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When you stroll through the produce section of your local supermarket, you might encounter some unusual fruits that are as intriguing as they are delicious. Next time you’re at the supermarket, don’t shy away from these weird and wonderful fruits. They not only add diversity to your diet but also introduce new flavors and textures that can elevate your culinary creations. Give them a try, and you might just find a new favorite! Here’s a look at ten of the weirdest fruits you might find, along with tips on how to enjoy them!
Rambutan
What It Is: Rambutan is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, known for its hairy exterior. The flesh inside is sweet and juicy, similar to lychee.
What to Do With It: Peel off the outer skin and enjoy the translucent flesh raw. You can also add it to fruit salads or smoothies for a tropical twist.
Durian
What It Is: Often dubbed the “king of fruits,” durian has a spiky exterior and a strong odor that divides opinions. Inside, the creamy flesh has a unique flavor that’s sweet and savory.
What to Do With It: If you can get past the smell, try it fresh or incorporate it into desserts like ice cream or custards. Durian can also be used in savory dishes, such as curries.
Jackfruit
What It Is: This massive fruit can weigh up to 80 pounds and has a spiky, green exterior. The flesh is sweet when ripe and has a meaty texture when unripe, making it a popular meat substitute.
What to Do With It: Enjoy the ripe fruit raw or in smoothies. For the unripe version, use it in savory dishes like tacos or stir-fries as a vegan alternative to pulled pork.
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
What It Is: This stunning fruit features bright pink skin and white or red flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. It’s mildly sweet and has a unique texture.
What to Do With It: Slice it open and eat it fresh or add it to fruit salads. It’s also excellent in smoothies and as a vibrant garnish for desserts.
Cherimoya
What It Is: Also known as custard apple, cherimoya has a green, scaly exterior and creamy, custard-like flesh with a sweet flavor reminiscent of banana and pineapple.
What to Do With It: Scoop out the flesh and enjoy it raw. It can also be blended into smoothies or used in desserts like sorbets.
Soursop (Graviola)
What It Is: This green, spiky fruit has a soft, white flesh that is tart and sweet, often compared to a mix of strawberry and pineapple.
What to Do With It: Use the flesh in smoothies or juices, or make a refreshing soursop sorbet. It can also be used in tropical fruit salads.
Kiwano (Horned Melon)
What It Is: With its bright orange skin and green, jelly-like flesh, the kiwano has a unique flavor profile, combining cucumber and banana.
What to Do With It: Scoop out the flesh and eat it fresh, or blend it into smoothies. It can also be used as a garnish for cocktails or desserts.
Salak (Snake Fruit)
What It Is: Named for its scaly, snake-like skin, salak has a crunchy texture and a sweet, tangy flavor. The flesh is brownish and has a unique taste.
What to Do With It: Enjoy it raw as a snack, or slice it into salads. It can also be used in fruit platters for an exotic touch.
Longan
What It Is: Similar to lychee, longan has a translucent flesh with a sweet and floral flavor. It comes in clusters and has a brown shell.
What to Do With It: Eat them fresh or add them to fruit salads. Longan can also be dried for use in teas or desserts.
Tamarillo
What It Is: Also known as the tree tomato, tamarillo comes in a variety of colors, including red and yellow. Its tangy-sweet flavor makes it a versatile fruit.
What to Do With It: Slice it in half and eat it raw, or add it to salads and salsas. It can also be blended into smoothies or used in sauces for meats.
