Exotic fruit for an alligator, a horned melon, a star-shaped apple, a dragon fruit - all these are not names of magic plants, but quite real names of unusual fruits from different parts of the Earth. And what other interesting fruits exist in the world, what are they called and what do they taste like? The most curious exotic fruits with names, photos and descriptions - further in the article.
Carambola
Carambola or “star fruit” is an exotic fruit of trees native to India and Indonesia. Currently, they have taken root in the countries of Southeast Asia and South America. To grow a tropical plant, you need a lot of moisture, and the presence of light is not of special importance, so carambola can be grown even at home. The fruit is rich in many vitamins: calcium, sodium, vitamin C.
The fruits of the tree are yellow or dark yellow. Ripe sweet and sour fruit has a crispy and juicy texture. The taste of carambola pulp reminds proportionally perfect cocktail of gooseberries, apples and cucumbers. Due to its original form, the fruit is often used in decorating various drinks, desserts and salads. The freshness of carambola taste is in perfect harmony with hot meat dishes.
Lychee
Exotic red fruit with a diameter of only 4 centimeters is one of the most popular fruits in Southeast Asia. It is also called "Chinese plum." Lychee is widely distributed in Thailand, China, Indonesia and Australia. The outer layer of the berry is a dense tuberous peel. Inside is a brown bone, and around it is a juicy white flesh. Lychee has a refreshing sweet and sour taste with a touch of honey. It has a blurry taste of strawberries and grapes.
High-quality ripe fruit is painted in red or pinkish color. Brown indicates spoilage of the product, and yellow indicates immaturity. The ripe fruit is firm to the touch and has no spots or cracks. Good lychee has a sweet floral aroma.
Many experts came to the conclusion that the frequent use of "Chinese plum" favorably affects the body. Vitamins found in lychee help prevent heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Longkong
Longkong or langsat grows throughout Malaysia. Also, the fruits of exotic plants are cultivated in Thailand and the Philippines, India and Vietnam. The appearance of the fruit resembles ordinary potatoes, but has a more pronounced yellow color. Sour-sweet white cloves, shaped like garlic, are hidden under the peel. The pulp has an unusual taste, which is sometimes compared with the taste of lychee berries.
There is a bitter and sour variety of fruit - mafai, which is very similar to longkong. Because of this, the sweet fruit is greatly underestimated by tourists. Langsat is rich in many vitamins: phosphorus, vitamin C, calcium. Photo of an exotic fruit below.
Mango
Despite the frenzied world popularity, mangoes are classified as exotic fruits. The epicenter of fruit cultivation are countries such as Thailand, India, Cuba, China, the Philippines, Brazil. According to some polls, mango is recognized as the most delicious fruit in the world. It can be purchased almost anywhere in the world, but it will be the most amazing in its homeland. For example, in Cuba, mango remains more juicy and fragrant than after 15 hours of flight to another mainland.
The fetus usually has an ovoid shape. In the process of ripening, the peel of the fruit is repainted from green to yellow or red. The aroma of the fruit resembles the smell of lemon and melon. The outer layer is inedible. Quality mango has juicy and sweet flesh of orange color. However, often unripe fruit with salt and pepper is also eaten.
Mango is ideal for salads or fish dishes. The use of exotic fruits in cooking is extremely diverse. Based on it, sauces and cocktails are prepared, and in oriental cuisine mangoes are added to pilaf.
Pitahaya
Pitahaya, the "dragon fruit" or "dragon eye" is the fruit of a cactus. Plants are grown in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China, USA, Australia. The size of a large apple, the fruit has an elongated shape. The color of the ripened fruit can be determined by a bright pink or red color.
The peel is peeled off like an orange. Inside there is a white, red or purple pulp with many small black seeds, which, cut the fruit in half, can be scooped out with a spoon. The color of the edible part of the fruit does not depend on the degree of maturity, but on the variety. The sweetest and juiciest is considered pitahaya with red pulp. She is advised to slightly supplement with lime juice, so that the taste reveals in all colors. Dragon Fruit is good for people with stomach problems or diabetes.
