10 Rare Exotic Fruits You Need to Try
If you're tired of the same old apples and bananas and you're ready to taste something truly extraordinary, you're in the right place!
In the world of rare exotic fruits, there are endless options for you to try. So, in this blog post, we've narrowed it down to ten of our absolute favourites.
From the lush jungles of Thailand to the sunny shores of India, these fruits bring a burst of flavour, culture, and excitement to your kitchen.
So, without further ado, let's dive into our top 10 picks for rare exotic fruits you absolutely need to try.
(We've saved the most unique, rare fruit for the number 10 spot!)
1. Mangosteen: The Queen of Fruits
Country of Origin: Thailand
Flavour: Very sweet, tangy, and slightly floral
Hail to the queen! The mangosteen is often hailed as the "Queen of Fruits," and we think it deserves that title thanks to its incredible flavour. Once you taste one, you'll understand why it reigns supreme among exotic fruits!
Encased in a deep purple rind, this fruit's juicy, snow-white flesh is a delectable blend of sweetness and tanginess, reminiscent of a citrusy peach with hints of lychee.
Legend has it that Queen Victoria offered a princely reward to anyone who could bring her this coveted fruit, earning it the royal title.
Mangosteens are packed with antioxidants and have been celebrated for their potential health benefits.
2. Durian: The Stinkiest Fruit
Country of Origin: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand
Flavour: Rich, creamy, with a distinctive aroma
Ah, the infamous durian! Known as the "King of Fruits," this prickly giant is as divisive as it is delicious.
Its custard-like flesh is creamy, with a unique flavour that's a blend of sweet and savoury, often described as a mix of almonds, onions, and custard.
But beware: its pungent aroma, which some liken to rotting onions or gym socks, has earned it a ban in many public spaces!
Despite its polarising nature, durian aficionados swear by its creamy goodness, making it a must-try for adventurous fruit lovers.
3. Rambutan: The Hairy Fruit
Country of Origin: Southeast Asia
Flavour: Sweet, juicy, and slightly acidic
Don't let its hairy-looking exterior fool you; beneath the shell lies a very sweet surprise!
The rambutan, native to Southeast Asia, is similar to lychee or grape with its translucent, juicy flesh – but it has a slightly firmer texture.
Its flavour is refreshingly sweet with a hint of acidity.
In addition to its delicious taste, rambutan is packed with vitamins and minerals.
4. Dragon Fruit / Pitaya / Pitahaya
Country of Origin: Central and South America
Flavour: Mildly sweet and floral with a subtle crunch
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya depending on which variety you're looking at, is a stunningly beautiful fruit with a flavour as enchanting as its appearance.
There are four varieties: red, white, yellow, and golden. Each one has a slightly different flavour and outer skin colour, but they all have white inner flesh speckled with tiny black seeds.
Its mild, sweet flavour is reminiscent of a cross between a kiwi and a pear, with a subtle crunch that adds to its appeal.
Dragon fruit is also packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants.
5. Jackfruit: The Vegan's Meat Substitute
Country of Origin: India
Flavour: Sweet and fragrant, with a tropical twist
This gigantic fruit is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Jackfruit's fibrous flesh has a sweet, tropical flavour similar to pineapple and banana, making it a great ingredient in desserts, smoothies, and savoury dishes alike.
But what truly sets jackfruit apart is its meat-like texture, making it a popular substitute for pulled pork or shredded chicken in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Whether you're a carnivore or a herbivore, jackfruit is a must-try for its unique taste and culinary potential.
6. Star Fruit / Carambola
Country of Origin: Southeast Asia
Flavour: Sweet and tart, with a hint of citrus
Star fruit, also known as carambola, is as beautiful as it is delicious, with a unique star shape and an appropriately golden-yellow skin.
Its crisp, juicy flesh has a refreshing sweetness with a tangy kick, like a blend of apples, grapes, and citrus fruits.
It can be eaten fresh, but it's best enjoyed when sliced into salads, or juiced into drinks and cocktails.
7. Lychee
Country of Origin: China
Flavour: Sweet and floral, with a hint of rose
Lychee is a tropical fruit beloved for its delicate flavour and very juicy flesh.
Native to China, lychees have been prized for centuries for their exquisite taste, which is like a blend of super-juicy grapes and roses.
Encased in a rough, pinkish-red shell, the lychee's translucent flesh is juicy and fragrant, with a floral sweetness that's truly irresistible.
8. Granadilla Passion Fruit
Country of Origin: South America
Flavour: Tart and tangy, with a tropical twist
The granadilla offers a flavour explosion that packs a powerful punch!
Despite its strange appearance, this variety of passion fruit has an exceptional flavour. It's tart, tangy, and super refreshing, with a satisfying juicy and crunchy texture.
It's also sweeter than other passionfruit varieties that you may have had.
To eat it, you can crack the skin with your hands and pull it apart to reveal frogspawn-like seeds, encased in delicious juicy flesh. It's a super satisfying experience!
9. Kiwano / Horned Melon
Country of Origin: Africa
Flavour: Refreshingly tart, with hints of cucumber, melon and banana
The kiwano, also known as the horned melon, is a truly unique fruit that is both visually appealing and delicious.
Native to Africa, this spiky fruit is characterised by its vibrant orange skin and distinctive horn-like protrusions.
On the inside, you'll see a striking emerald-green flesh that's super juicy and refreshing. The flavour is a delightful blend of tartness, cucumber, melon, and banana – a very refreshing combination.
10. Buddha's Hand
Country of Origin: Northeast India and China
Flavour: Citrusy and aromatic, with a hint of floral
Last but certainly not least, we have Buddha's hand, a truly unique citrus fruit.
It gets it's name from its unusual shape that resembles a praying hand, and the fact that some Buddhist communities will give this fruit as a spiritual gift – as a token of luck.
The most unusual thing about Buddha's Hand is that it contains no flesh. It is entirely made up of a thick, pithy rind that encases a fragrant zest.
Buddha's hand is beautifully fragrant, aromatic, citrusy, and zesty. It is the perfect fruit for adding a lemon-like but non-sour flavour to desserts and savoury dishes.
