These interesting and a little bit weird fruits, actually are very nutritious. Read more about their health benefits and make them be part of your healthy diet.
Buddha’s hand
Buddha’s hand is also called the finger citron from Northeastern India or China. The peel of this exotic fruit can be candied into succade (peel of any citron species). To eat this fruit, slice it lengthwise and eat it with the peel. The inner white pith is not bitter as is usually the case with citrus, so the fingers may be cut off and peeled and used in salads or scattered over cooked foods such as fish. This fruit is often used to make marmalade and liquors.
Buddha’s hand is rich in calcium and Vitamin C, and not contains fat and cholesterol.
Buddha’s hand is a Feng Shui fruit, it brings luck, peace and happiness to the owners.
African cucumber
African cucumber is also known as Kiwano melon or horned melon because of its appearance. Ripe fruit has yellow-orange skin and lime green, its jelly flesh has a tart taste, and by its texture is very similar to a cucumber. The fruit’s taste it is compared to a combination of cucumber and zucchini or banana, or combination of cucumber and lemon. Its peel is also eatable which is rich in Vitamin C and dietary fibers.
The African cucumber has numerous antioxidants, including a-tocopherol and y-tocopherol, which are organic types of vitamin E. Vitamin E helps to improve healthy skin, muscles, nerve, heart, and healthy red blood cells.
Black sapote
Black sapote is also called a chocolate pudding fruit. These large berries look like green tomatoes. Unripe fruits are astringent, caustic, bitter, and an irritant, but the ripe black sapote fruit is described as having the taste and consistency of chocolate pudding. You can also mix it with cinnamon, sugar and serve with wine or with cream. This wonderful dessert fruit is rich in potassium, Vitamin C and also is a good source of fiber.
Black sapote prevents diseases and boosts the immune system, also protects against heart attack.
Durian fruit
The durian fruit is a double whammy because of its weird appearance and revolting smell. The edible portion of the fruit, known as the aril is usually referred to the “flesh” or “pulp” which has a rich custard-like flavor with a hint of almond. Durian fruit is used to flavor a wide variety of sweets, candies are ice creams or smoothies.
Durian, like other tropical fruits is rich in energy, minerals and vitamins and also is a good source of antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Physalis
This fruit, which is as exotic as its name, belongs to the same family as the tomato, and it has a similar type of mild acidity, and by its flavor look like strawberries and pineapples. The fruit can be used like the tomato. When extracted from its husk, it can be eaten raw and used in salads.
In Chinese medicine this exotic fruit is used as remedies for coughs, fevers, and sore throat.
Physalis is one of the best natural sources of antioxidants. Also, contains a high amount of vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A or beta carotene. These very powerful antioxidants are essential to good health.
Sugar apple
The sugar apple has many names, like custard apple, atis and sweetsop. Native to the Americas, its flesh is fragrant and sweet, creamy white to light yellow, and looks a lot like and tastes like custard. The most of the varieties are found seedless, but those with seeds taste like between a pineapple and banana.
Sugar apple is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and manganese.
Rambutan
The Rambutan means hairy in Malay. It is a popular garden fruit tree and If you peel it, its flesh inside is tender with a delicious sweet and sour taste. Traded in from its native Southeast Asia, this exotic fruit is often available in Asian fruit markets and stores.
This interesting and hairy fruit may appear intimidating at first look, but is rich in Vitamin C, best known as a dietary remedy for flu. Rambutan is also a good source of copper, which is crucial for healthy hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair.
Wood apple
The wood apple got its name from its wood-like, rock-hard shell, which should be cracked with a hammer. It is sacred to the Hindus, and its brownish color gives it a rotten appearance. It tastes like a delicious raisin and tamarind jam, and you can eat it raw or frozen as ice-cream. You can as well blend it with other fruits to make very delicious and healthy juices.
Wood apple is rich in vitamins and organic compounds, fiber, protein, iron and has extensive health benefits: good for digestion, effective foe ear aches, good for diabetic patients and blood cleanser.