An important part of every trip is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture through gastronomic discoveries. Gastronomic tourism provides a unique opportunity to taste amazing dishes and unusual tastings. Special attention should be paid to exotic fruits, which often become a real find for travelers.
However, when going to warm countries, people are not always familiar with the variety of tropical fruits and their names. We invite you on an exciting journey through the world of fruits to introduce you to the most interesting desserts from different parts of the planet.
Carambola
Carambola is an exotic fruit that is very popular not only in Asian countries, but also in Ukraine. This fruit has become a real hit in haute cuisine due to its unique appearance. The shape of the carambola resembles a bright star, and its size can be compared to a large goose egg. The color of the carambola is bright yellow, and when cut it opens in the form of a small star.
Carambola can be used both with the pulp and with the skin. This fruit is useful both fresh and after heat treatment. The taste of carambola can be slightly sour or pleasantly sweet. Travelers describe its taste in different ways: for some it resembles the taste of a plum, for others it resembles a grape, and someone compares it to an apple. But everyone agrees that this fruit is surprisingly tasty and interesting. Carambola is rich in sodium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, as well as vitamins of group B and C. It can be served raw, deep-fried or even boiled in sweet syrup.
Guava
Guava, which strongly resembles our pear and with a delicate sour taste, is a fruit that grows in tropical areas such as Mexico, South America, India and parts of Southeast Asia. Externally, it is an oval fruit-shaped plant with a diameter of 10 to 14 centimeters, colored in yellow-green tones. Guava ripens on small leafy bushes.
Eating unripe guavas can be dangerous, as with any other fruit. At the very least, it can cause an upset stomach. In addition, an unripe guava has a pronounced acidity and an unpleasant, astringent taste. However, when these exotic fruits reach full maturity, they become delicious and provide health benefits.
Guava is recommended for use in case of poisoning, as well as when trying to lose weight and with mild inflammatory processes in the digestive organs. Fresh guava juice and the seeds of this fruit have a beneficial effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Guava can be eaten with the skin on, but diabetics are advised to be careful as it can raise the glucose level in the body.
Mangosteen
This unique fruit is known by various names - mangosteen, mangkut, garcinia and mangosteen, and it grows in tropical regions of South Asia such as Vietnam, Thailand and India. The appearance of this berry resembles a rounded eggplant with a purple-burgundy skin. Its average weight is about 200 grams, and when you cut it, you will find a white, soft flesh. The inner layer of this fruit is surprisingly delicate and resembles a marshmallow. Mangosteen has a sweet taste and is a popular ingredient in various jams, desserts, nectars, syrups and juices. Its appeal also lies in its multifaceted flavors, reminiscent of peach, pineapple and lychee flavors, according to chef reviews.
Mangosteen peel, which is used in folk medicine, also attracts considerable attention. However, it is worth remembering that the use of this fruit is not recommended during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, as well as in the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver.
Longan
The King of Exotics Longan, often referred to as the younger brother of lychee, is a true master of creating magic in your language of taste. This amazing fruit is sweet and juicy, like a drop of nectar, with an incredible aroma, in which the taste of musk is hidden. The peculiarity of longan is its rich sugar content, enriched with vitamin C, calcium, iron and phosphorus. Moreover, this exotic fruit has many bioacids that have a beneficial effect on the skin, giving it youth and radiance. Try this king of the exotic and give your taste buds unforgettable moments of pleasure.
The fruit, named "Dragon's Eye", impresses with its unusual appearance, which slightly resembles a melon, and has a rich content of vitamins. In everyday life, this exotic product is known as longan, and it grows on tall trees reaching ten meters in height in Thailand. Lush leaves hide round yellow fruits, and after removing the skin, you will find white flesh rich in trace elements such as organic acids, protein, calcium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, iron and much more.
Due to its original sweet taste, Dragon's Eye fruit is very popular among locals and tourists. It is used raw, peeled, and as part of various rice dishes. It is also served with braised grits and coconut milk. Some local chefs use longan to make sauces and even ice cream. Dragon's eye fruit is not attributed with negative properties, but moderation in consumption is always important to avoid excessive consumption of this exotic gift of nature.
