The most exotic and unusual varieties of vegetables. Such unusual and colorful vegetables and fruits
It would seem that we all know the standard set of vegetables: cucumber, tomato, potato, carrot and more. But, for sure, none of you suspected that almost every vegetable that we eat every day has its own exotic brother. I want to introduce you to the 13 most, in my opinion, exotic vegetables in the world.
1. Purple carrot
More than one generation of people is convinced that carrots are only orange, but purple is the original, primordial color of this vegetable.
The Times reports that the color of carrots is due to beta-carotene with some addition of alpha-carotene pigment. They contain the purple pigment anthocyanin, which acts as an antioxidant.
Purple carrots are depicted in drawings made in an Egyptian temple as early as 2000 BC. In the tenth century, purple carrots were grown in Afghanistan, Pakistan, northern. In the fourteenth century, crimson, white, and yellow varieties were imported into the south. Black, red, and green carrots were also grown.
Recently, Dutch growers have studied the beneficial properties of purple carrots. They believe that the purple-colored vegetable provides the body with additional protection against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Black tomatoes
A unique variety of tomatoes appeared on sale in the market. According to some experts, the vegetable contains a certain substance that greatly enhances sexual desire.
The new variety of black tomatoes was named "Kumato". It is a relative of the wild plant Lycopersicon cheesmanii. It is the same size as regular tomatoes, but sweeter and has a brownish-black skin. It took six years of scientific research to improve this vegetable and start selling it in Europe. When tomatoes were first grown by the Aztecs and Incas in the 8th century, they were not only red, but also yellow, green, red, white, and black. They were grown in what is now Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Peru and Mexico.
This mixture of tomato and blackberry can prolong the life of mice prone to colon cancer by 30%. In addition to the benefits that ordinary tomatoes have, high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants.
3. Rainbow cabbage
"Rainbow" cauliflower appeared in. The British company Syngeta has launched a new variety of cauliflower, Rainbow Cauliflowers, on the market, the inflorescences of which are colored in bright orange, green and purple. To taste, this is exactly the same cabbage, but it adds color to cooked dishes - the new variety does not lose its rich color even after cooking.
Another advantage of the most cauliflower in the world is that the orange variety contains 25 times more beta-carotene than ordinary cauliflowers, and purple is loaded with anthocyanin, which is good for the prevention of heart disease, as it slows blood clotting.
The representative of the company, Andrew Cocker, emphasized that the unusual colors of cabbage are not at all a product of genetic engineering, but the result of traditional selection, which took more than a dozen years.
4. Strawberry pineberry
The berry, whose name comes from pineapple (pineapple) + berry (berry), will go on sale in UK Waitrose stores today. Gourmets will have to hurry: Pineberry will only be on the shelves for the next five weeks.
The fruit, which has the same genetic structure as the common strawberry but tastes and smells like a pineapple, originated in South America. There it was discovered by Dutch farmers and has been successfully grown in greenhouses for seven years. The unique species was on the verge of extinction when Dutch farmers revived it in greenhouses. When unripe, the berries are green, and their ripeness is indicated by a white skin and red seeds.
5. Purple potatoes
In the UK, a new variety of potatoes with a rich purple color has gone on sale. All derivatives from this vegetable also remain purple - chips, mashed potatoes, etc. Called Purple Majesty, the potato tastes just like its more familiar counterparts, but is loaded with anthocyanins, which give blueberries, blackberries and eggplants their distinctive flavors.
A new variety is grown in Scotland. This year, about 400 tons of crops were harvested, which is not very much, but next year the producers plan to increase the figure.
Blue potatoes are divided into several types. So, for example, the Franzosische Truffel-kartoffel and Linzer Blaue varieties do not lose their color during cooking, remain dark blue and boil very softly. Whereas the other two Linzer Roze and Kipfler cook for a long time and do not boil soft, but, during the cooking process, they lose their unusual color. They are usually used raw with Jerusalem artichoke in the preparation of salads.
6. Red cucumbers
These vegetables are only conditionally called "red cucumbers". In fact, they have nothing to do with classic cucumbers. They do not have their own taste and are used more for decorative purposes.
This vegetable is very similar in appearance to a cucumber, although it has a bright red color. But it just tastes "none". In fact, this fruit belongs to the family of gourd plants and is called "red cucumber" or "doubtful tladianta". This miracle was brought to Europe from Southeast Asia, and is considered more of an ornamental plant than an edible one. However, if you plant this beauty in your dacha, then in a couple of years your entire garden will be solid thickets of red cucumber.
