The most exotic fruits: review, description, rules of use

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-02 16:12

When traveling in a foreign country, many of our compatriots, accustomed to apples, pears and oranges, sometimes look with surprise at exotic fruits that have an unusual appearance, name and smell for us. Some of them beckon, others frighten and repel with their bizarre shapes and unconventional beauty. And how great is the temptation to try an unusual fruit that literally excites the mind and can become part of a gastronomic excursion that allows you to get to know the country in which the tourist is located!

Of course, you can meet exotic fruits in domestic supermarkets. It is unlikely that there will be a person who will be surprised to see "hairy" coconuts, "fluffy" kiwis, sweet bananas and prickly pineapples. However, this list is only a small part of what the inaccessible and alluring tropical world can please a person with. Only in one relatively small Malaysia, approximately 350 types of fruits grow. But besides this tropical country there areand many more!

Let's get acquainted with the most exotic fruits that exist on the planet and are still little known to our compatriots.

Lychee

This fruit is strikingly beautiful. Outwardly, it resembles Christmas decorations or corals. Lychee fruits are bright and "fluffy". But at the same time they grow on very prickly branches. Tearing off the fruits one at a time, literally pushing through the needles, is very inconvenient and painful. That is why the one who harvests these one of the most exotic fruits immediately cuts off the entire thin branch with fruits, and there are about 6-8 of them on it.

Lychee is very popular in Southeast Asia. This fruit is especially valued in China, where it comes from. In China, lychee has been eaten for about 2,000 years. This fruit is also called "Chinese plum".

The fruit has a white translucent flesh. A round seed can be seen through it. Due to this appearance, this one of the most exotic fruits is called the dragon's eye. Its fruits with a diameter of 3 cm have a length of 3-4 cm. Outwardly, they resemble strawberries with a hard peel. Inside, under it, the flesh of a pearly white color is hidden, similar in texture to a grape. The lychee stone is inedible and slightly poisonous.

These exotic fruits taste sweet and sour. The fruit is quite juicy, with the aroma of rose petals. On sale you can meet close relatives of the lychee. These are fruits such as longan and rambutan.

For eating, you need to choose only darkred or slightly pinkish fruits that do not have dents on the peel. Lychees can be stored in the refrigerator, where they do not lose their properties for up to 3 weeks.

How to eat these exotic fruits? To do this, they must be peeled and the inner membrane removed. Next, the flesh is cut with a knife to remove the stone.

Juicy and sweet lychees are great paired with coconut, ginger and lime. They are often added to cocktails and sorbets.

You can buy these fruits in Chinese markets, where they are sold fresh. If you put them in the refrigerator, the peel will change its color to brown. The taste will remain the same. Lychees are also sold in canned form.

The fruit of the dragon's eye has useful properties that help improve human he alth. This exotic fruit contains a lot of vitamin C, as well as B₁ and B_{2. Chinese plum contains nicotinic acid and phosphorus, iron and carbohydrates. They also endow the dragon eye fruit with beneficial properties. Thanks to these components, its use helps to normalize digestion, eliminate anemia, and also prevents the development of atherosclerosis. With the help of this fruit, a person is also able to quench his thirst.}

However, eating Chinese plums in large quantities is not worth it. In this case, the fruit can cause nosebleeds, as well as the appearance of acne on the face and sores in the mouth.

In cooking, lychee finds its use in the preparation of desserts. They add the pulp of this fruit to salads, and also make stuffing for puddings andpies. Dragon eye is used in recipes for cooking fish, with which it goes just great. It is also used for sweet and sour sauce, which is served with chicken or pork meat.

Durian

Those who decide to study the names and descriptions of the fruits of Thailand will certainly meet this particular fruit in the first line. All those travelers who have visited this country know about it.

By right, these fruits can be called the most exotic. And not every tourist dares to try them. Interestingly, the taste of durian is simply delicious and resembles a very delicate cream. But the smell is terrible, similar to the smell of rotten meat. And it is no coincidence that most hotels in Thailand and those countries in which this fruit grows prohibit bringing it to the room. And this is due not so much to the spreading smell, but to its strength. Just a few minutes, and the entire hotel room will be filled with such aromas, which after several days will have to be disposed of with the help of perfumes. But it is worth noting that the durian itself, if not opened, does not smell.

Such fruits grow on tall trees, reaching a weight of 2-10 kilograms. That is why durian is called the king of Thai fruits. The peel of a gray-green or yellow-green color covers the fruit, dotted with thorns that threaten in appearance and size. Inside the durian are two brown seeds. It is believed that the smaller they are, the stronger the smell of the fruit, and the more pale yellow flesh.

The ripeness of a durian is known by itshardness. An overripe fruit can be identified by a cracked peel.