Mangosteen
The exotic mangosteen fruit usually grows to the size of a small apple. It is widespread in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and India. The plant also lives in Africa, Central America and the Philippines.
Under the thick and inedible peel of the mangosteen, there is seedless flesh resembling the shape of garlic cloves. The outer layer of the fruit gives off a blue juice that does not wash. The sweet, slightly acidic edible part of the mangosteen has a taste that is not like any fruit. Choosing a good ripened fruit is simple: it should be large and dense. In a small one there will be less pulp. And if the fruit is too hard and dry, then this means that the mangosteen is overripe.
The fruit contains vitamins that reduce inflammation: swelling, redness, temperature.
Durian
Durian grows in the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Its significant mass reaches a weight of 8 kilograms. However, he is famous all over the world not by his "royal" sizes, but by an unusual characteristic. Exotic fruit has a specific smell that discourages most tourists from tasting the fruit. Witnesses compare the aroma of durian pulp with a cocktail of onions and garlic "garnished" with worn socks. In public places of countries where this fruit is sold, special signs are installed with a crossed out image of this fruit. You can’t get to most hotels and public transport with him.
However, the pulp of the fruit itself has a sweet and delicate taste. Freshly cut durian gives off an unpleasant odor after 15 minutes in order to taste the fruit and not feel the bad aroma. They say that the taste is very pleasant and rich. No wonder the fruit is considered the most valuable and expensive in Asia.
Sweet potato
Sweet potato (known as sweet potato) is one of the oldest human-cultivated plants in the world. South America is considered its homeland, from where the cultivation of sweet potato spread to the countries of the Mediterranean Sea and other tropical and subtropical regions of the planet. However, many travelers share the secret that the sweetest and sweetest sweet potatoes continue to grow within the Caribbean, namely on the island of Cayo Coco, Cuba. The exotic fruit grows here in primitive wild conditions. Walking in protected areas in search of sweet potatoes is certainly prohibited there, but you can visit the local market.
Sweet potato looks like an elongated regular potato, but with orange or pink flesh. It can be eaten raw. The taste of the sweet fruit is similar to melon, banana and walnut at the same time. Sweet potatoes are boiled, baked and fried. It is served as a side dish for meat and fish dishes. Also, sweet potatoes are used in the production of chips, marmalade, soufflé and other dishes.
Kaimito
The kaimito tree has oval or round fruits. Exotic fruit, which is also known as star fruit, can be tasted while relaxing in Southeast Asia, Africa, South America or India. The thin rim of kaimito can be green, purple or brown, depending on the variety. Under the outer inedible layer is a thick crust that protects the sweet and jelly-like flesh, which has a slight apple aftertaste.
It is recommended to use only ripened fruits, because immature fruits not only have an astringent taste, but can also cause food poisoning. A ripe stellate apple will have a slightly wrinkled peel, on which there should be no damage and stains.
In kaimito, a large amount of vitamin C, the fruit is very nutritious. In cooking, it is often used in the preparation of various desserts.
Pomelo
Pomelo or pomelo - an exotic fruit that grows in China, Vietnam, Israel, USA, India, Malaysia. This citrus fruit is considered the largest, it reaches a size of up to 20 centimeters in diameter and is able to weigh more than 10 kilograms. The fruit may be green or yellow. Under the thick peel are white or pink slices of pulp, in which there may be a small number of seeds. The taste of ripe sweet pomelo is similar to grapefruit, but has less bitterness.
When choosing a quality fruit, you should pay attention to the bright citrus aroma and soft peel. The fruit contains a large number of different vitamins, essential oils and trace elements.
