Introduction to exotic fruits
Exotic fruits have always fascinated lovers of cooking and gastronomy . The variety of flavors, colors and textures that these fruits offer is undoubtedly astonishing. In this article, we decided to create a comprehensive list of all the exotic fruits of the world, from A to Z. Most of these fruits are unknown to most people, but they are full of health benefits and can add a unique touch to your recipes.
The benefits of trying exotic fruits
Many people may be reluctant to purchase exotic fruits due to their higher price compared to common fruits . However, there are many benefits to trying these fruits at least once in your life . One of the biggest benefits is the variety of nutrients that can be found in these fruits. Many exotic fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help improve the overall health of the body. Additionally, many of these fruits have unique flavors that can make your dining experience much more interesting and enjoyable.
Here's a list of tropical fruits from A to Z!
Alchechengi
The cherries, also known as the " Mexican cherry ", is native to Mexico. It has a spherical shape and a smooth, shiny skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and sour flavor at the same time. The hawthorn is often used to prepare jams and desserts.
Avocado
Avocado is one of the best known and most widespread exotic fruits in the world . Originally from Mexico, this fruit is now grown in many parts of the world. Avocado is known for its creamy texture and delicate flavor. It is also very nutritious, as it is rich in healthy fats, fiber and vitamins. Avocado is often used to make guacamole, salads and even smoothies.
Annona
Annona, also known as graviola , is native to the Americas. This fruit has an irregular shape and dark green skin. The inside of the fruit is soft and contains numerous seeds. Annona has a sweet and delicate flavor, similar to a combination of pineapple and strawberries. This fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to fight cancer.
Pineapple
Pineapple is one of the most popular exotic fruits in the world . Native to South America, this fruit is now cultivated in many parts of the world. Pineapple has a hard skin and sharp thorns that protect it. The inside of the fruit is juicy and sweet, with a slightly acidic flavor. Pineapple is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and is often used in cooking to prepare sweet and savory dishes.
Baby kiwi
Baby kiwis, also known as " Siberian kiwis ", are native to Siberia. They have a spherical shape and a thin, edible peel. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and slightly acidic flavour. Baby kiwis are often used as a snack or to decorate sweets and savory dishes.
Bananito
Bananito is a type of banana native to Central America . It has an elongated shape and a thin, easy-to-peel skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and creamy flavor. Bananito is often used to make smoothies and desserts.
Red Bananas
Red bananas are a type of banana native to Asia. They have an elongated shape and a red or purple skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and slightly acidic flavour. Red bananas are often used to make fruit juices and smoothies.
Barbadine
Barbadine, also known as giant passion fruit , is native to South America. This fruit has an oval shape and dark green skin. The inside of the fruit is juicy and contains numerous seeds. Barbadine has a sweet and delicate flavor, similar to a combination of pineapple and orange. This fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including the ability to lower blood pressure and improve digestion.
Black Sapote
Black sapote, also known as paradise chocolate , originates from Mexico. This fruit has a tomato-like shape and dark green skin. The inside of the fruit is soft and black, with a consistency similar to melted chocolate. Black sapote has a sweet and creamy flavor, similar to chocolate, and is often used to make desserts and drinks.
Cherimoya
Cherimoya, also known as the most delicious fruit in the world , is native to the Andes in South America. This fruit has a conical shape and dark green skin. The inside of the fruit is soft and contains numerous seeds. Cherimoya has a sweet, mild flavor, similar to a combination of pineapple, banana, and strawberries. This fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Castor
Castor, native to Central and South America, is a rounded fruit with sweet, juicy pulp . The flavor of Castor is intense and fruity, with notes of melon and banana. It is often used in the production of juices and ice cream.
Curuba
Curuba, also known as " yellow passion fruit ", is native to South America. It has an oval shape and a thin, smooth skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and slightly acidic flavour. Curuba is often used to make fruit juices and smoothies.
Coconut
The coconut is native to the Pacific Islands and tropical regions of the world. This fruit has a hard, brown skin and a soft, white interior. Coconut is very nutritious, as it is rich in healthy fats, fiber and vitamins. It is often used to make sweet and savory dishes, including cakes, drinks and curries.
Capuacu
The capuacu is native to Brazil and has a shape similar to that of a pineapple . This fruit has a hard, brown skin and a soft, creamy interior. Capuacu has a sweet and delicate flavor, similar to a combination of chocolate and exotic fruits. This fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to reduce cholesterol.
Durians
The durian is native to tropical regions of the world and has an irregular, thorny shape. This fruit has a very strong and pungent odor, which may be unpleasant to some people. The inside of the fruit is soft and creamy, with a unique and intense flavor. Durian is very nutritious, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This fruit is often used to prepare desserts and drinks.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is native to Asia and has an oval, spiny shape . This fruit has a delicate and sweet flavor, similar to a combination of pineapple and banana. Jackfruit is very nutritious, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is often used in the kitchen to prepare sweet and savory dishes.
