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exotic fruits
When we think of fruits, certain ones usually pop in our heads. And typically, we integrate these same ones into our diet. Apples, bananas, strawberries, or whatever is in season are examples of common fruits that are frequently sold at the majority of grocery store chains. Therefore, we repeatedly purchase and eat these fruits. While just about any fruit offers health benefits it may be worthwhile to pick an exotic fruit if presented with the opportunity. Exotic fruits add some pizazz to the palate and offer some additional nutrients that are generally fruitless to the ordinary, mundane diet.
What Makes Exotic Fruits Exotic?
Exotic fruits generally grow in a foreign part of the world. Many grow in a warm or tropical location. When looking at an exotic fruit for the first time it may seem strange and unusual. Many people are not even be sure how to go about eating it. Before sinking your teeth into this foreign fruit, you may want to conduct some research on the new piece of fruit. After all, some exotic fruits can make you extremely sick if eaten improperly.
While one’s familiarity and knowledge of exotic fruits vary from person to person, there are probably 40 to 50 fruits that most are not aware of. Below is a list of the names of some names and descriptions of exotic fruits from around the world. Read on to learn how these different fruits can add some flavor to your diet and provide health benefits as well .
6 Exotic Fruits You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Aizen Fruit
Place of Origin: West Africa
Description: This berry grows in clusters, much like grapes. More sphere-like in shape however, this fruit starts off yellow and turns green as it ripens.
How to eat: It is important to peel the outer scaly layer prior to eating. Aizen fruit is usually eaten as is, cooked, or dried. It is also popular in juices and as a syrup.
Health benefits: Vitamins B1, B2, and B5 are provided by this fruit, along with iron and potassium. This fruit is also a healthy source for energetic carbohydrates.
Conkerberry
Place of Origin: Central Australia
Description: This berry resembles a large cranberry in size, but a plum in color when fully ripe. These berries grow on shrubs and start out green. They darken to black or a deep purple when they are ripe.
How to eat: When the fruit is ripe it is usually sweet in taste but can only be eaten directly when ripe. Unripe Conkerberries are actually poisonous, as is the rest of the plant.
Health benefits: Conkerberries contain a significant amount of iron, calcium, and Vitamin C. This fruit is also a great source of fiber. Many natives even use conkerberries for medical purposes. Users say that it can do wonders from easing a toothache to combating venereal diseases.
Durian
Place of Origin: Malaysia and Indonesia
Description: This unique fruit is a rather large one. Durians grow to be almost a foot long and 6 inches in diameter. They generally weigh two to seven pounds. The outside of the fruit is spikey and greenish in color, while the flesh inside resembles a smooth cheese.
How to eat: Once removing the spikey exterior, the flesh inside is edible. Take caution however, because the inside of the fruit has an extremely strong odor. And not a pleasant one. Despite its pleasant taste, many can’t get beyond the raw sewage-like smell to even desire taking a bite.
Health benefits: This fruit provides a significant amount of Vitamin E. Natives who eat this fruit regularly believe that Durians provide energy and also serve as an aphrodisiac. Because of the odor, cutting open one of these is also an easy and effective way to drive unpleasant people away.
Kumquat
Place of Origin: China and Southeast Asia
Description: A Kumquat is about the size of a large olive. It is yellow or orange in color and has leathery skin like an orange.
How to eat: Unlike an orange, this fruit’s outer layer is edible. The outside is sweet, while the inside has segments that usually taste more tart. Kumquats are commonly used in jams and jellies.
Health benefits: This fruit is low in calories and is a great source of fiber. Kumquats also contain a significant amount of Vitamin C and are rich in antioxidants.
Dragon Fruit
Place of Origin: Mexico, Central and South America. Although this fruit originated in South America it also grows in Southeast Asia and Israel.
Description: This fruit received its name because when fully ripe it resembles a dragon. The plant it grows from is actually a cactus. There are three variations of this fruit: two have a bright pink skin and either white or dark pink colored. The other one has a yellow exterior and a white interior. When ripe, the fruit exterior is an even, bright color and has scales like a dragon.
How to eat: Despite its inviting color, the skin of the Dragon fruit is not edible. An easy way to consume Dragon Fruit is to cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh inside. It is possible to eat the flesh directly. Some even like it chilled. Dragon Fruit is sweet and tastes like a combination of kiwi and pear. It also contains tiny seeds like kiwi which are edible. Different juices and tropical drinks are made using Dragon fruit.
Health Benefits: Dragon Fruit contains Vitamin C, Potassium, and Calcium. Dragon is also a strong source of fiber and antioxidants.
Pummelo Fruit
Place of Origin: This fruit originated in Southeast Asia, but now grows also in warmer areas of the United States like California and Florida.
Description: This fruit very much resembles a grapefruit but larger. Additionally, it is much sweeter in taste. The fruit’s smooth exterior appears greenish yellow in color when it is ready to eat.
How to eat: Pummelo fruits are eaten just like a grapefruit; the flesh inside is directly consumable and the peels have culinary properties as well. Unlike a grapefruit, this fruit is very sweet. In fact many compare the fruit’s taste to chocolate pudding! Many bartenders even use Pummelos to make tasty tropical drinks.
Health Benefits: Pummelos are high in Vitamin C. Eating this exotic fruit also boosts the immune system and prevents Osteoporosis and strokes. While this fruit does have many health benefits, it is dangerous when mixed with certain medications.
The post 6 Exotic Fruits You’ve Probably Never Heard Of appeared first on HB News Network.
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