Noina
A fruit with a rich sweet taste, also known as a sugar apple. However, its aroma and taste are more reminiscent of apricot. This tropical gift of nature is used in its entirety, starting from the roots and ending with the fruits. Decoctions and tinctures are prepared from the leaves, roots and bark of the noina, which can help with high temperature and even dysentery.
When choosing noina above the market, it is important to pay attention to its maturity. The best option is ripe fruit. It should be green, feel heavy and soft to the touch. In addition, noina must come out with a pleasant and rich aroma.
Do not forget that noina seeds are not intended for internal use - they have value in the field of cosmetology and are used exclusively in the form of oil.
Cepodilla
Chocolate chiku, also known as cepodilla, is an incredible treat for the taste buds. This exotic gift of nature looks like small beige or brown balls, hiding juicy orange flesh and large black oblong seeds inside. To immerse yourself in its incredibly sweet taste, you should get rid of the bitter skin and hard seeds.
Chiku impresses with its caramel aroma and sweet taste, but some varieties can delight you with coffee or even chocolate notes. Its flesh is tender, and to fully enjoy this fruit, choose large specimens. Before use, it is recommended to cool the chika, and then cut it in half or cut it into slices. You can enjoy the pulp by eating it with a spoon, or simply bite off pieces, as if it were a watermelon or a melon.
Sirsac
Also known as sousep, it is a tropical fruit that visually resembles a cone. On a branch, this prickly fruit can easily go unnoticed, but it is very popular among Asian gourmets. Its other name is sour apple. Soursak has a sweet-sour taste and is rich in useful elements.
Researchers are actively claiming that soursop may have valuable properties in the treatment of cancer. In Chinese medicine, powders obtained from dried fruits of soursac are added to medicines and tablets.
European scientists, conducting research, found out that this fruit is really able to slow down the spread of the disease and reduce the activity of cancer cells. Although soursop cannot completely replace chemotherapy, it can play an important role in cancer prevention. Nevertheless, do not abuse the use of soursac, despite its pleasant taste and useful properties. Excessive consumption of this fruit can cause intoxication and even hallucinations.
Lychee
Lychee is a Chinese plum that grows in the form of bunches and has a delicate pink-red color. The fruits are covered with a convex skin with small protrusions, and inside they hide a soft, light pulp and a small stone. The taste of lychees resembles grapes, and the texture is similar to frozen jelly.
Lychee is not only tasty, but also a memorable treat. When choosing this sweet plum, pay attention to its condition: the berries should not be too soft or dry. A dark burgundy shade indicates that the fruit may not be completely fresh. As an alternative, you can consider dried lychees, which are used to prepare syrups, jellies and even add to ice cream.
Lychees are rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamins of group C, which helps strengthen the cardiovascular system. In addition, Chinese doctors recommend the use of lychee to those who struggle with high cholesterol.
Pitahaya
Also known as "dragon's heart", it is a fruit that attracts attention with its unusual appearance and multifaceted beauty. However, few people know how tasty it really is. The appearance of pitahaya depends on its variety: white pitahaya has pink skin and white flesh, red pitahaya has pink skin and red flesh, and yellow pitahaya has yellow skin and white flesh, respectively. Each variety has its unique taste and health benefits.
Pitahaya not only looks bright, but is also highly popular due to its unique taste palette and rich nutritional composition. This fruit is rich in fiber and antioxidants, making it ideal for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition, pitahaya is recommended for diabetics, as it helps lower blood sugar levels.
A variety of desserts and juices are prepared from pitahaya, and the pulp is added to salads and light snacks. It can be eaten raw by cutting the fruit in half and eating the pulp with a spoon. The skin of the fruit, despite its beauty, is not intended for consumption and is rather used for decorative purposes.
The only negative side effects can be allergic reactions and disorders with excessive use. However, with moderate use, pitahaya will be an unforgettable discovery for your taste buds and a positive contribution to your health.
Sapota
Ripe black sapota is an exotic fruit that, despite its unusual appearance, has gained popularity in Central America and Mexico. The size of the ripe fruit reaches ten centimeters in diameter. Inside hides a sticky and slightly viscous pulp, as well as several large seeds. The main feature of sapota is its indescribable chocolate taste.
