9 Exotic Fruits That You Must Try At Least Once

When you visit your local markets, you see a plethora of fruits displayed – from bananas to apples, pineapples, guavas, watermelons, and many others. However, we often get tired of eating the same fruits unless we make them into colorful smoothies, shakes or add them in our desserts.

It’s time to try out some exotic fruits and refresh your taste buds. Well, you can’t expect to find these exotic fruits easily in your local markets as they are rare, delicate, and sometimes expensive. 
From dragon fruit to durian, rambutan, discover nine best exotic fruits that are celebrated across the globe. If you happen to find a few of these fruits, you should attempt to try them at least once in your lifetime. So get ready, as we explore some of the most exotic fruits found globally.

Table of Contents

• 9 Exotic Fruits: Origin, Nutritional Value, and Health Benefits
  • Durian
  • Dragon Fruit
  • Rambutan
  • Goji Berries
  • Camu Camu
  • Mangosteen
  • Jujube
  • Pummelo
  • Kiwano
• Summary

9 Exotic Fruits: Origin, Nutritional Value, and Health Benefits

1. Durian 

Durian, also known as the ‘king of fruits’ in many Asian countries, is a large, green, spiny fruit that comes from the Durian tree. While the fruit is notorious for its ugly, pungent smell, it is a very good source of nutrition and people consume it to regulate their high blood pressure and lower harmful cholesterol levels. 

Origin: 

Durian is abundantly found in the Southeast part of Asia, including countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. 

Nutritional Value: 

1 cup diced Durian fruit – (Approx 230 grams)

• 357 calories 
• 3.6g protein 
• 9.2g fiber 
• 66 g carbohydrates 
• 4.9 mg of sodium
• 13 g fat 

Health Benefits: 

Durian fruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is essential for blood vessels, immune function, and good bone and cartilage structure. The thiamine in Durian fruit helps improve the metabolism by converting food into energy. Also, the thorny outer shell of the Durian fruit is useful as it contains antibiotic and cough-relieving properties.  

2. Dragon Fruit 

Dragon fruit, also known as ‘Pitaya’, is a pomegranate-size exotic fruit that looks quite animated with its large green-tipped scales and bright pink skin. Inside, it contains white-colored flesh that’s scattered with tiny black seeds. Dragon fruit is a great source of iron, fiber, and magnesium, and offer an array of antioxidants that protect the cells.  

Origin: 

Dragon fruit is native to Central America but is now successfully grown and produced in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

Nutritional Value: 

100 grams of Dragon fruit contains:

• 60 calories 
• 3g fiber 
• 13g carbohydrates 
• 0g fat 
• 1.2g protein 

Health Benefits: 

Dragon fruit can help reduce insulin resistance and fatty liver in obese people. The fruit contains high levels of prebiotic fiber that influences the growth of good gut bacteria. The antioxidants present in the fruit can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. 

3. Rambutan 

Rambutan’s appearance is often compared to that of sea urchins due to its hairy red, yellow, and green shell. The fruit is closely related to the lychee and has a similar appearance and taste. 

Origin:

Rambutans are native to Indonesia and Malaysia but are grown in high quantities in South Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 

Nutritional Value: 

100 grams of Rambutan contains:

• 68 calories 
• 1g protein 
• 3g fiber 
• 16g carbohydrates 
• 0.3g fat 

Health Benefits: 

Rambutan contains high Vitamin C content that helps create collagen for healthier hair, skin, and nails. Copper in rambutan aids with the production of red blood cells and helps maintain healthy nerves and blood vessels.  Rambutan seeds and skin contains sufficient amounts of antioxidants that work as anti-aging agents and can also help treat chronic diseases.  

4. Goji Berries 

Goji berries are also known as ‘wolfberries’ that boast a festive red color and have a sweet and sour taste. These berries are often consumed in their dried state, like raisins, and thus are part of many delicacies. This exotic fruit has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.   

Origin:

Goji berries are native to China but can also be found all across Asia and in some European countries. 

Nutritional Value: 

100 grams of Goji berries contains:

• 349 calories 
• 6.8 mg iron 
• 190 mg calcium 
• 14g protein
• 13g dietary fiber   
• 77g carbohydrates 

Health Benefits:

Vitamin D in Goji berries can help boost flu protection and immune system health. The high fiber content in Goji berries helps pack healthy energy into small servings that allows you to stay on track with your weight loss goals. Goji berries also have ties with fertility and sex drive. It can help increase sperm count, improve sexual ability, and increase testosterone.

5. Camu Camu 

Camu Camu is a nutrient-rich fruit that looks similar to the cherry in color and shape. It has a sour taste and contains 2-3 large seeds. Most often, this exotic fruit is consumed raw but is added as a flavor enhancer in smoothies in its powder form and as a garnish in puddings and salads. 

Origin:

Camu Camu grows in South America’s Amazon rain forests and is native to countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil.

