Nutrition
9 Unique Fruits from Around the World
Fruits are a nutritious staple in many peoples’ diets.
Which specific types you regularly eat likely depends on your geographic location and access to grocery stores.
What’s considered a common fruit for someone living in Southeast Asia or India may seem peculiar to someone living in North or South America, and vice versa.
Whether you’d like to diversify your diet by trying different fruits or are simply curious about the types of fruits found in other areas of the world, this article is for you.
Here are 9 unique and delicious fruits from around the world, some of which you may be able to find at your local specialty grocer.
Durian is native to Southeast Asia, growing in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In some of these regions, it’s referred to as the king of fruits (
It has a spiny, thick rind protecting its flesh, which has a creamy texture and sweet, slightly bitter taste. It can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide, but even so, it typically only offers around 2 cups (486 grams) of edible flesh (
Ripe durian has a strong, recognizable aroma that some people find overwhelming. This is due to the presence of compounds like esters, aldehydes, and sulfurs (
The flesh of durian is highly nutritious, as it’s a rich source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. It’s also packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin (
Depending on where you live, durian can be hard to find. In the United States, you may be able to score it at specialty stores like Whole Foods. You can enjoy durian’s flesh in both sweet and savory dishes alike, such as soups, ice cream, cakes, or even side salads.
Rambutans are native to Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, though they’re also grown in other parts of the world, including Africa and Hawaii (
Rambutan’s flesh has a sweet, slightly tart flavor and grape-like texture. Size-wise, the fruit resembles a small kiwi fruit, and it hides a small pit within. Its skin is red and covered with spines called spinterns (
This fruit contains a number of nutrients, including vitamin C and manganese. When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that certain varieties, such as rambutan sold in syrup, can be high in added sugar (
Rambutans are easy to find in certain areas of the world like Malaysia and Indonesia but can be extremely hard to come by in others. They’re highly perishable, so in the United States, you may only be able to find them fresh or tinned in specialty stores.
You can enjoy the flesh, but avoid eating the skin or the pit. It’s a great snack on its own but also works well in ice cream, fruit salads, cheese platters, or as a tropical addition to your next smoothie or yogurt breakfast bowl.