Top 12 Exotic Fruits Popular Worldwide
Fruits are fundamental sources of vitamins and carbohydrates. They are low in calories and naturally sweet. Fruits and their juices are also good sources of liquids. In addition, they contain numerous nutrients, which is why it is important to include them in your diet.
Although the variety is relatively limited in our supermarkets, there are numerous types of fragrant and nutrient-rich fruits worldwide. So, here are the most popular exotic fruits from around the world.
12. Kaki
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Kaki is the persimmon fruit cultivated in Valencia. This fruit was brought to Europe in the 19th century from China (cultivated since the 8th century). The fruit is deep red, soft, and has a very sweet, caramel-like aroma. The fruit is seedless and very easy to peel.
11. White Star ApplesÂ
The White Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) is a berry found in tropical Africa. If picked from the tree, it is sour and acidic, but when it falls to the ground, the fruit is ripe and sweet.
The name comes from the pulp that surrounds five brown seeds arranged in a star shape. The pulp is eaten as is, sucking it slowly after the milky, sticky juice has dripped out. The juice is sometimes fermented into wine or distilled into spirits.
10. Sicilian Blood Oranges
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These oranges are cultivated on the fertile lands stretching from the base of Mount Etna. During ripening, due to a significant diurnal temperature variation in the area, the oranges produce high levels of purple pigments (anthocyanins) that give them their distinctive color.
Even though Sicilian blood oranges are characterized by their acidic fruit and can be quite firm, studies have suggested that they protect DNA from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
9. Passion Fruit Bananas
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Belonging to the passion fruit family, it is a tropical fruit native to the Andean regions of South America. With its distinctive oval shape and light yellow to yellow-orange peel, this fruit closely resembles a small banana, hence its specific name.
The resemblance to the banana is only in the peel; inside, there is a juicy, orange pulp that covers many small, dark seeds. This exotic fruit has a pleasant aroma similar to oranges, while its flavors are sweet and tart.
8. Aydin Figs
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The historic region of Aydin is best known for its aromatic figs, which have been cultivated for centuries. The first Aydin figs usually appear 5 years after planting but are capable of yielding fruit annually for 50 years.
Aydin figs are a good source of energy, being rich in fiber and fructose. They can be used as a filling in various traditional Turkish pastries and more.
7. Ground Cherries (Golden Berry)
Native to South America, the Golden Berry is a perennial plant that produces edible, round, yellow-orange berries. They have a soft, juicy pulp and are characterized by a pleasant sweet and tart taste.
6. Guavas
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Native to tropical America, from where it spread to other tropical parts of the world, guava is a fruiting shrub that was long harvested by the indigenous people of Argentina.
The fruit is distinguished by a sweet and somewhat granular pulp, which is an excellent source of essential nutrients (vitamin C, iron, calcium, and phosphorus). It can be consumed fresh, in salads or as a dessert, canned, or in the form of jellies, jams, or juices.
5. Durian
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Often known as the “king of fruits,” durian is a bizarre tropical fruit that grows throughout Southeast Asia. A large, spiky outer shell covers a creamy pulp with a slightly sweet aroma. The fruit is also renowned for its peculiar smell.
Very nutritious and healthy, durian fruit pairs well in both savory and sweet dishes. It is used to prepare cakes, ice cream or shaved ice, tempoyak (fermented durian), and lempok durian (a sweet durian candy).
4. Apples
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Found in various varieties, apples are a rich source of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, C, E), as well as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, etc. The dietary fiber they provide increases the feeling of fullness and reduces caloric intake.
The flavonoids found in apples offer antioxidant properties to protect against chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. They also lower cholesterol levels and promote bone health and brain function.
3. Bananas
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Wonderfully sweet, with a firm and creamy flesh, bananas come covered in a yellow peel and are available for harvest regardless of the season.
Creamy and sweet bananas are a favorite food worldwide, from babies to the elderly. The superfood is a good source of both vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber.
2. Aronia
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Aronia refers to those small, dark berries native to North America but also grown in other parts of the world, including Europe. Traditionally, aronia was used as a cold remedy by Native Americans.
Aronia berries are low in calories but are an essential source of fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium. The superfood also provides folate, iron, and vitamins A and E, as well as beneficial antioxidants. Due to these properties, aronia offers protection against cancer or heart disease and strengthens the immune system.
1. Tomatoes
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The tomato is a fruit from the nightshade family, native to South America. Despite being botanically a fruit, it is generally consumed and prepared as a vegetable.
Low in calories and rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folate, tomatoes also contain lycopene (an antioxidant compound). Promising research suggests that lycopene may decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Tomatoes also contain beta-carotene, naringenin, chlorogenic acid, and fiber. Fiber prevents constipation, lowers cholesterol levels, manages blood sugar levels, and contributes to maintaining a healthy weight.
Conclusions
This is just a selection of the most popular exotic fruits in the world. In fact, there are over 2000 types of fruits worldwide, of which the Western world uses only 10%.