Btw, if you happen to have some travel- addict friends, you should definitely ask them to bring a souvenir — exotic fruits!
1. Jackfruit
It’s the largest tree-borne fruit in the world and can sometimes grow up to 80 lb in weight. The starchy fruit has a subtle sweetness and apple/banana flavor and is native to Southeast Asia.
When cooked, it takes on the flavor of other ingredients and shreds like pulled pork so it is becoming popular in the U.S. as a vegan meat substitute.
2. Jabuticaba
Jabuticaba is a rare, purple colored fruit native to Southeastern Brazil. Unlike other fruits, jabuticaba bear in the trunk of its tree.
This fruit looks like grapes but has tougher outer skin. The whitish pulp of jabuticaba is very fragrant and sweet.
3. Ackee
Jamaica’s Ackee, originally native to West Africa, looks colorful and delicious…which just goes to show how looks can deceive.
Ripened Ackee turn yellow-red and burst open by themselves — but if you’re unwise enough to pry open an unripened fruit and try the flesh inside, you’ll quickly become a victim of Jamaican Vomiting Sickness, technically known as hypoglycin poisoning. You could be dead within a day.
And don’t even think of trying the seeds. Despite all this, Jamaicans love the ripe yellow flesh of the Ackee fruit, and it’s an ingredient in their national dish.
The Jamaican Ackee is one weird fruit!
4. Buddha’s Hand
Ever heard of a Fingered Citron? How about a Buddha’s Hand? Its thick, lemony rind and pith (the white part) is often candied into a delicious citrus delicacy, infused with spirits or made into liqueurs. However, the small amount of inside flesh is quite sour and rarely used in food.
Originating from India and China, the weird looking Buddha’s hand doesn’t taste as bitter, and is mostly used for zesting and flavoring purposes.
5. Aguajefruit
Wrapped up in the reddish scales is the delectable fruit known as Aguaje. Found mostly in Amazon rainforest and many parts of Peru, this fruit is also a great source of Vitamin A and C.
Its pulp is also occasionally used to treat burns. When fermented, it makes a delicious, exotic wine!
How many for the list have you tried?
Take the challenge to try them all and let us know your favorite one!