Rambutans and Wood Apples
While you’re probably used to seeing apples and bananas in your local grocery store, the world is actually filled with thousands of bizarre and delicious fruits that look like they're from another planet. Many of these tropical treasures have unique textures and flavors that would totally surprise your taste buds if you ever got the chance to try them. From spiky exteriors to interiors that look like custard, the diversity of nature's snacks is pretty mind-blowing once you start looking beyond the produce aisle.
1. Rambutan
This Southeast Asian fruit looks a bit intimidating because its bright red skin is covered in soft, hair-like spines. Once you peel away the hairy exterior, you'll find a translucent white fruit that's sweet and slightly acidic. It makes for a refreshing treat.
2. Akebia
You'll mostly find this chocolate-scented vine growing in Japan, where it produces striking purple pods that pop open when they're ripe. The inside contains a gooey white pulp filled with tiny seeds that has a mild and sweet flavor. Most people describe the taste as being similar to a melon with a hint of coconut.
José Francisco de Paula Filho on Pexels
3. Jabuticaba
As if growing grapes on your tree trunk wasn’t cool enough, jabuticabas also come in dark purple! The jabuticaba is a Brazilian grape that grows on the trunk of trees. White and jelly-like, the interior can be made into jams or fermented.
Alexandre CampolinaCampola on Wikimedia
4. Salak
Snake Fruit, aka salak, is a weird little palm fruit that sports a skin texture reminiscent of an actual reptile. The inside, however, resembles large cloves of garlic and tastes like a blend of pineapple and lemon. Crunchy and fun to eat, salak hails from Indonesia.
5. Cherimoya
Twain declared this fruit the king of flavors, and you’ll soon see why. Easy to identify by its green exterior and spiky surface, the cherimoya fruit’s white flesh is buttery smooth and tastes like banana, peach, and strawberry all mixed together. Eat with a spoon!
6. Finger Lime
Looks like teeny tiny grapes, tastes like key lime pie. Finger limes are sometimes called citrus caviar because the small fruits house little balls of juice inside that burst when you chew them.
7. Monstera Deliciosa
You might know this as a popular houseplant, but it actually produces a long, scaly fruit that tastes like a tropical fruit salad. You have to be patient because it takes about a year to ripen and is actually toxic if you eat it before the scales fall off naturally. Once it's ready, the flavor is wonderful.
8. Miracle Berry
This berry from West Africa will make sour foods taste sweet. The miracle berry doesn’t have much flavor on its own, but it does contain a protein that causes your taste buds to perceive sour flavors as sweet for up to three hours after you eat it.
9. Black Sapote
If you've ever wanted a fruit that tastes exactly like chocolate pudding, then this is the one for you. The green fruit turns a dark, muddy brown when it's fully ripe and has a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for desserts. It’s a great healthy alternative.
Oscar Alejandro Morales Juárez on Wikimedia
10. Langsat
These small, beige fruits grow in clusters like grapes and are a staple in many parts of Southeast Asia. The interior is divided into clear segments that are sweet and tangy, though you'll want to avoid biting the bitter seeds. They're incredibly easy to peel and make for a perfect portable snack while you're on the go.
11. Durian
Known as the king of fruits, this large and spiky specimen is famous for having a smell so strong that it’s banned on public transit in some countries. While the odor is polarizing, the creamy flesh inside is beloved by many for its complex and savory-sweet flavor profile. You'll either absolutely love it or want to stay as far away.
12. Cupuaçu
Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, this fruit hides its white inner fruit behind a thick brown husk. It’s widely used in South America to make juices, smoothies, and even a type of chocolate called "cupulate." The flavor is often described as a mix of pear, banana, and passion fruit with a hint of cream.
13. Mangosteen
Fit for royalty, the mangosteen’s sweet flavor has earned it the nickname queen of fruits. White and snow-like on the inside, you’ll have to crack open the mangosteen’s thick rind to reveal its sweet-tasting treasure. Said to be Queen Victoria’s favorite, this purple goodie is sure to become one of yours, too.
14. Wood Apple
With skin hard as wood, you’ll need a hammer to get to the pulp inside this South Asian fruit. Found in India and Sri Lanka, wood apple tastes pungent and is brown in color. Combine with sugar and coconut milk to make a tasty drink!
Seisfeldt at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
15. Breadfruit
This large, green fruit gets its name because it actually smells and feels like freshly baked bread when it's cooked. It’s a versatile staple in the Pacific Islands and can be roasted, fried, or even ground into flour for various recipes. You'll find that it's a great source of energy.
Forest & Kim Starr on Wikimedia
16. Pepino Melon
This South American native looks like a cross between a melon and a tomato, often featuring beautiful purple stripes on its yellow skin. The flesh is very watery and mild, tasting like a light combination of honeydew and cucumber. It's a great addition to salads.
Vegan Feast Catering on Wikimedia
17. Santol
Also known as the cotton fruit, this round snack has a thick skin and a white, fluffy interior that clings to the seeds. You usually just suck on the pulp to enjoy its sweet and sour flavor before discarding the rest. It’s a common sight in night markets across Thailand.
plantboyofsingapore on Wikimedia
18. Gac Fruit
Beautiful and brightly colored, this fruit stands out in a crowd. Originating from Vietnam, gac is known to contain large amounts of beta-carotene and lycopene. The seeds of the gac fruit are often used for decorating traditional rice dishes.
19. Nipa Palm Fruit
These jelly-like seeds come from a palm tree that grows in muddy swamps and coastal regions. They're usually translucent and have a chewy texture that's very popular in iced desserts and drinks throughout Southeast Asia. It’s quite a process to harvest.
20. Dragon Fruit
While this one has become more popular lately, its vibrant pink skin and green scales still make it one of the most exotic-looking fruits out there. The speckled white or red flesh inside is very mild and filled with tiny, crunchy seeds that give it a texture similar to kiwi. You'll find it's a perfect way to add a pop of color to any smoothie bowl or fruit platter.
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