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15 Exotic Fruits You’ve Probably Never Heard Of But Should Try

“Mano de Buddha, aka Buddha’s Hand Citron, or as I like to call it, CTHULHU FRUIT” by xeni is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Eating fruit is not only tasty but also great for your health! It helps satisfy your sweet cravings and boosts your intake of fiber and vitamins. While enjoying an apple a day is a good habit, there’s a whole world of exotic fruits beyond the usual ones you know. Here are 15 unique fruits you might not have tried yet but definitely should!

Cherimoya

“Cherimoya” by sylvia@intrigue is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Cherimoya, famously called “the most delicious fruit known to man” by Mark Twain, is one of the healthiest fruits you might not have heard of. This tropical fruit is grown mainly in Central and South America and has a green, scaly exterior. Inside, it reveals creamy, white flesh with flavors that some say taste like a mix of banana, strawberry, pineapple, papaya, and peach.

Rambutan

“Rambutan” by 16:9clue is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Don’t be put off by the spiky hairs on these fruits—they’re perfectly safe to eat! Known as “chôm chôm,” which means “messy hair” in Vietnamese, rambutan fruits are as interesting as they look. They taste and feel like lychee, with a soft, juicy, pale interior. Some say the flavor is similar to a grape. You can enjoy a bunch at once; just peel away that thin outer layer to get to the delicious fruit inside.

Sapodilla

“Sapodilla Hasya03 F&SPark Asit” by Asit K. Ghosh Thaumaturgist is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Sapodilla is a big berry that ranges in color from pale yellow to light brown. Its skin is a bit grainy, like a kiwi, and it has one to six hard, black seeds inside. It’s also called chikoo, naseberry, and sapota. The flavor is sweet and malty, sort of like a caramelized pear. Originally from southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, it’s also really popular in South and Southeast Asia.

Carambola

“Carambola or Star Fruit” by Hafiz Issadeen is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Carambola, or star fruit as it’s also called, gets its name because it looks like a star when you cut it. Originally from Indonesia and the Philippines—it grows in tropical places worldwide. When ripe, it turns bright yellow with a touch of green, and it’s crunchy and juicy with a tart flavor that tastes like a mix of apple, pear, and citrus fruits.

Durian

“Trái Sầu riêng (Durian fruits) Durio zibethinus L Bombacaceae” by Duy-Thuong is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

What’s that smell? It’s probably durian, famous for its strong and unusual scent. Some people think it’s amazing, while others can’t get away from it fast enough. Durian has a creamy, custard-like texture that you might like. If you’re not ready for the full blast of the smell, start with durian ice cream or other desserts—it’s a tasty and milder way to enjoy this unique fruit!

Logan

“starr-091003-7506-Dimocarpus_longan-fruit-Maui_County_Fair_Kahului-Maui” by Starr Environmental is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Longan, known as the “dragon’s eye” because of its look, comes from Southern Asia. Its clear flesh is like little pearls, and it has a black seed inside that gives it that dragon’s eye name. Even though it’s related to lychees and rambutans, Longan has a distinct flavor—sweet with a touch of musk. It’s also believed to offer some health benefits in traditional medicine.

Jackfruit

“Jackfruit hanging” by Augustus Binu : flickr is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Jackfruit originally hails from South India but is now grown all over the world. This giant fruit can weigh up to 80 pounds! Its outer skin is green or yellow and covered in spiky cones. When you crack it open, you’ll find pods filled with seeds and surrounded by fragrant, sweet flesh. You can enjoy jackfruit fresh, and its texture makes it a popular choice for vegan dishes as a meat substitute.

Wax Apple

“‘Chompoo’ (in Thailand)… ‘Rose Apple’ or ‘Wax Apple’..” by Laza 45 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Even though it’s called a wax apple, it’s not an apple at all. This bell-shaped berry mostly comes in red, but you can also find it in white, green, or even purple and black. The shiny, thin skin makes it look waxy, and inside, it’s white and spongy with a flavor like snow pears. Wax apples originally come from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands—but they’re also grown commercially in Taiwan and Thailand.

Mangosteen

“Mangosteen” by mttsndrs is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Mangosteens have a one-of-a-kind flavor that’s both tangy and sweet, unlike any other fruit. It can be a bit of a hassle to get past the tough outer skin, but the creamy, white flesh inside is totally worth it. Once you try it, you might fall for this fruit quickly. And the best part? It is loaded with health benefits that keep giving long after that first delicious bite.

Falsa

“Falsa Fruit” by Nizil Shah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Falsa is a berry from South and Southeast Asia, showing up in the summer months. It’s got a sweet and tangy kick, a bit like black currant or cranberry. When it’s fully ripe, it changes color from reddish-purple to deep black. It’s not just tasty—it’s also super versatile. People love turning falsa into refreshing juice or sherbet, which is perfect for cooling off on a hot day and can even help with digestion.

Persimmon

“Fruits of Persimmon” by Dakiny is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Persimmon is a delicious fruit with a sweet taste and shiny skin. It can be round or flat and ranges from deep orange to reddish-brown. When ripe, the flesh is soft and pudding-like—with sweet and tangy flavors. This fall favorite is great to eat fresh or add to all kinds of dishes. It gives a unique twist to your salads, desserts, and savory recipes.

Feijoa

“Exotic Fruit: Feijoa” by momentcaptured1 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Feijoa is a fruit from South America that’s also grown in California and New Zealand. The green skin is not edible, but inside, you’ll find juicy, white flesh that has a texture similar to guava. That’s why it’s sometimes called pineapple guava or guavasteen. Feijoa has a super unique, fragrant smell and a flavor that many describe as a mix of apple, pineapple, and mint.

Soursop

“Soursop fruit on the tree” by Tatters ✾ is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Soursop is a fruit you can find in the Americas. It has a spiky, heart-shaped skin and a soft, white interior that’s divided into segments with seeds throughout. The taste is really unique, mixing flavors of strawberry, pineapple, and citrus. People don’t just eat soursop fresh—they also use it to make delicious drinks, ice creams, and other tasty treats.

Salak

“Exotic fruit from Thailand – Snake Fruit ( Salak or Rakam – ระกำ )” by Tatters ✾ is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Salak, also called snake fruit because of its reddish-brown, scaly skin, is pretty interesting. When you peel it, you’ll find three white lobes inside that look and feel a bit like garlic cloves but taste sweet and tangy. There are two main kinds of pondoh grown in Indonesia: salak pondoh from Java, which is drier and crumbly, and salak Bali from Bali, which is crunchier and juicier.

Buddha’s Hand

“Exotic Fruit : Buddha’s Hand and Horned Melons” by Elizabeth Thomsen is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Buddha’s hand, or fingered citron, is named for its finger-like sections. It’s green to yellow and, unlike other citrus fruits, usually doesn’t have any pulp or juice. It comes from the Himalayan region and is enjoyed all over East and Southeast Asia. Buddha’s hand tastes like lemon peel without the bitterness and has a strong lemon blossom smell—making it great for adding zest and flavor to dishes.

Written by Lisa O

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