Exotic fruits are foreign fruits, fruits from hot countries. Currently, in any supermarket, not to mention the market, almost regardless of the season, we see exotic fruits on sale.

After fresh local fruits disappear from our shelves. exotic fruits are becoming one of the healthiest pleasures.

They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. I noticed that we are stimulated instantly. Exotic fruits are something that can quench both thirst and hunger at the same time. They are very convenient to use. If we don't have time to have breakfast, they can be eaten on the go.

Peaches, nectarines, bananas and many other exotics have long been familiar to us. But have you ever tried some of the more exotic varieties of fruit?

Sometimes their peculiar shape and “exterior” look simply otherworldly or cosmic. Rarely imported into Russia, exotic fruits have strange shapes and no less strange names. But how unexpectedly they can breathe new life into the dishes we prepare.

Almost all exotic fruits have an individual taste and texture. Sometimes the skin of an exotic fruit is hard and rough, so it has to be cut off before eating the fruit. Exotic fruits are wonderful as desserts, and sometimes as an additional side dish for cold meat appetizers.

I propose to briefly go through the names of exotic fruits in alphabetical order and enjoy their virtual beauty and natural diversity. Expanding our gastronomic horizons.

Names of exotic fruits with photos

Exotic fruit apricots

Apricots have a sweet and aromatic taste. They are very useful for the female figure.
They are most often sold dried and canned. Apricot fruits cannot be eaten on an empty stomach, but otherwise there are no special contraindications.

Exotic fruits pineapples

Pineapple is a juicy fruit with sweet and sour flesh. More often it is eaten in its natural form, or added to various salads. Pineapple is generally considered the most popular tropical fruit in the world. Since ancient times, people have loved pineapple; it was something new at that time, and its taste was considered incomparable.

Exotic fruit Orange

I think many of us don’t even realize that orange is an exotic fruit. But, nevertheless, it is so. Orange has an excellent aroma and is very pleasant to taste, and it is also a real source of vitamins that humans need (provitamin A, vitamins C, P, B1, B2, B6). Orange also contains a large amount of carbohydrates, fiber, nitrogenous and pectin substances, minerals, phytoncides, and essential oils.

Exotic fruits - Watermelon

Watermelon is known throughout the world, so it is difficult to classify it as an exotic fruit, but it is still so. Watermelon contains a bunch of vitamins, although it is considered a dietary product. Watermelon can be eaten in its natural form, or canned. There is also an interesting gourmet fad - frying watermelon seeds.

Exotic fruits - Bananas

Bananas are a very nutritious fruit, so you could theoretically live your entire life eating only them. Bananas can be consumed raw, dried, or canned. Bananas can also be baked, added to salads and other delicious dishes.

Exotic fruit - Pomegranate

Everyone mostly knows pomegranate by its juice, as it is used to color wines. Pomegranate juice itself is astringent and has a sour-sweet taste. Pomegranate seeds are used only for decorating decorative dishes or making a delicious salad. Pomegranate syrup is used for cooking.

Exotic fruits - Grapefruit

Grapefruit is one of the world's most famous tropical fruits. The birthplace of this fruit is Barbados. And now grapefruit is truly one of the “seven wonders of Barbados”. Grapefruit is good for weight loss and also contains a sea of ​​vitamins.

Exotic fruits - Guava

Guava is a small, pear-shaped fruit. The homeland of guava is South America, to be more precise, Peru. Guava has conquered the whole world with its taste! Guava fruits are medicinal and should be eaten fresh.

Exotic fruit - Durian

Durian is the king of exotic fruits. The durian fruit is studded with prickly thorns, and the weight sometimes reaches ten kilograms. Durian is the most expensive fruit compared to others.

I suggest you watch an interesting video sketch

And we continue our journey through the virtual market of exotic fruits.

Exotic fruits - Melon

Melon is an oval-shaped fruit with a yellowish tint. The homeland of melon is considered to be Asia Minor and Central Asia. In the European part of the world, melon began to exist in the 15th-16th centuries.

Exotic fruits - Carambola

Carambola is a yellow fruit with a sweet and sour taste. This fruit is good to decorate various dishes, or use in salads, or as an addition to fish and meat.

Exotic fruits - Figs

Figs are otherwise called wine berries. Figs can be fresh or dried. The berries have white-pink flesh and a sweet-sour taste. Figs are consumed in their natural form or in salad.

Exotic fruits - Kiwano

Kiwano is an exotic fruit with a hard peel and juicy green pulp. If you look at the accumulation of grains inside the fruit, it looks like a cucumber. The fruit tastes like lime and banana. It is correct to eat Kiwano with a spoon, and no other way.

Exotic fruits - Kiwi

Kiwi is a famous exotic fruit. It used to be called “Chinese gooseberry”. The name “kiwi” was given to the fruit in honor of the wingless bird kiwi. Kiwi is rich in the famous vitamin C. Kiwi is good to eat in salads and with ice cream.

Exotic fruit - Lychee

Lychee - "Chinese plum". Lychee grows like grapes - in clusters. The most popular lychee variety is kirn cheng. These are red berries with a spherical shape. Lychees can be added to many dishes, thereby imparting a delicious taste.

Exotic fruits - Mango

Mango is a special tropical fruit. Its structure is filamentous, and its taste is sweet and very pleasant. The color of the peel is light green or red-brown. However, the ripeness of a mango is determined by touch. If, when you press on the sides of the stalk, small dents appear, the fruit is ripe. And vice versa, if the surface is hard, the fruit needs to ripen.
Mango is rich in vitamins, especially group A. Mango is used when eating with salads and ice cream.

Exotic fruits - Mangosteen

Mangosteen is one of the most popular tropical fruits. Mangosteen is a spherical fruit of dark shades. Inside it is white pulp, which tastes great, as it resembles a delicate, pleasant cream. The main supplier of this fruit is Thailand.

Exotic fruits - Passion fruit

Passion fruit is another special tropical fruit. Homeland - Brazil. The shape of the fruit is oval or spherical, the color depends on the variety. Nowadays, passion fruit is very popular and widespread in all tropical countries.

Exotic fruits - Nectarine

Nectarine is a hybrid of plum and peach. This fruit is eaten in its natural form. Nectarine is used to make salads, jams, compotes, and pies.

Exotic fruits - Passionflower

Passionflower is a rather unusual fruit with jelly-like pulp with a fresh, sour taste. Passionflower is used as a flavoring additive for desserts.

Exotic fruits - Papaya

Papaya is a tropical fruit grown in the subtropics. Homeland - South America. Papaya is rich in vitamins C and A. Papaya is best eaten in its natural form.

Exotic fruits - Peach

Peach is our favorite fruit. Peach can be canned or fresh, and has white or yellow flesh. Peach is great for eating in salads or making jam.

Exotic fruits - Pomelo

Pomelo is the largest citrus fruit. Weight can be up to one kilogram. Homeland - China. Pomelo has a sweet taste and a large fibrous structure. Pomelo is mainly grown in South Asia and Thailand.

Exotic fruits - Rambutan

Rambutan is a very amazing exotic fruit that has a strange appearance. Rambutan is a red, hairy fruit. Despite its unusual appearance, rambutan is very tasty. The main rule when eating this fruit is not to bite the kernel of the seeds, then you will not spoil the true taste. Also, rambutan should be eaten only in its natural form.

Exotic fruits - Tamarind

Tamarind is a famous tropical fruit. Its homeland is East Africa. Tamarind belongs to the legume family. The tamarind fruit is brown, pod-shaped, elongated.

Exotic fruits - Dates

Dates are a fruit very rich in vitamins. It is best used in salads.

Exotic fruits - Persimmon

Persimmon is the most famous exotic fruit in our time. It is used in salads, added to baked goods, and also served with cold meat appetizers.

I want to end my post with a video story.

Be sure to watch the suggested video. It seemed so beautiful and tasty and aromatic and magical and magical to me. Just a Garden of Eden and a holiday, a holiday, a holiday!

I found an interesting test about exotic fruits on the Internet and passed it. I suggest you have fun and take this test.

With this, I say goodbye to you and hope that the living natural colors and virtual fruity taste and aroma gave you several pleasant and joyful minutes.

A short tour of the fruits of Thailand, their descriptions, prices and seasonality. There are a lot of fruits, and they all deserve special attention, because they are incredibly tasty and unusual.

(Durian)
Thai name: too rian / too-ree-an (Turian)

This is the most popular fruit in Thailand! There is so much talk about it that no other fruit is talked about. Durian is often debated, as it has many passionate lovers and haters.

The season of this divine fruit of Thailand begins from April-May to September, with the peak in August. When it ripens, its amazing aroma begins to be very noticeable through the peel, which can begin to burst on its own, although it is very thick and tough. The ripe pulp is very creamy, reminiscent of ice cream or cream for a cake, sometimes condensed milk. When people try durian for the first time, many people think that its sweetness has a hint of fried onions, and sometimes it has a dumpling/white flavor. But after the second or third taste of durian, no one feels anything like it. There are many varieties of durian, and they all differ greatly in both taste and appearance.

Durian pulp is slightly fatty, about 5 grams per 100 grams of product. This is a very filling fruit! Typically, durian lovers eat so much of it that they quickly gain weight.

It is best to buy unpeeled durian and either peel it yourself or have the sellers do it for you. The thing is that already opened, peeled durian quickly oxidizes in air, which is why it can acquire an unpleasant smell and taste. A fresh, good durian will never cause any discomfort.

Inside the pieces of pulp, which can be yellow, orange and white, there is one large brown seed. Durian is usually eaten with hands, without any utensils.

(Jackfruit)
Thai name: ka-noon / kha-nun (kanNun)

This is the largest fruit in the world! Its weight can reach 40-50 kg. In Thailand, it is most often sold already peeled, precisely because of its large size, as well as because of the problems when cutting it. The fact is that the layers between the segments of jackfruit pulp contain a sticky substance - latex... which can only be washed off with oil (coconut, vegetable or other).

On average, jackfruit fruits weigh 10-15 kg, and one fruit contains from 100 to 500 segments of pulp (lobes), each of which has a large seed inside. Thais do not throw away jackfruit seeds, but fry and eat them. They taste and texture like fried potatoes. And raw jackfruit seeds, respectively, raw potatoes.

(Carambola, Star Fruits)
Thai name: ma-fuang (MafuAn)

A very juicy, watery fruit, but the taste is not particularly bright (slightly sour). This fruit is more beautiful than tasty. Maybe someone will like it, but I wasn’t into it.
Season: all year round.

(Wax Jambu, Java Apple, Rose Apple, Water Apple, Bell Fruit, Malay apple)
In Thai: Chom-phoo.

Something like carambola, a beautiful fruit and very juicy, but the taste is not bright... pine. It even felt like I was chewing Christmas tree needles. The shape is unusual, like a bell.
Season: winter and spring (but available all year round)

Pineapples
Thai name: saparot (saparOt)

Thai pineapples are incredibly sweet. There are three varieties:
1) Elongated, prickly yellow pineapples with bright yellow flesh of a dense consistency, like cabbage.
2) Plump pineapples with green or yellow-green peel and light yellow almost white flesh, very delicate consistency, super juicy.
3) Tiny sugar mini pineapples.