Emu apple
The emu apple is native to Australia and has a shape similar to that of an apple . This fruit has a mild, sweet flavor, similar to a combination of apple and pear. Emu apple is very nutritious, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is often used in the kitchen to prepare sweet and savory dishes.
Finger Lime
The finger lime is native to Australia and has an elongated, thin shape . This fruit has a thin skin and a juicy, acidic interior. Finger lime is very nutritious, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is often used in cooking to add a touch of acidity to sweet and savory dishes.
Feijoa
Feijoa, also known as pineapple guava, is native to South America and has an oval shape . This fruit has a green skin and a soft, juicy interior. Feijoa has a sweet, mild flavor, similar to a combination of pineapple and mint. This fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to improve digestion.
Guava
Guava is native to the Americas and has a shape similar to that of a pear. This fruit has a green or yellow skin and a pink or white interior. Guava has a sweet, mild flavor, similar to a combination of pineapple and strawberries. This fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to improve digestion.
Gac fruit
The gac fruit is native to Southeast Asia and has a spherical shape. This fruit has a hard, prickly skin and a soft, juicy interior . Gac fruit has a mild, sweet flavor, similar to a combination of berries and grapes. This fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to improve vision.
Hala fruit
The hala fruit is native to the Pacific Islands and has a shape similar to that of a pine cone . This fruit has a hard, brown skin and a soft, juicy interior. Hala fruit has a mild, sweet flavor, similar to a combination of pineapple and coconut. This fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Imbe
The imbe is native to Africa and has a shape similar to that of a lemon . This fruit has a thick skin and a soft, juicy interior. Imbe has a sweet, delicate flavor, similar to a combination of pineapple and mango. This fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to improve digestion.
Jabuticaba
Jabuticaba is a small round fruit native to Brazil . The pulp of this fruit is sweet and juicy, with a flavor reminiscent of grapes and strawberries. Jabuticaba is often used for the production of juices and wines, but can also be enjoyed fresh and raw.
Kiwano
Kiwano, also known as horned melon or African watermelon , is native to Africa and Asia. Its green, gelatinous pulp is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The flavor of Kiwano is a mix of melon, cucumber and banana. It is often used in salads and cocktails, but can also be enjoyed on its own.
Kaffir lime
The Kaffir lime is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its wrinkled skin and intense aroma . Its pulp is bitter and is usually used as a flavoring in Asian dishes such as curry and coconut soup. Kaffir lime juice can be used for the preparation of drinks and cocktails.
Kumquats
The kumquat is a fruit native to China. It has an oval shape and a thin, edible peel. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and sour flavor at the same time. Kumquat is often used to make jams, sauces and desserts.
Lucuma
Lucuma is a fruit native to Peru . It has a spherical shape and dark green skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and creamy flavor. Lucuma is often used to prepare desserts and ice cream.
Lychee
Lychee, originally from China, is a rounded fruit with a red, hairy skin . Its sweet and juicy pulp is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The flavor of Litchi is delicate and fruity, with notes of grape and strawberry. It is often enjoyed fresh and raw, but can also be used to make jams and juices.
Longan
Longan is native to China and Southeast Asia. Its translucent pulp is sweet and juicy, with a grape-like flavor. Longan is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for its toning and refreshing properties. It is often enjoyed fresh and raw, but can also be used to make jams and juices.
Langsat
Langsat, originally from Indonesia, is a small, round fruit with sweet, juicy pulp . The flavor of Langsat is similar to that of litchi, but with a slightly bitter note. It is often used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal properties.
Lonkgong
The lonkgong, also known as "hairy rambutan" , is native to Asia. It has a spherical shape and a red or yellow and hairy skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and creamy flavor. Longgong is often used to make desserts and ice cream.
Mangosteen
Mangosteen, native to tropical Asia, is considered the king of exotic fruits. Its sweet white pulp is surrounded by a dark purple skin. The flavor of Mangostino is intense and fruity, with notes of strawberry, peach and pineapple. It is often used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Buddha hand
The Buddha's hand originates from Asia. It has an open hand-like shape with long, thin fingers . The pulp is non-existent, but the peel is very fragrant and is often used to flavor sweet and savory dishes.
Miraculous fruit
The Miraculous fruit, also known as miracle fruit or miracle berry, is native to West Africa. Its pulp is acidic, but contains a molecule called miraculin that blocks bitter taste receptors, turning acidic foods into sweet ones. Miraculous fruit is often used in gastronomic events to create innovative and surprising dishes.