In one of the innovative Mexican dishes, pomelo is used as a sauce ingredient, which also includes chili peppers.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit, known as Indian breadfruit, is widespread in India and Thailand. Locals call it both fruit and vegetable. Exotic fruit grows on twenty-meter trees and is a kind of growth on the trunk of a plant.
Jackfruit can weigh more than 40 kilograms, which is a threat to residents and visitors of the country. There were cases when the locals forgot to take off the ripened fruit, which soon broke and fell on the passer-by. In addition to decent weight, jackfruit also has spikes, but in the process of ripening they become softer.
The pulp of a ripe fruit is sweet and juicy, which is usually mixed with ice and various sweet sauces, turning the fruit into a full-fledged ice cream. The fruit of the Indian breadfruit is so unique and practical that it is essentially impossible to make a mistake with the degree of maturity. If it is ripe, you will get a delicious dessert, if not yet - lunch soup. It can also be finely chopped, fried with garlic and served with fish. Or even cook as a side dish for meat. But a real Indian delicacy is a chicken stuffed with fresh jackfruit. However, it should be borne in mind that a large number of eaten ripe fruit can lead to indigestion.
Bail
Also known as the "stone apple," an exotic fruit native to India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Indonesia. The fruit grows up to 5-20 centimeters in diameter. Unripe fruit is green and ripe is yellow. The peel resembles a walnut shell. The sticky pulp of a ripe fruit is colored brown and has a sweet and sour, slightly astringent taste.
In the markets, the "stone apple" is sold in a "disassembled" condition. All because of the hard peel, which is removed using a special tool, similar to an hatchet. Bail is used in the production of the popular Thai Matum tea, which is effective in the treatment of various colds and stomach diseases.
Cherimoyya
Cherimoya or cream apple grows in South America, Australia, Israel and in many countries of the Mediterranean Sea (Spain, Italy, etc.). The fruit is very difficult to find, because there are several similar varieties of this plant, but cherimoyu cannot be confused with anything to taste. The size of a ripe fruit is 10-20 centimeters in diameter. It has a thick inedible outer layer of green with a yellow blush. The fetus should be selected carefully, avoiding too soft or hard.
The structure of the pulp is similar to an orange, in which there is a small amount of hard black seeds. Usually, the fruit is cut in half and eaten with a spoon. The taste neatly evokes immediately many gastronomic associations: from pineapple-banana milkshake to strawberries with cream. In addition to taste richness, cherimoya has a large vitamin arsenal. Eating fruit helps strengthen hair, vision and improves digestion.
Passion fruit
The homeland of passion fruit is South America, but now its cultivation is common in almost all tropical countries. The fruit has an elongated shape and reaches a size of 10 centimeters in diameter. It has bright yellow, pink or red colors. Yellow passion fruit is considered the least sweet.
The inedible peel protects the jelly-like flesh, the sweet and sour taste of which is unlike anything else. The bones inside are edible and very useful, they have a calming effect on the body, although they are practically tasteless. Usually, to get to the sweet component, the fruit is cut in half and eat the pulp with a spoon.
According to many lovers of exotic fruits and vegetables, passion fruit is best consumed in the form of juice, which has tonic properties. Also, the fruit is used as the main ingredient for many cocktails and pastries. It is used in cosmetology and in pharmaceuticals.
Rambutan
The fruit is grown in almost all countries of Southeast Asia, where Thailand is the leader in the number of plantations. Also, the plant has taken root in Africa, Australia, Ecuador and the Caribbean. The fruits have the shape and size of a walnut. One branch contains about 30 pieces of rambutan.
Ripened berries are distinguished by a dense yellow or red peel, with green or brown hairs on its surface. Inside is a white, soft, sweet and sour flesh, vaguely resembling the taste of green grapes. It is eaten either fresh or made jam or salads. In Thailand, this is one of the most beloved delicacies.
A stone is hidden in the very center of the fetus, which cannot be eaten raw, because it contains alkaloids and tannin. However, if you fry it, it will become edible. They make oil that is used in the cosmetics industry.