Season all year round.

Read about all the varieties of pineapples in Thailand.

Watermelons
Thai name: taeng mo

Thai watermelons are incredibly sweet by tropical standards. Much sweeter than Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Their sweetness is similar to that of Vietnamese watermelons. The most common variety is small watermelons with dark skin. Their weight is on average from 2 to 4 kg.

There are also yellow watermelons in Thailand. Externally, they differ in the color of their peel - it is light green with characteristic stripes. Yellow watermelons in Thailand are significantly more expensive than red ones. By the way, they taste different from red ones, no matter what they say. Red watermelons have their own signature watermelon flavor that yellow ones don't have. Yellow watermelons are simply sweet.

Bananas
Thai name: kluey / kluai (klui th)

In Thailand there are also large bananas, like the Ecuadorian ones, which are sold in Russia, but the small bananas are most valued here. The most common Thai bananas are as follows:
1) Small plump ones with plush skin (they are also Thai hairy bananas). The variety is called . They have white, sugary pulp; they often come across large black seeds, almost the size of a pea. You need to choose such bunches of bananas of this variety that there is not an ounce of green color on the peel; it is even better that the peel begins to turn black. Then the bananas will be truly tasty and sweet.
2) Small thin elongated bananas. Very aromatic, with white sweet flesh.
3) Small short bananas. They have bright yellow flesh, strong sweetness and rich aroma.

Season all year round, they grow like weeds in Thailand.

Pomelo(Pummelo, Shaddock)
In Thai: som-oh.

Very different from those brooms that are brought to Russia. Thai pomelos have a very pleasant taste, not intrusive, but bright. The varieties with pink flesh are especially tasty.

Thai name: som (som)

These are Thai tangerines. Their peculiarity is that the skin is often completely green or green with orange, while the flesh is always bright orange, with a bright taste, not like that of classic tangerines. Season all year round.

By the way, tropical citrus fruits always have green peel due to climatic conditions. Only in cooler climates does the peel turn orange.

It is a relative of the mango. Small sweet and sour fruits. For Thai plum to be truly tasty, you need to choose super ripe fruits. Otherwise, this fruit will be tart, sour and completely tasteless.

Season from December to March.

Thai name: som-tra (somtra)

These are imported oranges from the USA. Thailand does not grow its own oranges.

Their prices vary, from 39 to 140 baht/kg.

Melons

The taste of Thai melons is not at all bright; they are more like sweet pumpkins. Juicy, refreshing, but cannot compare with Uzbek Torpedoes. Small, 1.5-2 kg. Beige costs 35 baht/kg, yellow 79 baht/kg and green 99 baht/kg. Their consistency is not quite melon-like - more watery.

(Lychee, Lichee)
Thai name: lin-chi (linchi)

Santol(Thai apple, Santol, Kechapi)

A round fruit, the size of an apple, beige in color. Inside are white slices containing small seeds. In appearance and taste, the pulp resembles mangosteen, but is still less tasty. The santol seeds are not separated from the pulp at all, which is why few people like this fruit.

Season: May-August.

Grenades(Pomegranate)
Thai name: phila

Thai pomegranates have light skin. Not as tasty as Uzbek and Turkish.

Season: August-October.

In Thailand, very, very few of them are grown, which is very strange, because... In all countries bordering Thailand, everything is fine with avocados. It is Thai avocados that can be found on sale in September and October, but in limited quantities. Price 79 baht/kg. Were spotted in the Makro supermarket and on.
Outwardly, you might think that this is an imported variety, but in fact these are Thai avocados grown in Thailand. And they are smaller than Hass, the consistency is coarser, less fatty, and their taste is pine nut.

When traveling abroad, especially in warm countries, a Russian tourist encounters completely unknown fruits that he has never seen before. I, too, often don’t even believe my eyes what wonders of nature can be found on fruit stands. And so, in order not to bulge my eyes out of surprise next time at the sight of another amazing fruit, I decided to make a list for myself of what you can buy and try in foreign countries.

But I had no idea how much I would have to type! It turns out that there are so many exotic fruits on our wonderful planet that, most likely, few people will be able to try them all in their lifetime. So now on my list 85 exotic fruits , and these are not just photos with names, but descriptions and interesting information. I definitely plan to update it periodically, so if you want to learn about all the fruits, check back from time to time!

In addition to the name and common synonyms, for each fruit there is also a description of its appearance, a photograph and, if possible, the taste qualities are characterized in comparison with the tastes known to most people. Because I tried ( as it turned out) is only a small part, then I will talk about the taste of many exotic fruits based on reviews of the lucky ones who actually ate them, and, in many cases, I had to look for information on the bourgeois Internet.

I immediately warn botany experts that in the article the concepts are given at an everyday, understandable level. That is, there is no need to be indignant that in science the concept “ fruit" is absent, but there is only a general term " fetus" Here, by “fruit” I will mean delicacies that grow on trees, bushes or vines, usually sweet or sour-sweet, which can be bitten several times before it is finally eaten. And we will consider “berries” to be small fruits that can be eaten whole in one bite or even eaten by a handful and do not need to be peeled.

By the way, the article does not only cover tropical fruits, because even a representative of temperate latitudes can easily turn out to be exotic.

For ease of navigation through our very voluminous article, use the alphabetical index:

Abakashi(Abacaxi) is mainly grown in Brazil. Most readers, looking at a photo of the fruit, will say that it’s just a pineapple and it’s no longer exotic. But there is no need to rush! Yes, "abakashi" ( word from the Tupi-Guarani Indian language) is one of the varieties of this prickly fruit, but it is called differently for a reason. Strictly speaking, in Portuguese " abacaxi" And " pineapple" - these are synonyms, but with this second, familiar word, they mean a fruit familiar to us. At the same time, in markets in Brazil and Portugal, people prefer to buy “abakashi”, which many consider to be a separate fruit altogether.

Abakashi is rounder, yellower, sweeter, juicier than a regular pineapple ( translated from the words of the Portuguese and Brazilians) and its price is higher. I repeat, this information was taken from the “natives”, that is, from people who know the differences not in theory, but in practice, but for some reason in some articles you will find the opposite statement that abakashi is larger than a pineapple and has an elongated shape...

Like other types of pineapples, abakashi is rich in sucrose, vitamin C, minerals ( potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine), it contains B vitamins and provitamin A.

With your permission, I won’t add a simple, familiar pineapple to the article; we’ll make do with the more exotic abakashi.

Avara(Avarra, Tucum, Awara, Wara, Awarra, Tucum, Tucumã-do-Pará). This palm tree is actively cultivated in the north of the South American continent in countries such as Brazil, Suriname, Guyana, and Guiana. A tree of medium height (up to 15 meters) is notable for being covered with thorns ( both trunk and leaves) and the fruits grow in bunches.

The oval-shaped fruits are similar in size to a regular chicken egg and range in color from reddish brown to orange ( this one is more typical). The pulp is quite juicy, aromatic, its taste is most often compared to apricot, although in fact there is little pulp in them, since most of it is occupied by the pit.

Of course, the fruit contains both carbohydrates and proteins, but a particularly valuable component is fats, or rather oils with a high content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids ( for example, Avara is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9). Avar also contains a lot of vitamin A ( about three times more than carrots) and B2.

Actually, as an independent product in its raw form, avar is almost never consumed. Residents of the region where it is actively grown prefer to eat the fruits steamed as a side dish or make a kind of paste out of it, which is used as a base for other dishes. In addition, oil is extracted from Avara ( more from the seeds than from the pulp), which, due to its composition, has found application not only as ordinary palm oil, but also as a cosmetic product.

Avocado(Avocado, Perseus americana, Alligator pear). For many, it is no longer an exotic plant at all, but a very frequent guest of salads; it was included in this list simply because it was the first one that came to mind with the letter “A”. Avocados are originally from Mexico, and nowadays they are grown in almost all countries with a suitable tropical and subtropical climate. There are more than 400 varieties that have their own characteristics; I think that even true avocado connoisseurs will not be able to try them all.

The length of the avocado is up to 20 centimeters, the peel is inedible, the flesh is dense, yellow-green or greenish, with one large seed.

A ripe avocado is slightly oily with a slight nutty flavor. Avocado is a favorite of nutritionists around the world due to its many beneficial properties. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, potassium, which is very useful for the prevention of many cardiovascular diseases and has a positive effect on skin health, and also helps fight insomnia.

Aguage(Aguaje, Aguaje, Ita, Buriti, Canangucho) grows in the humid tropics of South America, where it is so incredibly popular that there are concerns for the plant population. Its popularity is due to the supposedly special properties of the fruit, thanks to which girls who consume it regularly maintain a slim figure without any effort; in addition, it is believed that aguage is a strong aphrodisiac.

The oval fruits are covered with reddish-brown scales, and underneath there is yellow flesh and one large seed. The taste of aguaja is characterized as pleasant, reminiscent of... carrots. In addition to eating fresh, it is used to make juices, jams, ice cream, and interesting wine is obtained from fermented fruits.

Contains a lot of vitamins A, C, as well as phytohormones that imitate female hormones.

Azimina(Nebraska banana, Mexican banana, Asimina, banana tree, Pawpaw, Paw-paw) native to North America, more precisely from the southern states of the USA. But this amazing, seemingly heat-loving plant is able to withstand extreme cold down to −30 Celsius! And thanks to such persistence, one of the ten species is “ Pawpaw three-lobed"- grown by amateur gardeners in our country.

The fruits are collected in inflorescences of up to 8 pieces; they have an oblong oval shape and reach up to 15 cm in length and up to 7 cm in diameter. The thin skin of the fruit changes color from greenish as it ripens ( in unripe ones) to yellowish and even dark brown. The pulp is juicy, light, sweet and very aromatic, often compared to custard. Up to 10 large flat bones are hidden inside. The disadvantage of pawpaw is the poor preservation of the collected fruits, so most often they are eaten freshly picked or various jams are prepared.

Pawpaw is rich in amino acids and microelements, sucrose, vitamins A and C. The fruits do an excellent job of normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and strengthening the immune system.

Akebia quintuple (Climbing cucumber). A very exotic plant can be found in Japan, China and Korea.

The length of the oblong fruits is about 8 centimeters, they are fleshy and colored purple-violet. Outwardly, it may seem completely unattractive - an oblong fruit of a violet-lilac color with pulp falling out. But appearance is deceiving - the pulp tastes like raspberries with a very pleasant aroma.

Aki(Ackee, Bligia is delicious). This tree is native to West Africa and is now also found in Central and South America and the Caribbean islands.

Reddish pear-shaped fruits up to 10 centimeters in length. The pulp of the ripe fruit is creamy in color and tastes like walnuts with cheese.

Ambarella(Cythera apple, Otaheite-apple, Tahitian quince, Polynesian plum, Yellow plum, Spondias dulcis, Mombin sweet – not to be confused with Mombin purple). The homeland of this tree is numerous islands of the Pacific Ocean in Polynesia and Melanesia, from where the plant spread west to the tropical regions of America, as well as east to Australia, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, India and a little to Africa; later, ambarella began to be grown on the islands of the Caribbean and was brought to the tropical countries of the Atlantic coast of America.

