Traveling abroad implies acquaintance not only with gorgeous landscapes and culture. Outlandish overseas fruits and unusual berries will help you create a complete taste picture of your location. It is easier to choose from a variety of offers what you like with the help of the description.

Avocado

It is considered to be a fruit. It tastes more like a vegetable, namely a pumpkin with notes of unripe pear with a nutty undertone. Ripeness is determined by the degree of softness. It has a large bone inside. The peel is not edible. Sizes up to 20 centimeters. The soft, oily flesh is eaten raw. Butchering involves removing the skin and bone. You can try in Vietnam, India, Cuba, Dominican Republic

Aki

Visually similar to a red-yellow or orange pear. Ripe fruits (unripe poisonous) are used thermally processed, with a taste reminiscent of a walnut. Maturity is determined by the opening of the fruit - the ripe bursts, and the pulp protrudes outward. It is offered to enjoy in Brazil, Jamaica, Hawaii.

Ambarella

Has the shape of an oval golden color. Grows in clusters. Tough rind on the outside, hard spiny bone on the inside. The pulp is sweet, juicy, with a taste with mango and pineapple notes. Growing places: India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Pineapple

The taste cannot be compared with those sold in Russia - juicy, fleshy, sweet and sour fruits with a bright aroma. Sizes from average apple to familiar to us. You should choose pineapple of medium hardness - the pulp will certainly be tasty. It will be possible to remove a sample in Brazil, China, the Philippines.

Bail (Wood Apple)

Fruit with a tough skin. Only a hammer will help to divide it in half. On sale it is more often presented cut. The pulp with villi, yellow in color, irritates the throat. It will be on sale in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka.

Bam balan

The taste of the fruit resembles borsch with mayonnaise and sour cream. The smell is specific. Cleaning consists in removing the crust. They can offer a curiosity on the island of Borneo from the Malaysian side.

Banana pink

Miniature species up to 8 centimeters in size with a thick skin. The skin of ripe pink bananas bursts to reveal a pulp with many seeds. An unpretentious plant that can be grown even at home. Distributed throughout many warm countries.

Vodyanik

Berry with a black color and a neutral taste (neither sweet nor sour), similar to lingonberry. Outwardly, it resembles blueberries. There is an opportunity to try in the countries of the northern hemisphere - Korea, Japan, Canada, USA, China and even Russia.

Eye of the Dragon

Round brown fruit. The inside of the skin and bone is not edible. The consistency is jelly-like, transparent white. The taste is bright and sweet. High calorie content. If consumed excessively, the temperature may rise. You can buy it in Thailand, China, Cambodia, Vietnam.

Strawberry guava (Cattleya)

Fruits are yellow to red in color. The size reaches a diameter of 4 centimeters. Juicy, sweet guavas with a strawberry aroma - exotic fruits of India, Africa, Bermuda, America.

Guanabana (sour cream apple)

Fruit weighing from 3 to 7 kilograms. The shape is round, oval. The green surface of the soursop is covered with processes in the form of soft bells. Inside it is white, soft, with a taste reminiscent of sour citro. The ripe fruit is pressed with a finger. You can eat in the Bahamas, Mexico, Peru, Argentina.

Jaboticaba

Fruits that grow on poles and branches. Grows in clusters. Outwardly they look like black grapes. The skin is bitter and unusable. The pulp is similar to transparent jelly, sweet, with seeds. Grows in Brazil, Argentina, Panama, Cuba, Peru.

Jackfruit

A large green fruit, weighing up to 34 kilograms. It should be purchased already cut. The yellow slices taste like melon and duchess. Possible allergic reaction and difficulty swallowing. The symptom goes away after a few hours. It grows in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand.

Durian

The king of fruits. Has a specific smell of a mixture of onions, garlic and dirty socks. The pulp is soft, sweet and healthy. You should buy cut slices. The whole durian grows to a large size and is covered with thorns. Due to the smell, it is forbidden to eat in public places and transport in transport. You can taste the wonder in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia.

Imbe (African mango)

Exotic tree with orange fruits. The size is small - up to 3 centimeters. The taste is bright, rich, sweet and sour. Has a coloring effect. You can try it in Africa.

Fig

The fruit is pear-shaped and blue-violet in color. Weight ranges from 80 grams and 8 centimeters in diameter. The peel can be eaten. The taste is juicy, watery, reminiscent of strawberries with an admixture of black currants. You can eat in the Mediterranean countries, Crimea and Central Asia.

Spanish lime (Giseps)

It looks like the usual lime only in shape. It looks light green, the peel is not edible, the inside is pleasantly sweet with a bone. You can eat by removing the tip of the peel and squeezing. Found in Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia.

Carambola

Star-shaped yellow-green fruit. Has a smooth edible skin. The taste is bright, with hints of a flower, similar to an apple. There are seeds inside that are edible. You can see it on the shelves of Thailand and Indonesia.

Kiwano

The oblong fruit is bright yellow in color. The ripe fruit is covered with yellow-orange horns and bright green inside. In cut, it looks like a cucumber. The taste is a combination of melon, avocado, banana and cucumber. The pulp is eaten by cutting the fruit like a watermelon. You can try in New Zealand, Africa, Chile, Israel.

Kiwi

Looks like hairy potatoes on the outside and gooseberries on the inside. Size up to 80 grams and 7 centimeters. The flesh ranges from yellow to green with edible black seeds. You should choose soft, even fruits. The taste is similar to strawberry. Cultivation countries: Chile, Italy, Greece, Krasnodar region of Russia.

Coconut

Round, large fruit, reaching 3 kilograms. According to the degree of maturity, it is divided into young and overripe. Young coconut has a tender skin, juicy pulp and milk / juice inside the shell. Overripe coconuts have a fleecy surface, a cloudy liquid inside and a hard inside. The latter are found in the countries of origin. Growing countries: Thailand, Vietnam, India.

Kumquat

Exotic fruits of China are predominantly. Small citrus fruits 2-4 centimeters long. They have inedible bones inside. They are eaten with the peel. The taste is similar to orange, but more sour. You can also try in Japan and Southeast Asia.

Cupuasu

Melon-shaped fruit. Covered with a red-brown hard crust. The inside is white, sweet and sour with seeds. The most delicious is the fruit that left the tree itself. The trees are located in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia.

Kuruba

Fruit in the form of a cucumber on the outside and corn on the inside. The ripe color of the fruit is bright yellow. Inside is a fiery orange pulp. The taste is juicy, sweet, with sour notes. Contains a lot of water. Grows in Bolivia, Uruguay, Colombia, Argentina.

Lychee

It is similar in appearance to longan, but has a brighter taste and smell. Ripe lychee has a red rind. The transparent smooth pulp has a sweet taste. Contains inedible bone. Where to eat: China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand.

Longkong

Outwardly, it resembles a longan. It is distinguished by a larger size and a yellowish color of the peel. The delicacy inside is similar in shape to garlic. The taste is specific, sweet and sour. The peel is inedible, but healthy. You can find it in the markets of Thailand.

Magic fruit

Guest from West Africa. Small red fruits are 2-3 centimeters tall and grow on trees. They have a bone inside. The magic of the fruit lies in the ability to retain the sweetness of the taste for a long time. Lemons eaten after the delicacy, grapefruit will also seem sweet.

Mameya (Mammeya)

Similar to apricot in the form and taste of the pulp. Larger in size - up to 20 centimeters in diameter. The rind is light brown. The berry has one to four seeds. The flavor goes into mango. Location: Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela.

Mango

A popular large fruit in tropical countries. It is better to cut the fruit with a knife - remove the skin and bone. The color of the fruit changes with the degree of ripeness - from green to orange-red. The palate contains notes of melon, rose, peach and apricot. Growing countries: Myanmar, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam.

Mangosteen

Outwardly it resembles a persimmon, only the color is dark purple. The skin is thick and inedible. Inside there are garlic cloves with a unique sweet and sour taste. The ripe fruit is firm and free of dents. The juice of the mangosteen peel is not washed off. Sample locations: Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand.

Passion fruit

Fruits of various colors from yellow to purple. The size is 8 centimeters in diameter. Ripe fruits are covered with wrinkled skin. The pulp is the same iridescent depending on the variety, similar to sweet and sour jelly with seeds. It is an aphrodisiac. It grows in Vietnam, India, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Marang

The fruit is elongated. The peel is covered with thorns, the degree of maturity is determined by their hardness. Inside are white fruits with a stone. The flavor ranges from sweet ice cream to light marshmallow. Perishable, not subject to transportation. Grows in Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Marula

Fermented perishable fruit. The effect also affects animals. Fruits are small, yellow, with a stone. Fresh with a light aroma and not sweet in taste. You can meet only in Africa.

Mafai

Small fruits of yellow, orange and red shades. They grow up to 5 centimeters. The thin skin conceals transparent slices of fresh sweet taste. The fruit's bone is bitter and firmly attached to the pulp. You can find it in India, China, Thailand, Vietnam.

Medlar

Sunny orange small fruit with brown seeds. Unripe tastes like persimmon - tart and viscous. Ripe has the aroma and taste of blueberries. Home of the fruit: Egypt, Dominican Republic, Crimea, Abkhazia, southern Russia.

Naranjilla

A fruit shaped like cherry tomatoes. The hairy fruit goes through stages from green to bright orange in maturity. Taste - strawberry-pineapple with notes of mango. Grows in Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica.

Noina (sugar apple)

A fruit that is about the size of a medium apple and looks like a green cone. The internal component is soft, sweet, pleasant to the taste. Butchering is difficult due to uneven, inedible skin. The maturity of the fruit is determined by its softness. But do not be zealous - the fruit is fragile and may fall apart when checked. Place of growth - Thailand.

Noni

The fruit is shaped like a convex green potato. The smell of the fruit is specific - rotten cheese with mold. The taste is not happy - bitter. But at home, it is considered very useful and healing. Noni is the staple of the diet of the poor in Southeast Asia. You can meet in Australia and Malaysia.

Papaya

Fruit in the shape of a cylinder. Color from unripe green to ripe yellow-orange. The size reaches 20 centimeters. It is more convenient to buy a cut. The taste is a melon-pumpkin mixture. Places of cultivation: Bali, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia.

Pepino

Exotic fruits from Egypt. Large - up to 700 grams. Painted in different shades of yellow with lilac stripes. Inside are seeds that are edible. Ripe fruit should be chosen - it is tender, soft, with a melon note. The peel is removed - it is possible, but unpleasant to eat. You can also try in Peru, Turkey, New Zealand.

Pitaya

Oblong fruit of bright color (pink, burgundy, yellow). The surface is scaly. You can peel like a grapefruit or cut and eat with a spoon. Inside, the pulp is transparent, white or reddish, sprinkled with small grains. Grows in Sri Lanka, Philippines, Malaysia, China, Vietnam.

