Fruits serve as a vital source of nutrition in the diets of many individuals. Your geographical location and the availability of grocery stores likely influence the specific varieties you regularly consume.
For residents of Southeast Asia or India, certain fruits may be common but seem unusual to those living in North or South America, and vice versa.
Whether you are interested in expanding your diet by exploring different fruits or are simply intrigued by the varieties available in other regions of the world, this article will provide valuable insights.
Presented here are nine distinctive and flavorful fruits from various parts of the globe, some of which you may find at your local specialty grocery store.
1. Durian
Durian is indigenous to Southeast Asia, flourishing in nations such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In various parts of this region, people often refer to it as the king of fruits.
This fruit features a thick, spiky exterior that safeguards its creamy, sweet, and slightly bitter flesh. It can reach lengths of up to 1 foot (30 cm) and widths of 6 inches (15 cm), yet it generally yields only about 2 cups (486 grams) of edible content.
The aroma of ripe durian is potent and distinctive, which some individuals may find overpowering. This characteristic scent arises from compounds including esters, aldehydes, and sulfurs.
Nutritionally, durian is highly beneficial, being an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances such as quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin.
The availability of durian can vary significantly depending on your location. In the United States, specialty retailers like Whole Foods carry it. People can enjoy the flesh of durian in a variety of culinary applications, including sweet and savory dishes such as soups, ice creams, cakes, and even salads.
2. Rambutan
Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as regions worldwide, including parts of Africa and Hawaii, cultivate rambutans, which are indigenous to this area.
The flesh of the rambutan is characterized by a sweet and slightly tangy taste, accompanied by a texture reminiscent of grapes. In terms of size, the fruit is comparable to a small kiwi and contains a small seed at its center. Its exterior is red and adorned with spiny projections known as spinterns.
This fruit is rich in several nutrients, notably vitamin C and manganese. It is important to note that some varieties, particularly those preserved in syrup, may contain high levels of added sugars.
Rambutans are readily available in certain regions, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia, but can be quite difficult to find in other areas. Due to their perishable nature, in the United States, they are typically available fresh or canned in specialty grocery stores.
While the flesh is delightful to consume, it is advisable to refrain from eating the skin or the seed. Rambutans make for an excellent standalone snack and can also enhance ice cream, fruit salads, cheese boards, or serve as a tropical element in smoothies or yogurt breakfast bowls.
3. Loquat
Loquats, the fruit of the Eriobotrya japonica tree, are originally from Southeast China. Farmers in various regions worldwide, including Japan, Brazil, Turkey, Italy, India, Pakistan, Israel, and Spain, currently cultivate them.
These fruits, measuring 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm), possess a sweet and vibrant citrus flavor, with a texture that can range from crisp to resembling that of a peach, depending on their ripeness. The skin is also consumable and exhibits colors that vary from yellow to red.
Loquats are an excellent source of provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta carotene.
The body converts certain types of carotenoids, including beta carotene, into vitamin A, and carotenoids serve as antioxidants. This vitamin is essential for maintaining immune function, vision, and other health aspects.
If you wish to sample loquats but cannot find them locally, you can order them online. You can enjoy these fruits fresh, grill them, incorporate them into baked goods like pies, or transform them into jam.
5. Lychee (litchi)
Originating from southern China, lychee is now cultivated in various regions worldwide, including Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and the United States.
These fruits are relatively small, measuring between 0.75 and 1.3 inches (2 to 3.5 cm) in diameter, and are encased in a bumpy, red skin that must be removed to access the semi-translucent, white flesh inside. The texture of lychee resembles that of grapes, and it offers a sweet, floral taste.
In addition to being a delightful addition to one’s diet, lychees are rich in vitamin C. Research indicates that they may possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, liver-protective, and heart-health-enhancing properties.
It is important to note that lychees can trigger anaphylactic and inflammatory reactions in certain individuals, so caution is advised when consuming them for the first time.
Availability of lychees may vary by location. In the United States, they can typically be found in specialty grocery stores and Asian markets. For optimal enjoyment, lychees are best consumed fresh, either on their own or incorporated into fruit salads.
6. Goji berries
Goji berries originate from China, which is also the primary producer of these berries globally.
They are commonly available in dried or powdered forms. Dried goji berries possess a chewy consistency and a flavor profile that is both sweet and slightly tart. These berries exhibit a reddish-orange hue and are comparable in size to large raisins.
Dried or fresh, goji berries contain a rich supply of fiber, vitamin C, and provitamin A carotenoids. Additionally, they provide essential minerals such as selenium and magnesium.
Furthermore, they serve as a potent source of antioxidants, including polysaccharides, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. Encouragingly, research involving humans indicates that the consumption of goji berries may enhance antioxidant defenses and improve blood lipid levels in certain individuals.
Typically found in their dried form, goji berries are available at various specialty food retailers, including Whole Foods and other natural food markets. People increasingly incorporate them into trail mixes and other snack products, making them a convenient snack option.
7. Starfruit
Carambola, commonly known as starfruit, is the fruit of the Averrhoa carambola tree, which originates from Southeast Asia. Farmers currently cultivate it in various regions worldwide, including tropical areas of the United States such as Florida.
The fruit derives its name from its distinctive star-shaped appearance when sliced. Upon ripening, the skin becomes yellow, and the flesh offers a sweet yet tangy flavor accompanied by a crunchy texture reminiscent of grapes. The size of the fruit typically ranges from 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) in length.
Starfruit is rich in several nutrients, particularly vitamin C and copper. It also contains a variety of antioxidants, including proanthocyanidins and gallic acid. Additionally, it serves as a good source of insoluble fiber, which aids in digestive health and contributes to a prolonged feeling of fullness.
Depending on the region, starfruit may be available in specialty grocery stores. If you cannot access it locally, you can purchase it online. Starfruit is a delightful addition to dishes such as fruit salads and can also enhance savory meals like curries and stir-fries.
The bottom line
When engaging in grocery shopping, many individuals, myself included, tend to select the same fruits repeatedly. However, exploring a variety of fruits can enhance your culinary experience significantly.
Sampling new fruits, such as those mentioned in this article, can broaden your taste preferences and expose you to a range of flavors and textures. Additionally, these fruits are frequently rich in nutrients and offer numerous health advantages.
Even if the distinctive fruits highlighted above are not accessible in your region, you can still diversify your diet by opting for fruits that you have yet to experience during your next visit to the local market.