Ambarella fruits are oval ( the shape resembles a plum, hence the pair of “aliases” of this fruit - Polynesian plum or yellow plum), not very large, from six to nine centimeters in length, grow in clusters. The skin is smooth, thin and tough; in unripe fruits it is green, in ripe ones it thickens and becomes golden-yellow, the flesh is the same color.

The pulp is fibrous, juicy, crispy, sour, and to some people the aroma and taste slightly resembles an unripe pineapple. Particular care should be taken with seeds! They are simply studded with bent spines, up to 1 centimeter long, so that sometimes they penetrate into the pulp of the fruit, and there are from 1 to 5 such “surprises” in each fruit.

Ambarella makes excellent jams, jellies, marmalade and juice, but it is best eaten raw. You can use it still green, then there will be more sourness. In addition to fruits, leaves are eaten - raw ( like a street snack) or boiled/stewed with meat/fish, as well as in soups.

Ambarella is rich in proteins and fats, supports the immune system in tone, is very beneficial for the digestive system and even promotes faster healing of wounds.

Araz(Arazza, Arazá, Araçá-boi, Amazonian Pear or Amazonian Pear; in Latin - Eugenia stipitata). At first, this heat-loving tree grew in the forests of the Amazon River basin, later the plant began to be actively cultivated in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, as well as in Central America and the Caribbean. This fruit does not tolerate transportation very well, so you will not find it outside the regions where it grows.

Fruits in diameter can be from 4 to 12 centimeters ( such large ones reach a weight of 750 grams). Their peel is yellow, thin and, depending on the variety, can be smooth or slightly velvety. The juicy, aromatic yellow pulp is very sour, so arazu is rarely eaten just like that, raw, but is actively used for compotes and jellies. Inside the fruit there are several large elongated “seeds”.

Thanks to the huge amount of vitamin C, as well as the high content of microelements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus) and the macronutrient zinc, araza is excellent as a general strengthening product.

Watermelon-cucumber, cucumber-watermelon – (Melotria rough, Melothria scabra, Mouse watermelon, Mouse melon, Mexican sour gherkins, Sandita, Cucamelon). A very strange subject on our list... Decide for yourself what to classify him as - a fruit or a vegetable. The external color is very reminiscent of a watermelon, and the inside has an easily recognizable cucumber texture, while the size of the fruits growing on the vine is more reminiscent of grapes: only up to 2 - 4 centimeters in length. The homeland of this strange plant is part of America from Mexico to Panama; it is not a hybrid, but an independent plant, known in pre-Columbian times. Abroad, it is better known as “Cucamelon”, which, as in Russian, is formed by adding two words: cucumber and watermelon, that is, “cucumber + watermelon”.

The skin of the fruit is thin, but quite hard, and the pulp is very juicy. The taste is described as more like a cucumber with a slight citrus sourness; those who managed to try “cucumber-watermelon” liked the taste. They can be eaten just like that, but more often they are added to salads, French fries, various salty dishes, and watermelon cucumbers are also pickled. In addition, the vine has edible tubers!

The composition is rich in lycopene ( antioxidant that improves heart function), beta-carotene ( Helps maintain healthy eyes and youthful skin), minerals and vitamins K, E, C and fiber.

Atemoya. This is a hybrid of two plants of the Annonaceae family - cherimoya and noina, and many people confuse them. Like its “parents,” Atemoya appeared in the tropics of South America.

The fruits are, conventionally, heart-shaped (up to 10 cm in length and up to 9 cm in width). The pulp of the fruit melts in the mouth like cream or ice cream, and the taste is a combination of mango and pineapple. Due to the tenderness of the flesh, it is best to eat atemoya with a spoon. There is often a statement that atemoya is the most delicious of exotic fruits. We must remember that its seeds are poisonous!

Bail(Bael, Wood apple, Egle marmalade, Stone apple, Bengal quince, Stone apple, Limonia acidissima, Feronia elephantum, Feronia limonia, Hesperethusa crenulata, Elephant apple, Monkey fruit, Curd fruit). Widely cultivated in Southeast and South Asia.

The ripe fruit is brown in color and up to 20 centimeters in diameter. Ripe pulp is brown, mushy, divided into segments by seeds. The peel of the fruit is very hard, without a hard and heavy object at hand it will not be possible to get to the pulp (that’s why one of the names is “stone apple”). The taste is usually sweetish and astringent, but can also be sour.

Vani(lat. “Mangifera caesia”, White mango, Wani, Belunu, Binjai, Yaa-lam, White mango, Bayuno, Mangga wani, sometimes the name Jack appears, that is, Jack, but should not be confused with Jackfruit!) is actively cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei ( these three states share the island of Borneo, which is considered the birthplace of Vanya), Singapore, Papua New Guinea and the Philippine Islands.

The name is certainly misleading, because this fruit has only a distant relationship with all the familiar mangoes, since they both belong to the same family “Anakrdiaceae” (Sumacaceae), but ordinary mango belongs to the genus “mango” of the same name, and Vani belongs to genus "Anacardium" and is a species of cashew! So “White Mango” is just a trick, it’s better to use one of the local names, the most common being the Indonesian version “Wani” ( emphasis on "and") and Malay "Binjay".

It is important that the fruits are ripe for consumption, since the juice of unripe fruits can cause irritation on the skin and serious consequences if ingested. Unripe fruits are green in color and hard to the touch. When ripe, white mango fruits are quite large, they have an oval shape and reach a length of 15 centimeters and a diameter of 8 cm. The peel is very thin, dark with even darker spots, it is difficult to clean. The pulp is white, juicy, very tender and fibrous in consistency, and inside there is one large seed. Ripe fruits are very aromatic, and everyone who has tried it is delighted with the sweet taste of the pulp. The most interesting comparison is with the taste of ice cream ( it's not the same for everybody…).

In addition to eating it raw, Vani is also consumed dipped in chili and soy sauce... The local population also uses it as a base for the spicy sambal sauce.

From the sweet taste of this fruit it is clear that it is rich in various sugars, but in addition, it contains many vitamins (A, B, D, E and especially a lot of C), essential amino acids, and, of course, micro- and macroelements.

Guava(Psidium, Guayava, Guayaba). Originally from South America ( approximately from the territory of modern Peru), nowadays, in addition to the tropics of America, it is cultivated in Asia, Israel and Africa.

The completely edible fruit can be round, oblong, or pear-shaped. Diameter up to 15 centimeters. The taste of guava does not coincide with the expectation of something exotic - it is completely inexpressive, slightly sweet, but the aroma is pleasant and strong. In the countries where guava grows, they often like to eat it slightly unripe, as it seems to help cool the body on a hot day. You can also often see how such unripe guava is eaten, dipped in a mixture of salt and pepper, they say it is very tonic.

In addition to the usual one, there are also such varieties: red-fruited (“ strawberry guava") and yellow (" lemon guava"). The red-fruited pulp is juicy, translucent, and has a pronounced strawberry flavor. The fruits are yellow and have the same color inside and have a lemon aroma. The name guava is often found, which is one of the most common varieties of guava in cultivation.

Guanabana(Guanabana, Annana muricata, Soursop, Annona prickly, Graviola, Soursop). A relative of noina, cherimoya, and custard apple, it is therefore easy to confuse them at first, and just like them, Guanabana is originally from Latin America, but is now grown in many countries with a suitable climate.

A ripe, round, irregular heart-shaped fruit can reach 12 kilograms. The seeds are large and there are many of them. The fruit looks prickly, but in reality it will not be able to prick you, since the spines are more fleshy than hard. The ripe pulp is fibrous and creamy white in color with a taste unlike anything else. The aroma may be slightly reminiscent of pineapple.

Dacriodes(Safou, Sappho, African pear). This evergreen tree can mainly be found in the north of Nigeria and the south of Angola; in the Asian region it is so far cultivated only in Malaysia.

Oblong fruits of blue and purple shades ( similar to eggplant). The pale green pulp is very fatty - up to 48% fat, and contains a large number of various substances useful and necessary for the body. Those who have tried this fruit say that it has a pleasant, delicate taste.

The fruits, which range in color from deep blue to purple, are also known as African pears and are oblong in shape with pale green flesh inside. These fatty fruits were claimed to have the potential to end famine in Africa, as the fruit is made up of 48 percent essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and triglycerides. It is estimated that from one hectare planted with Safu trees, 7–8 tons of oil can be obtained, and all parts of the plant can be used.

Jaboticaba (Jabuticaba, Brazilian grape tree). From the name it is clear that this plant comes from South America, but sometimes it can be found in Southeast Asia, if not on the shelves, then at least in botanical gardens ( I definitely saw it in Singapore). The tree grows slowly, so difficulties arise with its cultivation.

The way the fruits grow is also interesting: they grow directly on the trunk, and not on the branches of the tree. The fruits are small (up to 4 cm in diameter), dark purple in color. Under a thin dense skin ( inedible) there is a soft, jelly-like and very tasty pulp, somewhat similar to grapes, with several seeds.

Jackfruit(Eve, Khanoon, Jackfruit, Nangka, Indian breadfruit). A relative of the Polynesian breadfruit and Malaysian cempedak.

These are the largest fruits growing on trees. The official record for jackfruit is a fruit with a girth of 1 meter 120 centimeters and weighing approximately 34 kg.

The peel of the jackfruit smells unpleasant, but underneath there are several pieces of very tasty sweet yellow pulp. The taste is difficult to describe - some combination of banana, melon, marshmallow.

Durian(Durian). Even if you have never seen this fruit, you have certainly heard it more than once. He became famous throughout the world thanks to his amazingly disgusting smell.

But in the world, especially in Southeast Asia, there are a lot of durian connoisseurs, they even called it the “King of Fruits.” Everyone who has tried durian pulp claims that it is extremely tasty. I take your word for it, but I personally can’t overcome myself and eat even a small piece.

Yellow watermelon. A hybrid of wild watermelon, the flesh of which is naturally yellow, and the familiar watermelon with red flesh. This was necessary because it is impossible to eat a wild watermelon, but as a result of crossing it, a watermelon that tasted quite pleasant, similar to the usual one, but with yellow flesh, was obtained. Although the yellow watermelon is much inferior in sweetness to the red one and the taste is not as pronounced.

Figs(Fig, Fig tree, Fig, Wine berry, Smyrna berry, Ficus carica). I think you have come across it more than once on the fruit stands of your city and if you haven’t tried it yet, be sure to do so. The color of fig skin can vary from yellow-green to purple. The red pulp with small seeds is juicy and sweet. The undoubted advantage of figs is that nutritionists consider them to be among the foods that can help you lose excess weight!

Kaimito(Abiu) - do not confuse with the other Kaimito ( Chrysophyllum or Star Apple). Originally from the upper reaches of the Amazon River, it is cultivated in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Trinidad.

The fruits are round or oval with a smooth, bright yellow skin. The white translucent creamy pulp is very sweet. The aroma is vaguely reminiscent of caramel with cream. Before eating fresh Kaimito, it is recommended to wet your lips, otherwise they may stick together due to the latex in the pulp.

Kaimito fruits contain a lot of phosphorus, calcium, iron, amino acids, vitamins A, C, PP and various useful organic substances.