7. Romanescu
It is a close relative of broccoli and cauliflower. If you love cabbage, then you will surely enjoy this fantastic vegetable. In addition, this amazing vegetable is literally crammed with antioxidants.
Romanescu, or Romanesque broccoli, cauliflower. Designers and 3D artists are raving about its exotic fractal-like shapes. Cabbage buds grow in a logarithmic spiral. The first mention of Romanescu cabbage comes from the 16th century.
Romanesque broccoli has the most subtle taste that cabbage can have. Romanescu is not crumbly, tastier than broccoli, sweetish with a nutty rather than sulphurous flavor. A fresh head of Romanescu cabbage should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 4 days. Since the cabbage is hard, the head is cut into pieces with a serrated knife.
A casserole is prepared with pieces of Romanescu cabbage, served with bechamel sauce and Roquefort cheese. Romanescu cabbage is rich in antioxidant carotenoids, vitamin C.
This exotic vegetable is easy to grow for those who have experience in growing broccoli, as the farming techniques are identical.
8. Kiwano melon (Cucumis metuliferus)
Kiwano melon (Antillan cucumber, horned melon, anguria). Kiwano, a kiwi countryman, comes from. Outwardly, the fruit resembles a yellow-orange cucumber with numerous horns. In fact, the nod is not as formidable as it seems: the spines are soft, the crust is loose. The best way to eat a fruit is to cut it in half and sip on the green flesh. Kiwano is like a cucumber and a lemon at the same time - refreshing. It contains vitamins of the PP group, and there is more than enough vitamin C in it.
The average fruit weight is 300 g, the average length is 12 cm. The fruits are extremely decorative and can be used to create original compositions and even as Christmas tree decorations.
9. Hand of the Buddha
These are the fruits of one of the representatives of the citrus subfamily (the Rut family), popular in Asia. The contents of this fruit under the thick skin are very reminiscent of. It has the largest of all citrus fruits. Their length is 20-40 cm. Diameter - 14-28 cm. We have already considered it in more detail in the topic
10. Durio
The durio fruit resembles some kind of "alien" fruit the size of a soccer ball, covered with a hard prickly skin. The flesh inside the fruit is pale yellow. The smell is like dirty, worn socks, rotting meat, or sewage (take your pick). However, this fruit tastes amazing and elegant. The first European explorer who tasted this fruit for the first time in the 1700s called it the “king of fruits”. “It was worth going on a dangerous journey just to taste this fruit,” added the brave traveler.
11. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Monstera grows in many homes. In nature, this plant produces delicious fruits. The ripe core of the monstera fruit, despite the unpleasant pungent smell, is tasty and tastes like pineapple.
12. Star Fruit
The cross section of this fruit forms an almost regular star. This fruit is juicy, sweet with a sour tinge. It tastes like grapes, mango, lemon - all in one. It contains a lot of oxalic acid in its composition, so it is not recommended to abuse this fruit for people with kidney failure. The homeland of the fruit is Sri Lanka
13. Goat beard
Goat beard root. It tastes like oysters.
This is an exotic fruit from New Zealand. Reminds me of a strange hybrid of cucumber and melon. But it is unusual not only from the outside, but also from the inside, as its green mucous insides evoke associations with horror films.
dragon fruit (pitaya)
Let's start with the fact that this is the fruit of a cactus. Which in itself is amazing. Bright fruits are more like some kind of root crops, but, nevertheless, it is a fruit. It comes from Mexico, but is now grown all over the world, even indoors.
durian
Probably the most controversial fruit of all. On the one hand, the aroma of this fruit is so disgusting that it is even forbidden to bring it into public places. But those who were able to overcome disgust and tried the pulp of this fruit note that they have never tasted anything tastier in their lives.
Buddha hand
This fruity "octopus" looks like a mutated lemon with a very thick rind. Sometimes, apart from the crust, he has nothing at all. You can't squeeze juice out of it, it doesn't have seeds. Why is it needed? And as a home talisman, as, for example, it is used in China.
passion fruit
Known around the world as "passion fruit". Passion fruit has an unusually tasty juice, and the pulp often serves as an additive to various confectionery products.
pandanus
Another name for the plant is screw palm. Such unusual fruits, among other things, are very versatile in use: make paint and eat.