The pulp of the fruit is sweet, with a delicate texture. However, its use is not recommended to be combined with alcohol. The fact is that durian can increase blood pressure, and in combination with alcohol, the consequences can be the most unpleasant.

Tourists who come to Thailand or another Asian country can buy this fruit already peeled, cut into slices and packed in polyethylene. It is not recommended to buy a whole fruit, because it will not work to eat it because of its impressive size. It will not be easy to even cut the fruit. But for those who decide to take such a step, it is better to do it in the fresh air because of the strong and unpleasant smell.

The composition of the durian fruit contains a large number of elements useful for the human body. Thanks to this, the king of Thai fruits does the following:

1. Eliminates constipation. This is due to the dietary fiber in durian. These components perfectly remove carcinogens from the intestines, preventing the development of cancer in this organ.
2. Prevents anemia. Such a pathology can sometimes be caused by a lack of vitamin B_{9 in the body. And there is quite a lot of it in durian.}
3. Has a beneficial effect on the skin. This is due to the vitamin C present in the fruit, which is involved in the production of collagen.
4. Benefits the skeletal system. Durian is rich in potassium. It retains calcium in the body and prevents its excretion. In addition, potassium itself nourishes the bone tissue, preventing them from becoming too brittle.
5. Helps eliminate diabetes. Durian has a similar effect due to its manganese content. This trace element is essential for regulating blood sugar levels.
6. Supplies the thyroid gland with copper, which is essential for its normal functioning.
7. Improves the process of digestion. The king of Thai fruits is rich in thiamine. This element contributes to the normalization of appetite and is important for the production of hydrochloric acid, due to which food is digested.
8. Relieves pain caused by migraines. This happens due to the presence of riboflavin in the composition of the fruit.
9. Reduces depression with tryptophan, also known as a natural sleep powder.

In addition to the above properties, durian strengthens teeth, supports immunity and heart muscle.

The peeled fruit is included in the composition of ice cream, mousses and pies, and also canned. Durian seeds are also eaten.

Pitahaya

If you continue to get acquainted with the names and descriptions of the fruits of Thailand, as well as other tropical countries, then you should definitely pay attention to this fruit. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and South America. Pitahaya is a fruit-bearing cactus, at the ends of the stems of which fruits ripen, resembling cones in their appearance.

The Indians highly valued this fruit for its sweet taste and high yield. Fruiting cactus is of several types, depending on what the pulpit is possible to meet pink or purple-white. The shades of the peel are somewhat different for different types of fruit.

In the fruits of pitahaya there are black seeds that are unsuitable for food. You also need to get rid of the peel, which is removed very easily.

This exotic fruit contains a large amount of vitamins PP, C, as well as group B, iron and calcium, phosphorus. Pitahaya helps people get rid of endocrine ailments, diabetes and stomach diseases.

The taste of this fruit is somewhat sweet and not saturated. They eat it, cutting it in half lengthwise, eating out the pulp with a spoon. You can also pre-cut the peel in the longitudinal direction. After that, it is completely removed, and the pulp is cut into pieces.

Pitahaya is added to yoghurts, sherbets, ice cream and sweets. The pulp serves as the basis for jellies, sauces and jams. It is also used for the preparation of alcoholic beverages.

Mangosteen

Description of exotic fruits would be far from complete without this fruit, which is considered sacred for the peoples of Asia. There is a legend according to which the Buddha tasted the mangosteen and considered its taste to be divine. After that, he gave the fruit to people. It is also known that the mangosteen was to the taste of Queen Victoria. She even promised to reward whoever brings this exotic fruit to England.

Today, mangosteen is very popular in Malaysia and Thailand. It is even called the “king of tropical fruits.”

Mangosteen has dark red skin and fragrantsnow-white pulp, which consists of slices. Its taste is something between a peach and a grape. This fruit is about the size of an apple. However, unlike the latter, its thin skin is inedible. There are practically no seeds in the elastic sweet and sour pulp. But if they do occur, that is, they can be.

Mangosteen is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Thanks to this composition, the fruit has a beneficial effect on the immune and cardiovascular systems.

How do you eat mangosteen? Soufflés, milkshakes, preserves and jams are prepared from it, added to sauces and fruit salads.

How do you eat fresh mangosteen? To do this, the fruit is cut in half, opened and eaten with a fork. The pulp that remains on the peel is peeled and boiled, preparing a healing tea from the resulting composition.

Mangosteen skin has a lot of tannin. That is why it is used in industries for the tanning process, and in medicine - as an astringent. In addition, the exotic fruit contains a lot of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and B.

Thais prefer to eat mangosteen raw, placing the pulp on a layer of crushed ice. This gives the fruit a refreshing taste that is especially good after spicy and hot foods.