Kanistel(Kanistel, Tiesa, Egg Fruit, Yellow Sapote). The region of origin is the south of Mexico and Central America, in addition it is also grown in the Antilles and the Bahamas, and can often be found in Southeast Asia.

The fruits can be up to 7.5 cm in width and up to 12.5 in length, their shape is very diverse, there are spherical, oval, ovoid, and twisted. The peel color of ripe fruits is yellowish-orange. The pulp is mealy, yellow with 1–4 large seeds. It's funny that the aroma of the pulp is similar to fried pies, but the taste is very sweet due to the high sugar content.

Kanistel is rich in delicate fiber, nicotinic acid, carotene, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus.

Carambola(Starfruit, Kamrak, Ma Phuak, Carambola, Star-fruit). “Tropical Star” or “Tropical Star” this fruit is called simply because in cross-section it looks like a star. The fruit is edible entirely, and if the taste of its juicy pulp does not seem bright enough to you, the aroma is unlikely to leave you indifferent.

Kasturi(Kasturi, Kalimantan Mango, Mangga Cuban, Pelipisa, Mangifera casturi). Endemic plant of the island of Borneo ( Kalimantan).

Without going into biological details, we can say that this is a wild mango. However, the orange, fibrous pulp of kasturi has a more pronounced flavor and a milder aroma than regular mangoes, although not as sweet as mangoes.

Kiwano(Kiwano Melon, Horned Melon, African Cucumber, Antillean Cucumber, Horned Cucumber, Anguria). Originally from Africa, and most widely grown in Central America, New Zealand, Israel.

This is a vine with oblong fruits of yellow, orange or red color. The flesh is green and really looks like a cucumber. The flavor is described as a mixture of cucumber, banana and melon. The dense peel is not peeled off; the fruit is simply cut into slices and eaten like a melon or watermelon.

Kiwano is rich in vitamins (A, groups B and C), macroelements (sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium), and also contains many microelements (iron, copper, zinc and manganese).

Cocona(Nightshade) grows in South America in mountainous regions.

Oval or spherical fruits (up to 4 cm in length and up to 6 cm in width) resemble tomatoes and have three variants of fruit color; yellow, orange and red. The pulp is jelly-like yellow in color with many small seeds. Some say it tastes like lemon and tomato, while others say it tastes like cherries.

Cocoon fruits are rich in B vitamins, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and citric acid.

Coconut I don’t even know if it’s worth mentioning here, because even though it’s an exotic plant for Russian residents, even children know what it is. In the growing regions ( everywhere in the tropics) coconuts are consumed in their entirety, from eating the pulp and juice, to making crafts from the shell and using the peel as fuel. There, in the south, coconuts are sold green on the outside, and inside they have soft translucent flesh and delicious coconut water ( or "milk"). In our stores they are already at a different stage of ripening - with a fibrous peel on the outside and a thick layer of pulp inside with a small amount of liquid.

Sea Coconut (Coco de mer, Double nut, Seychelles nut) grows exclusively on the Seychelles islands, and only on two.

In shape, it is very different from a regular coconut and is most similar to... a woman’s buttocks. The fruits are very large, on average about 18 kilograms, specimens over 25 kg are often found. And even 40 kg! Each coconut collected is numbered and a certificate is issued upon purchase. In terms of taste, it is clearly inferior to ordinary coconuts, but you should definitely try it if possible.

candy tree (Hovénia dúlcis, sweet govenia, is known abroad as Japanese raisin tree or oriental raisin tree, that is, Japanese raisin tree or Oriental raisin tree). Historically it grew in Japan, Eastern China, Korea and up to 2000 meters in the Himalayas. Due to its beautiful spreading crown, it was introduced into some countries as an ornamental plant, and as a result, for example in Brazil, it is considered one of the most common “invaders” of subtropical forests.

The fruits of the candy tree are small, like large peas, and it is not for them that the plant is valued, but for what the fruits are supported on. The fleshy stalk, although it looks very strange, is actually very aromatic and sweet, it is edible raw. But more often the stalks of the candy tree are dried, then they become similar to raisins - both in taste and in appearance ( This is where the Western name "Japanese raisin tree" comes from.). An extract from seeds, twigs and young leaves is used as a honey substitute and is used to make local wine and for sweets.

Among the useful substances, it is worth noting the high content of potassium, antioxidants, vitamins, protein and saccharides ( sucrose, fructose, glucose). In China, candy tree extract has been used for several hundred years to combat hangover symptoms. And so, scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles isolated an active substance from this extract, which they called dihydromyricetin (DHM). It allows you to sober up very quickly and even reduces the craving for alcohol! There are already drugs. The main component of which is dihydromyricetin, in fact, this is the path to creating a “sobriety pill” that not only relieves the symptoms of intoxication, but also helps to overcome alcohol addiction. What a wonderful Candy Tree!

Cream apple (Annona reticulata, Buddha's head, Ox's heart, Cream apple) There can be some confusion here, as the name "cream apple" is often applied to the related plant, cherimoya. Originally from the regions of Central America and the Antilles group of islands, it can now often be found in Southeast Asia.

The fruits (from 8 to 16 cm) are similar in shape to a heart ( hence one of the names), the outside may be yellow or brown with a reddish tint. Inside there is sweet white, almost creamy pulp that melts in the mouth and inedible seeds. There is no consensus on what the smell is like, but it is certainly pleasant.

Kumquat(Kumquat, Fortunella, Kinkan, Japanese oranges). The homeland of the kumquat is China, but nowadays it is grown everywhere where the climate is suitable for other citrus fruits.

This representative of citrus fruits has long been common on supermarket shelves, however, many still have not decided to try it, but in vain. Small oblong fruits (up to four centimeters in length and up to two and a half in width) look like small oranges, but their taste is still different. The main feature of kumkawat is that it is eaten directly with the peel, it is very thin; Only the seeds are inedible.

Lychee(Litchi, Chinese plum, Litchi). Originally from Southern China, it is now actively grown in many countries with a subtropical climate. One of the most popular fruits in Southeast Asia.

The fruits are round (up to 4 cm in diameter) with a reddish tuberous skin, sweet, juicy jelly-like pulp and one seed. Many people confuse it with Longan; they are indeed similar in shape, pulp consistency, and taste, but in lychee it is more pronounced.

Contains a lot of carbohydrates, pectin substances, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and a very high content of vitamin PP.

Longan(Lam-yai, Longyan, Dragon's Eye, but also sometimes called a completely different fruit “pitahaya”) is a close relative of the above-described lychee, also native to China, and currently cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.

Round small fruits with a brownish peel inside have juicy, sweet, translucent pulp and one inedible seed. The pulp is very aromatic and, in addition to sweetness, has a unique, recognizable shade.

Longkong(Langsat, Lonkon, Duku, Lonngkong, Langsat) originally from Malaysia, and is now grown in most countries of Southeast Asia, India, Hawaii.

The round fruits (up to 5 cm in diameter) are covered with a brownish peel and in appearance they can be confused with Longan, however, inside Longkong has not whole, but segmented pulp, reminiscent of garlic in shape. But the taste, of course, is not at all garlicky, but pleasant sweet and sour. The variety called Langsat may have a slightly bitter taste.

Lucuma(Pouteria lucuma) is native to South America and is currently grown there as well as in Mexico and Hawaii.

The oval fruits (up to 10 cm in length) are covered with a thin skin of brownish-green color with a reddish tint, and the yellow flesh is sweet and has up to 5 seeds. Lucuma belongs to the Sapotaceae family, among which there are many very tasty and unusual fruits, which you will also learn about in our article ( for example, until recently I myself did not know that one of my favorite fruits, “Sapodilla,” turns out to be also sapote).

Lulo(Naranjilla or Naranjilla, Quito nightshade, lat. Solanum quitoense) comes from the foothills of the Andes, that is, from South America, and is currently cultivated there, as well as in the countries of Central America and the Antilles.

The yellow-orange round fruits (up to 6 cm in diameter) most closely resemble tomatoes, but are covered with white hairs. The taste of the pulp is sweet and sour, very interesting; they say it is similar to a mixture of pineapple, strawberry and passion fruit. They are eaten both raw and in the form of juices and desserts. A very healthy fruit - it tones, cleanses the blood, and even helps restore hair and nails.

Magic fruit (Wonderful berries, Puteria sweetish, Miracle fruit) this representative of the extensive Sapotaceae family grows in West Africa.

Small red oblong fruits (up to 3 cm in length) themselves do not have an unusual taste, but nevertheless, they are very unusual. The protein contained in the magic fruit turns off the taste buds that perceive bitter and sour tastes, and after eating it, absolutely everything you eat within an hour will seem sweet to you.

The magic fruit, of course, is not considered as an independent dish, but it is great for gastronomic experiments, so that you can surprise a person with the unusual taste of the most ordinary dishes.

Mammea americana (American apricot, Antillean apricot, Mammea americana) originated from tropical America and is now cultivated throughout the world in areas with suitable climates.

Round fruits (diameter up to 20 cm) with orange pulp and one seed are similar in taste to apricot, hence the second name.

Mame(Mamey-sapote, Mamey, Mamey-sapote, Marmalade fruit, Pouteria, Pouteria sapota). Originally from the southern regions of Mexico, it is also grown in the tropical zone of the Americas and Southeast Asia.

The fruits can be spherical or oblong, often very large (up to 20 cm in length and weighing up to 3 kg), covered with a thick reddish-brown peel. The color of the pulp can be pink, reddish, orange or gray, and its consistency is similar to marmalade ( which is reflected in the title), and the taste reminds some of caramel, while others find creamy shades. The fruit usually contains one large seed.

Jujube fruits are rich in vitamins A, C, carbohydrates, vegetable proteins, as well as iron, calcium and potassium.

Mango(Mango) is one of my favorite fruits, and many people around the world consider mango the most delicious fruit. On the one hand, of course, it’s difficult to call it exotic, because you can buy it in any large supermarket in Russia, but anyone who has tried mango in the places where it grows will say that store-bought fruit is absolutely not the same as fresh. Mango is originally from India, and is now grown literally all over the world, wherever there are suitable conditions. And in each country, mango will have its own flavor notes!

The classic color of a ripe mango is yellow, but among the 35 mass-grown varieties there are other colors, such as purple, green or black. Therefore, when buying a green mango, you need to clarify whether it is this variety and the fruit is already ripe.

In addition to its amazing aroma and rich, easily recognizable taste, mango has very useful properties, for example, it has a very good effect on the organs of vision and perfectly strengthens the immune system.

Mangosteen(Mangosteen, Mangosteen, Mangosteen, Garcinia, Mankut) the homeland of this plant is Southeast Asia, from where it spread further across the planet, all the way to Africa and Latin America.

The round fruits (up to 7.5 cm in diameter) are covered with a thick dark purple peel, and the pulp is segmented ( like garlic) into slices with seeds. The taste is sweetish, with a slight sourness, which many people like ( but I still couldn’t “get into it”...). Unfortunately, you often come across diseased fruits that you can’t distinguish from healthy ones in appearance until you peel them; the flesh of such fruits will not be white, but creamy and unpleasant in taste ( We've seen these quite often).

passion fruit(Passion fruit, Passion fruit, Edible passionflower, Edible passionflower, Purple granadilla) is native to South America, and is currently grown in many countries with tropical climates.

