Every enthusiast of fruit possesses their preferred selections. Bananas, apples, and melons rank among the most favored options globally and are readily available in numerous locations.
While certain individuals find satisfaction in consuming the same fruits daily, others may seek a greater diversity in their choices.
Remarkably, there are thousands of fruit varieties cultivated across the world, many of which may be unfamiliar to you.
1. Rambutan
Rambutans are the reddish fruits produced by the Nephelium lappaceum tree, which is indigenous to Southeast Asia.
Classified as berries, these small fruits grow in clusters and feature a leathery skin adorned with hair-like spikes referred to as spinterns. The flesh, which has a gelatinous texture reminiscent of grapes, offers a sweet yet slightly tart flavor.
Notably, rambutans are abundant in vitamin C, delivering 40% of the Daily Value (DV) in a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving.
This water-soluble vitamin is renowned for its potent antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties.
2. Pawpaw
The largest edible fruit native to the United States, the pawpaw (Asimina triloba), holds recognition.
It has historically been a crucial food source for numerous Native American communities and has also nourished early European explorers and settlers.
Pawpaws can attain a length of up to 6 inches (15 cm) and display a greenish-yellow coloration when fully ripe, offering a sweet flavor that is somewhat tropical in nature.
This fruit is rich in various nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and iron, and is also a significant source of powerful polyphenol antioxidants. Due to their fragile flesh and brief shelf life, pawpaws are not widely available.
You can find them at specialty growers or farmers’ markets in the United States during their peak season.
3. Kiwano (Horned melon)
Kiwano, or Cucumis metuliferus, is popularly known as horned melon or jelly melon. This delightful fruit comes from a vine that is native to Africa and is part of the same family as cucumbers and melons.
The fruit features a bright orange skin adorned with small spikes, while its interior is filled with jelly-like flesh that can be green or yellow. Although the seeds are edible, many prefer to eat only the flesh.
This fruit is an excellent source of various nutrients, particularly vitamin C and magnesium. Moreover, animal studies indicate that Kiwano may help in lowering blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for those managing diabetes.
4. Loquat
Loquats are the diminutive yet highly nutritious fruits produced by the Eriobotrya japonica tree. Their coloration ranges from yellow to orange or reddish, contingent upon the specific variety.
These fruits are notably abundant in carotenoids, which are plant pigments known for their significant health benefits. Consuming a diet rich in carotenoids may contribute to the prevention of heart disease and various forms of cancer.
You can enjoy these sweet and citrus-flavored fruits fresh or use them in a variety of culinary applications, both sweet and savory. Loquats are available at select specialty grocery stores.
5. Jujube
It is important to distinguish jujubes, also known as Chinese dates or red dates, from the candies that share their name. These fruits, which are rich in nutrients, are indigenous to Southeast Asia.
You can eat them fresh, but they more frequently dry out and develop a sweet flavor and a chewy texture akin to candy.
Both fresh and dried jujubes are a beneficial dietary choice, as they are high in fiber, vitamin C, and flavonoid antioxidants.
6. Star fruit
Star fruit, known scientifically as carambola, is a tropical fruit characterized by its distinctive star-shaped appearance. Its vibrant color and unique form contribute to its popularity as an ingredient in fruit salads and cheese platters.
When fully ripe, this fruit exhibits a yellow hue and possesses a juicy consistency with a mildly tart flavor. Star fruit serves as a convenient and portable snack option, as the entire fruit is consumable.
Carambola is low in caloric content, providing only 38 calories per large fruit (124 grams), while also being a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and copper. Notably, its abundant insoluble fiber content supports healthy bowel movements and enhances overall digestive well-being.
7. Black sapote
Black sapote (Diospyros nigra) is a fruit that shares a close relationship with persimmons. Commonly referred to as “chocolate pudding fruit,” it features a dark brown, custard-like flesh that bears a resemblance to chocolate pudding.
This tropical fruit is a remarkable source of vitamin C, offering more than 200% of the daily value in a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving.
Specialized cultivators offer black sapote for purchase online when it is in season, as this fruit is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America and is rarely available in traditional retail stores.
The bottom line
Rambutans, black sapote, and star fruits represent merely a fraction of the myriad of unique and nutritious fruits cultivated globally. Their exceptional flavors and rich nutrient profiles can contribute positively to your health in various ways. Consider incorporating some of these intriguing fruits into your diet to enhance the diversity of your snacks and meals.
