—you guessed it—bread.
Black Sapote
What are exotic fruits without the famous Black Sapote? Lately, this fruit has been in social media posts because of its amazing taste.
The Black Sapote is a somewhat tomatoesque fruit that is often compared to chocolate pudding on the inside in terms of taste, texture, and appearance.
The skin itself is inedible but the inside is delicious — just make sure it’s ripe enough to eat first.
Australian Finger Lime
Looking for an interesting fruit? Well, the name might not be as interesting but once you see it, you’ll be in awe.
As the name suggests, these fruits are native to Australia and come from a family closely related to the citrus family. When these are broken open, each one is full of little jelly orbs that look almost like caviar!
Mangosteen
The mangosteen comes from Southeast Asia and southwest India and has a unique and delicious flavor.
It’s one of the most loved exotic Asian fruits that’s also very rich in vitamins.
These fruits run on the sweet side with hints of sourness—it has been compared to flavors in strawberry, peach, and vanilla. If you do an internet search of mangosteen, you’re sure to find many writers fawning over its incredible flavors.
Jackfruit
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you may have had jackfruit tacos as a substitute for carnitas.
Don’t forget to include this in your exotic fruit box because you won’t want to miss it.
Did you know that each jackfruit can be up to three feet long and 70 pounds? Jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and has a taste somewhere between banana, mango, and pineapple.
Cherimoya
Mark Twain once called this fruit “the most delicious fruit known to man,” but for us, the name would belong to the weirdest fruits.
For those who don’t know, the cherimoya is native to South America, specifically Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru. But wait, did you know that the inside of the fruit is a soft white and looks custardy, and can be eaten with a spoon like ice cream?
Some say it’s a mix of all your favorite fruits and you can only eat a few each time.
Kiwanos
Also known as the horned melon, the Kiwano is a fruit found in the cucumber and melon family.
The outside is covered in sharp spines though the inside has a jelly-like consistency with a fruity taste, not dissimilar from passion fruit. Though native to Africa, kiwanos are beginning to be grown in the United States as well.
Miracle Berry
Finally, the miracle berry is a truly unusual fruit found in West Africa that doesn’t look all too special from the outside.
It’s basically just a small, red fruit with a tangy flavor, and not the sweetest fruit like what you’ve imagined.
However, they are called miracle fruit because it completely changes the flavors of other foods you eat! After your mouth is coated with it, you can eat a lemon raw without wincing—it’ll just taste sweet.
Similarly, it’ll make sour cream taste like ice cream. Try it for yourself! Amazing, right?
Takeaway
Have these wide arrays of rare fruits of the world made you more curious? What are you waiting for? Order what you can, and let people know about your experience with these amazing, healthy, and delicious fruits. These fruits will all make a unique addition to any fruit salad.
Sources: Brightside, Wikipedia, Buzzfeed