The skin of this fruit has a green tint, while the pulp is colored in a black-brown range. In addition, sapota is rich in vitamin C and calcium, which makes it an ideal choice for health care. It is also ideal for dieters because it has almost no fat.
Kiwano
Cucumber or horned melon occupies one of the top places in the list of the most amazing tropical fruits. Its yellow-green spiky skin and green pulp, reminiscent of citrus in texture, make this fruit extremely attractive. Kiwano definitely deserves a place on both your desk and your Instagram profile.
Another name for this fruit is Antillean cucumber. Kiwano grows in New Zealand, central Africa and California. Its taste combines notes of cucumber, banana and melon with a slight accent of kiwi. Agree, this is a unique combination of flavors!
Remember that it is better to limit the use of kivano within the limits. In addition to its taste, this fruit will also enrich your body with vitamins B and C. Cut it in half and enjoy the pulp, including the seeds.
Jabotikaba
Tree fruit or Jaboticaba is a unique fruit that grows directly on the tree, including its bark. This exotic fruit comes from Brazil and is in demand in cooking for the creation of desserts, as well as for the preparation of liqueurs and wines. In addition, jaboticaba is known for its beneficial properties because it can help in the fight against asthma, dysentery and stomach disorders.
A peculiarity of the frog is its susceptibility to rapid spoilage. After harvesting, the fruit should be consumed within two to three days. That is why you can often find jams, jams and syrups from this unusual fruit in stores and restaurants in Brazil.
Salak
There is another mysterious and snake fruit that is not so easy to process. From the inside it is so tasty and tender, and from the outside it is hidden under a cover that resembles the skin of a snake - brown-black and prickly. This unique fruit is called salak or snake fruit.
Be careful when peeling the fruit, because the small scales can cause cuts. However, the inner flesh is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and beta-carotene.
But you should not indulge in excessive consumption of lard. Despite its pleasant pineapple taste, excessive consumption can lead to allergic reactions and even poisoning.
Finger lime
Lime, known as "finger lime", is often associated with rolls decorated with red caviar. But in fact, it is an exotic fruit that not only looks great, but also tastes identical to a regular lime. The oval fruits of this fruit hide red and pink caviar balls filled with juicy juice. It is this caviar that is used to create unique desserts and dishes, especially when preparing fish and meat dishes.
In addition to its amazing taste, Finger lime is rich in beneficial enzymes that promote toning and regeneration of the body.
However, it is worth remembering that moderation is always the key to a healthy diet. Overeating this fruit can cause an allergic reaction. People suffering from ulcers, pancreatitis, gastritis, colitis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should also avoid using finger lime.
Akebia
Chocolate liana, whose scientific name is akebia, is a real treasure, where every part of it is used for good. This fruit, which looks like a pear, opens up a lot of taste and culinary possibilities.
The akebia fruit is cut in half or small incisions are made to extract the white, slightly pearly pulp along with the small seeds. It is like an independent dessert, the enjoyment of which brings pleasure.
But the purple skin of the chocolate liana becomes an excellent basis for the filling. It is combined with both meat and seafood, creating a unique dish that is brought to the table after baking.
And even the leaves of this unusual fruit can be used - they are dried and served as tea or seasoning, adding new notes to culinary compositions.
Chocolate liana tastes like raspberry, but with that unique aroma of chocolate that remains in memories. Also, one cannot forget the smell of the flowers of the fruit tree, which envelops you while walking near the akebia tree during its flowering period. This is a real enjoyment of the aromas of nature.
Biriba
This fruit is a yellow sphere with a delicate scaly skin that gradually darkens. Inside it hides white flesh with small black bones. The taste of biriba resembles notes of lemon meringue. It is harvested at the initial stages of ripening, without waiting for full maturity, and the remaining ripening takes place already in storage and on the shelves.
The main place of germination and sale of biriba is South America. The main sign of the maturity of this fruit is the yellow skin, which begins to blacken. Overripe biriba becomes inedible and bitter.
The ripe fruit can be eaten raw, as well as used to make juices, syrups and even wine. It is interesting that musical instruments are made from the dried fruits of this fruit!
Melotria rough
Melotria, like a natural artist, plays its unique symphony in the world of fruits. Its appearance resembles small watermelons, but its taste is completely different. From the first bite, you will feel a gentle sourness, accompanied by a slight hint of lemon. It's like a pleasant melody flowing through your tongue.