Carambola

This rare fruit comes from the Moluccas and Sri Lanka. To date, it is cultivated in almost all countries in the tropical climate zone.

Carambola has several names. Namely, "starfruit", "carom", as well as "star apple". The last version of the name given to the fruit is not accidental. After allif cut across, the fruit will look like a five-pointed star.

Carambola is a bright yellow fruit. The diameter of the fruit is about 6 cm, and its length is 10-15 cm. The taste of carambola is sweet and sour. For fruits of different types, it may differ slightly.

Interestingly, carambola fruit has a very thin skin through which you can see the pulp. How is it eaten? Whole. The skin of the fruit does not need to be peeled off.

Fruit contains a lot of oxalic acid. That is why it should be used with caution by someone who suffers from stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers or gastritis. Thanks to the oxalic acid that is part of carambola, an exotic fruit is able to perfectly polish copper products and remove stains from clothes. In addition to this element, the exotic fruit contains a large amount of vitamins C, B₁, B₂ and B_{5, as well as potassium and sodium, iron, calcium and phosphorus. Here is such a wonderful composition of carambola fruit.}

How is it eaten? Raw, stewed, canned, squeezed out juice from the pulp, added to puddings, jellies and salads. Star-shaped fruits are often used to decorate a variety of dishes.

Kivano

This exotic fruit is also called horned melon. His homeland is Africa. To date, you can also meet kiwano in New Zealand, as well as in Colombia, where they cultivate it.

In addition to the name "horned melon" there are others. Among them - "jelly melon", "Englishtomato" and "African horned cucumber".

This exotic fruit has a bright yellow color. Its hard rind is studded with soft spines. They gave the name to the fruit.

Kivano peel is inedible. However, it is so hard that it is used as a cookware, which is supported by spikes.

The taste of this fruit is sweet and sour, reminiscent of cucumber, melon, banana and lime at the same time. It is impossible to call it pleasant. However, Kiwano is often used as an ingredient in smoothies, fruit desserts, creams and ice creams.

Guava

This exotic fruit is native to Central America. In former times, it was a favorite delicacy of the Aztecs and Incas.

Guava fruit looks like a small apple with a unique tropical flavor. This fruit is recommended for those who want to replenish their body with ascorbic acid reserves. There is more of it in guava than in citrus fruits. In addition, the fruit contains iron, phosphorus, calcium, B vitamins, and beta-carotene.

Guava is used to make juices, salads and jellies. It is added to milkshakes and ice cream, and also marinated. From the dried pulp of the fruit, cheese is prepared, which is considered one of the best oriental sweets.

Eat the guava fruit right with the peel, cut them in half or into smaller pieces beforehand.

Passionfruit

The birthplace of this exotic fruit is Brazil. Passion fruits are round in shape.yellow or purple skin. The pulp of the fruit, which contains a large number of seeds, has a sour taste.

Passion fruit is very beneficial for human he alth. The pulp of this fruit contains a lot of proteins and fiber, carbohydrates and phosphorus, sodium and calcium, serotonin, as well as vitamins C, B and A. Eating exotic fruits helps to normalize the functioning of the intestines, urinary tract and liver. However, for those who are prone to allergies, it is better not to consume the passionfruit fruit.

How is it eaten raw? Before eating, the fruit is cut in half. After that, its pulp is eaten with a spoon. Juices and nectars are also prepared from passion fruit. Add it to desserts and salads. The fruit is also used as an addition to ice cream.

Rambutan

This exotic fruit is a small pink fruit that has many soft shoots on the peel. Outwardly, they resemble a chestnut, but their shape is more elongated, and the spikes are not hard.

Under the peel is a sweet and juicy translucent dense white pulp, which contains a large stone of the rambutan fruit. How is it eaten? The peel is fairly easy to open directly with your hands or cut with a knife. After the fruit has been peeled, it is eaten raw. These exotic fruits are used for salads and sauces. They are used to make stuffing for pies, fruit jams, amazing in their taste, and compotes.

The composition of rambutan includes vitamin C,as well as a huge number of elements useful for the body, thanks to which:

• increases food metabolism;
• infections are eliminated;
• supports the he alth of the cardiovascular system;
• lowering blood pressure;
• eliminate intestinal parasites.

Sala

This exotic fruit is a round or oblong fruit, reaching a length of up to 5 cm. The rind of the fat is brown or red. It is covered with small dense spines.

Sala fruit has an unusual, bright sweet-sour taste, reminiscent of a pear or persimmon. Before use, the fruit should be peeled. Due to the thorns, it is recommended to do this with a knife.

Sala is a very he althy fruit. It contains a large amount of tannin, which disinfects the body, removing pathogenic microflora from the digestive organs. The use of exotic fruits has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestines, relieving irritation and inflammation in it.