Rambutan
Such a mysterious fruit: under the hard, prickly skin, surprisingly tender pulp is hidden, which is often used to make jams and jellies. The seeds are roasted and eaten.
Akebia quinata
Here, oddly enough, but this plant is called "climbing cucumber". But the fruits, at the same time, are more like sausages, and taste like raspberries.
Atemoya
This is a hybrid, "fruit of botanical love" cherimoya and sugar apple. The pulp resembles the taste of mango and pineapple at the same time, and the consistency is similar to sour cream or a delicate cream - it just melts in your mouth.
snake fruit
The peel of the fruit is surprisingly similar to the skin of some reptile. Actually, hence the name. Under the skin, the fruit looks like an onion or a large clove of garlic, but has a sweet and fragrant pulp with a specific taste. True, it is not so easy to get to the pulp: the peel is already very prickly.
Pitanga
Although it is a wild berry, its cultivation is gradually mastered in many countries. It is very similar to ordinary cherries, only very ribbed. And it ripens much faster - 3 weeks after flowering.
Chinese strawberry
In appearance, these pimply balls can hardly be called strawberries. They look more like candied round sweets that, for some reason, grow on a tree. And the taste is quite specific. So much so that trees often serve only as decoration for parks and gardens. In general, it is not clear why this fruit was called a strawberry.
star fruit (carambola)
And here it is clear where the name comes from: the fruit in the context resembles a regular five-pointed star. It is sweet and sour. The sour variety is used in salads. And sweet can be eaten so simply, the taste of the fruit resembles a mixture of lemon, mango and grapes.
forbidden rice
It is one of the types of black rice grown in China. Initially black, it turns dark purple as it cooks. It has a nutty flavor, very useful, due to the content of a large number of trace elements. And he got his name because once only members of the imperial family could eat it.
watermelon radish
It feels like an ordinary radish was taken and turned inside out: white on the outside, red on the inside. The size of the root crop is quite large - about the size of a baseball. A close relative of cabbage, which makes it slightly bitter. In general, sliced radishes resemble small slices of watermelon, especially when crushed with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Blue corn (hopi)
This is a special variety of corn, notable for its unusual color. Even in ancient times, blue corn was grown by the Hopi Indian people, who gave this species its name. Although blue corn has existed for several thousand years, it is, for some reason, not very popular in our time. Although it is sweeter and has a nutty flavor.
Romanescu (coral cabbage)
This is not just a cabbage, but a real natural fractal visual aid. Closer in relationship to cauliflower, but more tender and tasty. Everyone will like the vegetable, even those who do not like cabbage. At least check out the look!
Kanistel (egg fruit)
The fruits can be of various shapes and sizes. They can be round, oval, similar to hearts. The color can vary from the lightest shades of yellow to pale orange. What is it, a fruit or a vegetable - decide for yourself. On the one hand, it tastes like sweet potatoes and can be added to soups and salads. On the other hand, it is eaten fresh, with ice cream and fruit desserts.
And there are many, many more of these fruits. You can write about them for a long time. But, you see, no article can convey their taste. And yet, I would like to try it.
November 17, 2009, 02:06Each of us has tried apples, pears, bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers.... No one will be surprised by this. But there are many more fruits and vegetables in the world... 
Melon Kiwano(Antillan cucumber, horned melon, anguria). Kiwano, the fellow kiwi, is originally from New Zealand. Outwardly, the fruit resembles a yellow-orange cucumber with numerous horns. In fact, the nod is not as formidable as it seems: the spines are soft, the crust is loose. The best way to eat a fruit is to cut it in half and scoop out the green flesh. Kiwano is like a cucumber and a lemon at the same time - refreshing. It contains vitamins of the PP group, and there is more than enough vitamin C in it. The average fruit weight is 300 g, the average length is 12 cm. The fruits are extremely decorative and can be used to create original compositions and even as Christmas tree decorations. 
Buddha hand. These are the fruits of one of the representatives of the citrus subfamily (the Rut family), popular in Asia. The content of this fruit under the thick skin is very much like a lemon. It has the largest of all citrus fruits. Their length is 20-40 cm. Diameter - 14-28 cm. Monstera. Grows in many homes. In nature, this plant produces delicious fruits. The ripe core of monstera fruits, despite the unpleasant pungent smell, is tasty and tastes like pineapple 
paw paw. Few people know that there is a North American Lapa-paw banana (prairie banana). This banana grows in the southeast of America. Outwardly, it is very similar to an ordinary banana, only a little shorter and has a more aromatic smell. Sapodilla (Sappodilla). Also known as sapodilla plum, tree potato, naseberry or chiku. This fruit was originally grown in South America. In the 16th century, sapodilla was brought to Thailand by the Spanish conquerors during the colonization of the Philippines. The fruit, in external appearance, vaguely resembles kiwi - an oblong or round oval-shaped fruit with brown skin and reddish-brown, sweet and juicy pulp. Inside the fruit are a few black grains, they are not eaten. 
