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When you think of tropical fruits, what comes to mind? Papaya, pineapple, mango? While those are all delicious and iconic examples of tropical fruit, many more out there deserve your attention. From the tart and sour starfruit to the sweet and syrupy passion fruit, the world of tropical fruits is vast and varied.
Here are 15 of the best tropical fruits to try on your next trip to Central America, Southeast Asia, or any other exotic destination.
Table of Contents
- Durian
- Guava
- Star Fruit
- Dragon Fruit
- Papaya
- Mango
- Jackfruit
- Passion Fruit
- Pineapple
- Rambutan
- Tamarind
- Banana
- Lychee
- Longan
- Sapodilla
- Custard Apple
- Breadfruit
- Summary of Tropical Fruits
- FAQ for Tropical Fruits
Durian
The durian is a large, spiky fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It is often considered to be the “king of fruits” due to its unique flavor and impressive size.
The durian is typically yellow or greenish-yellow in color and has a thick, fibrous husk covering its large seeds. The flesh of the fruit is white or pale orange, and it has a custard-like consistency.
The taste of the durian flesh is often described as sweet and coconut-like, with a strong odor. The odor of durian is so strong that it is banned from many public places, such as hotels and airports. Durians are high in vitamins and minerals and are a good source of fibre.
They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking. Durians are also used in traditional medicine for conditions such as fever and upset stomachs.
Regardless of how it is described, the flavor of the durian is definitely unique, and I think it’s worth trying if you ever have the chance.
Durian vendors will often sell it already removed from the husk. This saves you the trouble of doing it yourself and means you won’t have to endure the fruit’s odor for too long.
Guava
Guava is a fruit that originates from South America, but it is now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
The fruit is oval-shaped and has soft, juicy pink or white flesh with small seeds. The green skin of the guava can be either thin and edible or thick and inedible, depending on the variety.
Guava is an excellent source of vitamins C and A and dietary fiber. It also contains a variety of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Research suggests that consuming guava may offer several health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, better digestion, and reduced risk of cancer.
Guava is often eaten fresh but can also be used in jams, jellies, and sauces. One simple way to enjoy these tropical fruits is to mix equal parts guava juice and sparkling water to create a refreshing drink. For a more decadent treat, try blending together guava, cream cheese, and sugar to make a delicious smoothie.
Star Fruit
Star fruit, also known as carambola, is a tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. The fruit is shaped like a five-pointed star; its skin is thin and edible.
The fruit’s juicy flesh is white or yellow, and it has a slightly sour taste, not too dissimilar to kiwi fruit. Star fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C and contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in juices, jams, and other recipes. It’s great for snacking and is even used in some cocktails.
In addition to its culinary uses, star fruit has also been used traditionally for its medicinal properties. The fruit’s juice has been used to treat digestive disorders, and the fruit’s skin can be applied externally to relieve pain.
Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The fruit is native to Central and South America and is now grown in many other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia.
This vibrant magenta-hued dragon fruit has earned its name for the fierce exterior of its hard skin, which resembles a dragon’s scales.
The taste of the fruit can vary depending on the variety, but it is typically sweet with a slightly sour flavor.
Dragon fruit is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, and it is said to have various health benefits. Dragon fruit is also used in some cuisines as a decorative ingredient.
When choosing dragon fruit, look for one that is brightly colored and free from blemishes. The fruit should be firm but not hard, and it should give off a mild fragrance.
You can eat dragon fruit fresh or use it in various recipes. It can be added to smoothies or yogurt, or it can be made into jam or jelly. Dragon fruit is an exotic and delicious addition to any diet.
Papaya
If you’ve never had the pleasure of eating papaya, you’re in for a real treat. These exotic fruits have a delicate, sweet flavor that is reminiscent of melon or peach. They are also incredibly juicy, making them a perfect refresher on a hot summer day.
With papayas being one of the most delicious and refreshing fruits, it’s no wonder they’re often called the “fruit of the angels.” Papayas are low in calories but high in nutrients.
Papayas are native to Central America and grow in tropical regions around the world. The fruit is often eaten fresh but can also be made into juices, smoothies, sauces, and jams. Papayas are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Papaya seeds are also said to pack a nutritious punch, with their extracts being linked to some amazing health benefits, including cancer prevention and kidney protection.
