Diving into the world of exotic fruits opens up a spectrum of flavors, textures, and culinary possibilities far beyond the familiar. These fruits, often vibrant and unusual in appearance, can transport your taste buds to distant lands. From the creamy, dreamy durian to the sweet, tangy passion fruit, here’s a guide to 10 exotic fruits and the best ways to enjoy them.
Durian
Often called the “king of fruits,” durian has a reputation for its pungent aroma but is beloved for its rich, custard-like texture. To eat durian, split the husk open with a knife and scoop out the soft flesh inside. It’s best enjoyed fresh, on its own, to truly appreciate its complex flavors.
Rambutan
With its hairy appearance, rambutan might seem daunting at first, but it hides a juicy, sweet fruit inside. Simply cut a slit in the skin and peel it away to reveal the translucent, grape-like flesh, which is best eaten fresh or added to fruit salads for a tropical twist.
Lychee
The delicate, floral sweetness of lychee makes it a favorite. Peel off the rough skin and enjoy the juicy fruit within, being mindful to discard the central seed. Lychees are fantastic on their own or can be used to add a sweet, aromatic touch to cocktails and desserts.
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
Dragon fruit boasts a stunning magenta or white flesh dotted with tiny black seeds, encased in a bright pink, scaly skin. Cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh, or peel the skin back from the halves. Its mild sweetness pairs well with other fruits in salads or smoothies.
Passion Fruit
The tart, vibrant pulp of passion fruit, filled with edible seeds, is hidden beneath a wrinkled purple casing. Slice it in half and use a spoon to scoop out the insides. Its tangy flavor enhances desserts, salads, drinks, or can be enjoyed simply with a dash of sugar.
Star Fruit (Carambola)
Star fruit offers a crisp texture and a sweet-sour flavor profile that varies from tart to mildly sweet. Slice it across the middle to reveal its star-shaped cross-section, perfect for adding a decorative touch to dishes or enjoying as a refreshing snack, skin and all.
Jackfruit
The largest fruit of all, jackfruit is known for its sweet, fruity aroma and multiple, pulpy pods inside. These pods can be eaten raw, revealing a taste reminiscent of pineapple and banana, or cooked into savory dishes, where they’re often used as a meat substitute because of their texture.