25 Most Rare and Exotic Fruits in the World
by Preethi S
Updated Mar 27, 2024
25 Most Rare and Exotic Fruits in the World
Not every fruit is in season or available at all times. That's why those fruits are pricey and are always regarded as special. These fruits provide the most nutrients. Apart from the everyday fruits we have, like apples, oranges, and bananas, there are a lot more varieties of fruits. We'll learn about the world's rare and exotic fruits in this article. Every fruit offers a different culinary experience, from the visually stunning Gac fruit of Southeast Asia to the mysterious Monstera deliciosa of Central America.
1. Rambutan:
Tropical fruits from Southeast Asia, known as rambutans, have translucent flesh and spiky red skin. It has a flavor that is refreshing and looks like a tiny grape. Its hair-like appearance in Malay is where the name "rambutan" originates. After removing the skin, a transparent fruit with a seed in the middle is revealed.
2. Mangosteen:
The tropical fruit known as mangosteen is indigenous to Southeast Asia and is prized for its tart and sweet taste. Juicy white segments are hidden by its purple rind, and because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, traditional medicine frequently uses it. Mangosteen is renowned for its blend of tanginess and sweetness, and it is frequently combined with durian. It is a useful addition to traditional medicine because of its tropical origins.
3. Lychee:
The tiny Chinese fruit known as lychee is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which strengthen immunity and support good skin. It is a mainstay in Asian cooking and cocktails because of its distinct flavor. Lychee is good for the liver, brain, and heart. It also works well against obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Its anti-oxidant properties guard against damage from free radicals.
4. Dragon Fruit:
The fruit of the cactus that is native to Central and South America is called dragon fruit, or pitaya.With its vivid pink-red skin, white flesh, and black seeds, it resembles a kiwi. In addition to being high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, the fruit has a delightful sweetness. These days, Southeast Asia cultivates a lot of it. The fruit is a popular choice due to its health benefits because of its sweetness and scaly exterior.
5. Jackfruit:
Originating in South India, jackfruit is a large tropical fruit with fragrant pods and spiky skin that can be green or yellow. It is grown all over the world and can weigh up to 80 pounds. When the fruit is opened, it reveals fragrant flesh and seeds beneath its green or yellow outer layer decorated with cone-shaped spikes.
6. Cherimoya:
The Andean fruit known as "nature's ice cream" is the cherimoya, which gets its name from its creamy flesh and heart-shaped skin. It comes from the mountains and is high in minerals and vitamins, especially B and C. The tangy and sweet flavors of cherimoya have led to the nickname "nature's ice cream."
7. Star Fruit:
The carambola, or star fruit, is a tropical fruit with a distinctive cross-sectional shape that resembles a star. It is a welcome addition to fruit salads and cocktail garnishes because of its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. Its eye-catching appearance and abundance of vitamin C and antioxidants make it a fantastic addition to any tropical dish.
8. Durian:
Southeast Asian durian is a large fruit with a strong aroma and a spiky exterior. Its textured flesh, which is full of minerals and B vitamins and C, offers a distinct taste experience despite having a strong odor. In some Asian countries, Durians are not permitted in hotels or on public transit. The distinct flavor of durians is worth tasting despite their potent scent.
9. Persimmon:
Persimmon, a soft, pudding-like, sweet, shiny fruit, is a popular fall fruit that can be eaten raw or cooked. Its flesh is soft and pudding-like, and it has a range of colors and shapes, from round to reddish-brown. When ripe, it tastes sweet and tangy. Persimmons are versatile and can be used in savory dishes, salads, and desserts, making them a tasty and adaptable addition to any culinary project.
10. Passionfruit:
Originating in South America, passionfruit is a well-liked fruit with a textured exterior and fragrant seeds encased in a jelly-like pulp. Its ideal sweetness to tartness ratio makes it a popular ingredient in salads, drinks, and desserts. Passionfruit is a common ingredient in many different cuisines because it is also high in fiber and vitamin C.
11. Soursop:
The American native soursop fruit has a heart-shaped skin that is spiky and a soft, pulpy white interior that is divided into segments that contain seeds. It has a flavor that combines citrus, pineapple, and strawberry. Soursop is used to make delicious ice creams, refreshing drinks, and other sweet treats, in addition to being a delicious fruit. Due to its distinct qualities, it is a well-liked option in the area.
