Obscure Fruits from Around the World

While there are over 2,000 fruits in the world, most people have only tried around ten percent of them. Fruits are nutrient powerhouses that are vital to health and provide an abundance of flavor. These tropical and strange varieties are not only certain to bring vigor to your step but to rev your tastebuds in ways you’ve never experienced before.

Abiu

This rare bright yellow fruit that also goes by the names amarillo and temare, primarily grows in the Amazonian region of South America, but can also be found in parts of Southwestern Venezuela, Brazil, Columbia, and Ecuador. It contains a creamy white flesh that has a unique taste consisting of caramel, vanilla, and hints of pineapple making it a highly sought-after dessert fruit. It is commonly utilized in yogurts, fruit salads, tarts and cakes. Abiu is very high in iron and vitamin C, with various health benefits such as antimicrobial properties, eye health, digestion, and strengthening immunity.

Annona

This light green strange looking fruit also known as cherimoya, typically grows in Jamaica, Central America, Cuba and the Philippines. It has a creamy sweet white flesh that is reminiscent of custard with notes of banana and pineapple. It is very high in antioxidants, aids in lowering inflammation, and has shown promise in fighting cancer. Annona is most often eaten by itself but can also be a great addition to oatmeal or smoothies, and is even a great base for salad dressings.

Cocona

This Amazonian nightshade also known as peach tomato and Orinoco apple, varies from golden yellow to red and grows in Southern Columbia, Brazil, and Peru. They have a pleasant tropical citrus taste with a sharp tartness. Being rich in iron and B5 they are beneficial for detoxification, energy stabilization, migraines and osteoporosis prevention. They are excellent eaten fresh in fruit bowls or salads, fashioned into beverages or candies, or made into salsa. Cocona can also be concocted into various sauces, as well as being an excellent addition to stews.

Jujube

This tiny fruit also referred to as red dates, has grown in China for over 4,000 years and has frequently been used in traditional medicine by many cultures. Their taste is very unique; while similar to dates in appearance and palate, the jujube is subdued in sweetness and less dense. Jujubes have demonstrated potential in treating sleeping disorders such as insomnia, acting as a natural sedative. They are also commonly used as anti-depressants and blood pressure stabilizers. They are frequently eaten by the handful as a snack, made into teas and remedies, as well as employed in many pastries and stir-fries.

Black Sapote

This round green delicacy often referred to as chocolate pudding fruit or black persimmon, is native to South America. As the fruit ripens the outside skin turns from light green to a darker brownish green, the inside turning into a creamy chocolatey wonder with nutty notes. Black sapote is very low in fat and has fourteen times the vitamin C of an orange. It is said to strengthen kidney health, aid in weight loss, balance electrolytes, and fortify bones. While it is excellent eaten alone, one merely has to add a little cacao powder and sugar to turn it into a truly rich raw dessert.

Noni

Unique in appearance and taste, this magical fruit often known as cheese fruit, hog apple, or forbidden fruit is cultivated in tropical forests in the Caribbean, Pacific, and Vietnam. This pungent fruit is distinctive in taste offering an overripe stinky cheese flavor with hints of lemon. The properties of the fruit are endless, being used to heal wounds, manage diabetes, treat psychotic disorders, prevent gout, and even resolve memory problems by enhancing cerebral blood flow. Noni is most often consumed by drinking its juices, consuming it with salt or syrup, or as a popular addition to soups and curries.

Monstera Deliciosa

This delicious scaly fruit also known as window leaf or hurricane plant, grows in Southern Mexico and Panama. The fruit begins ripening at one end where its scales will begin to fall off naturally in segments, and has a light candy light flavor that varies between mango, guava, and pineapple. It used to cure venomous snakebites on the Caribbean island of Martinique, while the Chinese use it for a wide range of ailments ranging from fever, cough, and bacterial infections. Monstera Deliciosa is excellent in smoothies, ice creams, jellies, and as a topping for cakes or parfaits.

Eggfruit

This delightful bright yellow fruit also known as canistel and toesa, grows in Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Eggfruit has a very dense cakey type texture that is exceptionally similar to the yolk of a boiled egg, and has a taste that is a hybrid between egg and custard. It is said to prevent heart disease, boost immunity, prevent anemia, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, and treat arthritis. While often eaten raw on its own, it is also frequently baked and served with pepper or lime juice, crafted into eggnogs, or applied into pancakes or muffins.

Jaboticaba

This dark purple fruit also referred to as Brazilian grape tree, can be found growing in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. These are not only grape-like in appearance but also have a delicate grape type flavor, with overtones of blueberry and lychee. They are beneficial for sore throats, asthma, anti-aging, preventing hair loss, accelerating healing, and liver health. They are commonly eaten raw, made into marmalades, vinegars, and syrups, or fermented into wine.

Naranjilla

These golden rounded fruits also known as lulo, Quito-orange and nuqui, are indigenousness to Ecuador and Columbia. Their texture is similar to a tomato and their exotic flavor unique, made up of essences of pineapple, lime, kiwi, and rhubarb. High in vitamin K and niacin, it is said to assist in cholesterol and heart health, promote circulation, and aid in vison strength. Many eat it raw with a dash of salt, while others blend it into drinks, sauces, and baked goods.

Ackee

This leathery coral colored fruit also referred to as vegetable brain, is native to forests along the Ivory and Gold coasts of tropical West Africa. When the fruit is ripe it will naturally open to reveal three black seeds enveloped by yellowish flesh that is evocative of scrambled eggs. It is used in the prevention of muscle cramps, diabetes control, and digestive issues. Ackee is amazing consumed fresh or cooked, frequently being used in place of eggs in stir-fries, soups, rice dishes, and desserts.