Platonia

Small brown fruits up to 13 centimeters in diameter. Inside they have a few grains that are unusable. The inside is white with a tropical taste and aroma. Used as a base for sorbet and jelly. Habitat: Paraguay, Colombia, Brazil.

Pomelo

A citrus hybrid of orange and grapefruit. Has a large size, reaching up to 10 kilograms. The rind is thick, fleshy, green. The pulp is in filmy slices that are bitter. The taste is less juicy than grapefruit. Ripe should be chosen for its bright citrus scent. You can eat in Tahiti, India, China, Japan.

Rambutan

The fleecy fruit is reddish-purple in color. You can open it by twisting it with both hands in different directions. Transparent inside, with a bright taste. Unprocessed grains are poisonous. Ripeness directly depends on the brightness of the fruit color. They will be offered to buy in the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand.

Hand of Buddha (Citron)

Handsome on the outside and uninteresting on the inside. The unusual shape of the fruit resembles a hand with many fingers. But 70 percent of the fruit consists of the peel, 30 percent - of the bitter-sour pulp. It is actively used in culinary arts. You can admire the curiosity in India, Japan, Vietnam, China.

Sala

Convex brown fruit with small, spiny projections. It is advisable to clean with a knife. The inside is divided into 3 parts with a bright sweet pear persimmon taste. Parameters - up to 5 centimeters. Grows in Malaysia, Thailand.

Santol

It has a pear shape and an uneven brown color. The peel is inedible and needs to be removed. The pulp is white with a bright mangosteen flavor. Seeds have a laxative effect and are used as needed. Grows in Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines.

Sapodilla

Small fruit with a thin matte skin. Fruit size is 10 centimeters and 200 grams. Taste - milk caramel, causes viscosity in the mouth. It is not recommended to use sunflower seeds. Grows in Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Hawaii.

Sugar palm (Cambodian palm)

"Female" trees bear fruit. The fruit pulp is packed far inside, transparent white. It has refreshing properties. It is the basis for Thai sweet ice. Distributed in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines.

Plum Natal

The fruits of this tree are the only part of the bush that does not harm people. Branches and leaves are unusable and contain poison. The color of the plums is hot pink with a wrinkled texture, and the taste is sweet. Suitable for use in baking as a filling. Homeland - South Africa.

Tamarillo

The berry is in the form of an oval with dimensions up to 5 centimeters in diameter. Skin color options: yellow, burgundy, purple. The peel is harmful to health, it is peeled off with a knife. Currant taste with notes of tomato. The smell is bright fruit. Located in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile.

Tamarind

Outwardly, it resembles a bean pod with a light brown skin. It is used in the preparation of sweets and sauces for meat. The pulp is dark brown in color with a spicy sweet and sour taste. Has bones. You can try in Sudan, Thailand, Cameroon, Australia, Panama.

Feijoa

Green fruit with a ponytail on top. Weight reaches 45 grams, up to 5 centimeters in size. The rind is thin with an ambiguous taste, sour and causes a viscous mouth. It is recommended to peel the fruit from the skin or cut it in half and eat with a spoon. The color of the pulp varies from cream to burgundy (the latter indicates the spoilage of the product). The taste is fresh, tropical, with notes of strawberry. Grows in South America, Georgia, Abkhazia, the Caucasus.

Breadfruit

The unripe fruit serves as a source of nutrition for the inhabitants of African countries. It tastes like bread when cooked. Ripe fruits have a pleasant sweetness similar to banana. The size is large, up to 3.5 kilograms. It is recommended to purchase cut. There is an opportunity to take a sample in Southeast Asia.

Chrysophyllum (Star Apple)

The fruit is oval-shaped with skin color matching the pulp - soft green or lilac. The flesh is sticky, sweet, the consistency of jelly with bones like an apple. Cut like a star. It is recommended to eat only ripe fruits. Where it grows: India, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia.

Cereus

A relative of the pitaya, round and with a smooth surface. Inside is juicy transparent watery pulp with seeds. The taste is tropical, bright, sweet. Eat by cutting in half with a spoon. The peel is not good for food. Grown on the plantations of Israel.

Cherimoya

The surface of the fruit may be green or not bumpy. The pulp is similar in structure to an orange, but includes the flavors of mango, banana, strawberry with notes of ice cream. Contains tough, inedible grains. Habitat: Asian countries, Israel, Algeria, Australia, Spain.

Black Sapot (Chocolate Pudding)

A variety of persimmons are dark green in color. The pulp takes on an almost black color with brown seeds. Chocolate pudding taste, sweet and bright. The size reaches 13 centimeters in length. The homeland of the product is Guatemala, Brazil, Southern Mexico.

Chompu

The shape is similar to bell pepper. The light ranges from green to red. White flesh inside. The taste is sweet, watery. Quenches thirst well. It is not subject to cleaning, it has no seeds. Grows in Sri Lanka, Colombia, India, Thailand.

Jujube

Small fruits up to 6 centimeters. Smooth, green with brown spots. I have a sweet apple flavor and a tropical aroma. Delicious fruit - firm, not tough. The peel is edible, the stone is not. Found in Japan, China, Thailand, the Caucasus.

Everyone knows about the benefits of fruits and vegetables. But few people realize that nutritionists advise including vegetables and fruits of various colors in the diet, as this helps to get the most benefit from the food.

You need to eat 5 servings of vegetables and fruits per day. It is the perfect food to help you prevent heart disease and strokes, keep your blood pressure normal, reduce your risk of various types of cancer, protect against cataract development and make your eyesight stronger and sharper.

But few people know that nutritionists are advised to include fruits and vegetables of various colors in the diet, as this method will help to get the most out of the food.

Vegetables and fruits are very beneficial for our body, as they were created by nature itself and are rich in various nutrients. Scientists have recently investigated the compounds that give fruits and vegetables their special color. Here are some of the research findings:

Red fruits and vegetables

These foods contain phyto-nutrients such as lycopene and anthocyanins, natural pigments that give fruits and vegetables their red color. Lycopene (found in tomatoes, grapefruit, and watermelons) helps fight the signs of aging and some cancers (especially prostate cancer).

Tomato products - such as pasteurized tomato juice, sauce, soup, and even ketchup - contain a special type of lycopene that is easily absorbed by the body. This type of lycopene is fat soluble, so the tomato dish should be served with a little oil because the nutrients will be absorbed better.

Anthocyanins (found in strawberries, red grapes, raspberries, cherries, and red apples) are an excellent antioxidant that protects cells from damage. They also help keep blood pressure under control and reduce the risk of heart disease. Recent studies have shown that the anthocyanins in cherries have anti-inflammatory effects and may therefore help those suffering from gout and arthritis.

Tomatoes, cranberries, cherries, red grapes, raspberries, red pears, watermelons, pink grapefruit, strawberries, pomegranates and other foods.

Blue or purple vegetables and fruits

Products of this group contain useful phytochemicals, such as already known to us anthocyanins (blueberries, dark grapes, black currants) and phenols (eggplant, plums, raisins). These powerful antioxidants help reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and slow the aging process. Research results show that if you eat blueberries regularly, your memory will improve and the aging process will be slower due to the improved functioning of the cells of the nervous system.

Dark cabbage, blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, figs, dark grapes, dry plums, raisins.

Green vegetables and fruits

Nutritional value. Chlorophyll pigment is responsible for the green coloration of fruits and vegetables. But green vegetables such as peas or spinach also contain lutein and ziazanthin (yellow carotenoids) found in peas, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables. These elements work together to make your vision sharp, reduce the risk of cataracts and slow age-related vision deterioration.

Other phytochemicals, indoles, are found in cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables and protect against possible cancer. Leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and broccoli) are also low in calories, rich in nutrients, and an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, and folate (a B vitamin that reduces the risk of birth complications).

Spinach, broccoli, avocado, green peas, green beans, green peppers, asparagus, green cabbage, cucumber, zucchini, etc.

Yellow and orange vegetables and fruits

Foods in this group contain several important phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, potassium and vitamin C.

Beta-carotene (carrots, mango, papaya, pumpkin) is a potent antioxidant that is useful not only for vision, but also improves thought processes and protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, which improves vision in the dark and makes our immune system stronger.

Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the body's defenses, protects against cardiovascular disease, and also produces collagen in the skin. Vitamin C is also essential for proper absorption of iron by the body.

Yellow fruits are also rich in potassium, which helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Oranges, carrots, melon, mango, pumpkin, potatoes, yellow grapes, lemon, peaches, papaya, pineapple, etc.

White fruits and vegetables

The phytochemicals anthocyanides and flavonoids, which are also very powerful antioxidants, are responsible for the white color. White foods like garlic and onions also contain allicin, which can lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

Allicin also reduces the risk of prostate cancer. White vegetables and fruits make your immune system stronger and are an excellent source of the mineral potassium.

Garlic, onions, bananas, mushrooms, potatoes, and cauliflower.

A balanced diet should consist of foods of all colors. But if you remember about the color qualities of products, it will be even easier for you to eat healthy and healthy. So next time make sure your plate looks like a rainbow.

In this article on the benefits of phytochemicals:

Do you think the color of vegetables affects their health? And how important is it that you have not just a variety of fruits and vegetables on your table, but also colorful ones?

Red-colored phytochemicals

Now many scientists confirm that natural chemicals (phytochemicals) contained in various fruits, and are responsible for their bright color, help us in the fight against ailments. Fruits and vegetables are rich in colorful phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to help destroy potentially harmful free radicals before they damage healthy cells.

Therefore, fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidants, help to successfully fight many problems and diseases, such as diseases of the cardiovascular system, cancer, cataracts and even premature aging.

Research shows that the effects of phytochemicals in different colored fruits differ. Thus, if earlier nutritionists argued that a person should eat 5 different types of fruits and vegetables per day, now they insist that they all be of different colors. This means that every day on your plate should be vegetables of all colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.

All these colorful vegetables will make your dishes not only healthier, but also more aromatic, tasty, and original.

So what impact does color have on health benefits? Let's consider the main advantages of the fruits of each color group.

Phytochemicals of red fruits

Red vegetables and fruits:
raspberries, cranberries, strawberries, cherries and cherries, pomegranates, apples, grapes, rhubarb, pink grapefruit, watermelon, guava, tomato, red pepper, radish, red potatoes.

:
Lycopene (carotenoid) and anthocyanin (flavonoid) are the two main pigments that give fruits and vegetables their red color. Contains vitamin C.

Why are they useful?:
Tomatoes, watermelons, guavas, and pink grapefruits are powerful sources of lycopene, which may help protect against cancer, especially prostate cancer. Lycopene is more easily absorbed when we eat hot food, so tomatoes are much healthier to eat cooked than raw. Fats such as olive oil or cheese also speed up absorption.

The anthocyanidins found in red vegetables prevent the formation of cancer cells, maintain cardiovascular health, improve vision and memory, and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

Phytochemicals of Green Vegetables and Fruits

Green vegetables and fruits:
asparagus, avocado, spinach, lettuce, watercress, cucumber, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, dill, parsley, green beans, peas, sugar peas, watercress, zucchini, peppers, fresh onions, leeks, apples, grapes, kiwi.