Romanescu(or "coral cabbage", "crove almog", "romanesque broccoli") - it tastes like ordinary cauliflower, a little more tender and tasty. Looks even more amazing than in the photo. So, if you love cabbage, then you will definitely like this fantastic vegetable. In addition, this vegetable is literally crammed with antioxidants. Yambu(jamboo, shompoo). This fruit is also called a rose apple, although in fact it looks more like a slightly rumpled pear, only red. Yambu flavor is a mixture between green apple, pear, gooseberry and a bunch of other fruits. The pulp is bright white and almost half filled with air, so that when eating an yambu, there is a feeling that the fruit does not actually go into the stomach, but simply disappears in the mouth. Yambu have, however, one serious drawback - they spoil very quickly and are tasty only when very cold (even better - frozen) when they perfectly replace soft drinks. 
carambola. Carambola fruits are yellow, 5 to 12 cm long. In cross section, the fruit has the shape of a five-pointed star. Carambola is a crunchy, sweet and sour fruit that tastes like a cross between an apple, an orange and a grape. Some varieties have a slightly noticeable turpentine flavor. There are two varieties of fruit - sweet and sour. Outwardly, it is not difficult to distinguish them - the sour ribs are narrow, clearly divided, while the sweet ones are thick and fleshy. The skin of carambola is thin, shiny, translucent, through which light yellow or yellowish-green (straw-golden when ripe) flesh is visible. Sweet fruits are consumed fresh, and also candied in the form of slices and canned food is made from them. Sour go to the preparation of drinks. Some fruits are exported. The fruit is widely used to decorate a variety of dishes and fruit salads. durian. The durian fruit resembles some kind of "alien" fruit the size of a soccer ball, covered with a hard prickly skin. The flesh inside the fruit is pale yellow. The smell is like dirty, worn socks, rotting meat, or sewage (take your pick). However, this fruit tastes amazing and elegant. The first European explorer who tasted this fruit for the first time in the 1700s called it the "king of fruits". “It was worth going on a dangerous journey just to taste this fruit,” added the brave traveler. 
Lulo. This fruit grows in Latin America: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Central America. Lulo looks like a yellow tomato, but tastes like a mixture of pineapple, strawberries and the same tomato. Lulo is used only in its raw form, otherwise all the richness of vitamins remains “overboard”. And in lulo there is something to appreciate. The fruit contains water, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins of groups A, B, C. Lulo helps to strengthen sleep, cleanses the blood, restores hair and nails. Lulo juice is an excellent tonic drink. True, there are restrictions and contraindications when using this fruit. It is not recommended to use it for liver disease, as well as for low blood pressure and high levels of allergens in the blood. 
dragon fruit(pitaya). A very sweet and tasty fruit with white flesh, studded with small edible seeds, like a kiwi. Many who have been to Thailand have already "tasted" pitahaya. Currently, this fruit is rapidly gaining popularity in the Western world. It is possible that it will soon appear on our shelves. Rambutan.The fruit of rambutan is covered with a tough skin with soft "hair" and outwardly very much resembles some kind of marine invertebrate muck. Under the peel - a white fruit vaguely resembling a plum (only white) with a hard white stone. This fruit grows in large clusters on trees, the height of which can be up to 20 meters. Rambutan is believed to be a Malaysian fruit. The name "rambutan" comes from the Malaysian word for "hair". Rambutan began to grow many centuries ago in the South Asian countries neighboring Malaysia, including Thailand. Cherimoya(Annona scaly). This fruit is widely distributed in India, Brazil, Mexico, South and Central America, and Barbados. Sometimes this fruit is also called a sugar apple. Its skin, as well as the pulp, consists of segments, each segment contains one grain. The pulp of a sugar apple has a delicious taste, but we must remember that apple seeds are poisonous, so you should not give in to the habit and pick any seeds for a spicy-smelling nucleolus. Poisoning the nucleolus of a sugar apple can lead to very sad consequences. The pulp of this fruit is eaten both raw and mixed with milk - it turns out an excellent soft drink, and it is also used to make ice cream. 