Round fruits (up to 8 cm in diameter) can have different colors - yellow, purple, pink, red. In general the taste is more sour than sweet, especially yellow ones ( Personally, they remind me very much of sea buckthorn), therefore, in its pure form, the fruit is not for everyone, as a rule, they consume passion fruit juice mixed with others. The seeds are small and edible, but they may cause drowsiness.

And passion fruit received its other name “Fruit of Passion” because of its supposedly inherent aphrodisiac properties, although there has been no serious research on this topic.

Marula(Marula, Sclerocarya birrea) - except in Africa, in the south and west of the continent, you will not find this tree. It is almost impossible to buy fruits outside the dark continent, since ripe fruits very quickly begin to ferment inside, so that you can easily get mildly intoxicated from eating overripe fruits.

The oblong fruits are covered with a thin yellow skin, and underneath there is white, juicy, tart flesh and one seed. Despite the astringent taste, marula is a completely edible fruit, but more often it is used to make various desserts and the signature African liqueur “Amarula”. And from the peel they brew a drink that resembles tea, but with an unusual taste.

The fruits appear twice a year, in March-April and in September-October. Thanks to its rich composition with a large amount of vitamins ( especially high in vitamin C) and minerals, marula is very good for a general strengthening effect on the body, it perfectly removes heavy metal salts and metabolic products. Marula is also suitable for the prevention and treatment of diseases of such body systems as cardiovascular, nervous and genitourinary.

Mathis(South American Sapote, Matisa, South American Sapote) - there is very little information about this fruit, since it is not widespread beyond the region of its origin, that is, beyond the tropical zone of South America.

The fruits are round, ovoid or oval, large (up to 15 cm in length and up to 8 cm in width) with a thick, velvety skin of greenish-brown color. The pulp is orange-yellow, soft, juicy, sweet with a pleasant aroma and from 2 to 5 large seeds.

Mafai(Burmese grape, Mafai, Baccaurea ramiflora, Baccaurea sapida) grows in most South Asian countries, but most commonly in Malaysia and India.

It has nothing in common with grapes except the second name, well, wine is also made from mafai. Round fruits (from 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter) with a peel of different colors, depending on the variety, from yellowish-cream, red and purple. The white pulp, slightly gelatinous in consistency, tastes sweet and sour, is very refreshing, each fruit contains one inedible seed. By the way, the taste of fruits with different peel colors may differ slightly, so if, for example, you tried yellow mafai and were not impressed, then perhaps you will like the red one more.

Mafai does not tolerate long-term transportation very well; ripe fruits are not stored for longer than 5 days. Burmese grapes are full of useful elements, especially a lot of vitamin C and iron, so they are very useful for anemia and as a general tonic.

Mombin purple (Mexican plum, Spondius purpurea, Spondias purpurea, jocote, Hog Plum, Makok, Amra, Siriguela, Ciriguela, Ciruela). Mombin is native to tropical America from Mexico to Brazil and the Caribbean, and was later naturalized in Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

One of the names of mombin purple is “ Ciruela", sometimes used in Latin America, is literally translated from Spanish as "plum", and, in fact, is also used to refer to the common plum. And the Spaniards themselves use a different name for mombin - “ jocote" So look, don’t be surprised by possible confusion with this cleverly hidden fruit! In general, in addition to those I have listed, it has a bunch of local names, listing which would actually take another paragraph...

The fruits are oval, oblong, up to 5 cm long, with thin skin, which can be red, yellow, purple or orange ( the last option looks very much like a kumquat...). The yellow pulp has a fibrous structure; it is aromatic, juicy, and tastes sweet and sour. Inside there is one large bone with grooves.

Contains many B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper.

Monstera(Monstera deliciosa, Monstera attractive, Monstera delightful, Monstera, lat. Monstera deliciosa) comes from Central America, and is also cultivated in India and Australia for its delicious fruits.

By the way, many Russian housewives grow Monstera at home as an ornamental plant, but fruits from flowers are obtained only in suitable climatic conditions. The fruits themselves are similar to corn, they are long, up to 30 cm, and wide, up to 8.5 cm, under a thick peel they hide juicy, aromatic pulp, which tastes like a combination of banana and pineapple.

Loquat japonica (Lokva, Eriobothria japonica, Shesek, Nispero, Nispero) - originally from Japan and China, this plant at one time spread quite widely in the Caucasus, and in earlier times, medlar fruits were quite common, but over time, for some reason, they were forgotten.

Orange-yellow round fruits up to 5 cm in diameter with juicy pulp and one large seed. Some people taste like pear and cherry, others like apple and apricot, but always sweet and sour. I tried Medlar for the first time in Hong Kong, and before that I didn’t even know about its existence; It’s really a very pleasant fruit; it seemed to me that its taste was absolutely independent and easily recognizable. Many beneficial properties, especially for people suffering from hypertension, arrhythmia, dropsy, and heart failure.

Noina(perhaps the most common name in Asia is Sugar apple, Annona scaly, Sugar-apple, Sweetsop, Noi-na). It really resembles an apple in shape and size, but has an original appearance with peculiar “scales”. This lumpy green fruit is widely cultivated in countries with tropical climates - from South America to Polynesia. ( Many people often confuse it with the Guanabana fruit; they are indeed similar, as they are “close relatives,” but they are not the same thing! Guanabana is also often called “sugar apple”, but again, by mistake.)

Under the lumpy skin there is a sweet pulp that tastes very pleasant and hard, inedible seeds (up to 60 pieces). A ripe fruit should be soft when pressed, its pulp will be really tasty, tender and can be safely eaten with a spoon. If you come across an unripe specimen ( hard to the touch), then it’s better to just let it sit for a couple of days and ripen.

And the benefit of noina lies in its rich content of vitamin C, various amino acids and calcium.

Noni(Noni, Morinda citrifolia, Morinda citrus folia, Greater moringa, Indian mulberry, Healthy tree, Cheese fruit, Nonu, Nono). The homeland of this plant is South Asia, and due to its ease of care and soil quality, it is currently actively grown in most countries with a suitable tropical climate.

The oval fruits are to some extent reminiscent of potatoes in their shape, only green and with pimples, and inside there are many small seeds.

Absolutely, you will not forget this fruit if you try it, but you are unlikely to be delighted with the pungent smell of moldy cheese and bitter taste. That is, noni is definitely not popular among tourists... But the population of the countries where it is grown actively consumes it, often as a main everyday product, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, but has a very low calorie content.

Prickly pear(Indian fig, Indian fig, Indian fig, sabr, prickly pear, tsabr). Cactus! The real one, but not the kind of decorative one that might grow in your home, but a large tree-like plant. The main place of growth ( remember westerns) – America ( both continents). Don’t be embarrassed that some versions of the name contain the adjective “Indian”; if you remember your school history course, you understand that it is only indirectly related to India ( Columbus sailed to open the route to India, hence the confusion).

They eat, of course, not thorns, but fruits ( although they are also prickly...) small sizes (up to 10 cm), which can be of different shades ( green, red or yellow). Their flesh is sweetish-sour ( they say it looks like a persimmon), it is eaten with a spoon, but to get to it, you must first soak the fruit for 20 minutes in cold water, then remove small spines and cut the peel.

Of course, this is one of the most exotic fruits that not every tourist will be able to try.

Pineberry(Pineberry, Pineapple strawberry). It is a hybrid of the South American Chilean strawberry and the North American Virginia strawberry.

Pineberry berries are small, from 15 to 23 mm, have a light color, from white to orange, and have a taste and aroma like pineapple, which is why it got its name.

It is almost impossible to find for sale in Russia, since pineberry is extremely barren, is highly susceptible to rot in rainy weather and does not tolerate transportation well. Pineberries are grown in relatively large quantities in greenhouses in Europe.

Pandanus(Pandan, Screw Palm, Wild Pineapple). Some of the readers are probably very familiar with this plant, since some of its species are ornamental house plants.

The round fruits are shaped like a pineapple and have an orange-red color when ripe. The fruits of only some types of pandanus are conditionally edible. That is, you can chew the juicy pulp and enjoy the taste, similar to pineapple, but then you have to spit it out ( although I have never come across information about any complications if eaten...). Pandanus is mainly used to make juice and essential oil to flavor various dishes or even soap.

Papaya(Papaya, Melon tree, Breadfruit tree). It is originally from Central and South America, and nowadays it is cultivated in almost all tropical countries. It should not be confused with other “Breadfruit Trees” ( Jackfruit and Breadfruit Artocarpus altilis), there is nothing in common between these plants, it’s just that if papaya is baked over a fire, it will begin to smell like bread.

The fruits grow directly on the tree trunk, they are large, have an elongated shape and can reach a length of 45 cm and a diameter of 30 cm. The color of unripe fruits is green, and the color of ripe fruits is yellow-orange. The taste of ripe papaya is not super exotic and memorable, but still very pleasant, in some way it really resembles melon.

Unripe fruits are also used for food in a wide variety of dishes. Medicines are also made from papaya to treat osteochondrosis and improve digestion. A very useful plant, but the abundance of milky juice in all its parts makes you be careful, as this juice can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Pepino(Melon pear, Sweet cucumber, Solanum muricatum) this shrub is native to South America, where it is mainly grown, and is also cultivated in New Zealand.

Quite large round fruits weighing up to 700 g. They can vary significantly in shape and color, mainly shades of yellow predominate, sometimes with purple or violet streaks. The pulp is very juicy, yellowish in color, the sweet and sour taste resembles melon, and the aroma is a cross between melon, pumpkin and cucumber. Small seeds in the axils of the pulp are edible. Pepino is used as a dessert, added to salads, sauces, and can be preserved or made into jam. Unripe fruits are used as regular vegetables.

Pepino is very rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, PP, as well as iron, potassium pectin. Ripe ones can be stored in the refrigerator for several months, and unripe ones can also be stored for a long time and at the same time ripen.

Pitanga(Eugenia brasiliensis, Grumichama, Brazilian cherry, Southern cherry, Suriname cherry) with the help of one of the names it is clear that the homeland of this plant is South America, in addition, it is cultivated in the Philippines and in African French Guinea.

From the second name it is also clear that pitanga tastes most like cherries, sometimes with a slight bitterness; its red flesh is very juicy with one seed. The round fruits can be various shades of red and even black. But their main feature, which immediately catches the eye, is that they are ribbed.

You can eat it like regular cherries - from eating raw, to juices, mousses, jams, etc. Pitanga contains a lot of vitamins A and C, phosphorus, calcium, anthocyanins, antioxidants and carotene.

Pitahaya(Pitaya, Long Yan, Dragon fruit, sometimes Dragon Eye). Only when I started preparing this article did I learn that pitahaya is a cactus. It is originally from America, but is now grown everywhere in regions with a suitable climate, especially in Southeast Asia.

Large oblong fruits are easy to recognize, as they look very distinctive. The color of the peel can be red, pinkish or yellow, and the color of the pulp is white or red.