The beneficial substances they contain:
Green vegetables and fruits get their color from a pigment called chlorophyll. Many green vegetables contain carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as trace minerals such as beta-carotene, folate, iron and calcium.

The benefits of using them:
The antioxidants found in green vegetables serve as natural sunglasses for us, helping us ward off harmful UV rays that damage our eyes. Adequate consumption of them will prevent macular degeneration leading to blindness and protect against cataracts. Green vegetables also help prevent certain types of cancer.

Phytochemicals of blue and purple fruits

Blue and purple vegetables and fruits:
blackberries, blueberries, grapes, black currants, plums, prunes, raisins, red cabbage, red onions, and eggplant.

The beneficial substances they contain:
blue and purple fruits and vegetables get their color from anthocyanidins. Most of these vegetables and fruits contain ellagic acid and proanthocyanidins.

How can they help:
anthocyanidins strengthen the heart muscle and reduce the risk of stroke, and ellagic acid protects against the onset and development of almost all types of cancer. Adequate intake of anthocyanidin also guarantees emotional stability, normal vision, coordination of movements, and good working memory in the elderly.

Many studies also confirm that anthocyanidins help prevent infections of the urinary tract.

Phytochemicals in yellow and orange fruits

Yellow and orange vegetables and fruits:
apricot, melon, mango, peach, papaya, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, pineapple, nectarine, carrot, rutabaga, sweet potato, pumpkin, yellow pepper, corn.

The beneficial substances they contain:
yellow and orange vegetables and fruits are a source of vitamin C and also contain carotenoids: beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin.

What a variety of colors has the color of vegetables and fruits. Proper nutrition has many different nuances, which many do not even know about.

For example, you know that it is important to include fruits and vegetables in your diet, but they also have to be all the colors of the rainbow! Below we will tell you why and why.

The color of vegetables and fruits

Often, a person's daily diet is compiled depending on his taste, season and financial capabilities.

Some prefer meat and dishes from it, others try to eat more vegetables and fruits. Do you know what is best for your health?

The answer is obvious - fruits and vegetables. They are low in calories and high in minerals, fiber and vitamins. They also contain phytonutrients.

The word is, of course, incomprehensible, but we will explain it in a simple way. Phytonutrients are the foundation of the immune system. They not only give a certain color to the product, but also protect our body from all diseases, including heart and cancer.

Scientists have long proven that by the color of a fruit or vegetable, one can determine the composition of phytonutrients in it and find out its benefits. Let's take a closer look at this rainbow.

Red fruits and vegetables

Thanks to red fruits or vegetables, the body gets ellagic acid and lycopene... With their help, the work of the heart and blood vessels improves, the vitality rises. Red fruits also help to cope with depression.

These include: watermelon, red bell peppers and grapes, cherries, tomatoes and papayas, strawberries and raspberries, red currants.

Orange vegetables and fruits

Orange fruits are rich in beta carotene... And this substance strengthens the immune system, has a good effect on digestion and helps to assimilate useful substances in the body and get rid of microbes and bacteria that enter the body.

In addition, orange products contain a lot folic acid and vitamin C, which minimize the risks of developing fetal defects in pregnant women and have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

These include: apricots, mangoes, pumpkin, oranges, carrots and corn.

Yellow vegetables and fruits

Yellow fruits and vegetables contain:

• alpha carotene;
• beta carotene;
• beta cryptoxanthin;
• curcumin;
• lutein;
• zeaxanthin;
• vitamin C.
• hesperidin;

Thus, the yellow fruits contribute to the rejuvenation of cells in the body, faster healing of cuts on the skin and improved vision. In addition, the capillaries will work better.

Note that curcumin perfectly relieves inflammatory processes in the body.

And if you believe the scientists, then yellow foods speed up the work of the brain and intensify physical activity and even relieve depression.

These include: mustard, honey, melon, pineapple, yellow cherry plum, bell peppers and apples, lemon and potatoes.

Green vegetables and fruits

It must be said right away that this color is the most important in the "culinary rainbow".

Green foods contain: isothiocyanite(responsible for cell growth), isoflavonoids(the foundation of a healthy skeletal system) and epigallocatechin(responsible for blood cholesterol levels).

In addition, greens are rich in vitamins of all groups ( A, B, C E, K), minerals, folates and potassium. So green fruits and vegetables must be in your daily diet!

They help to normalize blood pressure, relieve stress and are extremely beneficial for vision.

These include: parsley, dill, sorrel, cucumbers, grapes, apples, peas, green beans, avocado, cabbage, spinach, broccoli and others.

What does blue mean

These include: blueberries and plums.

Blue vegetables

Products of this color contain anticyanins. This substance is a good remedy for muscle pain and tachycardia.

The undisputed leader of the group is blueberries, which contain not only antioxidants, but also vitamins C, K and fiber.

These include: blueberries, grapes and prunes.

Purple vegetable

Purple colored fruits help relieve heartburn, bloating and acidity. They also strengthen the immune system and relieve eye strain.

These include: eggplants, grapes and blackberries.

White fruits and vegetables

This "neutral" food group is rich in carbohydrates, quercetin and allistin. The substance quertecin is responsible for the absorption of vitamin C and the normalization of the vessels of the circulatory system.

And allistin not only copes with high blood pressure and cholesterol, but also normalizes blood sugar levels.

These include: pears, bananas, rice, onions, garlic and coconut pulp.

Let's sum up

Finally, I would like to say that you should not dwell on a particular color or fruit, but try to diversify your diet as much as possible. It is desirable that there are at least "three colors of the rainbow" on the plate. This will give your body all the nutrients it needs.

Traveling abroad, especially in warm countries, a Russian tourist comes across completely unknown, hitherto unseen fruits. I, too, often do not even believe my eyes what natural wonders can be found on fruit counters. And so, in order not to bulge my eyes next time in surprise at the sight of another amazing fruit, I decided to make for myself a list of what you can buy and try in the "foreign country".

But I didn’t even know how much I would have to print! It turns out that there are so many exotic fruits on our wonderful planet that, most likely, few people will be able to taste them all in their lives. So now on my list 85 exotic fruits , and this is not just a photo with names, but a description and interesting information. I definitely plan to update it periodically, so if you want to know about all the fruits, check it out from time to time!

In addition to the name and common synonyms, for each fruit there is also a description of its appearance, a photograph and, if possible, the taste qualities are characterized in comparison with the tastes known to most people. Since I tried ( as it turned out) only a small part, then I will talk about the taste of many exotic fruits based on the reviews of the lucky ones who actually ate them, and, in many cases, I had to look for information on the bourgeois Internet.

Immediately I warn connoisseurs of botany that in the article, concepts are given at an everyday, understandable level. That is, there is no need to be indignant that in science the concept “ the fruit"Is absent, but there is only a general term" fetus". Here "fruits" I will call the treats growing on trees, bushes or vines, usually sweet or sweet and sour, which can be bitten several times before it is finally eaten. A "berry" will be considered small fruits that can be crumbled in one bite or even eat a handful without peeling.

By the way, the article contains not only tropical fruits, because a representative of temperate latitudes can easily turn out to be exotic.

For ease of navigation through our very voluminous article, use the alphabetical index:

Abakashi(Abacaxi) is mainly grown in Brazil. Most readers, looking at a photo of a fruit, will say that this is just a pineapple and it is no longer exotic. But don't rush! Yes, "abakashi" ( Indian word tupi-guarani) Is one of the varieties of this prickly fruit, but it is called differently for a reason. Strictly speaking, in Portuguese “ abacaxi" and " ananás"- these are synonyms, but with this second, familiar to us word, they denote the fruit we are used to. At the same time, in the markets in Brazil and Portugal, people prefer to buy exactly “abakashi”, which many consider to be a separate fruit at all.

Abakashi are rounder, yellower, sweeter, juicier than ordinary pineapple ( translated from the words of the Portuguese and Brazilians) and its price is higher. I repeat, this information was taken from the "aborigines", that is, from people who know the differences not in theory, but in practice, but for some reason in some articles you will come across the opposite statement that abakash is larger than pineapple and has an elongated shape ...

Like other types of pineapple, abakash is rich in sucrose, vitamin C, minerals ( potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine), it contains B vitamins and provitamin A.

With your permission, I will not add a simple, familiar pineapple to the article, we will manage with more exotic abakashi.

Avara(Avarra, Tucum, Awara, Wara, Awarra, Tucum, Tucumã-do-Pará). This palm tree is actively cultivated in the north of the South American continent in countries such as Brazil, Suriname, Guyana, and Guiana. A tree of medium height (up to 15 meters) is notable for being covered with thorns ( and trunk and leaves) and the fruits grow in bunches.

The oval-shaped fruits are about the size of a regular chicken egg, their color varies from reddish brown to orange ( this is more typical). The pulp is quite juicy, aromatic, its taste is most often compared to apricot, although, in fact, there is little pulp in them, since most of it is occupied by the bone.

Of course, the fruit contains both carbohydrates and proteins, but a particularly valuable component is fats, more precisely oils with a high content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids ( for example, Avara is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9). Avar also contains a lot of vitamin A ( about three times more than in carrots) and B2.

Actually, as an independent product in its raw form, avara is almost never used. Residents of the region where it is actively grown prefer to eat the fruits, steamed as a side dish, or make a kind of pasta out of it, which is used as a basis for other dishes. In addition, oil is extracted from the Avars ( more seeds than pulp), which, due to its composition, has found application not only as ordinary palm oil, but also as a cosmetic product.

Avocado(Avocado, American Perseus, Alligator pear). For many, it is no longer an exotic plant, but a very frequent guest of salads; I got into this list simply because I was the first to remember the letter "A". Avocado is native to Mexico, and nowadays it is grown in almost all countries with a suitable tropical and subtropical climate. There are more than 400 varieties that have their own characteristics, I think that even true connoisseurs of avocado will not be able to try everything.

The length of the avocado is up to 20 centimeters, the peel is inedible, the pulp is dense, yellow-green or greenish, with one large bone.

Ripe avocado is slightly oily with a light nutty flavor. Avocado is a favorite of nutritionists around the world for its many health benefits. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, potassium, which is very useful for the prevention of many cardiovascular diseases and has a positive effect on skin health, and in addition, it helps to fight insomnia.

Aguadj(Aguaje, Aguaje, Ita, Buriti, Canangucho) grows in the humid tropics of South America, where it is so incredibly popular that there are concerns about the plant's population. The popularity is due to the alleged special properties of the fruit, thanks to which girls who consume it regularly, without any effort, maintain a slender figure, in addition, it is believed that aguadj is a strong aphrodisiac.