Mango
Mango is native to India and Southeast Asia. Its sweet and juicy pulp is rich in vitamins and antioxidants . The flavor of Mango is intense and fruity, with notes of peach, pineapple and orange. It is often used for the production of juices, smoothies and desserts.
Noni
Noni, native to the Pacific Islands, is a rounded fruit with a bitter and juicy pulp . It is often used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Noni is often enjoyed fresh and raw, but can also be used for the production of juices and dietary supplements.
Naranjilla
Naranjilla, native to South America, is a rounded fruit with a sweet and acidic pulp . The flavor of Naranjilla is a mix of pineapple, lemon and kiwi. It is often used for the production of juices, ice creams and desserts.
Osage orange
The Osage orange, native to North America, is a round fruit with a wrinkled skin and bitter pulp. It is often used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Osage orange is often used to make jams and jellies.
plane tree
The plane tree is native to Central and South America. Its sweet and fleshy pulp is rich in vitamins and mineral salts. The flavor of Platano is intense and fruity, with notes of banana and pineapple. It is often used for the production of desserts, jams and juices.
Pepino
Pepino, also known as "horn melon", is native to Central America. It has an oval shape and a thin, wrinkled skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and thirst-quenching flavour. Pepino is often used to make fruit juices and smoothies.
Pitaya
Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit , is native to Central America and Southeast Asia. Its sweet and juicy pulp is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The flavor of Pitaya is delicate and fruity, with notes of kiwi and melon. It is often used in the preparation of drinks and desserts.
Papaya
Papaya is native to Central and South America. Its sweet and juicy pulp is rich in vitamins and antioxidants . The flavor of Papaya is delicate and fruity, with notes of peach and mango. It is often used in the production of juices, smoothies and desserts.
Curvy papaya
Papaya formosa, originally from Asia, is a variety of Papaya with a sweet and juicy pulp. The flavor of Papaya formosa is delicate and fruity, with notes of peach and mango. It is often used in the production of juices, smoothies and desserts.
Quandong
Quandong, originally from Australia, is a rounded fruit with sweet and juicy pulp . The flavor of Quandong is intense and fruity, with notes of peach and apricot. It is often used in the preparation of desserts and jams.
Passion Fruit
Maracuja, also known as passion fruit, is native to Central and South America . Its sweet and juicy pulp is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The flavor of Maracuja is intense and fruity, with notes of tropical fruits. It is often used in the production of juices, ice cream and desserts.
Rambutan
Rambutan, native to Southeast Asia, is a rounded fruit with a red, hairy skin . Its sweet and juicy pulp is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The flavor of Rambutan is intense and fruity, with notes of grapes and litchi. It is often enjoyed fresh and raw, but can also be used to make jams and juices.
Tamarind
Tamarind, native to Africa and Asia, is a rounded fruit with an acidic and fibrous pulp . It is often used in the preparation of Asian dishes such as Pad Thai and Samosa. Tamarind juice is also used as a flavoring in drinks and cocktails.
Salak
Salak, also known as "snake fruit" , is native to Indonesia. It has an oval shape and a brown, wrinkled skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and slightly acidic flavour. Salak is often used to make jams and desserts.
Sapodilla
Sapodilla, also known as "sapota" , is native to Mexico. It has a spherical shape and a brown, wrinkled skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and creamy flavor. Sapodilla is often used to prepare desserts and ice cream.
Soursop
Soursop, native to Central and South America, is a rounded fruit with sweet, juicy pulp . The flavor of Soursop is intense and fruity, with notes of pineapple and lemon. It is often used in the production of juices, ice cream and desserts.
Tamarillo
The tamarillo, also known as the "tree tomato" , is native to South America. This fruit has an oval shape and is red or yellow in color. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and slightly acidic flavour. Tamarillo is often used to make jams, sauces and desserts.
Tangelo
Tangelo is a hybrid fruit between mandarin and grapefruit. It has a spherical shape and a thick, easy-to-peel peel . The pulp is juicy, sweet and slightly acidic. Tangelo is often used to make fruit juices and smoothies.
Ugli fruit
The ugli fruit, or also called the "ugly fruit", is native to Jamaica. It has an irregular shape and a wrinkled, thick skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and sour flavor at the same time. Ugli fruit is often used to make fruit juices and smoothies.
Ugni
Ugni, also known as "Chile cherry" , is native to South America. It has a spherical shape and a smooth, shiny skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and slightly acidic flavour. Ugni is often used to make jams and desserts.
Yuzu
Yuzu is a fruit native to Japan. It has a shape similar to the mandarin, but with a wrinkled and thick skin. The pulp is juicy and has a sweet and slightly acidic flavour. Yuzu is often used to make sauces and marinades for meats and fish.