Lychee. Lychees are also called "paradise grapes". This stone fruit has a round or oval shape, 3-5 cm long. The hard skin of the lychee is covered with small red spikes. The pulp is translucent white or pink, juicy sweet or sweet and sour, with a pleasant specific aroma reminiscent of strawberries and partly pineapple. Lychee is often used to make desserts. Lychee is also added to salads, fillings for pies, puddings are made. Lychee is used for medicinal purposes as a tonic. Tamarind("Indian date"). Tropical tree native to East Africa. Currently grown in most tropical countries in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. The fruits are dark brown, brittle beans, inside there are tasty “peas”, with a pulp that tastes like apple marshmallow. Desserts are made from fruits, eaten raw, dried, added to pastas, sauces, meat dishes. The flowers are eaten raw and canned, and the leaves are used to make soups. There are two varieties of tamarind - sweet, with which they do all of the above, and green - it is served with capsicum and sweet sauce. 
Jackfruit. Jackfruit is about the size of a large melon. Its weight can reach 40 kg. It is grown mainly in Southern Thailand. Inside, under the yellow-greenish peel, there are large yellow slices with a specific taste and a strong aromatic smell. Too strong a smell indicates that the jackfruit is already overripe. Jackfruit is eaten both raw and cooked. A popular dish is jackfruit, cut into strips, filled with syrup and crushed ice. Peeled jackfruit is added to sweet pasta, vegetable sauces, and still unripe jackfruit is used as a vegetable - added to soups in dried or pickled form. All components of the jackfruit are edible. Blanched fruit flowers are added to hot capsicum or shrimp sauce. Young leaves can be added raw to papaya salad. The rind can be candied or pickled and is also suitable as animal feed. Even in Thailand, jackfruit is mixed with other fruits. Add to ice cream or coconut milk. Seeds are prepared separately and added to many dishes. 
Jaboticaba. Jaboticaba fruits resemble grapes with one seed inside, and grow on trees, sticking to the trunk or branches. As the fruits ripen, they go through stages from a pale green color, then a red tint, and when they are fully ripe, they become almost black, while remaining translucent. They eat this fruit raw, and also make jam from it, make jams and marmalades. Just remember that the skin of the Jaboticaba is bitter, so they don’t eat it, but squeeze the fruit between their fingers and squeeze the fragrant pulp right into the mouth, while the skin is thrown away. Also, before processing, the jaboticaba is first peeled. By the way, when preparing jaboticaba for storage, I use the skin as a dye, it gives wines, jellies and marmalade a deep red color. Longan. The longan is native to either the west of Burma or the area of origin of the litchi in China. It is in these regions that they are grown on a large scale. Longan tastes like litchi and in general, these two fruits are very similar. Longan has another name - "longyan" - which in Chinese means "dragon's eye". It is believed that longan was originally grown in southern India and on the island of Sri Lanka. The skin of the longan is thin and dense, but in fact it is very easy to peel off. The color of the longan varies from brown to yellowish red, the flesh of the fruit is translucent, white or pinkish. The taste of longan is sweet, juicy with a distinct taste of musk. Longan grows in clusters on evergreen trees, which can reach a height of ten to twenty meters. goat beard. Goat beard root is very popular in Europe and the southern United States. It is spicy and tastes like oysters. Usually used as an addition to various dishes, from soups to stews. 
Guanabana. Guanabana is one of the largest exotic fruits, its weight can reach 12 kilograms. In appearance, guanabana resembles a green melon, elongated, but hairy. This exotic grows in tropical America. The taste of this fruit is not sugary-sweet, but refreshing, with a piquant sourness. It perfectly quenches thirst, the pulp just melts in your mouth, leaving a delicious aftertaste. It is highly recommended by nutritionists, as regular consumption of this fruit contributes to weight loss. But guanabana will help not only fat people. It treats arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and also improves liver function. A serving of guanabana is said to be great for a hangover. 