Oval fruits are covered with reddish-brownish scales, and underneath are yellow flesh and one large seed. The taste of aguadja is characterized as pleasant, reminiscent of ... a carrot. In addition to fresh consumption, juices, jams, ice cream are made from it, and an interesting wine is obtained from fermented fruits.

Contains many vitamins A, C, as well as phytohormones that mimic female hormones.

Azimina(Nebraska banana, Mexican banana, Asimina, banana tree, Pawpaw, Pow-paw) is native to North America, more precisely from the southern states of the United States. But this amazing, seemingly thermophilic plant is able to withstand the most severe cold up to -30 Celsius! And thanks to such resistance, one of ten types - " Azimina three-bladed"- grown by amateur gardeners in our country.

Fruits are collected in inflorescences up to 8 pieces, they have an oblong oval shape and reach up to 15 cm in length and up to 7 cm in diameter. The thin skin of the fruit, as it ripens, changes color from greenish ( unripe) to yellowish and even dark brown. The pulp is juicy, light sweet and very aromatic, often compared to custard. Up to 10 large flat bones are hidden inside. The disadvantage of pawpaw is the poor preservation of the harvested fruits, therefore, they are most often eaten freshly harvested or various jams-preserves are prepared.

Azimina is rich in amino acids and trace elements, sucrose, vitamins A, C. The fruits do an excellent job of normalizing the gastrointestinal tract, strengthen the immune system.

Akebia five (Climbing cucumber). A very exotic plant can be found in Japan, China and Korea.

The oblong fruit is about 8 centimeters long, fleshy and purple-violet. Outwardly, it may seem completely unattractive - an oblong fruit of a violet-lilac color with falling out pulp. But the appearance is deceiving - the pulp tastes like raspberries with a very pleasant aroma.

Aki(Ackee, Bligia is delicious). The birthplace of this tree is West Africa, now it is also found in Central and South America, on the islands of the Caribbean.

Reddish pear-shaped fruits up to 10 centimeters in length. The pulp of the ripe fruit is creamy and tastes like a walnut with cheese.

Ambarella(Citera apple, Otaheite-apple, Tahitian quince, Polynesian plum, Yellow plum, Spondias dulcis, Mombin sweet - not to be confused with Mombin purple). The birthplace of this tree is the numerous islands of the Pacific Ocean in Polynesia and Melanesia, from where the plant spread west to tropical regions of America, as well as east to Australia, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, India and a little to Africa; later, ambarella began to grow on the islands of the Caribbean and were brought to the tropical countries of the Atlantic coast of America.

Ambarella oval fruits ( resemble a plum in shape, hence a couple of "aliases" of this fruit - Polynesian plum or yellow plum), not very large, from six to nine centimeters in length, grow in clusters. The skin is smooth, thin and tough; in unripe fruits, it is green, in ripe fruits, it thickens and becomes golden yellow, the same color and pulp.

The pulp is fibrous, juicy, crispy, sour, with aroma and taste to some people slightly reminiscent of unripe pineapple. Take extra care with bones! They are simply dotted with curved thorns, up to 1 centimeter long, so that sometimes they penetrate into the pulp of the fruit, and there are from 1 to 5 such "surprises" in each fruit.

Ambarella makes great jams, jellies, marmalade and juice, but it is best eaten raw. You can use even green, then there will be more sourness. In addition to fruits, leaves are eaten - in raw form ( like a street snack) or boiled / stewed with meat / fish, as well as in soups.

Ambarella is rich in proteins and fats, keeps the immune system in good shape, is very beneficial for the digestive system and even promotes faster wound healing.

Araza(Arazza, Arazá, Araçá-boi, Amazonian Pear or Amazonian Pear; in Latin - Eugenia stipitata). At first, this heat-loving tree grew in the forests of the Amazon River basin, later the plant began to be actively cultivated in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, as well as in Central America and the Caribbean. This fruit does not tolerate transportation very well, so you cannot find it outside the growing regions.

Fruits in diameter, they can be from 4 to 12 centimeters ( such large ones reach a weight of 750 grams). Their peel is yellow, it is thin and, depending on the variety, can be smooth or slightly velvety. Juicy fragrant yellow pulp is very sour, so araz is rarely eaten just like that, raw, but is actively used for compotes, jelly. There are several large elongated "bones" inside the fruit.

Due to the huge amount of vitamin C, as well as the high content of microelements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus) and the macroelement zinc, araza is excellent as a general tonic product.

Watermelon cucumber, cucumber watermelon - (Melotria rough, Melothria scabra, Mouse watermelon, Mouse melon, Mexican sour gherkins, Sandita, Cucamelon). A very strange subject on our list ... Decide for yourself what to attribute it to - a fruit or a vegetable. The outer color is very reminiscent of a watermelon, and inside there is an easily recognizable texture of a cucumber, while the size of the fruits growing on the liana is more like grapes: only up to 2 - 4 centimeters in length. The homeland of this strange plant is a part of America from Mexico to Panama, it is not a hybrid, but an independent plant, known back in pre-Columbian times. Abroad it is better known as "Cucamelon", which, as in Russian, is formed by the addition of two words: cucumber and watermelon, that is, "cucumber + watermelon".

The skin of the fruit is thin, but quite firm, and the flesh is very juicy. The taste is described as more like a cucumber with a slight citrus acidity, those who managed to taste the "cucumber watermelon" liked the taste. They can be eaten just like that, but they are more often added to salads, to french fries, various salty dishes, and also pickled watermelon gherkins. In addition, creepers have edible tubers!

The composition is rich in lycopene ( an antioxidant that improves heart function), beta-carotene ( helps maintain healthy eyes and youthful skin), minerals and vitamins K, E, C and fiber.

Atemoya. This is a hybrid of two plants of the Annonov family - cherimoya and noina and many confuse them. Like her "parents", Atemoya originated in the tropics of South America.

The fruits are conventionally heart-shaped (up to 10 cm long and up to 9 cm wide). The pulp of the fruit melts in your mouth like cream or ice cream, and the taste is a combination of mango and pineapple. Because of the tenderness of the pulp, it is best to eat with a tema spoon. A common statement is that atemoya is the tastiest of the exotic fruits. It must be remembered that her seeds are poisonous!

Bail(Bael, Wood apple, Wood apple, Egle marmalade, Stone apple, Bengal quince, Stone apple, Limonia acidissima, Feronia elephantum, Feronia limonia, Hesperethusa crenulata, Elephant apple, Monkey fruit, Curd fruit). It is widely cultivated in the countries of Southeast and South Asia.

Ripe brown fruit up to 20 centimeters in diameter. Ripe pulp - brown mushy, divided into segments by seeds. The peel of the fruit is very hard, without a hard and heavy object at hand to get to the pulp will not work (therefore one of the names is "stone apple"). The taste is usually sweetish, astringent, but can also be sour.

Vani(lat. "Mangifera caesia", White mango, Wani, Belunu, Binjai, Yaa-lam, White mango, Bayuno, Mangga wani, sometimes the name Jack appears, that is, Jack, but should not be confused with Jackfruit!) is actively cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei ( these three states share the island of Borneo, which is considered the birthplace of Vani), Singapore, Papua New Guinea and the Philippine Islands.

The name, of course, is misleading, because this fruit has only a distant relation to all the familiar mangoes, since they both belong to the same family "Anacrdia" (Sumach), but the usual mango belongs to the genus of the same name "mango", and Vanya belongs to genus "Anacardium" and is a type of cashew! So "White Mango" is just a trick, it is better to use some of the local names, the most common is the Indonesian version of "Vani" ( stress on "and") and Malay "Binjay".

It is important that the fruits are ripe for consumption, since the juice of unripe fruits can cause irritation on the skin and serious consequences if ingested. Unripe fruits are green in color and firm to the touch. When ripe, white mango fruits are large enough, they have an oval shape and reach 15 centimeters in length and 8 cm in diameter. The peel is very thin, dark with even darker spots, it is difficult to clean. The pulp is white, juicy, very tender and fibrous in consistency, and inside there is one large bone. Ripe fruits are very fragrant, and everyone who has tried it is delighted with the sweet taste of the pulp. The most interesting comparison is with the taste of ice cream ( it's not the same for everybody…).

In addition to being eaten raw, Vani is also consumed, dipped in chili and soy sauce ... The local population also makes it the basis for the hot sambal sauce.

From the sweet taste of this fruit, it is clear that it is rich in various sugars, but in addition, it contains many vitamins (A, B, D, E and especially a lot of C), essential amino acids, of course, micro and macro elements.

Guava(Psidium, Guayava, Guayaba). Originally from South America ( roughly from the territory of modern Peru), today, in addition to the tropics of America, is cultivated in Asia, Israel and Africa.

A completely edible fruit can be round, oblong or pear-shaped. Diameter up to 15 centimeters. The taste of guava does not coincide with the expectation of something exotic - it is completely inexpressive, slightly sweet, while the aroma is pleasant and strong. In the countries where guava grows, they often like to eat it slightly unripe, as if this helps to cool the body on a hot day. You can also often see how such an unripe guava is eaten, dipped in a mixture of salt and pepper, they say it is very tonic.

In addition to the usual, there are also such varieties: red-fruited (" strawberry guava") And yellow (" lemon guava"). The red-fruited pulp is juicy, translucent, has a pronounced strawberry flavor. Yellow fruits and inside the same color, have a lemon scent. The name guava is often found, which is one of the most common guava varieties in cultivation.

Guanabana(Guanabana, Annana muricata, Sour cream apple, Annona prickly, Graviola, Soursop). A relative of noina, cherimoya, cream apple, so they are easy to confuse the first time and, like them, Guanabana is originally from Latin America, but is now grown in very many countries with a suitable climate.

Ripe, rounded, irregularly heart-shaped fruit can reach 12 kilograms. The bones are large, there are many of them. In appearance, the fruit is prickly, but in fact it will not be able to prick you, since the thorns are more fleshy than hard. Ripe pulp, fibrous-creamy white with a taste unlike anything else. The aroma may slightly resemble pineapple.

Dacriodes(Safou, Sappho, African pear). This evergreen tree can be mainly found in the north of Nigeria and in the south of Angola, in the Asian region it is cultivated so far only in Malaysia.

Oblong fruits of blue and purple shades ( look like eggplant). The pale green pulp is very fatty - up to 48% fat, contains a large number of various useful and necessary substances for the body. Those who have tried this fruit say that it has a pleasant, delicate taste.

The fruits, which range in color from deep blue to purple, are also known as African pears, they are oblong in shape and have pale green flesh on the inside. These fatty fruits have been claimed to end hunger in Africa as 48 percent of fruits are composed of essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and triglycerides. It is estimated that 7-8 tons of oil can be obtained from one hectare planted with Safu trees, while all parts of the plant can be used.

Jaboticaba (Jabuticaba, Brazilian grape tree). From the name it is clear that this plant comes from South America, but sometimes you can find it in Southeast Asia, if not on the shelves, then at least in botanical gardens ( I definitely saw in Singapore). The tree grows slowly, so it becomes difficult to cultivate it.

