Exploring the world of food can be an exciting experience, especially when it comes to discovering unique and strange fruits. These fruits come in vibrant colors, unusual shapes and sizes, and are often known for their distinct taste. There are a plethora of exotic and scrumptious fruits around the world that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Snake Fruit
Salacca zalacca, commonly known as the Snake Fruit, owes its name to the reptilian texture of its outer skin. Despite its serpentine appearance, this tropical fruit is entirely harmless and pleasing to the palate. Its fig-shaped form imparts a delightful taste that is sweet with a hint of tartness. The Snake Fruit is predominantly cultivated in Southeast Asia and is indigenous to Indonesia, making it a rare commodity in the United States. While the seeds inside are inedible, the succulent flesh surrounding them is a treat to relish, replete with an array of health benefits. It is an excellent source of potassium, vitamins A and C, and more. The fruit is believed to shield vision, relieve heartburn, and promote heart health by lowering blood pressure.
Ackee Fruit
The ackee fruit (Blighia sapida) is technically a fruit but is usually consumed in cooked dishes. It is native to West Africa but grows abundantly in Jamaica, where it is honored as the national fruit. The fruit is known for its creamy texture, but its flesh produces a slight bitterness. However, when baked, it gives off a nutty flavor. The ackee fruit grows on special evergreen trees and its pods should be bright red when ready for harvesting. Inside, there are three to four sections of cream-colored fruit, which are the only edible part. It is important to be careful when enjoying this fruit, but when prepared correctly, it is perfectly safe. The fruit can also help with inflammation and is high in fiber, according to Proactive Health.
Chocolate Vines
These chocolate vines (akebia quinata) may sound like a candy you’d find in a convenience store, but they actually grow in nature. The plant usually has various shades of purple and blooms with purple flowers before the fruit ripens, making it a unique and eye-catching fruit. It is primarily grown in East Asian forests and is abundant in China, Korea, and Japan, but it can also be found in the United States. The plant’s pleasant aroma, reminiscent of chocolate and vanilla, is what gives it its name. The fruit itself has flesh similar to that of dragon fruit, and the fresh and delicious meat can be used to make ice cream, jams, jellies, and more. Although the seeds are not edible, the fruit’s flavorful meat is a treat that you won’t want to miss.
There are numerous incredible fruits from all over the world, each with its own distinctive taste. If you plan to travel overseas and come across any of these fruits, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try them.
Make sure you’re prepared by visiting Passport Health, which can assist you with travel physicals and vaccinations before you embark on your journey. Call 937-306-7541 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Jennifer Passmore is a stay-at-home mom, writer and beader. She loves creating art with her words and through her jewelry. She is also a passionate mental health advocate. You can find more writing at her website Positivity In Pain.
