When it comes to fruit, many don’t stray far from bananas, apples and oranges. If we’re feeling exotic, sure maybe we venture a golden kiwi fruit or the red raspberry. Yes, generally speaking for those who haven’t visited a Tropical Fruit World, we’re pretty boring fruit eaters. Enter these exotic fruits you have likely never heard of – – and if you have, just how many have you tried!
Most of these fruits are native to southeast Asia, while others are quote possibly available at your local fruit shop (and your garden) but often get completely overlooked. Some of these strange fruits taste amazing, while others are an acquired taste.
1. Rambutan
These little sea urchin looking things are an exotic fruit of southeast Asia, and once you peel the soft rind of the Rambutan, it looks exactly like a lychee (they are in the same botanical family). The small, plump fruit has a sweet, creamy flavour with a hint of floral. Don’t judge a fruit by its cover because it probably tastes delicious inside.
2. Monstera Deliciosa
Aka the Fruit salad plant, it’s native to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico. Monstera Deliciosa actually grows in Australia — pretty much everywhere. You might unknowingly even have it as a house plant, and the fruit it bears on larger plants is edible and tastes like a combination of different fruits.
3. Longan
The Longan is a tropical tree fruit also known as ‘dragon’s eye’. The taste is similar to Rambutans and Lychees, but with a more tart and distinctive flavour. These fruits have also long been part of traditional Chinese medicine to boost sex drive and for anti-ageing. Double win!
4. Banana Passion Fruit
While Passion Fruit are popular in many places, including Australia, during the warmer months it is the Banana Passion Fruits are much less known. Native to the Andes of South America, these yellow, elongated fruits contain an orange, sweet pulp and are great in juices.
5. Mangosteen
If you’ve ever visited Indonesia, Thailand or anywhere in southeast Asia, you may have seen these cute, cartoonish purple fruits. If you’ve never tasted one you really must next time you travel there. Once peeled, the inside pods are reminiscent of a garlic clove, but he pods are sweet, creamy and moreish.
What have you tried? What exotic fruits have we left off the list you recommend?
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