The way the fruits grow is also interesting: they grow right on the trunk, and not on the branches of a tree. Fruits are small (up to 4 cm in diameter), dark purple in color. Under a thin dense skin ( inedible) there is a soft jelly-like and very tasty pulp, somewhat similar to grapes, with several seeds.

Jackfruit(Eve, Khanoon, Jackfruit, Nangka, Indian breadfruit). A relative of the Polynesian breadfruit and the Malaysian champion.

These are the largest fruits growing on trees. The official record for jackfruit is a fruit with a girth of 1 meter 120 centimeters and weighing about 34 kg.

The jackfruit rind smells unpleasant, but underneath it are a few slices of delicious, sweet yellow flesh. The taste is difficult to describe - some combination of banana, melon, marshmallow.

Durian(Durian). Even if you have never seen this fruit, you certainly have heard it more than once. He became famous all over the world thanks to his surprisingly disgusting smell.

But in the world, especially in Southeast Asia, there are a lot of connoisseurs of durian, they even called him "The King of Fruits". Everyone who has tried durian pulp claims that it is extremely tasty. I take my word for it, but I personally can't get over myself and eat at least a small piece.

Yellow watermelon. A hybrid of wild watermelon, the flesh of which has a natural yellow color, and the usual watermelon with red flesh. This was necessary, since it is impossible to eat a wild watermelon, and as a result of crossing it, a completely pleasant watermelon was obtained, similar to the usual one, but with yellow flesh. Although the sweetness of yellow watermelon is much inferior to red and the taste is not so pronounced.

Fig(Fig, Fig, Fig, Wine berry, Smyrna berry, Ficus carica). I think you have met it more than once on the fruit counters in your city, and if you haven't tried it yet, be sure to do it. Figs can range in color from yellow-green to purple. The flesh is red in color with small seeds, juicy and sweet. The undoubted advantage of figs is that nutritionists consider it to be one of the foods with which you can get rid of excess weight!

Kaimito(Abiu) - not to be confused with another Kaimito ( Chrysophyllum or Star Apple). Originally from the headwaters of the Amazon River, it is cultivated in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Trinidad.

The fruit is round or oval with a smooth, bright yellow skin. The white, translucent, creamy flesh is very sweet. The aroma vaguely resembles caramel with cream. It is recommended to wet your lips before consuming fresh Kaimito, otherwise they may stick together due to the latex in the pulp.

Kaimito fruits contain a lot of phosphorus, calcium, iron, amino acids, vitamins A, C, PP and various useful organic substances.

Canistel(Kanistel, Tiesa, Egg Fruit, Yellow Sapote). The region of origin is the south of Mexico and Central America, in addition, it is also grown in the Antilles and the Bahamas, and can often be found in Southeast Asia.

Fruits can be up to 7.5 cm in width and up to 12.5 in length, their shape is very diverse, there is a spherical, oval, ovoid, twisted. The peel color of ripe fruits is yellowish-orange. The pulp is mealy, yellow with 1–4 large bones. It's funny that the aroma of the pulp is similar to fried pies, but the taste is very sweet due to the high sugar content.

Kanistel is rich in delicate fiber, niacin, carotene, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus.

Carambola(Starfruit, Kamrak, Ma Fyak, Carambola, Star-fruit). This fruit is called "Tropical Star" or "Star of the Tropics" simply because it looks like a star in cross-section. The fruit is edible in its entirety, and if the taste of its juicy pulp does not seem bright enough to you, then the aroma is unlikely to leave you indifferent.

Kasturi(Kasturi, Kalimantan Mango, Mangga Cuban, Pelipisa, Mangifera casturi). Borneo endemic plant ( Kalimantan).

Without going into biological details, we can say that this is a wild mango. However, the orange, fibrous flesh of castore has a more pronounced taste and softer aroma compared to regular mango, although not as sweet as mango.

Kiwano(Kiwano Melon, Horned Melon, African Cucumber, Antillean Cucumber, Horned Cucumber, Anguria). Originally from Africa, and most widely grown in Central America, New Zealand, Israel.

It is a liana with oblong fruits of yellow, orange or red color. The pulp is green, it really looks like a cucumber. The flavor is described as a mixture of cucumber, banana and melon. The dense skin is not peeled off, the fruit is simply cut into slices and eaten like a melon or watermelon.

Kiwano is rich in vitamins (A, groups B and C), macronutrients (sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium), it also contains many microelements (iron, copper, zinc and manganese).

Cocoon(Solanaceae) is native to South America in mountainous regions.

Oval or spherical fruits (up to 4 cm long and up to 6 cm wide) resemble tomatoes, have three color options; yellow, orange and red. Jelly-like yellow pulp with many small seeds. Some say that it tastes like lemon with tomato, but to some it resembles a cherry.

Cocoons are rich in B vitamins, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and citric acid.

Coconut I don't even know if it is worth mentioning it here, since although it is an exotic plant for the inhabitants of Russia, even children know what it is. In the regions of growth ( everywhere in the tropics) coconuts are consumed completely, from eating the pulp and juice, to crafts from the shell, using the peel as fuel. There, in the south, coconuts are sold green on the outside, and on the inside they have soft translucent flesh and delicious coconut water ( or "milk"). In our stores, they are already in a different stage of ripening - with a fibrous peel on the outside and a thick layer of pulp inside with a small amount of liquid.

Coconut Marine (Coco de mer, Double walnut, Seychelles nut) grows exclusively in the Seychelles, and only on two.

In shape, it is very different from an ordinary coconut and most of all resembles ... a woman's buttocks. The fruits are very large, on average about 18 kilograms, specimens over 25 kg are often found. And even 40 kg.! Each harvested coconut is numbered and a certificate is issued upon purchase. In terms of taste, it is clearly inferior to ordinary coconuts, but if possible, you should definitely try.

Candy tree (Hovénia dúlcis, Sweet Govenia, is known abroad as the Japanese raisin tree or oriental raisin tree, that is, the Japanese raisin tree or Oriental raisin tree). Historically grown in Japan, East China, Korea and up to 2000 meters in the Himalayas. Due to its beautiful spreading crown, as an ornamental plant it was brought to some countries, as a result, for example, in Brazil, it is considered one of the most common "invaders" of subtropical forests.

The fruits of the candy tree are small, like large peas, and the plant is not valued by them at all, but by what the fruits are held on. The fleshy stalk, although it looks very strange, is actually very fragrant and sweet, it is edible raw. But more often the stalks of the candy tree are dried, then they become like raisins - both in taste and in appearance ( hence the western name "Japanese raisin tree"). The extract from seeds, twigs and young leaves is used as a substitute for honey, is used to make local wine and for sweets.

Of the nutrients, it is worth noting the high content of potassium, antioxidants, vitamins, protein and saccharides ( sucrose, fructose, glucose). In China, candy tree extract has been used for hundreds of years to combat hangover symptoms. And so, scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles isolated an active substance from this extract, which they called dihydromyricetin (DHM). It allows you to sober up very quickly and even reduces alcohol cravings! There are already drugs. The main component of which is dihydromyricetin, in fact, this is the way to create a "pill of sobriety", not only relieving symptoms of intoxication, but also helping to overcome alcohol addiction. Here is such a wonderful Candy tree!

Cream apple (Annona netted, Buddha's head, Bull heart, Cream apple) confusion can arise here, since the name “cream apple” is often applied to the related plant “cherimoya”. Originally from the regions of Central America and the group of the Antilles, now it is often found in Southeast Asia.

Fruits (from 8 to 16 cm) are similar in shape to a heart ( hence one of the names), outside can be yellow or brown with a reddish tint. Inside is sweet white, almost creamy flesh that melts in the mouth and inedible seeds. There is no consensus on what the smell is like, but it is certainly pleasant.

Kumquat(Kumquat, Fortunella, Kinkan, Japanese oranges). The homeland of kumquat is China, but now it is grown everywhere where the climate is suitable for other citrus fruits.

This representative of citrus fruits has long been not a rarity on supermarket shelves, however, many still do not dare to try it, but in vain. Small oblong fruits (up to four centimeters in length and up to two and a half in width) outwardly look like small oranges, but their taste is still different. The main feature of kumkavat is that it is eaten right with the peel, it is very thin; inedible only bones.

Lychee(Litchi, Chinese plum, Litchi). Originally from southern China, it is now actively cultivated in many countries with subtropical climates. One of the most popular fruits in Southeast Asia.

Fruits are round (up to 4 cm in diameter) with a reddish bumpy skin, with a sweet, juicy jelly-like pulp and one bone. Many confuse it with Longan, they are really similar in shape, pulp consistency, and taste, but in lychee it is more pronounced.

Contains a lot of carbohydrates, pectin substances, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, a very high content of vitamin PP.

Longan(Lam-yai, Longyan, Dragon's Eye, but also sometimes called a completely different fruit "pitahaya") is a close relative of the above-described lychee, also originally from China, and is currently cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.

Small round fruits with a brownish skin inside have a juicy sweet translucent flesh and one inedible bone. The pulp is very aromatic and, in addition to sweetness, has a distinctive, recognizable shade.

Longkong(Langsat, Lonkon, Dooku, Lonngkong, Langsat) originally from Malaysia, and now grown in most of Southeast Asia, India, Hawaii.

Round fruits (up to 5 cm in diameter) are covered with a brownish peel and in appearance they can be confused with Longan, but inside Longkong has not whole, but segmented, garlic-shaped flesh. But the taste, of course, is not garlic at all, but a pleasant sweet and sour. A variety called Langsat may have a slightly bitter taste.

Lucuma(Pouteria lucuma) is native to South America, where it is grown now and also in Mexico and Hawaii.

Oval fruits (up to 10 cm in length) are covered with a thin brownish-green skin with a reddish tint, and the yellow flesh is sweet and has up to 5 seeds. Lucuma belongs to the Sapotov family, among which there are many very tasty and unusual fruits, which you will also learn about from our article ( for example, I myself did not know until recently that one of my favorite fruits "Sapodilla, it turns out, is also a sapot).

Lulo(Naranjilla or Naranjilla, Quito Nightshade, Latin Solanum quitoense) originally from the foothills of the Andes, that is, from South America, is currently cultivated there, as well as in Central America and the Antilles.

Yellow-orange round fruits (up to 6 cm in diameter) most of all resemble tomatoes, but are covered with white hairs. The taste of the pulp is sweet and sour, very interesting, they claim to be similar to a mixture of pineapple, strawberries and passionfruit. They are eaten both raw and in the form of juices and desserts. A very useful fruit - tones, cleanses the blood, even helps to restore hair and nails.

Magic fruit (Miracle fruit) This representative of the vast Sapotov family grows in West Africa.

Small red oblong fruits (up to 3 cm in length) do not have an unusual taste in themselves, but nevertheless they are very unusual. The protein contained in the magic fruit turns off the taste buds, which perceive the bitter and sour taste, and after eating it, absolutely everything that you eat within an hour will seem sweet to you.