Mangosteen. Mangosteen is called the "queen of fruits". Mangosteen, unlike durean and some other fruits, is liked by everyone, regardless of which fruit they preferred at home. If there were a competition on earth for the best fruit in the world, then without a doubt the mangosteen would win by a huge margin. The shape of mangosteen fruit resembles an orange, 4-8 cm in diameter with thick skin, which contains 7-18% tannin and is used as a tanning agent, and in medicine as an astringent. Inside the fruit there are 6-8 snow-white, less often orange slices with very sweet, jelly-like fragrant pulp that melts in the mouth. The pulp contains up to 10% sugar. Each lobule contains a seed. Ripe fruits have a dark purple or reddish-purple skin. Kanistel(Egg fruit). Origin - Central America. Evergreen tree with fragrant flowers. The fruits vary greatly in shape, they can be round, oval, with an elongated beak-shaped top. Fruits are smooth and glossy, varying shades of yellow and pale orange. Kanistel is rich in niacin and carotene, as well as vitamin C. 100 g of fruit contains 1.68 g of protein; 0.13g fat and 36.69g carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, B vitamins, vitamin C; amino acids tryptophan, methionine and lysine. It is eaten fresh, with ice cream and fruit desserts, baked. Sweet potato flavor. This fruit is more like a vegetable. It is added to soups, salads, sauces. P.S. I tried some fruits while vacationing in Thailand and Indonesia. For example: mangosteen, lychee, rambutan, dragon fruit, carambola. Most of all I was struck by the taste of mangosteen and rambutan. What fruits have you tried and who would you give your taste preference to?
Most of the inhabitants of Russia and Europe will no longer see bananas, pineapples and coconuts. But still, not everyone is familiar with the look, smell and taste of fruits that are not exported from places of growth on a large scale. We bring to your attention the TOP-13 of the strangest and most unusual fruits that are found in nature.
In the ranking of the most unusual fruits in the world, the first place, perhaps, is occupied by the exotic fruit DURIAN. This fruit has too unusual qualities. The smell of durian is so disgusting that it is not allowed in most public places. It is forbidden to bring it to hotels, it cannot be taken on board an aircraft or carried on a bus.
Some of them even have a special sign in the form of a durian crossed out with a red line, which means that entry with fruit is strictly prohibited. Durian is exported more often in dried or canned form. However, if you overcome disgust or just close your nose and taste the juicy pulp, you will immediately understand where the concept of the king of fruits came from. If you want to get an unforgettable experience, then by all means try durian.
RAMBUTAN is one of the most popular trees in Southeast Asia, under the tough prickly skin of which hides surprisingly tender pulp, which is often used to make jams and jellies. The seeds are roasted and eaten.
Rambutan fruits - small, the size of a hazelnut - grow in clusters of up to 30 pieces and are rounded "balls" with an elastic yellow or red peel, covered with fleshy hairs 4-5 cm long. Rambutans have a great taste not only raw, but and in the form of filling for pies, jams. It is used as an additive to sauces, ice cream and in the form of compotes.
ACEBIA: Yamagata's exotic fruit. In shape and size, these sweet fruits resemble papaya or mangoes, and the purple-lilac color makes them look like plums. It is grown in the gardens of the northern part of the island of Honshu. Miraculous fruits grow not on trees, but on vines. Almost like grapes or kiwi.
In May, the liana blooms, and from the end of August to the end of October it pleases with ripe and tasty fruits. When the akebia reaches its maximum maturity, its skin breaks open, revealing a sticky sweet pulp with seeds. Despite the fact that this plant is called "climbing cucumber", its fruits are more like sausages, and taste like raspberries. If you are in the north of Honshu, be sure to try the akebia!
SALAK - snake fruit. Salak is a fast-growing low tropical palm tree with many stems with feathery leaves, petioles and axes of which are covered with thorns. Clusters of red-brown fruits grow directly above the ground at the base of the trunk. Scaly, prickly and resembling snakeskin herring fruits that look like small bulbs. The flesh is beige-yellow, sweet, aromatic and has a specific taste. It is believed that the most delicious varieties grow in Java, near Jakarta and Bali.
The taste of the fruit varies depending on the variety. Some describe it as sweet and sour with a nutty flavor, some say the taste is something like cherry, gooseberry and strawberry, others like a mixture of banana and pineapple, and there are those who describe it as cotton wool filled with valerian or corvalol. . In general, if possible, you must definitely try this fruit to appreciate its taste.
JABOTICABA or JABOTICABA, a slow growing evergreen grape tree from Southern Brazil. In spring and summer, Jaboticaba is covered with many small white flowers with long stamens that grow directly on the trunk and main branches. At first, young fruits are green, in the process of ripening they become dark red, and then almost black in color. Ripe fruits are similar to grapes, with a rather large stone surrounded by a translucent aromatic pulp that has an unusual sweet taste.
