Nigeria has a few fruit alternatives, and these are basic fruits that can be found in any country. For example, apples, bananas, watermelon, pineapples, and so on. That is because the country’s environment only allows for these kinds of fruits. I was craving fruits the other day, something different from what we had at the local market, and the closest I could get was watching fruit ASMR videos on YouTube.
I must say that there are many fruits that you may not have heard about. They are not only delicious, but they also have health benefits, making them a twofer. This article will introduce you to five little-known fruits from throughout the world.
Rambutan
We’re off to a good start with the Rambutan, a spiky red fruit from Southeast Asia that belongs to the soapberry family. This fruit has a spiky, bright red skin, yet the inside is white and somewhat transparent. This tropical fruit has high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants. Rambutan has components that can stimulate the immune system and aid in the creation of collagen, both of which are beneficial to skin health. Another interesting fact about the fruit is that its name is taken from a Malay word, Rambut, which means “hair”.
Durian
This fruit, known as the “King of Fruits,” is native to various Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. It has a prickly shell that varies in color from green to brown depending on its ripeness. Durian features creamy, custard-like flesh within its prickly husk. The texture can range from hard to soft, depending on maturity. However, durian is known for its pungent smell. Despite this, durian provides a number of health benefits. It is high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins, which may help with digestion and blood pressure regulation.
Buddha’s Hand
Buddha’s hand is a fascinating citrus fruit that originated in China. This fruit is brilliant yellow when ripe and resembles a bunch of fingers sticking out. People rarely eat the insides, but they do utilize the skin to flavor dishes and manufacture perfumes. This fruit is thought to have potential benefits such as improving digestion and relieving nausea.
Ackee
Ackee is a fruit from Jamaica. When ripe, it turns red and contains three black seeds inside. The interior part is soft and creamy, similar to butter. But here’s where things get a little crazy: when Ackee isn’t ripe, it becomes poisonous, so people have to be extremely cautious when eating it. However, once ripe, it includes beneficial elements including healthy fats and vitamin C, which can help maintain heart health and strengthen the immune system.
Horned Melon
Finally, there is the horned melon, an African fruit. It’s orange with pointed portions sticking out, and the insides are green jelly-like, which you may eat with the seeds. Horned melon contains high levels of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which can help you become healthier and stronger. People also refer to it as the Kiwano melon since it tastes like kiwi, banana, and lime.
Conclusion
In this post, we explored Asia, North America, and Africa. There are some extremely fascinating fruits scattered all over the world. One thing that surprised me was how many fruits had protrusions. We’re used to eating fruit in standard shapes, but fruits shaped like Buddha’s hands or fingers are very interesting. They all have health benefits, which is great. Would you try any of these fruits if they were available at the farmer’s market? Please let us know below.
