Fruits are known for their juicy sweetness, vibrant colors, and refreshing flavors, but some fruits take these characteristics to a whole new level. Whether they’re covered in spines, have a strong odor, or grow in unusual shapes, these 10 fruits are the strangest you’ll ever encounter. From the jungles of Southeast Asia to the deserts of South America, these fruits are as exotic as they are unique. So, get ready to broaden your horizons and discover the 10 most strangest fruits in the world.
10 – Passion Fruit
Passion Fruit is native to South America. It is also grown in green houses to boost its flavor. It is usually found bright red in color but variations can exist, such as in India you might also get to see them half green and half red and quite bulky in size. Passion Fruits are used in juices to add the extra flavor.
09 – Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
Dragon fruit is known for its unusual color and laxative properties. These fruits can be found in Central and South America, also some countries in Southeast Asia. Dragon fruits have a bright pink skin and sweet, creamy white flesh full of small black seeds. Additionally, dragonfruit is often used in smoothies and fruit bowls.
08 – Custard Apple
Custard Apple grows in Taiwan, India and Africa and in other tropical forests around the world. It is also known as “bull’s heart,” . The custard apple has long been used for its medicinal properties. The sweet-tasting fruit is not the only useful part of this plant also the leaves can be used to make stains or dyes and the bark and the fruit can be used for healing purposes.
07 – African cucumber (Kiwano)
Kiwano has a lot of names. You can call it horned melon, African horned cucumber, hedged gourd or jelly melon. It’s native to Africa, but also it grows in California, Chile, Australia and New Zealand as well. In California it’s widely-known as Blowfish fruit. It’s edible, but jelly melon is mostly used as decoration food. Kiwano is a good source of vitamin C and potassium, and its flavor has been described as a mix of banana, lime, and cucumber.
06 – Ackee
This fruit is the national fruit of Jamaica and is known for its bright red skin and creamy white flesh. However, the fruit is poisonous if eaten before it has fully ripened and opened, and should only be consumed when its arils turn a bright red color and open naturally.
05 – Tamarillo
Tamarillo is known as the popular sibling of the regular tomato. Its paler and burnt in color, with distinctively shaped seeds in the middle when you slice it in half. This fruit grows in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia and tastes similar to the Passion fruit. It is also used in making juices and in certain areas of Bolivia it is used for cooking, especially to prepare the sauce. In the industry it is used as a strong preservative because the fruit contains a high amount of pectin.
04 – Mangosteen
These are the ‘queen of Thai fruits’ with their elegant, segmented white–flesh inside a thick large purple peel. They grow in the South and the season lasts just a few months of the year. Indeed, if you are in Thailand or planning to visit, be sure to enjoy this delicious and luxurious sweet fruit.
03 – Durian (The King of fruits)
Known as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, the durian is famous for its strong odor, which has been compared to that of rotting onions or garbage. Despite its pungent aroma, the durian is prized for its creamy, custard-like flesh, which is said to have a sweet, nutty flavor.
02 – Star fruit (Carambola)
This fruit is native to Southeast Asia and is named for its distinctive shape, which resembles a star when sliced. The fruit has a sweet and sour flavor, and is often used in salads, smoothies, and cocktails. Additionally, starfruit is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.
01 – Buddha’s Hand
This fingered citrus fruit is native to China and is named for its unique shape, which resembles a hand with curled fingers. The fruit has little to no flesh and is used primarily for its fragrant zest, which is used in cooking and as a natural air freshener.
These 10 most strangest fruits offer a unique and delicious way to explore different cultures and flavors from around the world. Whether you’re looking to try something new or expand your culinary horizons, these fruits are sure to provide an interesting and nutritious addition to your diet.
Six More Exotic Fruits You Can’t Afford to Miss!
Sometimes, it’s not just about sticking to the basics but rather delving into the treasure chest of the unusual. Ever thought of challenging your palate with weird fruit that offers surprising tastes and textures? Here are six more fascinating and downright odd fruit from various corners of the globe!
Lychee
Our first stop lands us in Asia, where the Lychee reigns supreme. Encased in a tough, weird looking fruit shell lies a delicate and sweet white flesh that will simply melt in your mouth. This funny fruit is not just a hit on the taste charts, but its high vitamin C content also makes it a nutritional gem.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is our next strange fruit – an absolute monster in the fruit kingdom. Weighing up to a whopping 35kg, this fruit is known for its spiky outer layer and its juicy, sweet, and fibrous interior that tastes somewhat like a mix of apple, banana, mango, and melon. Undoubtedly, it’s a must-try for those bold enough to tackle its daunting size!
Rambutan
Next up, meet the Pomelo. This strange looking fruit could easily be mistaken for a hairy creature! Don’t let its hairy exterior fool you; beneath the weird shaped fruit shell, you’ll discover a juicy, sweet and sour treat that is truly delectable. This little weird fruit is also a powerhouse of vitamin C, making it the perfect blend of health and taste.
Pomelo
Our tour wouldn’t be complete without Pomelo. This large and round citrus fruit can be seen as the big brother of the grapefruit. It’s a funny fruit, being much larger and sweeter than its citrus relatives. Slice it open to reveal sweet, pink flesh that offers a tangy taste sensation!
Snake Fruit
Now, get ready to meet Snake Fruit, one of the weirdest looking fruit around. As its name suggests, its reddish-brown scaly skin resembles that of a snake. Peel it back to expose a sweet yet tangy flesh, reminiscent of a crisp apple.
Lastly, we have the Rose Apple. Although it shares a name with the common apple, this strange fruit is far from ordinary. Its bell shape and refreshing flavor, similar to a snow pear, make it stand out from the crowd. It’s a perfect weird fruit to refresh your palate on a hot summer’s day.