The pulp is juicy, with many small edible seeds, the taste is a little sweet, but nothing outstanding, it can hardly be called exotic and memorable. Despite the inexpressiveness of taste. For some reason, the fruit is quite popular and is grown on huge plantations all year round.

Pitahaya contains a high content of phosphorus, iron, calcium, vitamins B, C, E. This fruit will be useful for diabetes or stomach pain.

Platonia is wonderful (Platonia insignis, Bacuri, Bacury, Pacuri, Pakuri, Pakouri, Packoeri, Pakoeri, Maniballi, Bacurizeiro). This tall (up to 25 meters) tree comes from South America and trying it somewhere other than in the countries of this region (Brazil, Guyana, Colombia, Paraguay) is very difficult.

The spherical or oval fruits can be up to 12 cm in diameter. The thick yellow-brown peel hides aromatic white pulp and several large seeds. The sweet and sour pulp is eaten both fresh and in the form of desserts, marmalade, and jelly. Platonia fruits contain a lot of iron, phosphorus and vitamin C.

Pluot(Plumcotte, Aprium) - a hybrid of plum and apricot, with predominant characteristics of plum, obtained in California.

The shape is similar to both a plum and an apricot, but the skin is still smooth and elastic like a plum; the color depends on the variety, it can be from green to burgundy. The juicy pulp is a bit like an apricot, but much sweeter, and the color is closer to purple.

Pluot is used in the same way as its “parents” - whether you just eat it, or make jam or compote, or dessert, even wine is made from it.

Rich in potassium, vitamin C, glucose, excellent during colds, as it has antipyretic properties and the ability to strengthen the immune system.

Pomelo(Pomela, Pamela, Pomelo, Pummelo, Pumelo, Som-o, Pompelmus, Shaddock, Citrus maxima, Citrus grandis, Chinese grapefruit, Jabong, Jeruk, Limo, Lusho, Dzhembura, Sai-seh, Banten, Zebon, Robeb tenga). The birthplace of this citrus fruit is Southeast Asia, it is currently grown in many countries, it is quite a common product in our supermarkets, but many still have not tried it, so for them it is definitely still exotic.

The fruits are spherical, large, sometimes even very large, up to 10 kilograms; It may indicate green or yellow. Under the thick peel, the pulp, like most citrus fruits, is divided into segments; it is not as juicy as that of “relatives” such as orange or grapefruit, but tasty, sweet-sour, refreshing.

If you see this fruit in the nearest store, but have not yet bought it, then in vain, know that pomelo is a very healthy citrus, a dietary fruit, it contains microelements, vitamins B1, B2, B5, C, and beta-carotene. Pomelo is perfect for strengthening the immune system and preventing colds.

Cancer(Salacca wallichiana) is the closest relative of Snake Fruit (Salacca zalacca), which is discussed below. They are very often confused, but the fruits of Rakam ( emphasis on the second “a”), unlike Rakum ( Snake fruit, description and photo below in the text) are more elongated, colored red and have a more pronounced taste. But the rest is the same - scales and spines on the peel, and one growing region in Southeast Asia.

Rambutan(Rambutan, Ngo, "hairy fruit"). The funny appearance of rambutan is immediately remembered. The red round fruits (up to 5 cm in diameter) are truly “hairy”; they are even named so from the Indonesian word “Rambut”, that is, “hair”. In addition to red, rambutan can be yellow or reddish-orange.

These fruit trees are cultivated throughout Southeast Asia ( Rambutan is especially popular in Thailand), as well as in Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean.

The peel is soft, very easily removed by hand, and underneath there is very juicy translucent pulp, aromatic and sweet, often with a slight pleasant sourness. The gelatinous pulp may be red or white in color.

It is better to eat the seed raw, as it can be poisonous and does not have much of a taste, but the roasted seeds can be safely eaten. Jams and jellies are also made from rambutan; it can often be bought in our stores in canned form.

Rambutan fruits contain protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, calcium, nicotinic acid, vitamins C, B1 and B2.

Rose apple (Syzygium iambosus, Malabar plum, Chompu, Chmphū̀, Rose apple, Chom-poo). It is actively grown in the region of its origin - in the countries of Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand.

The shape of the chompu is not at all similar to an apple, but rather looks like a pear or a bell. The color of the fruit may be red ( more often), pale pink or light green. The peel is thin, inside there is juicy pulp and several small seeds, so the chompa can be eaten whole ( Don't forget to wash all fruits thoroughly!).

The taste of the crispy pulp cannot be called expressive and memorable, which is why the fruit is not very popular among tourists. The aroma and taste of chompu vaguely resemble a rose (but I, for example, didn’t catch it at all), but, in my opinion, the Rose Apple is more like an apple. So don’t expect an extravaganza of flavors from the chompu, but with its help you can perfectly quench your thirst.

Rum berry (lat. Myrciaria floribunda, Rumberry, Guavaberry) - often found in nature in Central and South America, on the Caribbean islands, also grown in the USA (Florida and Hawaii) and the Philippines.

The berries are yellow-orange to dark red and almost black, very small, half the size of a cherry ( from 8 to 16 millimeters). The pulp is aromatic, sweet or sweet and sour, translucent, but there is very little of it, since the round seed takes up a lot of space inside.

The berries can be eaten just like that, but more often they are used to make jams and drinks, usually alcoholic, for example “ Guavaberry liqueu r" is a rum-based drink that is a popular Christmas drink among Caribbean islanders.

Contains a lot of iron, vitamin C, amino acids, pectin substances, organic acids, flavonoids.

Buddha's hand(Buddha's Fingers, Finger Citron). This strange fruit with its very unusual shape immediately attracts attention. But you don’t need to buy it to try; you’re unlikely to be happy that it consists almost entirely of a dense peel, like a lemon, and a small amount of inedible pulp.

Despite this, Buddha's Hand is on all fruit counters in Southeast Asia, as it is used in cooking, to flavor baked goods, and to make jam, drinks, and candied fruits.

Salak(Salak, Salacca, Rakum, Snake fruit, Salacca zalacca). A very popular fruit in Southeast Asia.

The teardrop-shaped fruits (up to 4 cm in diameter) are covered with a brown scaly skin, which really resembles snake skin to many. The peel is relatively easy to remove, but it is covered with sharp small spines that easily dig into the skin of your hands, so you need to peel it carefully, preferably with a knife.

Under the prickly skin there is beige flesh, which is segmented into several fragments, and several inedible seeds.
You will remember this fruit not only for its unusual appearance, but also for its bright sweet and sour taste, in shades of which some feel persimmon, others pear, others pineapple or banana with a nutty flavor, that is, you must try it, You can't explain it in words.

Salak contains calcium, vitamin C, beta carotene, so its regular consumption has a positive effect on the condition of hair and nails, improves vision, and also has a good effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and brain activity.

Santol(Katon, Sandoricum koetjape, Santol, Kompem rich, Kraton, Krathon, Graton, Tong, Donka, Wild mangosteen, False mangosteen). It is actively grown in the countries of Southeast Asia.

The spherical fruits (up to 7.5 cm in diameter) are covered with a thick velvety peel, which can be yellowish or reddish-brown. The white flesh is segmented into several lobes, each with one seed. The sweet or sour taste of santol is reminiscent of the more common mangosteen, giving it one of its names. There is no need to eat bones, as they lead to intestinal disorders.

Santol contains many vitamins, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, thanks to this composition, it has general strengthening properties, is useful for weakened immunity, diseases of the cardiovascular system, and strengthens bones and teeth.

Sapodilla(Capotato tree, Tree potato, Butter tree, Ahra, Sapodilla, Prang khaa, La-mut, Naseberry, Chiku) originally from Mexico, is now grown almost everywhere in the tropical countries of America and Asia.

Mostly oval, sometimes round fruits (up to 10 cm in length) are covered with a thin skin of brown shades from light to dark; ripe fruits should be dark and soft. The pulp is very tender, juicy, brown in color, sometimes with a pink tint. It tastes like caramel, one of my favorite fruits. Inside the fruit there are about a dozen seeds, each with a hook, so you need to be careful not to accidentally swallow them, otherwise they can get caught in the throat with this hook ( but the seeds are very easily separated from the pulp and I have not had any problems with them).

It is a pity that such a delicious fruit can be stored for no more than 3 days, because of this it can only be tasted in the growing regions or the countries closest to them ( Russia, as you understand, is not one of them).

Sapodilla contains potassium, a lot of vitamin C, calcium, iron, healthy carbohydrates, and, of course, fiber.

Sapote white (White Sapote, Matasano, Casimiroa edulis, Mexican apple, Mexican apple). To the representatives of the Sapotaceae family described above ( sapodilla, lucuma) is not related, since it is part of another family - Rutaceae. The plant comes from the central regions of Mexico and is cultivated in Central and South America, on some Caribbean islands and the neighboring Bahamas, in India, New Zealand, and the Mediterranean.

Round fruits (up to 12 cm in diameter) with thin, smooth yellowish or green skin and creamy white pulp. It tastes like vanilla cream or pudding. There is no need to eat the seeds (up to 6 pieces), as they are considered to be poisonous and have narcotic properties.

Sapote green (Green Sapote, Red faisan, Achradelpha viridis and Calocarpum viride). Originally from Central America, the territory of Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Also grown in Australia and Polynesia.

The oval-shaped fruits (up to 12.5 cm in length and up to 7.5 cm in diameter) are covered with a smooth thin peel of olive or yellow-green color, maybe with red-brown speckles. The pulp fits tightly to the peel, it is red-brown in color, very tender, sweet and juicy. Each fruit has 1 or 2 dark brown seeds.

Sapote black (Black Sapote, Diospyros digyna, Chocolate Pudding Fruit, Chocolate Persimmon, Black Persimmon, Chocolate Persimmon, Black Apple, Barbacoa). Neither to the Sapotovs ( sapodilla, lucuma), nor to the Rutovs ( White sapote) has no relation, despite the name, since it belongs to a completely different family - Ebony, and the closest relative of the black sapote known to us is the persimmon. The region of origin is Central America and southern Mexico, and is also grown on islands such as Mauritius, Hawaii, the Philippines, the Antilles and Brazil.

The spherical fruits (up to 12.5 cm in diameter) when ripe become dirty green on the outside, and their flesh is black ( hence the name). The pulp is jelly-like, glossy, even unpleasant in appearance, but very tasty, tender, sweet and reminiscent of chocolate pudding. It is eaten simply fresh, and is actively used as an ingredient for confectionery and cocktails. The pulp contains up to 10 flat seeds, which are easily separated from it.

TamarindSweet (Sweet Tamarind, Indian Date, Assam, Sampalok, Chintapandu). This tree of the legume family is native to East Africa and is now cultivated throughout tropical countries.

The fruits are long, up to 20 cm, as befits legumes, they look like beans ( or peas), they are light brown on the outside, and the flesh ( more precisely, the pericarp or pericarp) dark brown. The fruits are very sweet and tart, but you need to eat them carefully, because unlike the legumes we are used to, tamarind has hard, large seeds hidden in its pulp.

It is also used fresh, but is much more widely used in cooking in the form of spices and sauces.

Sweet tamarind contains a lot of vitamin A, C, B vitamins, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and is rich in carbohydrates, organic acids and protein.

