Forget apples and oranges, it’s time to explore the produce section of your local grocery stores. They’re hiding fruits that are bizarre to our eyes but are surprisingly delicious. These exotic fruits are ones you wouldn’t usually find in the US, as they’re often imported from other countries. Be on the lookout for these 10 weirdest fruits on your next grocery shopping trip.
10. Cherimoya
Did you know that great humorist Mark Twain once called these fruits “the most delicious fruit known to men”? This green, heart-shaped fruit was originally cultivated by the Incas in the Andes mountains. It has a custard-like flesh that tastes like a combination of banana, pineapple, and vanilla, hence its nickname as a custard apple. Although they’re a bit hard to find, look for them at higher-end grocery stores and Latin American markets.
9. Mamey Sapote
The Mamey Sapote is a football-shaped fruit that’s native to Mexico and Central America. The inside reveals a bright orange flesh with a taste like sweet potato or peach. They were originally cultivated by the Maya and Aztec civilizations as they were used in religious ceremonies. This fruit is popular in Latin American cuisine, which you can find in some supermarkets.
8. Physalis
These fruits feature small orange berries that look familiar to the eye. The physalis is a fruit native to Peru and Chile that tastes like a cross between a tomato and a pineapple with its sweet-tart flavor. Trader Joe’s often carries this fruit under the “golden berries” name, as they’re becoming a popular superfood snack.
7. Longan
Often called the “little brother of lychee,” longan has a similar translucent flesh. The difference? It has a more subtle, musky-sweet flavor. Longan originated in the region between southern China and Southeast Asia. The brown shell is smooth and easy to peel, revealing fruit that tastes like a cross between a grape and a pear. You can find them in Asian markets and some mainstream grocery stores.
6. Soursop
This fruit was originally from the Caribbean and Central America. It’s a green fruit covered in soft spines that reveals a cotton-like flesh. Its flavor is said to be a cross between strawberry and pineapple with hints of coconut. You’ll find the soursop at Latin American markets or even your local ones.
5. Jackfruit
This massive fruit has the largest tree fruit in the world, which often weighs around 30-50 pounds. The jackfruit originated from the rainforests of India and Bangladesh. It has an intimidating exterior of spikes, but the inside is filled with tellow, custard-like pods that smell and taste sweet. It’s like chewing on a bubble gum with a taste of pineapple. Jackfruit is becoming more common in groceries, usually found in cans or frozen.
4. Dragon Fruit
The dragon fruit has an attractive look of hot pink and scales. They were originally cultivated by the ancient Aztecs in Mexico, but have now spread across the globe. When you cut them open, they feature a white fleck with speckles of black seed. It has a taste of a cross between a pear and a kiwi. You can find them at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and many Asian markets.
3. Buddha’s Hand Citron
This fruit looks like a mutant version of another fruit. The Buddha’s Hand Citron originated in the foothills of the Himalayas and was cultivated in China for over 1,000 years. It’s a fruit that you peel, but it has no juice or flesh inside. Still, its zest is used for drinks, baking, or a kitchen scent. You can get them in many Whole Foods locations.
2. Horned Melon
The horned melon or kiwano originated from the Kalahari Desert region in South Africa. It’s a spiky fruit with a bright green jelly-like flesh filled with seeds. The taste is described as tart and cucumber with hints of banana. You’ll find them in upscale grocery stores and specialty produce markets.
1. Rambutan
You might confuse the rambutan with a sea urchin because of its similar appearance. This Southeast Asian native fruit is covered in hair-like spines, as its name is literally “hairy” in Malay. When you peel the exterior, you’ll see a translucent flesh that tastes like a grape. They’re available in refrigerated sections of Asian grocery stores and mainstream grocery chains.