12. Salak (Snake Fruit):
Salak, also known as snake fruit, is an Indonesian fruit with scaly red skin that resembles a snake. It is both sweet and highly addictive. Though eating too many can cause digestive problems, its flesh tastes sweet and sour and resembles apples. Additionally, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, salad is a tasty and nutrient-dense choice for a balanced diet.
13. Kiwano Melon:
Originating in Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, the kiwano melon is prized for its distinct flavor that combines elements of banana, cucumber, kiwifruit, and zucchini. It comes from Sub-Saharan Africa and has an orange, spiky exterior and a vibrant appearance. The kiwano melon, also called the African Horned Cucumber, is becoming more and more well-liked due to its unique flavor and antioxidant and vitamin C-rich content.
14. Buddha's Hand:
Buddha's hand is a strange citrus fruit with a distorted lemon-like shape and tentacles that resemble fingers in prayer. Because of its unique form and lavender-like scent, it is frequently used as an ingredient in Chinese and Japanese cuisine and festivities. People value its zest and unique shape, which are employed in candies, desserts, and beverages as a flavor enhancer, decorative accent, and natural air freshener.
15. Jabuticaba:
Brazil's jabuticaba is a dark purple berry that grows straight from the trunk and branches of the tree, much like grapes. Their pulp has a slight tartness, and they are used in fresh foods, wines, and jellies. The fruit, which is frequently used in jellies, wines, or fresh consumption, is rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give it its purple color.
16. Loquat:
Known by many as the "Japanese plum," the loquat is a sweet fruit with a distinct flavor akin to that of apricots and cherries. Its juicy, mildly tangy flesh can be eaten fresh or used in jams and desserts. Its smooth orange skin reveals this. Loquats are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C.
17. Gac Fruit:
Southeast Asian natives love the unusual and prized gac fruit, which has a deep magenta-red pulp and a prickly orange rind. Even though it is uncommon, it is significant to Vietnamese culture and is frequently utilized in ceremonies and celebrations during certain seasons. Its oily red sacs have a moderately sweet flavor that makes it a special and beloved fruit in its home region.
18. Monstera Deliciosa:
The exotic fruit Monstera deliciosa is native to Mexico and Central America. Its long, green skin is covered in scales. Its white flesh has a sweet flavor similar to that of mango, banana, and strawberry. The fruit peels away its green scales to reveal its ripeness; unripe flesh is mildly toxic. The fruit is true to its name.
19. Black Sapote:
The black sapote fruit, native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, has a green skin turning yellow-green when ripe and a dark brown/black pulp. Known as the "chocolate pudding fruit" due to its rich flavor and creamy texture, this unique and delicious treat is a hidden treasure of the earth.
20. Yangmei Berry:
The yangmei berry, a popular fruit in China, has a distinct flavor profile that combines raspberry and strawberry with a hint of herbs. Its sweet and tangy taste is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making it a must-try fruit for its health benefits and its use in traditional Chinese medicine.
21. Hala Fruit:
The sweet, banana-like flavor of hala fruit, a fiery red-orange fruit that can be found in Southeast Asia, Hawaii, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, makes it a popular ingredient in jams, jellies, and drinks. Hala fruit is a delightful and unusual culinary experience.
22. Sapodilla:
Sapodilla is a small, brown fruit with a grainy texture and sweet, honey-like flavor. It is often enjoyed fresh or used in desserts and smoothies. Its unique combination of caramel and pear undertones makes it a delightful treat for the palate. Sapodilla's unique flavor makes it a favorite in tropical desserts and smoothies.
23. Feijoa:
Feijoa, another name for pineapple guava, is a tropical fruit with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. It tastes best fresh or in jams. It has a distinct cherry and apricot flavor. It adds a refreshing twist to fruit salads and cocktails alike. Feijoa is a flexible ingredient that works well in savory and sweet recipes because of its juicy texture and aromatic flavor. It is also a nutrient-dense supplement to any diet due to its high vitamin C content.
24. Tamarillo:
The tamarillo tree tomato is indigenous to South America and has an egg-shaped form with a sour to sweet skin. Its flesh is tasty and nutritious, with a hint of musky sweetness and high levels of vitamins A and C. To improve the flavor of this variety, you might need to add a little salt or sugar.
25. Chayote:
With a pear-like shape, chayote is a mild, crisp vegetable that works well in salads or as a side dish. It is a delightful addition to many different dishes because of its subtle taste and versatility. Raw or cooked, chayote is a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and folate, among other important nutrients.