As an independent dish, the magic fruit, of course, is not considered, but it is excellent for gastronomic experiments so that you can surprise a person with the unusual taste of the most ordinary dishes.

Mammeya American (American apricot, Antilles apricot, Mammea americana) originated from countries in the tropics of America, and is now cultivated all over the world in areas with a suitable climate.

Round fruits (up to 20 cm in diameter) with orange pulp and one stone taste like apricot, hence the second name.

Mame(Mamey-sapote, Mamey, Mamey-sapote, Fruit jelly, Pouteria, Pouteria sapota). A native of southern Mexico, it is also cultivated in the tropical region of the Americas and Southeast Asia.

Fruits can be spherical or oblong, often very large (up to 20 cm in length and up to 3 kg in weight), covered with a thick reddish-brown skin. The color of the pulp can be pink, reddish, orange or gray, in its consistency it is similar to marmalade ( which is reflected in the name), and the taste reminds someone of caramel, someone finds creamy shades. The fruit usually contains one large seed.

The fruit of the gummy fruit is rich in vitamins A, C, carbohydrates, vegetable proteins, as well as iron, calcium and potassium.

Mango(Mango) is one of my favorite fruits and many people around the world consider mango to be the most delicious fruit. On the one hand, of course, it is difficult to call it exotic, because you can buy it in any large supermarket in Russia, however, anyone who has tried mango in the places where it grows will say that a store fruit is absolutely not the same as fresh one. Mango is native to India, now it is grown literally all over the world, where there are suitable conditions. And in each country, mango will have its own flavor notes!

The classic color of ripe mangoes is yellow, but among the 35 mass-grown varieties there are other colors, such as purple, green or black. Therefore, when buying a green mango, you need to clarify, maybe this is such a variety and the fruit is already ripe.

In addition to the amazing aroma and rich, easily recognizable taste, mango has very useful properties, for example, it has a very good effect on the organs of vision and perfectly strengthens the immune system.

Mangosteen(Mangosteen, Mangosteen, Mangosteen, Garcinia, Mankut) the birthplace of this plant is Southeast Asia, from where it spread further across the planet, up to Africa and Latin America.

Round fruits (up to 7.5 cm in diameter) are covered with a thick dark purple rind, and the flesh is segmented ( like garlic) into slices with seeds. The taste is sweetish, with a slight sourness, many people like it ( but I could not "penetrate" them ...). Unfortunately, you often come across diseased fruits that outwardly you cannot distinguish in any way from healthy ones, until you peel them, such flesh will not be white, but creamy and unpleasant in taste ( we often met such).

Passion fruit(Passion fruit, Passion fruit, Passion fruit, Edible Passionflower, Edible Passionflower, Granadilla purpurea) is native to South America and is currently cultivated in many countries with tropical climates.

Round fruits (up to 8 cm in diameter) can have different colors - yellow, purple, pink, red. In general, the taste is more sour than sweet, especially yellow ( to me personally, they very much resemble sea buckthorn), therefore, pure fruit for an amateur, as a rule, use passionfruit juice mixed with others. The seeds are small and edible, but they can cause drowsiness.

Passion fruit received its other name "Fruit of Passion" because of the allegedly inherent properties of an aphrodisiac, although there was no serious research on this topic.

Marula(Marula, Sclerocarya birrea) - except in Africa, in the south and west of the continent, you will not find this tree. It is almost impossible to buy fruits outside the black continent, since ripe fruits very quickly begin to ferment inside, so that you can easily get intoxicated by eating overripe fruits.

The oblong fruits are covered with a thin yellow rind, and under it there is a white, juicy, tart pulp and one stone. Despite the astringency of the taste, marula is quite an edible fruit, but more often it is used to make various desserts and the signature African liqueur "Amarula". And from the peel, a drink is brewed that resembles tea, but with an unusual taste.

Fruits appear twice a year, in March-April and September-October. Due to its rich composition with a large amount of vitamins ( especially high in vitamin C) and minerals, marula is very good for a general strengthening effect on the body, it perfectly removes salts of heavy metals and metabolic products. Also, marula is suitable for the prevention and treatment of diseases of such body systems as the cardiovascular, nervous and genitourinary.

Matisa(South American Sapote, Matisa, South American Sapote) - there is very little information about this fruit, since it is not at all widespread beyond the region of its origin, that is, beyond the tropical belt of South America.

Fruits are round, ovoid or oval, large (up to 15 cm long and up to 8 cm wide) with a thick velvety greenish-brown skin. The pulp is orange-yellow, soft, juicy, sweet with a pleasant aroma and from 2 to 5 large seeds.

Mafai(Burmese grapes, Mafai, Baccaurea ramiflora, Baccaurea sapida) grows in most South Asian countries, but most of all in Malaysia and India.

It has nothing in common with grapes, except for the second name, well, they also make wine from mafai. Round fruits (from 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter) with peel of various colors, depending on the variety, from yellowish cream, red to purple. The white pulp, slightly gelatinous in consistency, tastes sweet and sour, refreshes well, each fruit has one inedible bone. By the way, the taste of fruits with different peel colors may differ slightly, so if, for example, you tried yellow mafai and were not impressed, then perhaps you will like red more.

Mafai does not tolerate long-term transportation very well, ripe fruits are not stored for more than 5 days. Burmese grapes are full of useful elements, especially a lot of vitamin C and iron, so it is very useful for anemia and as a general tonic.

Mombin purple (Mexican plum, Spondius Purpurea, Spondias purpurea, jocote, Hog Plum, Makok, Amra, Siriguela, Siriguela, Ciriguela, Ciruela). Mombin's homeland is tropical America from Mexico to Brazil and the Caribbean islands, later it was naturalized in Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

One of the names of mombin purple is “ Ciruela", Sometimes used in Latin America, literally" plum "is translated from Spanish, and, in fact, is also used to denote an ordinary plum. And the Spaniards themselves use a different name for mombin - “ jocote". So look, don't be surprised at the possible confusion with this tricky fruit! In general, in addition to those listed by me, it also has a bunch of local names, the listing of which would really take one more paragraph ...

Fruits are oval oblong, up to 5 cm long with a thin skin, which can be red, yellow, purple or orange ( the last option looks very much like a kumquat ...). The yellow pulp has a fibrous structure; it is fragrant, juicy, and tastes sweet and sour. Inside there is one large bone with grooves.

Contains a lot of B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper.

Monstera(Monstera is delicious, Monstera is attractive, Monstera is delicious, Monstera, Lat. Monstera deliciosa) originally from Central America, and for the sake of its delicious fruits it is cultivated in India and Australia.

By the way, many Russian housewives grow monstera at home as an ornamental plant, but the fruits from flowers are obtained only in suitable climatic conditions. The fruits themselves are similar to corn, they are long, up to 30 cm, and wide, up to 8.5 cm, under a thick peel hide juicy, aromatic pulp, which tastes like a combination of banana and pineapple.

Medlar Japanese (Lokva, Japanese Eriobotria, Shesek, Nispero, Nispero) - originally from Japan and China, this plant at one time was quite widespread in the Caucasus, and in former times the fruits of the medlar were quite familiar, but over time, for some reason, they were forgotten.

Orange-yellow fruits of a round shape up to 5 cm in diameter with juicy pulp and one large stone. Someone tastes like a pear with a cherry, someone an apple with apricot, but always sweet with sourness. I first tried Mushmula in Hong Kong, and before that I did not even know about its existence; really very pleasant fruit, it seemed to me that its taste is absolutely independent, easily recognizable. Many useful properties, especially for people suffering from hypertension, arrhythmia, dropsy, heart failure.

Noina(perhaps the most common name in Asia is Sugar apple, Annona scaly, Sugar-apple, Sweetsop, Noi-na). In shape and size it really resembles an apple, but it has an original appearance with a kind of "scales". This lumpy green fruit is very widely cultivated in countries with tropical climates - from South America to Polynesia. ( Many people often confuse it with the Guanabana fruit, they are really similar, as they are “close relatives”, but they are not the same thing! Also, guanabana is often called "sugar apple", but again, by mistake.)

Under the bumpy skin is sweet pulp, the taste is very pleasant and hard inedible bones (up to 60 pieces). Ripe fruit should be soft when pressed, its pulp will be really tasty, tender and you can safely eat it with a spoon. If you come across an unripe specimen ( hard to touch), then it's better to just let it lie down for a couple of days and ripen.

And the benefits of Noina are rich in vitamin C, various amino acids and calcium.

Noni(Noni, Morinda citrifolia, Morinda citrus-leaved, Big moringa, Indian mulberry, Useful tree, Cheese fruit, Nonu, Nono). The homeland of this plant is South Asia, and due to its unpretentiousness in care and soil quality, it is currently actively cultivated in most countries with a suitable tropical climate.

Oval fruits to some extent resemble potatoes in their shape, only green and in pimples, and inside there are many small seeds.

You will definitely not forget this fruit if you try it, but you are unlikely to be delighted with the pungent smell of musty cheese and the bitter taste. That is, noni is definitely not popular with tourists ... But the population of the countries where it is grown actively uses it for food, often as the main everyday product, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, but has a very low calorie content.

Prickly pear(Indian fig, Indian fig, Indian fig, sabr, prickly pear, tsabr). Cactus! The most real, only not as decorative that it may grow in your home, but a large tree-like plant. The main place of growth ( remember westerns) - America ( both continents). Do not be embarrassed that some variants of the name contain the adjective "Indian", if you remember the school history course, then you understand that it has only an indirect relation to India ( Columbus sailed to open the way to India, hence the confusion).

They eat, of course, not thorns, but fruits ( although they are also prickly ...) small sizes (up to 10 cm), which can be of different shades ( green, red or yellow). Their flesh is sweetish-sourish ( they say it looks like a persimmon), eat it with a spoon, but to get to it, you must first soak the fruit for 20 minutes in cold water, then remove the small thorns and cut the peel.

Of course, this is one of the most exotic fruits that not every tourist will be able to taste.

Pineberry(Pineberry, pineapple strawberry). It is a hybrid of South American Chilean strawberries and North American Virginia strawberries.

Pineberry berries are small, from 15 to 23 mm., Have a light color, from white to orange, and taste and aroma like pineapple, for which it got its name.

It is almost impossible to find it on sale in Russia, since the pineberry is extremely lean, in rainy weather it is highly prone to rot and does not tolerate transportation well. Pineberries are grown in relatively large quantities in greenhouses in Europe.

Pandanus(Pandanus, Spiral Palm, Wild Pineapple). Some of the readers are probably familiar with this plant, as some of its species are decorative house plants.

Rounded fruits resemble pineapple in shape, when ripe they have an orange-red color. Fruits of only a few species of pandanus are conditionally edible. That is, you can chew the juicy pulp and enjoy the taste similar to pineapple, but then you have to spit it out ( although nowhere did I come across information about any complications in the case of eating it ...). Basically, pandanus is used to make juice and essential oil to flavor various dishes or even soaps.

