6 Incredibly Rare Fruits From Around the World

You’re used to the available produce in your local grocery store and farmer’s market but halfway across the world, others are popping morsels of rare heavenly fruits into their mouths. What do they look like and what do they taste like? What are their health benefits? And most importantly, how can you get your hands on them? Discover six incredibly rare fruits from around the world!

6 Incredibly Rare Fruits From Around the World

1. Buddha’s Hand

Buddha’s hand is a fragrant fruit from the Rutaceae family. There is no pulp in it, nor is there juice or seeds. It is regarded as a symbol of happiness, good fortune, and longevity as it is unusually shaped in the form of a praying hand. It is yellow and you can see finger-like protrusions. Several Asian cultures treasure it. The uses for this fruit in the kitchen are almost endless. The zest, or the outer layer, can be grated or thinly sliced in savory or sweet dishes.

You can again use the outer peel and infuse it in a cocktail or just infuse your water. Add zesty bits to recipes to make cookies, cakes, and pastries, which perfectly balances the sweetness with a citrusy aftertaste. You might also use Buddha’s hand in sauces, such as marmalades, chutneys, vinaigrettes, and marinades. It’s a versatile addition that is limited only by your own creativity. It’s not packed with nutrients, but it does deliver lots of vitamin C along with dietary fiber and calcium.

2. Dragon Fruit

This fruit belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is native to Central America, and now it has spread throughout the world. Its shape is somewhat like an egg. Sometimes it’s a bit more elongated. The outer skin is a leathery, reddish-pink color. There are other kinds that are white or yellow, but you are more likely to recognize the reddish version. The skin is covered in spikes like a dragon, which is where the name comes from. The flavor inside is like a marriage of a kiwi, melon, and a pear. The flesh is juicy and smooth. It is not only delicious but also has a lot of antioxidants, vitamin C, and it’s high in fiber.

3. Lychee

This fruit is originally from Southeast Asia. Today, it is grown in many tropical parts of the planet where the weather is suitable. It’s about the size of a golf ball, it has a bumpy outer texture, and when fully ripe, it’s reddish. The inside flesh is translucent and juicy. It kind of resembles a grape! The taste is refreshingly sweet yet has a hint of tartness.

In China, it’s a cherished fruit, revered for the way it tastes and the soft, floral scent that emanates from it. While some rare fruits make you work hard for their sweetness, lychee is easy to peel, rewarding you generously for little effort. Unripe, however, this fruit can be toxic! When it’s ripe, it delivers magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorous, and iron. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants!

4. Australian Finger Lime

This rare fruit looks like caviar when you cut it! It’s also known as caviar lime. It is the size of a finger, hence the name but it looks kind of like a small, prickly cucumber. When you pop it in your mouth, you can taste the citrusy juice. It’s tart with a slightly sweet flavor that comes through. It’s grown in popularity in Florida.

Though it’s become more common in the states, its unique appearance renders it worthy of making this list of rare fruits. This fruit is an entire experience because you’re not just admiring the flavor, you’re also enjoying the burst of juice that fills your mouth when you pop the little caviar-like morsels in. This is a zesty fruit that delivers potassium, vitamin E, and folate along with tons of vitamin C.

5. Durian

Durian is a tropical fruit, and it is referred to as the “king of fruits.” These are large, football-sized fruits, and their weight varies. When open, the flesh is cream-colored, and it is divided into several lobes. The seeds are edible, but they must be cooked first. This rare fruit can split a crowd within a second. Some people love the flavor and others can’t even stand to be near the fruit, even when it isn’t open yet!

Some describe the smell as reminiscent of rotting food that’s been sitting out on a hot day in an enclosed garbage can. There are some harsh descriptions of this fruit, but others describe it as having a custard-like texture that uniquely combines sweet flavors like vanilla and caramel with the pungent addition of onions and garlic. Those who enjoy it also enjoy its nutritional value, which includes fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins that include folic acid and thiamine, and antioxidants.

6. Monstera Deliciosa

This fruit is also known as the Swiss cheese plant and not all plants grow the Monstera deliciosa fruit. They first need to be pollinated and when kept in homes, it’s unlikely they even have enough sunlight to produce the yummy, rare fruit. This fruit is native to the rainforests of Central America. The fruit it produces looks like an ear of corn and the fruit is known as “Mexican breadfruit” or “Monstera Fruit.” This is a unique fruit because it communicates with you, and you better listen. If you don’t, you may try to eat it prematurely and that’s a bad idea. If it’s not ripe, it’s a bit toxic.

When it’s ready, it starts unpeeling itself, as if inviting you over because it’s time. The flavor of this fruit is described as an explosion of a variety of tasty fruits you are likely already familiar with. Pineapple, strawberry, mango, and banana are just a few of the fruits that it might taste like when you take a bite. This fruit is rich in vitamins C and B and also delivers miners like fiber, calcium, and phosphorous. Although it’s tasty and addictive once you’ve tried it, eat it slowly. If you eat too much of the pulp, you may find yourself running to the restroom as it has a laxative effect in higher quantities.

Health Benefits of Rare Fruits

Rare fruits don’t just deliver a unique flavor to your taste buds and power your body with nutrients. They also support your whole body’s health. For example, Buddha’s hand supports your immune system, helps with the reduction of inflammation, and can even help lower your blood pressure. If your tummy is feeling funny, it’s also great to enjoy because it helps to settle gastrointestinal distress. Dragon fruit can also help your gut because it contains prebiotics. It’s a naturally fat-free fruit option and also works toward strengthening your immune system. Though you have to enjoy it in small doses, Monstera deliciosa is great for combatting both stress and fatigue because it activates your endorphins. Nature’s medicine!

How to Find and Purchase Rare Fruits

You may be able to find some rare fruits from around the world at your local supermarket in the produce sections. Typically, there isn’t a huge selection unless you live in an area where the fruit is bountiful. But in lieu of scouring all your local stores, you might want to try ordering rare fruits online. There are a variety of services that offer to pack and deliver a variety of unique fruits for you to try. While some services may pack the box for you, sending you what’s available, others may allow you to handpick only the fruits you want. Then, all you have to do is wait for delivery and enjoy!

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