Nutritional Value:

100 grams of Camu Camu contains:

• 17 calories 
• 94.1g water 
• 0.4g protein
• 0.2g fat
• 2145 mg vitamin C  
• 355 microgram carotenoids 
• 15.7 mg calcium
• 12.4 milligrams magnesium 

Health Benefits:

As Camu Camu is a high source of Vitamin C, it helps in strengthening of immune system and formation of collagen that is necessary for healthy skin, muscles, and bones.  This exotic fruit can be effective in lowering inflammation in the body as it contains powerful antioxidants. Animal studies have shown that camu camu may help reduce body weight by promoting calorie burn and improving gut health. 

6. Mangosteen 

Mangosteen is known for its unique appearance and flavor and thus, this exotic fruit is often referred to as the ‘queen of tropical fruits.’ Mangosteen fruit boasts a round, purple-colored structure that is popular for its white, juicy, and delicious flesh. This fruit has been a crucial part of Asian medicine for thousands of years and is eaten raw.  

Origin: 

Mangosteen is native to China and is also found in some Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia. 

Nutritional Value:

1 cup Mangosteen contains: 

• 143 calories
• 60g magnesium 
• 70g copper
• 100g manganese
• 90g vitamin C  
• 1g protein
• 1g fat
• 3.5g fiber 
• 35g carbohydrates     

Health Benefits:

Mangosteen contains all the essential nutrients required for growth and development of the body and overall nutritional well being. This exotic fruit is a good source of vitamin C that acts as a powerful antioxidant that may have anticancer effects on the body. Mangosteen contains splendid amounts of minerals like magnesium, manganese, and copper, which are necessary for proper internal body functions. 

7. Jujube 

Jujube or Chinese date is a popular exotic fruit across the globe. Due to their chewy texture and sweet taste, Jujube is often dried and eaten. They are mostly used in desserts and candies and is enjoyed raw as well. Jujube fruit has a dark red texture and is widely consumed as a remedy for anxiety. 

Origin:

Jujube is produced in China and is exported all across the globe for its tangy and sweet taste and medicinal properties. 

Nutritional Value:

For a bowl (100 grams) raw Jujube, it contains:

• 79 calories 
• 50g potassium 
• 10 grams of fiber 
• 20 grams carbohydrates 
• 1 gram protein 

Health Benefits: 

Jujube fruit is rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids that prevent and reverse the damage caused by free radicals. Jujube fruits are widely consumed due to their sleep aggravating properties. Moreover, the unique antioxidants also help in decreasing anxiety.  The fruit contains high fiber content that helps improve digestion as it softens and adds bulk to your stool. 

8. Pummelo 

Pummelo fruit comes from the citrus fruit family and is probably the largest member. It is slightly on the sweeter side but somewhat tastes like a grapefruit. Pummelos are high in vitamin C, folate, and potassium, and thus, can provide certain health benefits.  

Origin:

Pummelo is native to Southeast Asia and is highly produced in China. This exotic fruit has been a part of traditional Asian medicine and is still used in certain home remedies. 

Nutritional Value:

One whole Pummelo fruit contains: 

• 231 calories 
• 4.6g protein 
• 12.5g sugar 
• 6.1g fiber
• 59g carbohydrates
• 6.1mg sodium
• 0.2g fat  

Health Benefits:

Since Pummelo is a citrus fruit, it has vitamin C in abundance that is essential for good bone structure. The fruit is also rich in fiber content that helps boost satiety and ultimately improves the digestive health. There are studies investigating the role of citric acid in the prevention of cancer, and Pummelo fruit may provide the benefit.

9. Kiwano 

Kiwano, also known as African cucumber or horned melon, looks like an alien fruit, and from the inside, it is even more confusing. What makes Kiwano appealing is its taste. The taste is an odd combination of cucumber, zucchini, and kiwi fruit. Kiwano belongs to the melon family and is consumed globally. 

Origin:

Kiwano originates from the central and southern parts of Africa. But today, this exotic fruit can be found in temperate regions across the globe.  

Nutritional Value: 

• 92 calories 
• 30g calcium 
• 50g potassium
• 70g zinc
• 80g phosphorous
• 180g vitamin C
• 2.6g of fat 
• 3.7g protein 
• 16g carbohydrates 

Health Benefits:

Kiwano has several potent antioxidants that can protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. The fruit not only reduces inflammation but also helps in preventing chronic diseases. This exotic fruit helps in the production of red blood cells since it contains iron in abundance. Most importantly, Kiwano fruit supports proper hydration as it contains 88% water.

Summary

Everything natural and organic has its health benefits and the same goes with these exotic fruits. These fruits are filled with nutritional benefits and can help you improve your health if accepted into the daily lifestyle. Just like other seasonal fruits, exotic fruits are loaded with essential nutrients – vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which we need on a daily basis. Adding these exotic fruits to your diet can be beneficial to you in the long run.