Melotria grows on graceful curly bushes and naturally becomes an excellent defense against cancer. Its skin reliably protects the delicate flesh, which resembles a cucumber, and makes this fruit a real find for healthy eating.
When collecting melotria, it is important to remember that overripe fruits lose their beauty. Fresh and timely picked fruits are not only tasty, but also useful. You can use them for marinades and salting, giving dishes a special oriental accent. Pickled melotria is a real hit in Asian restaurants.
This fruit is also ideal for weight watchers and even diabetics. It has properties that can help you achieve your desired weight loss results and control your blood sugar levels. However, be careful if you have problems with the cardiovascular system or the gastrointestinal tract. It is always best to consult your doctor before adding new foods to your diet.
Tamarillo
Although tamarillo is a fruit, its appearance and taste resemble tomatoes. Its skin has a red-yellow-hot shade, and the flesh is red-burgundy. The bush on which the tamarillo grows also resembles a tomato bush, but it is much larger in size.
The taste of tamarillo varies depending on its variety and can be used in various culinary options. The red tamarind is the most common and has an orange-sweet flesh that is often used to garnish dishes and as an addition to main dishes. The yellow tamarillo is sweeter and smaller in size, while the orange tamarillo is less sweet but the juiciest of all types.
The skin of this fruit is not eaten, as it is hard and has a bitter taste. Tamarillo pulp is juicy and sweet, it is rich in vitamins A, B and C, and also contains a low amount of sugar, which makes it suitable for diabetics. Peeling a tamarind can be a difficult task, so it is recommended to boil it for a few seconds or simply cut it and eat it with a spoon.
Wonder berries
Also known as wonder berries, these fruits resemble barberry in their red color and size. They got the name "amazing" due to their unique effect on the perception of taste. After you taste these berries, any other food you eat will seem sweet to you. This effect is due to the presence of glycol-protein, which reduces the sensitivity of receptors that are responsible for all tastes, except sweet. Interestingly, the duration of this effect is two hours.
However, you should not abuse these fruits. Despite their amazing taste properties, they are not credited with any unique medical benefits. Still, "wonder" berries can be useful for dieters, as they can help reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.
Durian
The main attribute of durian is its unique combination of unpleasant aroma and exciting taste. The aroma of this fruit is described as a mixture of rancid onion, raw cheese and turpentine. Some compare it to the smell of sea fish and the smell of sewage, seasoned with hints of garlic (which is due to the high content of organic sulfur). This specific aroma makes it impossible to carry durian on public transport or stay with it in a hotel.
However, its unique taste makes up for this drawback. The pulp of the fruit has a rich nutty and cheesy taste with hints of banana, mango, and pineapple, reminiscent of a mixture of ice cream and ripe strawberries. Another characteristic feature of durian is its incompatibility with alcohol, as it can cause a significant increase in blood pressure.
Monstera is delicate
Botanically known as Monstera deliciosa, is a vine belonging to the aroid plant family. Its exotic fruits develop to impressive sizes, reaching a length of 20 to 30 centimeters, and at the same time resemble a half-opened young corn cob, having a unique taste mixed with nuances of banana and pineapple.
However, it is worth remembering that unripe fruits of this plant should be avoided. This is due to their high content of calcium oxalate, which can cause unpleasant burning and discomfort in the mouth when consumed.
The delicious Monstera can be found in various parts of the world, including Guatemala, Panama, Mexico, Australia and even the Seychelles. Its exotic nature and unique fruits make it an interesting object of study and pleasure for those who appreciate the diversity of nature.
Rambutan
Also known as the "hairy nut", it got its unusual name due to the "hairs" that densely cover its surface. These thin, small spines create a characteristic appearance of the fruit.
For a better idea, you can compare it with a chestnut, except that there is an edible stone inside the rambutan. The flesh of the fruit is a white, sweet and juicy mass that pleasantly melts in the mouth.
Breadfruit tree
This amazing fruit provides a variety of possibilities for consumption. When its fruit is ripe, you can enjoy a sweet and creamy taste, and if you have an unripe fruit, it will add a hint of freshly baked bread to your taste experience, creating a unique gastronomic experience.