Tamarillo(Tamarillo, Tomato tree, Cyphomandra betacea). The countries of the west coast of South America are considered the homeland; grown in almost every country in South America, as well as in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti and New Zealand.

The oval-shaped fruits (up to 10 cm in length, up to 5 cm in diameter) really resemble tomatoes, covered with a smooth, dense peel that tastes bitter. The color can be yellow, orange-red, sometimes purple. The pulp is golden-reddish, with many small seeds, it tastes sweet-sour-salty, similar to a tomato with a flavor of passion fruit or currant. Usually it is eaten with a spoon, simply cutting the fruit in half.

Contains little fat and carbohydrates; rich in potassium, A, B6, C, thiamine, riboflavin.

Umari(Umari, Guacure, Yure, Teechi) native to the Brazilian Amazon; grown in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.

The fruits are oval (from 5 to 10 cm in length and from 4 to 8 cm in diameter), covered with a thin, smooth peel of yellow, red, black or green. You can eat it with the peel, and the layer of pulp is only 2–5 mm, it is yellow in color, oily, sweet, with a strong characteristic pleasant taste and aroma. There is one hard, large seed inside the fruit; they are fried and eaten. Umari is consumed simply like a regular fruit, and also due to its fatty, oily texture, literally like butter spread on cassava bread.

Umari contains fats, carbohydrates, proteins, zinc, calcium and vitamin A.

Feijoa(Feijoa, Pineapple Guava, Akka Sellova, Akka Feijoa, Feijoa Sellova). Originally from South America, it is now grown everywhere in regions with a suitable subtropical climate (including Russia).

Small oval-shaped fruits (up to 5 cm long and up to 4 cm in diameter) are covered with either a smooth yellow-green peel or a lumpy dark green peel; it tastes sour, so it is better to eat without it. The color of the ripe berry is white or cream, it is juicy, jelly-like and divided into several sections and contains several edible seeds. The sweet and sour taste is reminiscent of a mixture of strawberries, pineapple and kiwi.

Feijoa contains a lot of sugars, organic acids, iodine, and vitamin C.

Physalis(Physalis, sometimes called Emerald berry or Earth cranberry, Peruvian gooseberry, Bladderberry, Dog cherry, Marunka, Strawberry tomato) - you've probably seen it many times, it is very often used to decorate confectionery products, although it is also found simply on sale. It looks like a small tomato, and its main feature is an openwork, airy “box”, which is obtained from dried physalis flowers.

Orange small fruits are juicy, sweet with slight sourness, depending on the specific variety ( and there are a lot of them) there may be various shades of strawberry in the taste and aroma, for example, strawberry in Strawberry Physalis.

It contains a fairly high content of vitamins A, C, group B, tannin, polyphenols, glucose; fiber, antioxidants, fruit and organic acids, tannins.

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis, Breadfruit, Pana). The same name is sometimes used for Jackfruit and Papaya, so don't get confused! New Guinea is considered to be its homeland, from where this plant spread across the islands of Oceania and to the countries of Southeast Asia. The very productive breadfruit tree is a staple food in some countries.

The fruits are very large, round-oval (up to 30 cm in diameter and weight up to 4 kg) covered with a rough peel, which is green when unripe, but in the ripe fruit it is yellow-brown. The wild variety of breadfruit contains many seeds in the fruit, but the cultivated variety has no seeds.

Unripe pulp is white, fibrous, starchy, and ripe pulp becomes soft and changes color to cream or yellow. The ripe fruit is sweetish, but overall the taste is not particularly attractive, rather reminiscent of potatoes and bananas. Unripe fruits are consumed as vegetables, and when they are cooked, you can feel the bready taste.

Breadfruit is very nutritious and contains ( dried) 4% protein, 14% sugars, 75-80% carbohydrates ( it's mostly starch) and contain virtually no fat.

Chrysophyllum (Star apple, Star apple, Cainito, Star apple, Milkfruit, Kaimito) NOT TO BE CONFUSED with Kaimito ( or Abiu). Originally from Central America, today it is cultivated in the tropics of South America, India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and Tanzania.

The spherical or oval fruits (up to 10 cm in diameter) are covered with a smooth, inedible green or purple-brown skin, depending on the variety. The pulp can be white to purple in color, it is juicy, jelly-like, sweet and very sticky with milky juice. The fruit contains up to 8 shiny dark brown inedible seeds. If the fruit is cut crosswise, the cut pattern will look like a star. The ripe fruit is wrinkled and soft and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, making it a great gift for friends and family from your tropical vacation.

Contains a lot of phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin C, amino acids and protein; has low glucose content.

Chempedak(Artocarpus champeden, Chempedak or Cempedak). Originally from Malaysia, where it is mainly grown, it is also cultivated in neighboring Brunei, Thailand, and Indonesia. A relative of Marang, Breadfruit and Jackfruit.

The fruits are elongated, large (up to 45 cm in length and up to 15 cm in width), covered with a yellow-brown rough peel, and smell pleasant. The peel can be easily removed by hand, but it is worth remembering that due to the latex it secretes, it is very sticky. The pulp is divided into segments, it is dark yellow in color, juicy, sweet and tender, with round seeds ( they are also eaten). The taste of Chempedak is similar to its relative - Jackfruit.

Chempedak contains B vitamins, vitamin C, carotene, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, that is, a very useful fruit, in particular for strengthening the immune system, bones and teeth, and is also very good as a general strengthening product.

Cherimoya(Annona cherimola, Cream apple, Ice cream tree, Graviola, Tzumux, Anona poshte, Atis, Sasalapa and a whole bunch of other possible names...). Native to the foothills of the South American Andes, it is widely grown in regions with suitable subtropical climates throughout the planet.

Cherimoya has many close relatives, so sometimes it is easy to get confused, for example, Custard apple is also called Annona reticulata, and there is also Annona spiny ( Guanabana or Soursop), Annona squamosus ( Noina or Sugar Apple).

The fruit is heart-shaped (up to 20 cm in length and up to 10 cm in width), covered with a green peel with characteristic irregularities. The pulp is white, fibrous-cream in consistency, with a pleasant aroma and complex taste from a mixture of passion fruit, banana, pineapple, strawberries and cream. The seeds are very hard and small, so cherimoya must be eaten carefully.

Cherimoya has a lot of useful things: proteins and carbohydrates, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, organic acids.

Jujube(Real jujube, Unabi, Chinese date, Pectoral berry, Chapyzhnik, Jujuba, Jujube). Cultivated in Southeast and Central Asia, Japan, Australia, the European Mediterranean, and the Caucasus.

The fruits are ovoid or round, although in fact they vary greatly in shape. The smooth, thin, shiny peel is also distinguished by a variety of colors, which can be green, yellowish, dark red, brown and combinations thereof. The pulp is dense, white, sweet juicy ( looks like an apple), eaten with the peel; There is one bone inside.

Jujube is rich in vitamins C, B, A, beta carotene, amino acids, microelements, proteins, sugars and many other useful substances, the names of which are difficult to pronounce.

Yangmei(Mountain Peach, Yangmei, Chinese Strawberry or Chinese Arbutus, Red Wax). Originally from China, where it has been mainly grown for more than two thousand years, but is also found in neighboring countries.

The fruits are “rough” balls (up to 2.5 cm in diameter) and can be colored in various shades from reddish to purple or violet. The pulp is tender and juicy, red in color with one large seed. Yangmei's taste is sweet and tart, even tart, with hints of cherry, blackberry and strawberry.

Yangmei is rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and ascorbic acid.

How many exotic fruits have you tried? And which of those listed in the article did you learn about for the first time?

Thailand is an exotic country where tourists discover a lot of new things. Including a huge amount of juicy fruits. Many travelers know nothing about them, but Asian fruits have their own characteristics. It is best to buy fruits in non-tourist markets where prices are not inflated. Out of habit, it’s better not to get carried away, try no more than 1-2 types per day. Some fruits have a specific aroma, which is why it is prohibited to bring them into your hotel room.

Durian (too-ree-an)- the king of all fruits. Not only in price, but also in size. Large spiny fruit. Durian weighs up to five kg. It grows on trees and has several varieties. The fruit has an unpleasant, repulsive odor and a unique sweet taste, reminiscent of vanilla and honey. The fruit is very filling, so it’s best to take it in pieces. Durian raises blood pressure, and simultaneous consumption with alcohol can be harmful to health. It is prohibited to take it out of the country and bring it into your room.

Longan (lam-yai)- eye of the Dragon. Small fruits with thin skin and juicy pulp. Thais prefer to eat this fruit not only fresh, but also as a side dish for hot dishes. Longan is not expensive - about 50 baht per kg. The fruit is rich in vitamins and microelements such as phosphorus, iron and calcium. Consuming longan in large quantities leads to an increase in body temperature. Only the sweet and sour pulp of the fruit is eaten.

Sweet tamarind (ma-kham-wan). Similar to legumes. Inside the fruit there are dark, sweet, tart seeds that are used for food. Has a mild laxative effect. Tamarind costs about 35 baht per kg. For local residents, a tamarind tree planted on the site brings monetary well-being. This fruit is not only eaten fresh, but is also widely used in Thai cuisine to make drinks, sauces and spices.

Dragon fruit- pitaya. A brightly colored fruit with a scaly skin growing on a cactus tree. The cost does not exceed 60 baht. Dragon fruit has a sweet and juicy pulp, but it does not differ in aroma and pronounced taste. Very similar in taste to kiwi, rich in vitamins, useful for patients with diabetes, poor blood circulation and endocrine diseases.

Guava (farang)- very reminiscent of a yellow-green pear. The fruit is usually eaten with the skin on and sprinkled with sugar, as there is no particularly pronounced taste. The cost varies around 20 baht per kg. Guava is very good for the intestinal heart.

Carambola (ma-feung) - star fruit. Juicy yellow fruits with a floral taste and shaped like a star. Rich in vitamin C and microelements. There is an opinion among local residents that carambola prevents the formation of kidney stones. Helps well with hangover syndrome. It has a tart taste and is widely used as a vegetable in salads, sauces and marinades. The cost is about 60 baht per kg.

Papaya (ma-la-ko). A large, fleshy orange berry, but its taste is unique, reminiscent of boiled sweet carrots. It is used both as a fruit and as a vegetable. Papaya is cooked with meat and goes well with it. Can also be added to salads. The cost does not exceed 30 baht per kg. An exceptionally healthy berry, whose beneficial enzymes are widely used in medicine. The unripe fruit is very poisonous. Papaya is a very ancient berry; it was first mentioned in the Mayan and Aztec cultures.

Mangosteen (mong-khut)- queen of fruits. A small round dark fruit with an exquisite taste and aroma. Mangosteen combines rose, lemon, apricot and melon. Queen Victoria loved it, but in Thailand the fruit is considered sacred. Legend has it that Buddha was walking through the forest on a white elephant and found a mangosteen. He understood the healing properties of the fruit and presented the gift to people. The cost does not exceed 35-40 baht per kg. Mangosteen is eaten immediately after durian; it perfectly quenches thirst and removes odor. The fruit is very healthy, contains calcium, nicotinic acid and phosphorus. Has a refreshing and rejuvenating effect. The peel contains tannin, a wound-healing antiseptic.