Mango
Mango is a tropical fruit that is grown in many parts of the world. Mangoes are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-6.
Mangoes are often used in desserts, smoothies, and salads, including the popular sticky rice and ripe mango dessert. However, mangoes can also be eaten on their own as a snack. Mangoes come in many different colors, including green, yellow, orange, and red. The most popular type of mango is the Alphonso mango, which is grown in India.
When grown in the tropics, mango trees can produce fruit all year round, but when grown in more temperate areas, they typically only bear fruit during the summer months
Mangoes have a sweet taste and a slightly acidic flavor. Mangoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is native to South Asia. The fruit is large and oblong, with a green or yellowish-brown outer skin. It is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, and can weigh up to 100 pounds!
The flesh of the fruit is white or pale yellow, and it contains large seeds. Jackfruit has a sweet, slightly fruity flavor and a chewy texture.
The fruit is often used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines as a side dish or as an ingredient in curries and other dishes. In recent years, jackfruit has become popular as a plant-based alternative to meat.
When cooked, the flesh of the unripe jackfruit takes on a texture similar to pulled pork, making it an ideal option for vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Ripe jackfruit should last up to 7 days in the fridge.
Passion Fruit
Passion fruit is a juicy, fragrant fruit that grows on vines in tropical and subtropical climates. The fruits are round or oval and have thick, purple skin.
The passion fruit pulp is very aromatic and full of tiny black seeds. The flavor of passion fruit is tart and sweet, with hints of citrus and floral notes.
Passion fruit is often used in desserts and pairs well with sweet flavors. It can also be used in savory dishes, as it adds a unique flavor to sauces and marinades.
In addition to passion fruit being delicious, it is an excellent source of vitamins C and A, fiber, and antioxidants.
The passion fruit vine is also known as the maypop or purple passion fruit. It is a member of the Passifloraceae family, which includes about 500 species. Passion fruit vines are climbers that can grow up to 30 feet in length.
Passion fruit fun fact
Passion fruit gets its name from the fact that it is often used in Passion Plays, which are religious dramas that portray the Passion of Christ.
Pineapple
Pineapples are one of the most popular tropical fruits and also one of the most delicious. Though they’re native to South America, pineapples can now be found all over the world.
And while they’re often associated with Hawaii, pineapples actually originated in Brazil. Pineapples are a member of the bromeliad family, which also includes plants like Spanish moss and air plants.
Pineapples are usually about five to eight inches long and have tough, green outer skin covering a juicy, sweet flesh. The flesh is dotted with small black seeds, which are edible but not particularly tasty.
When ripe, pineapples should be fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. If you’re looking for a ripe pineapple, smell it before you buy it – if it doesn’t smell sweet, it probably isn’t ripe yet.
Pineapples can be eaten fresh or cooked, and they’re often used in desserts like pies and cakes. But they can also be used in savory dishes, like curries or stir-fries. No matter how you enjoy them, pineapples are delicious and one of the versatile tropical fruits that’s sure to please everyone.
In fact, they are used in one of my favorite Vietnamese soups – Banh Canh and provide a sweet balance to the dish.
Rambutan
Rambutan is a tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. The word “rambutan” is derived from the Malay word for “hairy,” and indeed, the fruit is covered in soft, red hair.
The flesh of the rambutan is white or pink, with a large seed in the center. The flavor of the fruit has been described as a cross between lychee and grape, with a sweetness that is offset by a slight tartness.
Rambutan is often eaten fresh, but it can also be used in jams, jellies, and other preserves. In recent years, the fruit has become increasingly popular in Western countries, where it is often considered to be an exotic delicacy.
Tamarind
Tamarind is a tropical fruit that is popular in many cuisines around the world. The fruit is technically a pod, and inside the pod are small, hard seeds that are surrounded by a sweet-tart pulp.
When the pulp is dried, it can be used as a spice or flavoring agent. Tamarind is often used in curries and other flavorful dishes and can also be used to make a refreshing drink.
The tamarind tree is native to Africa, but it now grows in many tropical regions. The trees can be quite large, reaching up to 30 meters in height.
