Category: Exotic produce

While most people are familiar with common citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, there is a captivating world of exotic citrus varieties, including one with a claim to royalty. The Alizza fruit, a hybrid of a pomelo and a tangerine, has been dubbed the queen citrus fruit due to its complex aroma, juicy sweetness, and pleasing texture.

The mangosteen, often called the "Queen of Fruits," is a tropical evergreen with a distinctive, sweet-and-sour flavor prized by many. A fruit explorer named David Fairchild is often credited with popularizing the royal nickname in the 1930s, though it's been a staple in Southeast Asia for centuries. Knowing its alternative names can help you identify this delicacy in different parts of the world.

Dragon fruit, or pitaya, is the fruit of several cactus species, not just one. The idea that there are only two dragon fruits is a common misconception, as there are many varieties distinguished by their skin and flesh colors, as well as their unique flavor profiles.

Despite the similar names and membership in the Myrtaceae family, pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana) and common guava (Psidium guajava) are two distinct species. This common misconception often leads to confusion about their flavors, origins, and how they are grown.

While it may seem that there are only two types of dragon fruit based on appearance, studies on agricultural produce classification reveal there are at least four main varieties, each with distinct characteristics. These fruits, known as pitaya, differ in skin color, flesh color, taste, and nutritional profile, extending far beyond the common white and red-fleshed types.

While the world's most widely consumed fruit is scientifically classified as a berry, many people seek a fruit that is like a banana in flavor, texture, or culinary application. There is a wide world of delicious and nutritious tropical and temperate fruits that offer surprising similarities, from the starchy and savory plantain to the creamy and tropical pawpaw.

Elephant foot yam, also known as suran or jimikand, is a tropical tuber grown primarily in Africa and Asia, and while not as common as potatoes, it is indeed available for purchase in the United States. Enthusiasts of international cuisine can find this versatile root vegetable in a variety of forms, from fresh to frozen or powdered.

Native to China, where its name means “golden orange,” the kumquat is a distinctive orange fruit you eat with the skin. Unlike traditional oranges, its peel is sweet and its flesh is tart, creating a harmonious and uniquely flavorful experience when eaten whole.

Though most fruits contain a watery juice, a very special tropical fruit called the star apple (or caimito) is famously known for its creamy, milk-like sap. This milky liquid is found within its pulp and contributes to its unique, sweet flavor and custard-like texture. This article delves into the fascinating world of this exotic fruit and the natural compounds that give it its milky appearance.

Native to southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, the canistel tree has spread across the tropics, yet the fruit remains a delightful curiosity to many. So, what is the English name for canistel fruit? The most widely used English name is **eggfruit**, a descriptive moniker inspired by its unique texture.