Papaya(Papaya, Melon tree, Breadfruit). It comes from Central and South America, and nowadays it is cultivated in almost all tropical countries. Do not confuse it with other "Bread Trees" ( Jackfruit and Breadfruit Artocarpus altilis), there is nothing in common between these plants, just if the papaya is baked over the fire, it will start to smell like bread.

The fruits grow directly on the tree trunk, they are large, have an elongated shape and can reach a length of 45 cm and a diameter of 30 cm. The color of unripe fruits is green, while ripe fruits are yellow-orange. The taste of ripe papaya is not some super exotic and memorable, but still very pleasant, in some way it really resembles a melon.

Unripe fruits are also used in food for a wide variety of dishes. They also make drugs from papaya to treat osteochondrosis and improve digestion. A very useful plant, but the abundance of milky juice in all its parts makes you be careful, as in some people this juice can cause an allergic reaction.

Pepino(Melon Pear, Sweet Cucumber, Solanum muricatum) This shrub native to South America, where it is primarily grown, is also cultivated in New Zealand.

Quite large rounded fruits weighing up to 700 grams. They can vary significantly in shape and color, mainly shades of yellow predominate, sometimes with purple or violet strokes. The pulp is very juicy, yellowish in color, the sweet and sour taste resembles a melon, and the aroma is something between melon, pumpkin and cucumber. The small seeds in the axils of the pulp are edible. Pepino is used as a dessert, added to salads, sauces, canned or made jam. Unripe fruits are used like regular vegetables.

Pepino is very rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, PP, as well as iron, potassium pectin. Ripe ones can be stored in the refrigerator for several months, and unripe ones can also be stored for a long time and at the same time ripen.

Pitanga(Eugenia brasiliensis, Grumichama, Brazilian cherry, South cherry, Suriname cherry) with the help of one of the names it is clear that the homeland of this plant is South America, in addition, it is cultivated in the Philippines and African French Guinea.

From the second name it is also clear that the taste of pitanga is most similar to cherry, sometimes with a slight bitterness; its red flesh is very juicy with one bone. Rounded fruits can be of various shades of red and even black. But their main feature, which immediately catches the eye, is that they are ribbed.

It can be consumed like ordinary cherries - from eating raw, to juices, mousses, preserves, etc. Pitanga contains a lot of vitamins A and C, phosphorus, calcium, anthocyanins, antioxidants and carotene.

Pitahaya(Pitaya, Long yang, Dragon fruit, Dragon fruit, sometimes Dragon's Eye). Only when I began to prepare this article did I learn that pitahaya is a cactus. Originally from America, it is now grown everywhere in regions with a suitable climate, especially in Southeast Asia.

Large oblong fruits are easy to recognize as they look very peculiar. The skin color can be red, pinkish or yellow, and the flesh color is white or red.

The pulp is juicy, with many small edible seeds, it tastes a little sweet, but nothing outstanding, it can hardly be called exotic and memorable. Despite the inexpressive taste. For some reason, the fruit is quite popular and is grown on huge plantations all year round.

Pitahaya has a high content of phosphorus, iron, calcium, vitamins B, C, E. This fruit will be useful for diabetes or stomach pains.

Platonia is wonderful (Platonia insignis, Bacuri, Bacury, Pacuri, Pakuri, Pakouri, Packoeri, Pakoeri, Maniballi, Bacurizeiro). This tall (up to 25 meters) tree comes from South America and it is very difficult to try it somewhere other than in the countries of this region (Brazil, Guyana, Colombia, Paraguay).

Ball-shaped or oval fruits can be up to 12 cm in diameter. The thick yellow-brown peel hides fragrant white pulp and several large seeds. Sweet and sour pulp is eaten both fresh and in the form of desserts, marmalade, jelly. Platonia fruits contain a lot of iron, phosphorus and vitamin C.

Pluot(Plumkot, Aprium) - a hybrid of plum and apricot, with a predominance of plum characteristics, obtained in California.

It is similar in shape to both a plum and an apricot, but the skin is smooth and firm like that of a plum; the color depends on the variety, it can be from green to burgundy. The pulp is juicy a bit like an apricot, but much sweeter, the color is closer to purple.

Pluot is used in the same way as its "parents" - even if you just eat, even jam or compote, or dessert, even wine is made from it.

It is rich in potassium, vitamin C, glucose, it is great during colds, as it has antipyretic properties and the ability to strengthen the immune system.

Pomelo(Pomela, Pamela, Pomelo, Pummelo, Pumelo, Som-o, Pompelmus, Sheddock, Citrus maxima, Citrus grandis, Chinese grapefruit, Jabong, Jeruk, Limo, Lusho, Jembura, Sai-sekh, Banten, Zebon, Robeb tenga). The homeland of this citrus fruit is Southeast Asia, now it is grown in many countries, in our supermarkets it is quite a frequent product, but many have not tried it yet, so for them it is definitely still exotic.

Fruits are spherical, large, sometimes even very, up to 10 kilograms; colors can be green or yellow. Under the thick skin, the flesh, like most citrus fruits, is divided into segments, it is not as juicy as that of its “relatives” such as orange or grapefruit, but tasty, sweet and sour, refreshing.

If you see this fruit in the nearest store, but have not yet bought it, then in vain, know that pomelo is a very useful citrus, dietary fruit, it contains trace elements, vitamins B1, B2, B5, C, beta-carotene. Pomelo is perfect for strengthening immunity and preventing colds.

Cancer(Salacca wallichiana) is the closest relative of the Snake Fruit (Salacca zalacca), which is described below. They are very often confused, but the fruits of Rakama ( stress on the second "a"), unlike Rakum ( Snake fruit, description and photo below in the text) are more elongated, colored red and have a more pronounced taste. Otherwise, everything is the same - scales and thorns on the peel, and one growing region in Southeast Asia.

Rambutan(Rambutan, Ngo, "hairy fruit"). The funny appearance of rambutan is immediately remembered. The red round fruits (up to 5 cm in diameter) are really "hairy", it is even named so from the Indonesian word "Rambut", that is, "hair". Besides red, rambutan can be yellow or reddish-orange.

These fruit trees are cultivated throughout Southeast Asia ( especially rambutan is popular in Thailand), as well as in Africa, Australia, the Caribbean.

The peel is soft, it is very easy to remove with your hands, and under it is a very juicy translucent pulp, fragrant and sweet, often with a slight pleasant sourness. The color of the gelatinous flesh can be red or white.

It is better to eat the stone in its raw form, since it can be poisonous, and it does not taste very good, but the toasted seeds can be safely eaten. Jams and jellies are also made from rambutan; you can often buy it in our stores in canned form.

Rambutan fruits contain protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, calcium, niacin, vitamins C, B1 and B2.

Pink apple (Syzygium yambose, Malabar plum, Chompu, Chmphū̀, Rose apple, Chom-poo). It is actively cultivated in the region of its origin - in the countries of Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand.

In shape, the chompu does not look like an apple at all, but rather looks like a pear or a bell. Fruit color may be red ( often), pale pink or light green. The rind is thin, inside is juicy pulp and a few small seeds, so chompu can be eaten whole ( do not forget to wash all fruits thoroughly!).

The taste of the crispy pulp cannot be called expressive and memorable, which is why the fruit is not very popular with tourists. From a distance, the aroma and taste of chompu resembles a rose (but I, for example, did not catch it at all), but, in my opinion, the Rose apple is more like an apple. So do not expect an extravaganza of tastes from the chompa, but with its help you can perfectly quench your thirst.

Rum berry (lat.Myrciaria floribunda, Rumberry, Guavaberry) - often found in nature in Central and South America, the Caribbean, also grown in the United States (Florida and Hawaii) and the Philippines.

Berries from yellow-orange to dark red and almost black in color, very small, half the size of a cherry ( 8 to 16 mm). The pulp is fragrant, sweet or sour-sweet, translucent, but there is very little of it, since a round bone takes up a lot of space inside.

Berries can be eaten just like that, but more often they are used to make jams, drinks, usually alcoholic, for example, " Guavaberry liqueu r ”, a rum-based drink that is a popular Christmas drink among the Caribbean islands.

Contains a lot of iron, vitamin C, amino acids, pectin, organic acids, flavonoids.

Buddha's hand(Fingers of Buddha, Citron finger). This strange fruit, with its very unusual shape, immediately attracts attention. But you don't need to buy it for trial, you are unlikely to be delighted that it almost entirely consists of a dense peel, like that of a lemon, and a small amount of inedible pulp.

Despite this, the Buddha's Hand is on all fruit counters in Southeast Asia, as it is used in cooking, for flavoring baked goods, jam, drinks, candied fruits are made from it.

Baltic herring(Herring, Salakka, Rakum, Snake fruit, Salacca zalacca). A very popular fruit in Southeast Asia.

Teardrop-shaped fruits (up to 4 cm in diameter) are covered with a brown scaly skin, which, to many, really resembles snake skin. The peel is removed relatively easily, but it is covered with sharp small thorns that easily dig into the skin of the hands, so peel it carefully, preferably with a knife.

Under the thorny skin is a beige pulp, which is segmented into several fragments, and several inedible seeds.
You will remember this fruit not only for its unusual appearance, but also for its bright sweet and sour taste, in the shades of which someone can feel persimmon, someone a pear, someone a pineapple or a banana with a nutty flavor, that is, you must definitely try, you can't explain it in words.

Baltic herring contains calcium, vitamin C, beta carotene, so its regular use has a positive effect on the condition of hair and nails, improves vision, and also has a good effect on the activity of the digestive tract and brain activity.

Santol(Cato, Sandoricum koetjape, Santol, Compem Rich, Kraton, Krathon, Graton, Tong, Donka, Wild Mangosteen, False Mangosteen). It is actively cultivated in the countries of Southeast Asia.

Spherical fruits (up to 7.5 cm in diameter) are covered with a thick velvety skin, which can be yellowish or reddish-brown in color. The white pulp is segmented into several lobules, each with one bone. The sweet or sweet and sour taste of santol is reminiscent of the more common mangosteen, which gives it one of its names. There is no need to eat bones, as they lead to intestinal disorders.

Santol contains many vitamins, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, thanks to this composition, it has general strengthening properties, is useful for weakened immunity, diseases of the cardiovascular system, strengthens bones and teeth.

Sapodilla(Sapot tree, Tree potato, Butter tree, Ahra, Sapodilla, Prang khaa, La-mut, Naseberry, Chiku) originally from Mexico, now grown almost everywhere in tropical America and Asia.

