Top 10 Weird Fruit You've Probably Never Heard of
From jackfruit to the african horned cucumber we countdown 10 Weird Fruit You’ve Probably Never Heard of.10. Durian
We start off our list with Durian, which is regarded by many people in southeast Asia as “the king of fruit”. Weighing up to 7 pounds, the edible flesh of the durian emits a distinctive odor which some people have compared to raw sewage or rotten onions. The smell is so bad, the fruit has been banned from certain hotels and on public transportation in some areas. Even with a smell that could clear a room, the Durian is a delightful delicacy in many countries.
9. Jackfruit
The Largest tree-borne fruit in the world, jackfruit can weigh as much as 80 pounds. Originating in the southwestern rain forests of India the jack fruit tree is best suited to tropical lowlands. People have described the taste as similar to chicken, and is said to be an ideal meat substitute for vegetarians.
8. Ackee
The National fruit of Jamaica ackee is a popular ingredient in various Caribbean cuisines. Even though the food is fairly popular, it’s seen as a mixed blessing as it can cause Jamaican Vomiting Sickness. Unripe ackee contains a poison called hypoglyclin which is toxic when ingested, so it’s very important to wait until the fruit is ripe before it’s consumed.
7. African Horned Cucumber
Sometimes called the blow fish fruit the African horned cucumber tastes like a cross between a cucumber and zucchini. The ripe fruit has a yellow-orange skin and lime green jelly like interior. It’s rich in both vitamin C and fiber, and despite the fruit’s colorful appearance, it’s not generally found in any western cuisine.
6. Jabuticaba
This grape-like fruit is native to Southeastern Brazil and can be eaten raw or used to make jellies, juice or wine. The fruit is unusual in that it appears to grow right out of the bark of it’s tree, making the tree look like the trees covered in purple warts or pimples. Several potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds have been found in the berry which is also being researched for anti cancer compounds.
5. Physalis
Encased in a lantern-like husk, these fruit share a relation to the tomato. Sometimes called Cape Gooseberry, they can be eaten raw and are most commonly used in salads or used in pie filling. Physalis are also used in Chinese medicine, and are used as a remedy for coughs, fever, and sore throat. The fruit contains twice the amount of Vitamin C than a lemon, and is said to have a sweeter taste than a tomatillo.
4. Rambutan
This exotic fruit is native to malaysia and other regions of tropical southeast asia. The name rambutan is derived from the malay word for hair, which is a reference to it’s hairy exterior. Once opened, the fruit inside can be easily popped out, and has a taste similar to a grape. Full of antioxidants and Vitamin C, the Rambutan is considered a special treat in several parts of the world.
3. Langsat
Another fruit most often found in Southeast Asia , Langsat are small, translucent and about the size of a golf ball. The trees don’t bear fruit until they’re about 12-15 years old, but once they do they’re capable of producing over 220 pounds a year. People have compared the sweetness of the langsat to that of a banana, and the bitterness to a grapefruit.
2. Mangosteen
The sweet and citrusy flesh of the mangosteen is so prized that it’s said Queen Victoria offered a reward of 100 pounds sterling to anyone who could bring her a fresh one. Protected by a hard shell, the fruit must be split with a knife and cracked open before it can be enjoyed. With a hefty price tag, Mangosteen have been imported to the US and sold to luxury hotels and markets for $45 dollars per pound.
1. Cherimoya
Native to Ecuador, Colombia and Peru Cherimoya have been called the most delicious fruit known to man. The flavor is described as a cross between a banana and pineapple, and some have said the taste is similar to bubblegum. Even though the Cherimoya was once reserved for Incan royalty, you can find them in specialty markets between January through April, and even though they’re pricey they’re said to be worth every penny.
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