It got its name from the Tupi-Guarani Indian language. Locals call it the fruit of passion. The plant looks like a vine, the fruits of which have a sweet and sour taste. Passion fruit juice has a tonic effect on the body. Regular consumption of this fruit improves digestion and sleep. Widely used in cosmetology and medicine. The cost does not exceed 20 baht per piece. They eat passion fruit with a spoon, after cutting it in half.

Jackfruit (kha-nun)- breadfruit tree, similar in appearance to durian in size and spines. But that's where the similarities end. Inside the jackfruit there are very sweet slices, similar in taste to pineapple and melon. They are packaged in 6-8 pieces and sell for no more than 20 baht. Unripe jackfruit is used as a vegetable, in meat dishes and soups. Rich in nutrients, vitamins and microelements. The fruit grows on large trees; the fruits are the same size as watermelons.

Longkong (ma-nuang)- a small fruit that grows in clusters and has a lemon-tangerine flavor. They eat the flesh of longkong, removing the skin. Care should be taken not to bite into the bitter seeds. Contains calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium. The cost is about 40 baht per kg.

Lychee (lin-chi)- white flesh in a red skin. The taste is similar to strawberries, very sweet. It grows in the northern part of the country. The fruit is rich in B vitamins, improves digestion and quenches thirst. The pulp is eaten by removing the skin. The cost is about 60 baht per kg.

Tangerine (som)- Thai mandarin. It has a thinner peel and smaller size. Rich in vitamin C and fiber. In Thailand, tangerine is used to make various drinks, including compotes. The cost does not exceed 30 baht per kg.

Rambutan (ngo)- shaggy red sweet fruit. The name comes from the Malaysian word "rambut" - hair. They eat the pulp after removing the skin. The fruit contains substances that increase skin elasticity, B vitamins, as well as iron, calcium, nicotinic acid and phosphorus. The cost is about 40 baht per kg.

- sugar apple. The unripe fruit tastes like a crisp apple, but when ripe, it has tender flesh. It grows on a tree and looks like a cone. Noina is usually eaten raw, but ice cream is especially tasty from it. Widely used in medicine - noina decoction lowers temperature, roots and bark help with dysentery. People with diabetes should not get carried away due to the high sugar content. The cost is about 50 baht per kg.

Mango (mamuang) bright yellow large very aromatic sweet fruit. When unripe, it is used in salads. The ripe fruit can be used on its own, you just need to remove the skin. The taste is reminiscent of apricot, melon and lemon. Mangoes are also used to make jellies, juices, compotes and even seasonings. Mango improves complexion, contains a natural tranquilizer, and therefore calms the psyche and improves sleep. The cost depends on the season, from 60 and above.

Sapodilla (la-mut)- a small brown fruit that looks like an egg. The fruit has a milky caramel taste. Sapodilla grows on an evergreen tree that releases latex sap when damaged. The fruit is eaten both in its pure form and added to baked goods and salads. Sapodilla is widely used in medicine; a decoction of the leaves reduces blood pressure; sedatives are produced from the seeds. The oil is used in cosmetology. Prices start from 30 baht per kg.

Tatiana Solomatina

TOP 10 exotic fruits: where are they found and what do they taste like?

Hello, friends! Are you planning to go to a southern country on vacation? Then you just need to find out what exotic fruits there are. Today we will talk about tasty and healthy.

Read a short review: the appearance and taste of the fruit, ripening season, storage features. See photos and videos.

This round tropical fruit is red in color and can reach up to 5 cm in diameter. There is one seed in the middle of the berry. In its shape, texture and seed, the fruit is similar to lime-yay, but only with a more pronounced aroma and taste. The fruit is very tasty, sweet and juicy, although sometimes slightly sour. Under the skin, which is easily removed, is the plum pulp, which is white in color.

Fresh lychees can only be found during the harvest season, which begins at the end of May and lasts until the end of July. Between seasons of fruit ripening, you can find it canned in jars or plastic containers. Lychees are usually preserved in their own juice or coconut milk.

Ripe exotic fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks. If you peel them and immediately freeze them, they will last in the freezer for up to 3 months and retain all their beneficial properties.

Where to try: Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Australia, China.

It is worth noting that lychee fruits contain pectin, proteins, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. Those who consume these exotic fruits in sufficient quantities, due to their very high content of nicotinic acid (vitamin PP), usually do not suffer from atherosclerosis. Therefore, in the region where lychee grows, the level of this disease is quite low.

Rambutan - "hairy fruit"

The fruits of this exotic fruit are round, red, about 5 cm in diameter, covered with a peel with soft shoots resembling spines. Under the skin there is white-transparent pulp, sweet in taste and sometimes sour. The bone is quite difficult to separate from the pulp, but it is also edible.

The tropical fruits of rambutan contain vitamin C, as well as a lot of carbohydrates, protein, phosphorus, calcium, iron and nicotinic acid, which is very beneficial for health. The shelf life of such fruits is short - up to 7 days in the refrigerator.

The ripening and harvesting period for these fruits is quite long, from May to October.

Where to try: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Colombia, Ecuador, Cuba.

Jam is made from rambutan fruits, jelly is made, and the pulp is also preserved.

Mangosteen can also be called garcinia or mankut

These exotic fruits are dark purple in color and are the size of a small apple. The peel of the fruit is very thick and inedible, and the edible white pulp looks like cloves of garlic. Tasty, sweet pulp with a slight sourness has a unique taste unlike anything else. There are no seeds inside, although some fruits may contain small soft seeds, but they can be eaten.

Mangosteen fruits are sometimes defective and have dark creamy, sticky, and unpleasant-tasting flesh. But in appearance, such fruits cannot be distinguished from normal ones until the peel is removed.

The harvest is harvested from April to September.

Where to try: Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica.

The tropical mangosteen fruit contains beneficial natural biologically active substances that help relieve inflammatory reactions such as redness, swelling, high fever, and painful weakness.

Dragon's Eye – pitaya, pitahaya

These tropical cactus fruits are called so in the Russian version; in the world this product is better known as Dragon Fruit.

The fruits themselves are oblong and large, about the size of a palm, the color of the fruit is red or pink. The pulp inside the pitaya, studded with small black seeds, is white, sometimes with a reddish tint. The taste is very juicy, tender, slightly sweet, with a taste unlike anything else. The pulp can be eaten with a spoon, scooping it from the fruit cut in half.

Pitaya fruits are harvested all year round.

Where to try: Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Japan, USA, Australia, Israel.

These exotic cactus fruits are considered useful in the treatment of endocrine diseases, diabetes, and stomach pain.

Durian - the king of fruits

The exotic durian fruits are very large, weighing up to 8 kg. The rind of the round, dark green fruit resembles conical spines, like a large hedgehog.

This tropical fruit is famous for its smell. Many have heard of it, some are familiar with its smell, and very few have tried it. The smell is reminiscent of garlic, onions and old socks. Because of this smell, the fruit is prohibited from being brought into public places: hotels, transport, beauty salons. For example, in Thailand, they hang signs in front of the entrance with the image of a crossed-out fruit.

Although the flesh of the fruit itself is sweet and tender, which does not combine with the unpleasant odor. But not many people decide to try this fruit. And in vain, because the taste is very pleasant, and durian fruits are considered in Asia a valuable product with beneficial properties. Durian is a powerful aphrodisiac.

The fruit harvesting period begins in April and ends in August.

Where to try: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Philippines.

It is worth noting that durian cannot be combined with drinking alcohol, because blood pressure can rise sharply and this will lead to unpleasant consequences.

Sal, other names: herring, snake fruit, rakum

The fruits are small in size, oblong or round in shape, have a red (rakum) or brown (herring) color, and are covered with small spines on top.

This fruit has an unusual, bright sweet and sour taste. Some say it resembles a pear, others say it resembles a persimmon. It's worth trying it yourself - at least once.

When peeling and peeling an exotic fruit, you need to be very careful, as the spines are quite dense and can dig into the skin. It's better to use a knife.

Lard ripens from April to June.

Where to try: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia.

Carambola - “star of the tropics”

If you cut a tropical fruit in half, the cut will be shaped like a star. The color is yellow with a hint of green, the size of the fruit is small, there are small seeds inside.

A distinctive feature of the exotic fruit is its edible peel (you can eat it whole) and, of course, its unusual shape. It has a pleasant smell, but the taste does not stand out in any way - slightly sweet or even sweet and sour. The fruit itself is juicy and can quench your thirst.

Ripens all year round.

Where to try: Borneo, Thailand, Indonesia.

Carambola fruits are not advisable for those who have severe kidney problems.

Longan or Lam Yai

The exotic fruits of longan are small, reminiscent of small potatoes, they are covered with a thin inedible peel, and inside there is one inedible seed.

The taste of longan pulp is quite unique, juicy and sweet, even aromatic.

Longan fruits are harvested from July to September.

Where to try: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China.

These tropical fruits are very healthy because they are rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and contain many bioacids. To prevent the fruit from spoiling quickly, you should choose a fruit that is ripe, with a thick skin, without cracks.

Longkong - another name for London

Longkong fruits are also similar to longan and small potatoes, only larger in size and pale yellow in color. The inside of the pulp resembles garlic in appearance.

The exotic longkong tastes sweet and sour. Its fruits contain phosphorus, calcium, carbohydrates and vitamin C. If you dry and burn the skin of longkong, the pleasant aromatic smell will also be useful, as it serves as a good repellent.

This tropical fruit cannot be stored for a long time (in the refrigerator - 4-5 days), despite the fact that the peel of a ripe fruit should be dense and without cracks.

Fruit harvesting occurs from April to June.

Where to try: Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia.

You can find a variety of longkong - langsat, they do not differ in appearance, but the second one has a bitter aftertaste.

Jackfruit or kanoon - Indian breadfruit

The jackfruit is perhaps the largest exotic fruit among those that grow on trees. Its weight can reach 35 kg. The edible pulp inside the fruit appears in the form of several large yellow slices.

The taste of jackfruit pulp is sickly sweet, reminiscent of melon and marshmallow. The fruits of this fruit are very nutritious, they contain a lot of starch, and contain about 40% carbohydrates - this is more than in bread.

Tropical fruits ripen for a long time: from January to August.

Where to try: Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore.

It is inconvenient to store such a large fruit entirely (it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months); it is better to buy slices of pulp already cut up and packaged in plastic. It is worth knowing that some people have an allergic reaction after eating jackfruit: spasms in the throat, it becomes difficult to swallow. This usually goes away after a while, but you need to be careful.

Delicious, right? All these tropical fruits are exotic only for us; residents of southern countries are familiar with them. For dessert, I suggest you watch an interesting video that tells in detail about many of the fruits from my selection.

You'll notice many of the tropical fruits above grow in Thailand. I was able to try almost everything. I just couldn’t appreciate the taste of the stinky durian. It turned out to be beyond my strength. Have you tried it? Write in the comments, it’s interesting to know your feelings. Better yet, send stories, reviews and reviews about your vacation. I will definitely publish them in the “Readers’ Travels” section, read the details.

Subscribe to blog updates, there is still a lot of useful information ahead. Now I’ll say goodbye for a while, see you again!

Tatiana Solomatina