Jaboticaba fruit is a popular ingredient for making jams and juices. Moreover, they make wine and strong liquor. And it is practically impossible to store these fruits in another way, because. already three days after removing them from the tree, the fermentation process begins.
The next gem-like fruit is called HALA . Challah is translated as a sin, a mistake. This miracle with the taste of pineapple grows in the tropics of Oceania, Africa, Australia, Madagascar, Mauritius, India .... It has taken root perfectly in California and Florida, since the plant itself is very interesting - it can grow everywhere, in any, very different and dubious conditions!
Hala or Pandana are the chameleons of flora: they have an amazing ability to adapt, adapt and survive in different conditions! And from these conditions, they can be both low shrubs and tall trees up to 30 m in height. And most importantly, they are carriers of increased resistance to diseases and pests.
For all its vastness, these fruits are light. The fruits are eaten both raw and mashed in coconut milk. The core is dried or smoked. Dried challah fruits are used to prepare flour and bake bread. Since the fruits are very fragrant, like the leaves, they are used for desserts. And from the leaves they still cook soups or make sails for canoes. Mats are woven from the roots, and large branches and trunks serve as building materials.
CARAMBOLA. Carambola is an evergreen, slow growing tree or shrub. Ripe fruits of carambola are amber-yellow or golden-yellow in color - fleshy, crispy and juicy. In shape, they look like a ribbed airship. On the cross section there is a five-pointed star, hence one of the names in English - starfruit or star fruit.
The taste of some varieties resembles the taste of plum fruits, apples and grapes at the same time, others - gooseberries with the smell of plums. The flavor is strongest when carambola is lightly boiled in syrup.
PITAHAYA (Dragon Fruit). Pitahaya is an extraordinary fruit. The first mention of it is found among the Aztecs and refers to the 13th century. Eating the pulp, the Indians roasted the seeds, ground them and used them for stews. Currently, it is grown in southern Mexico, in some countries of Central and South America, in Vietnam, as well as in Israel.
For its outstanding appearance, the fruit is called “dragon fruit” or “prickly pear”. The taste of pitahaya is somewhat inferior to its appearance - not fragrant and not unsaturated.
SAPOTA. There are other names: "black apple", "black persimmon" and "chocolate persimmon". For the first time they learned about these fruits in the territory of Southern Mexico and Guatemala. Ripe fruit has a green skin with a brown tint. The main feature of the sapote, which is associated with the name, is a glossy jelly-like flesh of a dark brown color. Sapota fruit is quite sweet, but not overly aromatic.
Many people say that its taste is somewhat similar to chocolate pudding. Sapota can be consumed fresh, as well as succumbed to various culinary treatments. Most often, the pulp is added to various pastries and desserts.
JACKFRUIT or Indian breadfruit. Jackfruit fruits are the largest edible fruits growing on trees: they weigh up to 34 kg. Young fruits are green, when ripe they become green-yellow or brown-yellow. Inside, the fruit is divided into large lobes containing yellow, fragrant, sweet pulp, consisting of juicy soft fibers.
The cut fruit has a pleasant specific smell, slightly reminiscent of a banana and pineapple. Ripe fruits are eaten fresh, they make marmalade, jelly. Unripe fruits are used as vegetables - they are boiled, fried and stewed. The jackfruit tree is believed to bring good luck, as its Thai name means "support, help".
In appearance, the mangosteen looks like a pomegranate, it is covered with a thick purple rind. Under the peel is a white pulp, consisting of 8 segments, outwardly very similar to the head of garlic. There are seeds inside the pulp. This exotic gives the first fruits only at 10-20 years of age. Just look at the photo of this unusual fruit, and you will certainly want to try it.
As for the taste, the mangosteen is similar to an apple, peach, nectarine, grapes in general, this is a fruit with a taste similar to all other fruits! No wonder he was called the queen of fruits.
Momordica, or Chinese bitter melon, is a relative of cucumbers and zucchini, a herbaceous plant from the gourd family. The fruits of momordica look like an oblong pumpkin or cucumber with large "warts". The unripe fruit of the bitter melon is green in color. When ripe, it turns a bright orange color and splits, revealing bright red growths that enclose the seeds.
What does mamordina taste like? Those very warts give its pulp a bitter taste. But bright red ripe growths, on the contrary, add sweetness. The taste of mamordica for many people is close to a ripe pumpkin, but there are those who feel the “notes” of cucumber and even peas in this taste.