Tamarinds are an important food source for many animals, including monkeys and elephants. In some cultures, tamarind is considered to be a symbol of good luck.
Banana
Few foods are as universally beloved as a banana. This bright yellow fruit is not only deliciously sweet and satisfying but it is also packed with nutrients. Bananas are an excellent source of dietary potassium, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and vitamin B6.
They can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion. Best of all, bananas are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Whether you prefer them sliced and added to your breakfast cereal or blended into a creamy smoothie, there is no wrong way to enjoy a banana.
Lychee
Lychee is a popular fruit that originates from China. The exterior of the lychee is covered in a thin, red skin that is easy to peel off. The flesh of the lychee is white and slightly translucent, and it contains a large, inedible seed at its center.
Lychees are often eaten fresh and have a sweet, floral flavor reminiscent of grapes. In addition to being eaten on their own, lychees are also used in a variety of desserts, such as ice cream and pudding, or even used in classic cocktails.
Lychees are a good source of Vitamin C and contain small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
Read More: Lychees vs Rambutan vs Longan – differences and similarities
Longan
Longans are a type of tropical fruit that is related to lychees and rambutans. They grow on trees and have a thin, brown shells with white flesh inside.
Longans are native to Southeast Asia and are often used in sweet dishes or as a garnish.
The fruit is high in vitamins and minerals, and some people believe that longans can help to improve circulation, boost energy levels, and even promote weight loss. While more research is needed to confirm these claims, there is no doubt that longans are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is worth trying.
Sapodilla
The sapodilla is a tropical fruit that is native to Central America and the Caribbean. The fruit is round or oval in shape and has brown or reddish-brown smooth skin. The flesh of the sapodilla is white or light brown and contains small black seeds.
The sapodilla has a sweet, mildly tangy flavor with a cross between a pear and brown sugar.
It is often used in desserts and beverages, but my favorite way to consume sapodilla is fresh straight from the tree.
As with most tropical fruits, it is a good source of vitamins A and C.
Sapodillas are usually available from May to September and should be stored at room temperature until they are ripe. To ripen a sapodilla, place it in a paper bag with an apple or banana for one to three days. Once ripe, the fruit can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Custard Apple
The custard apple is a tropical fruit that is native to Central and South America. It gets its name from its creamy texture and sweet flesh, which tastes like a cross between apples and custard.
The fruit is also known as the sugar apple or the sweetsop. The custard apple is a small, round fruit with thin, green skin. Inside the fruit, there are numerous black seeds surrounded by white flesh.
When eaten fresh, the custard apple is delicious as well as highly nutritious. It can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of recipes. It is an excellent source of vitamins C and A, potassium, and fiber.
Breadfruit
Breadfruit is a large, round fruit that grows on trees in tropical climates.
The fruit is covered with a thick green or yellow skin when ripe. Inside the breadfruit is a soft and starchy white or yellow flesh. The flesh can be eaten raw or cooked and is often used in savory dishes.
Breadfruit is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
Breadfruit trees are believed to originate from Polynesia, and they were first introduced to the Caribbean in the 18th century. Today, breadfruit is grown in many tropical countries, including Thailand, India, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea.
Summary of Tropical Fruits
Tropical fruits are a great way to add variety and vibrancy to any meal. Whether you’re looking for an exotic snack or something to elevate your culinary creations, this list of tropical fruits has got you covered.
From juicy mangos and exotic durian to purple passion fruit and sweet pineapples, the tropics have an incredible variety of amazing tropical fruits waiting to be discovered! No matter where you travel in the Americas or Asia, exploring these vibrant flavors is a one-of-a-kind experience.
These or other tropical fruits can add an intense flavor to anything from ice creams to baked pastries. Plus, with their low prices at local food markets and grocery stores across tropical countries, tasting them has never been more accessible (or delicious).
FAQ for Tropical Fruits
Why is papaya called “fruits of the angels”?
Papaya is often referred to as the “Fruit of the Angels” due to its heavenly flavor and deliciously sweet taste. The name was given by the Spanish conquistadors in 1526, who were amazed by its unique flavor when they first tried it in Central America.
Papaya has since become one of the most popular tropical fruits in the world, with its mildly sweet flavor and slightly tangy taste that is loved by both locals and tourists alike.