The world is brimming with diverse and remarkable fruits, far beyond the familiar ones we typically consume. Thanks to globalization, you might be surprised to find some of these exotic delights at your local supermarket or farmer’s market. Here are 10 unusual fruits you should definitely keep an eye out for:
10 Unique and Exotic Fruits
1. Durian
Known as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, durian is infamous for its strong odor, which resembles onions. Despite its pungent smell, this large, spiky fruit is cherished for its rich, custard-like flesh that offers a unique sweet and bitter taste.
To enjoy durian, you’ll need to use a screwdriver or hammer to pry open its thick skin along the seams. Once inside, you can extract the fleshy pods and indulge in this nutrient-packed fruit, which is rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, as well as phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc.
2. Pitaya (Dragon Fruit)
Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, is a vibrant, pomegranate-sized fruit that has gained popularity in juices and smoothies. Its striking skin and scale-like appearance give it a dragon-like look. When you cut it open, you can scoop out the slightly sweet and crunchy pulp and seeds, which taste like a blend of kiwi and pear.
Dragon fruit is loaded with magnesium, fiber, iron, vitamin C, prebiotics, and betacyanin—a natural colorant with antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also boasts antioxidant and anti-cancer effects that may help prevent breast cancer.
3. Jackfruit
As the national fruit of Bangladesh, jackfruit holds the title of the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. Its mild sweet taste and meat-like texture have made it a popular meat substitute in various dishes.
To enjoy jackfruit, slice it in half and remove the flesh. This fruit is rich in vitamin C and B, potassium, calcium, flavonoids, and carotenoids—nutrients that help reduce inflammation, protect against cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and age-related macular degeneration.
4. Lychee (Rambutan)
Lychee, also known as rambutan, derives its name from the Malayan word for hair due to the hair-like spikes on its red skin. This ping-pong-sized fruit offers a sweet, floral flavor but has a short shelf life, so it’s best enjoyed soon after purchase.
To eat rambutan, slice halfway around the fruit and pop out the flesh. It can be eaten raw, in salads, or in cocktails. Rambutans are high in vitamin C, flavanols, antioxidants, and also help regulate blood sugar levels, protect the liver, and reduce triglycerides and LDL (bad cholesterol).
5. Kiwano (Horned Melon)
Horned melon, also known as jelly melon, hedged gourd, African cucumber, English tomato, and melano, is an orange fruit with spiky skin and alien-like seeds. Despite its intimidating appearance, it has a sweet and fresh flavor reminiscent of bananas, kiwi, and cucumbers.
To enjoy horned melon, slice it in half and scoop out the green seeds. It can be eaten raw, in salads, smoothies, or desserts. This fruit is high in vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, iron, and has a low glycemic index. It’s also low in calories and higher in protein compared to other fruits.
6. Gold Kiwifruit
Gold kiwifruit, while resembling green kiwis in shape, has smooth, hairless skin and vibrant yellow flesh with a smaller core and fewer seeds. It’s sweeter than green kiwis, yet low in sugar and high in fiber.
Gold kiwifruits boast the highest vitamin C content among fruits—three times more than oranges. To enjoy, simply cut and scoop out the flesh or slice into pieces. The skin is also edible, just wash it thoroughly beforehand.
7. Persimmon
Persimmons are bright orange fruits that look similar to tomatoes but have a sweet, mild, and rich taste. With an apricot-like texture, they are best enjoyed while firm and crisp. Simply slice persimmons like you would an apple.
This tropical fruit is high in vitamins A and C, magnesium, and antioxidants, which may help lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, and improve skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
8. Cherimoya (Custard Apple)
Native to South America, cherimoya, also known as custard apple, has an unusual appearance but offers a delightful sweet reward inside. Just be cautious of the seeds, which are toxic. This fruit has a custard-like texture and tastes like a blend of tropical fruits.
To eat, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and enjoy it raw, in salads, purees, or desserts. Cherimoyas are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium, and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties.
9. Golden Berries (Peruvian Groundcherry)
Golden berries, also known as Peruvian groundcherry, Inca berry, poha berry, husk cherry, or cape gooseberry, are bright orange fruits wrapped in a husk, similar to tomatillos. They have a sweet, tropical flavor resembling pineapple or mango.
Enjoy golden berries alone, in salads, or smoothie bowls. Ensure they are fully ripe, as unripe golden berries may be toxic. These berries are high in vitamin C, fiber, vitamin K, iron, antioxidants, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. They may also boost immunity and bone health and help combat the growth of cancer cells.
10. Feijoa (Pineapple Guava)
Feijoa, or pineapple guava, is a sweet and tangy fruit worth trying. Resembling guavas and pineapples, it also has a slight strawberry flavor. The green fruit, about the size of a small avocado, can be enjoyed in smoothies, cocktails, desserts, and fruit dishes.