CHERIMOYA. "Cold Seeds" - this is how the mysterious word "cherimoya" is translated from the ancient Quechu language. In fact, this is a fruit tree of the Annon family, and the Aztecs knew about the representatives of this family.
The consistency of this fruit is similar to cream and has a white color. Cheremoya is sometimes also called the ice cream tree, this strange name was received by the tree for the taste and appearance of the fruit, and indeed, if they are frozen, then it will resemble ice cream in taste and texture, the taste is really very delicate and sweet and a bit like apples.
Write in the comments which of these fruits you have already tried, and which ones you would like to try.
Kiwano
This strange fruit grows in New Zealand. It tastes like kiwi, melon and cucumber at the same time.
Express info by country
The Earth is in third place in terms of distance from the Sun and in fifth place among all the planets in the solar system in terms of size.
Age– 4.54 billion years
Medium radius - 6,378.2 km
Middle circle - 40,030.2 km
Square– 510,072 million km² (29.1% land and 70.9% water)
Number of continents– 6: Eurasia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica
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Population– 7.3 billion people (50.4% men and 49.6% women)
Most populous states: Monaco (18,678 people/km2), Singapore (7607 people/km2) and Vatican City (1914 people/km2)
Number of countries: total 252, independent 195
Number of languages in the world– about 6,000
Number of official languages- 95; most common: English (56 countries), French (29 countries) and Arabic (24 countries)
Number of nationalities– about 2,000
Climatic zones: equatorial, tropical, temperate and arctic (basic) + subequatorial, subtropical and subarctic (transitional)
dragon fruit (pitaya)
The homeland of this fruit, which resembles a root crop, is Mexico. This is the fruit of a cactus, it is grown all over the world and even indoors.
durian
The most controversial fruit. It exudes a disgusting smell, which is why it is forbidden to bring it into public places. But those who were able to overcome disgust and tasted it say that they ate nothing tastier.
Buddha hand
An octopus-like fruit with a lemon-like skin. Often, except for the crust, there is nothing in it. No juice, no seeds. It is mainly used as a home talisman.
passion fruit
Passion fruit is called the "passion fruit". Inside is very tasty juice, and the pulp is added to all kinds of confectionery.
pandanus
The plant is called "screw palm". The fruits can be both eaten and made into paint.
Rambutan
Under the prickly peel of this fruit, tender pulp is hidden, from which jellies and jams are made. The seeds are roasted and also eaten.
Akebia quinata
A plant called "climbing cucumber" has fruits that look more like sausages. And their taste is very similar to the taste of raspberries.
Atemoya
The pulp of this fruit resembles mango and pineapple, and the consistency is similar to sour cream - it melts in your mouth.
snake fruit
The skin of the fruit is very similar to the skin of a reptile. Inside, the fruit looks like an onion or a clove of garlic, while having a sweet, fragrant pulp. But getting to it is not so easy, because the peel is very prickly.
Pitanga
Although this berry is wild, it is already cultivated in many countries. Outwardly, it looks like a cherry, but ribbed. The fruit ripens very quickly - three weeks after flowering.
Chinese strawberry
These berries are not at all like strawberries. More like candied round sweets. They have a specific taste, so trees often serve as decorations for parks.
star fruit (carambola)
Where did this name come from - there are no questions, because in the context the fruit looks like a regular five-pointed star. It is both sweet and sour. Sour fruits are added to salads, and sweet ones are eaten just like that - they taste like lemon, mango and grapes at the same time.
forbidden rice
This rice got its name because only members of the imperial family had the right to eat it. It is a type of black rice that turns dark purple when cooked. It is very useful because it contains a large number of trace elements.
Blue corn (hopi)
The name Hopi comes from the people who grew this unusual corn. For some reason, this variety is not very popular, although it has a thousand-year history and is sweeter than ordinary corn.
Romanescu (coral cabbage)
Not cabbage, but a work of art! Similar to cauliflower in family ties, but much more tender and tasty. This vegetable will be appreciated even by those who do not like cabbage.
Kanistel (egg fruit)
Fruits can be either round, oval, or heart-shaped. The color also varies from yellow to pale orange. It tastes like sweet potatoes and is added to salads and soups. They are also consumed fresh, with fruit desserts and ice cream. So decide for yourself whether it is a fruit or a vegetable.
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