Your grocery’s produce aisle isn’t just apples and bananas, anymore. The world’s tastiest and healthy fruits (some you may have never heard of) are entering the local scene. Discover exactly why these nutrient-rich exotic fruits are gaining quick popularity.
Pomegranate: Native to Southwest Asia, pomegranates are available fresh in the fall. A rich source of antioxidants (and compounds like punicalagin), the fruit is ruby-red and about the size of an apple, filled with jewel-toned seeds held in place by a soft membrane. Only the seeds, which are tart and crunchy, are edible. Squeeze for fresh juice, or scoop out the seeds to eat plain or on top of salads, yogurt, and desserts. A half-cup has about 80 calories.
Goji Berries: In need of antioxidants? Goji berries (the dried fruit or juice) are nutritionally dense, rich in fiber, amino acids, vitamins A and C, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, and selenium. The dark-colored berries are native to Asia and have been claimed to promote weight loss, combat heart disease, strengthen the immune system, help prevent cancer, and delay aging (although claims haven’t been verified by research yet). Mild and slightly tangy, goji berries can be eaten dried straight from the bag, added to baked goods and smoothies, or tossed into salads, yogurt, or cereal.
Acai: This fruit (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is referred to as a “super food” because it’s rich in anthocyanins and essential fatty acids, known to have health benefits such as helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. The tiny, dark purple, round berries have a large, inedible seed and taste similar to wild berries and chocolate. Acai, shown to have higher antioxidant content than raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, can be eaten dried or as a juice.
Passion Fruit: Rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber—with only 16 calories per fruit—passion fruit is highly fragrant, egg-shaped, and has a tough rind that’s smooth and waxy and ranges in color from dark purple to light yellow or pumpkin-colored. Slice it in half, scooping out the seeds, or serve it in fruit salads, atop yogurt, or in chicken, pork, or fish dishes. Strain the pulp and enjoy the juice in desserts, cocktails, and sauces.
Star Fruit: Also called carambola, sliced star fruits resemble a five-pointed star. Waxy and yellow-green in color, the fruit is sweet-tart and crunchy. Star fruits, which hail from Southeast Asia, are a great source of vitamin C. You don’t need to peel or seed it, so just wash, slice, and enjoy. Also add it to salads, dishes, or use as a garnish.
Lychee: Native to China, the Philippines, and India, lychee are small white, fleshy fruits covered in a red rind. They’re rich in vitamin C (about nine lychee fruits meet an adult’s daily requirement of Vitamin C), have the texture of grapes, and can be eaten fresh or dried.
Ugli Fruit: This fruit may not be the prettiest at first glance. But beneath its spotted greenish-yellow skin and bizarre shape is a surprisingly sweet and juicy orange center. Similar to a grapefruit, but lacking the tart flavor, the ugli fruit comes from Jamaica. Extract the fruit by cutting the sections and eat plain, or add them to a fruit salad or chicken dish.
Kumquat: Resembling a miniature orange, more oval than round, kumquats provide a good source of vitamin C. Consumed whole or sliced—from the sweet-tasting rind to its tart seedy center—kumquats can be added to salads, made into jam, or used to thicken sauces and dressings. The fruit is native to China and can usually be found in grocery stores during the winter months.
Dragon Fruit: Also called pitaya or strawberry pear, dragon fruit is native to Mexico and Central and South America. The most common dragon fruit is the red pitaya, which has a creamy pulp and sweet delicate aroma. Dragon fruits are a good source of Vitamin C and rich in fiber and minerals, notably phosphorous and calcium. They can be eaten raw, or made into juice or wine.
While these would surely make for an interesting fruit basket, there are many more exotic fruits out there. The next time you’re wandering the produce aisles, take a closer look around and be a little more imaginative and adventurous when shopping for fruits.