Kumquat
Kumquat is a small exotic orange-colored fruit that resembles an orange. The birthplace of fruit is China. It is currently grown in Japan, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and also on the island of Corfu in Greece.
The taste of the fruit pulp resembles sour mandarin, but the peel of the oval orange is sweet, so the harmonious fruit is completely edible. Kumquat is used in the manufacture of preserves, jellies and candied fruits. Particularly in demand among manufacturers of marmalade and liquors.
In Thailand, they even came up with a medicine with this exotic fruit, which helps in the fight against ulcers and gastritis. Kumquat is also one of the most popular culinary ingredients. It is used in the preparation of tart sauces and salads. Citrus fruit is a favorite among bartenders, because one of the most delicious mulled wines is made with the addition of kumquat. Scientists have proven that drinking this “little orange” can reduce the risk of depression.
Avocado
There are more than 400 varieties of avocados of various forms in the world. Because of its green and tough peel, it is called the "alligator pear." For an exotic fruit, rather, not a fruity, but a vegetable taste is characteristic. However, from a scientific point of view, it is still a fruit. The most common is in the countries of South America, Africa and Israel.
Under the outer layer of the avocado, a stone and flesh are hidden, which tastes like something between a pear and a pumpkin. A sufficiently ripened fruit has a pleasant buttery taste with nutty notes. However, more often exotic fruit is used in cooking, less commonly used in raw form.
Ripe avocados are widely popular among various recipes. It is added to soups and salads. For example, fruit is the main ingredient in Mexican Guacamole and in the Japanese roll of the same name. A photo with an exotic fruit is presented below.
Kiwano
Kiwano (African cucumber, horned melon, English tomato) comes from African countries. Now successfully cultivated in South America and in some countries of the tropical region. The yellow Kiwano fruit resembles a small round melon and has a peel with sharp, but soft, spiky growths. The outer layer of the fruit hides a jelly-like green pulp, which has many edible seeds.
Due to the fact that Kiwano is not picky about the growing conditions and is characterized by numerous and quick fruiting, it is grown in the UK, Italy, USA, New Zealand. An approach to exotic fruit was found even in Russia. Gardeners developed the Green Dragon variety, which can grow not only in the south, but also in the greenhouses of Siberia.
The taste of the flesh of a horned melon conveys a large number of different associations: one resembles a cocktail of cucumber and banana, others recall a cucumber and lemon, and some taste like something between a melon and lime. One way or another, everyone praises the fruit for its bright and refreshing taste. It makes salads and sauces for hot dishes. One of the most popular: grilled seafood with cheese with kiwano.
Figs
Figs - this is the most familiar exotic for residents of post-Soviet countries. It grows in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Crimea. Exotic fruit has a round or elongated shape. Under a thin dark green or dark blue peel is a juicy jelly-like pulp, which can be pink or red.
The taste of figs resembles a harmonious combination of strawberries and chocolate. The ripened fruit has a dense outer layer, a little soft. The fruit is edible along with the peel. Due to the presence of a large number of disease substances, the fetus is very popular among cooks. From it make jam or jelly. The most nutritious fig in dried form.
Guava
Guava or Guava is grown in most tropical and subtropical countries (Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, India and others). Exotic green fruits are found in different shapes and sizes - round or elongated, from 4 to 15 centimeters. The smell of ripened guava is pleasant and intense, reminiscent of the aroma of lemon.
The pulp of the fruit has a light sweetish taste and a huge range of shades: from dazzling white to bright red. And the skin, and the pulp, and the bones of the fetus are edible. The aftertaste of the guava remotely resembles the taste of an unripe pear. Representatives of Asian countries prefer to eat this fruit, dipping it in a mixture of salt and pepper. Guava is loved by culinary experts from around the world, making salads, mashed potatoes and even ice cream out of it. Eating this fruit is an excellent way to combat dizziness and cramps.