Exotic holiday destinations are not all about sunbathing and diving into crystal clear waters, but also about trying new things. Irrespective of whether you are fond of dainties or not, one of the things you should not pass on when travelling to exotic location is the local cuisine.
Granted, not everyone can think of food when the weather outside exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, if you are looking for something refreshing, you can always taste the exotic fruits that are usually available in such destination. Here is a top 10 list of the most delicious exotic fruits you absolutely must indulge in.
1. Passion fruit
The passion fruit can be described as the edible part of the passion flower and it is mostly grown in South America, particularly in the regions between Brazil to Paraguay. An interesting fact about the passion fruit consists in the fact that it is commonly utilized in other juices in order to boost their flavor. The vast majority of people who tried it state that its taste is slightly bitter. However, it is necessary to mention that the bitter taste is due to the seeds, which can be easily removed by pressing the soft, juicy interior through a small strainer.
2. Star fruit
Many people who have tasted a star fruit came to the conclusion that it has an extremely interesting flavor. While some describe the taste as a combination of plums, pineapple and lemons, others state that the star fruit reminds them more of a mixture containing kiwis, pineapples and apples. Maybe, the unique taste experience is what determines some to make wine out of it. The fruit is an excellent choice for people who are on a diet and prefer having a low-calorie (under 30 calories) sweet desert.
3. Kumquat
The kumquat does not look like much, considering that they are as small as an olive and appear to resemble miniature oranges. However, this fruit has its own unique citrus taste and you can eat it along with the peel. In fact, eating the fruit this way is highly advisable, since the sweetest part is actually the peel. As a side note, even though they are commonly found in supermarkets, the truth is that the fresh crops native to China have a completely different aroma than the kumquats available in markets.
4. Dragon fruit
Perhaps because it is part of a cactus species, the dragon fruit looks like a plant from an alien world. However, once you cut it, you will discover a creamy and delicious pulp that reminds you of melon or a combination between a melon and a kiwi. The dragon fruit commonly grows across various regions of Central America, the most delicious fruit being the red variety from Mexico. An interesting fact about the dragon fruit is that you can also eat its flowers raw or use them for tea.
5. African cucumber
If you are familiar with the over the counter weight loss supplements, then it is very probable that you heard of the African cucumber by now. However, just because it is the main active ingredient of a weight loss supplement that does not automatically mean its taste is bland. In fact, the dark green pulp of this fruit is a mixture that combines the tastes of bananas, cucumber, passion fruit and limes. The vast majority of people who savored it said that you have no other options but to fall in with it love or hate on the spot.
6. Durian
What is intriguing about durian is the fact that it has a very repelling smell, something similar to sewage waste or skunk spray. Consequentially, you should not expect to find them in hotels and public transportation in the Southeast parts of Asia. However, as the more adventurous tourists claim, the experience is totally worth it. Once the hard husk with responsible for the disagreeable smell is removed, you will be able to enjoy a divine flavor that is words cannot even begin to describe. In essence, it is something like soft nougat that melts in your mouth.
7. Sugar apple
The sugar apple is Mother Nature’s way of showing us what a great chef she is. The overall appearance of the fruit is not mind-blowing, considering that it looks like a pine cone with a 10 cm diameter. However, after you get rid of the lumpy and hard skin, prepare for a feast: the white and aromatic pulp is a combination between custard and something like a pear that has been sweetened with a lot of sugar.
8. Salmonberry
The salmonberry is a shrub native to the Western Coasts of America, its growing area stretching from Alaska all the way down to California. You are very likely to find these shrubs in moist forests and you can easily recognize them because of their resemblance to raspberries. Essentially, the only difference between salmonberries and raspberries is that the first ones have a stronger tone of orange. Even though they are absolutely delicious when eaten raw, most people prefer to use them in the making of jams, candy or jellies, while others distil wine from them.
9. Lychee
The lychee is the fruit of an evergreen tree with the same name, specific for the tropical and subtropical Southern regions of Asia. Unlike many other tropical fruits, the lychee is unique because it does not continue to ripe after it has been picked. Consequentially, the taste of this fruit will be directly influenced by the harvest period; essentially, if it is picked too soon, it will have a bitter taste followed by an unpleasant aftertaste. However, when picked at the right moment, you will be impressed by the unique taste and grape-like texture.
10. Jackfruit
Native to Australia and Southern Asia, the jackfruit is considered one of the largest fruit bearing trees in the world. What is amazing about the jackfruit is that it has a different taste, depending on how you eat it. If you eat it raw, then the taste is a combination of banana and pineapple, yet the notion of sweet in this case has totally different meaning. On the other hand, if you cook it, it is very likely that it will taste like chicken meat, making it a great choice for vegetarians.
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