Mostly oval, sometimes round fruits (up to 10 cm in length) are covered with a thin skin of brown shades from light to dark, ripe fruits should be dark and soft. The pulp is very tender, juicy, colored brown, sometimes with a pink tint. It tastes like caramel, one of my favorite fruits. There are about a dozen bones inside the fruit, each with a hook, so you need to be careful not to accidentally swallow them, otherwise they can catch in the throat with this hook ( but the bones are very easily separated from the pulp and I did not have any problems with them).

It is a pity that such a delicious fruit can be stored for no more than 3 days, because of this it can be tasted only in the growing regions or the countries closest to them ( Russia, as you understand, does not belong to them.).

Sapodilla contains potassium, a lot of vitamin C, calcium, iron, healthy carbohydrates, and, of course, fiber.

Sapote white (White Sapote, White sapote, Matasano, Casimiroa edible, Casimiroa edulis, Mexican apple, Mexican apple). To representatives of the Sapotov family described above ( sapodilla, lucuma) is irrelevant, since it belongs to another family - Roots. A plant native to the central regions of Mexico, it is cultivated in Central and South America, on some islands of the Caribbean and the neighboring Bahamas, in India, New Zealand, and the Mediterranean.

Round fruits (up to 12 cm in diameter) with thin, smooth yellowish or green skin and creamy white flesh. It tastes like vanilla cream or pudding. There is no need to eat bones (up to 6 pieces), since they are believed to be poisonous and have narcotic properties.

Sapote green (Green Sapote, Red faisan, Achradelpha viridis and Calocarpum viride). Originally from Central America, the territory of Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Also grown in Australia and Polynesia.

Fruits are oval in shape (up to 12.5 cm in length and up to 7.5 cm in diameter) covered with a smooth thin skin of olive or yellow-green color, may be in red-brown specks. The flesh adheres tightly to the peel, it is red-brown in color, very tender, sweet and juicy. Each fruit contains 1 or 2 dark brown seeds.

Sapote black (Black Sapote, Diospyros digyna, Chocolate Pudding Fruit, Chocolate Persimmon, Black Persimmon, Chocolate Persimmon, Black Apple, Barbacoa). Nor to the Sapotovs ( sapodilla, lucuma), nor to the Rutovs ( White sapote) has no relation, despite the name, since it belongs to a completely different family - the Ebony, and the closest known relative of the black sapote is the persimmon. The region of origin is Central America and southern Mexico, and is also grown on islands such as Mauritius, Hawaii, the Philippines, the Antilles and Brazil.

Spherical fruits (up to 12.5 cm in diameter) in a mature state become dirty green outside, and their flesh is black ( hence the name). The pulp is jelly-like, glossy, even unpleasant in appearance, but very tasty, tender, sweet and resembles chocolate pudding. It is eaten simply fresh, and is actively used as an ingredient for confectionery and cocktails. The pulp contains up to 10 flat bones, which are easily separated from it.

TamarindSweet (Sweet Tamarind, Indian Date, Asam, Sampalok, Chintapandu). The homeland of this tree of the legume family is East Africa, nowadays it is cultivated everywhere in tropical countries.

The fruits are long, up to 20 cm, as befits should be, look like beans ( or peas), outside they are light brown, and the pulp ( more precisely, the pericarp or pericarp) dark brown. The fruits are very sweet, tart, but you need to eat carefully, because, unlike the legumes we are used to, tamarind has hard large bones hidden in the pulp.

It is also consumed fresh, but it is much more used in cooking in the form of a spice and sauce.

Sweet tamarind contains a lot of vitamins A, C, B vitamins, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, rich in carbohydrates, organic acids and protein.

Tamarillo(Tamarillo, Tomato tree, Cyphomandra beetroot, Cyphomandra betacea). The countries of the western coast of South America are considered the homeland; grown in almost all countries in South America, as well as in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti and New Zealand.

The oval-shaped fruits (up to 10 cm in length, up to 5 cm in diameter) really resemble tomatoes, covered with a smooth, dense skin that tastes bitter. The color can be yellow, orange-red, sometimes purple. The pulp is golden-reddish, with many small seeds, it tastes sweet-sour-salty, similar to a tomato with a passionfruit or currant flavor. It is usually eaten with a spoon, simply by cutting the fruit in half.

Contains little fat and carbohydrates; rich in potassium, A, B6, C, thiamine, riboflavin.

Umari(Umari, Guacure, Yure, Teechi) are native to the Brazilian regions of the Amazon; It is grown in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.

Fruits are oval (from 5 to 10 cm in length and from 4 to 8 cm in diameter), covered with a thin smooth skin of yellow, red, black or green color. You can eat it with the peel, and the layer of pulp is only 2–5 mm. It is yellow, oily, sweet, with a strong characteristic pleasant taste and aroma. There is one solid large bone inside the fruit, they are fried and eaten. Umari is consumed simply like an ordinary fruit, and also due to its oily oily texture, literally, like butter is spread on cassava bread.

Umari contains fats, carbohydrates, proteins, zinc, calcium and vitamin A.

Feijoa(Feijoa, Pineapple Guava, Akka Sellova, Akka Feijoa, Feijoa Sellova). Originally from South America, it is now grown everywhere in regions with a suitable subtropical climate (including Russia).

Small oval-shaped fruits (up to 5 cm long and up to 4 cm in diameter) are covered with either a smooth yellow-green rind, or bumpy dark green, it tastes sour, so it's better to eat without it. The color of the ripe berry's flesh is white or creamy, juicy, jelly-like and divided into several sections and contains several edible seeds. The sweet and sour taste is reminiscent of a mixture of strawberries, pineapple and kiwi.

Feijoa contains a lot of sugars, organic acids, iodine, vitamin C.

Physalis(Physalis, sometimes called Emerald Berry or Ground Cranberries, Peruvian Gooseberries, Bubblers, Hound cherries, Marunca, Strawberry Tomatoes) - you have probably seen it many times, it is very often used to decorate pastries, although it is also found just for sale. It looks like a small tomato, and its main feature is an openwork, airy "box", which is obtained from dried physalis flowers.

Orange small fruits are juicy, sweet with a slight sourness, depending on the specific variety ( and there are a lot of them) in taste and aroma, various shades may be present, for example, strawberries in Strawberry Physalis.

It has a fairly high content of vitamins A, C, group B, tannin, polyphenols, glucose; fiber, antioxidants, fruit and organic acids, tannins.

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis, Breadfruit, Pana). The same name is sometimes used for Jackfruit and Papaya, so don't get confused! The homeland is considered to be New Guinea, from where this plant spread to the islands of Oceania and to the countries of Southeast Asia. Highly productive Breadfruit is a staple food in some countries.

The fruits are very large, rounded-oval (up to 30 cm in diameter and up to 4 kg in weight), covered with a rough skin, which is green when unripe, while in ripe fruit it is yellow-brown. The wild breadfruit contains many seeds in the fruit, but the cultivated variety does not.

Unripe flesh is white, fibrous, starchy, while ripe flesh becomes soft and changes color to cream or yellow. The ripe fruit is sweetish, but in general their taste is not particularly attractive, rather it resembles a potato and a banana. Unripe fruits are consumed as vegetables, and when they are cooked, you can feel the bready taste.

Breadfruit is very nutritious and contains ( dried) 4% protein, 14% sugars, 75-80% carbohydrates ( mostly starch) and practically do not contain fats.

Chrysophyllum (Star apple, Star apple, Cainito, Star apple, Milkfruit, Kaimito) DON'T BE confused with Kaimito ( or Abiu). Originally from Central America, today it is cultivated in the tropics of South America, India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and Tanzania.

Ball-shaped or oval fruits (up to 10 cm in diameter) are covered with a smooth, inedible green or violet-brown skin, depending on the variety. The pulp can be white to purple in color, it is juicy, jelly-like, sweet and very sticky from the milky juice. The fruit contains up to 8 shiny dark brown inedible seeds. If the fruit is cut across, the cut will look like a star. Ripe fruits are wrinkled and soft and can be refrigerated for up to three weeks, making them a great present for friends and family from your tropical vacation.

Contains a lot of phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin C, amino acids and protein; has a low glucose content.

Champedak(Artocarpus champeden, Chempedak or Cempedak). Originally from Malaysia, where it is mainly grown, it is also cultivated in neighboring Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia. A relative of Marang, Breadfruit and Jackfruit.

Fruits are elongated, large (up to 45 cm in length and up to 15 cm in width), covered with a yellow-brown rough skin, have a pleasant smell. The peel can be easily peeled off by hand, but remember that the latex is very sticky due to the secreted latex. The pulp is divided into segments, it is dark yellow in color, juicy, sweet and tender, with round seeds ( they are also eaten). The taste of Champedak is similar to its relative - Jackfruit.

Chempedac contains B vitamins, vitamin C, carotene, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, that is, a very useful fruit, in particular for strengthening the immune system, bones and teeth, and is also very good as a general strengthening product.

Cherimoya(Annona cherimola, Cream Apple, Ice Cream Tree, Graviola, Tzumux, Anona poshte, Atis, Sasalapa and a whole bunch of possible names ...). Originally from the foothills of the South American Andes, it is actively cultivated in regions with a suitable subtropical climate around the planet.

Cherimoya has many close relatives, so it is sometimes easy to get confused, for example, Annona netted is also called Cream apple, in addition, there is Annona prickly ( Guanabana or Sour cream apple), Annona scaly ( Noina or Sugar Apple).

The fruit is heart-shaped (up to 20 cm long and up to 10 cm wide), covered with a green skin with characteristic irregularities. The pulp is white, fibrous-creamy in consistency, with a pleasant aroma and complex taste from a mixture of passionfruit, banana, pineapple, strawberry with cream. The bones are very hard and small, so cherimoya should be eaten carefully.

There are many useful things in Cherimoya: proteins and carbohydrates, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, organic acids.

Jujube(Ziziphus real, Unabi, Chinese date, Breast berry, Chapyzhnik, Jujuba, Jujube). Cultivated in Southeast and Central Asia, Japan, Australia, in the European Mediterranean, in the Caucasus.

The fruits are ovoid or round, although in fact they are very different in shape. The smooth, thin, shiny rind is also distinguished by a variety of colors, which can be green, yellowish, dark red, brown and their combinations. The pulp is dense, white, sweet juicy ( looks like an apple), eaten with the peel; one bone inside.

Jujuba is rich in vitamins C, B, A, beta carotene, amino acids, trace elements, proteins, sugars and many other useful substances, the names of which are difficult to pronounce.

Youngmay(Mountain peach, Yangmei, Chinese strawberry or Chinese strawberry tree, Red wax). Originally from China, where it has been mainly grown for more than two thousand years, but it is also found in neighboring countries.

Fruits - "rough" balls (up to 2.5 cm in diameter) can be colored in various shades from reddish to purple or violet. The pulp is tender and juicy, red in color with one large seed. Yangmey's taste is sweet and tart, even pungent, with hints of cherry, blackberry and strawberry.

Yangmei is rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, ascorbic acid.

How many exotic fruits have you tried? And about which of those listed in the article did you learn for the first time?