The strangest-looking fruits and vegetables in the world
>> Saturday, June 25, 2022
Rambutan
This South East Asian fruit gets its name from the Malay word for hair, and it's easy to see why. Peel away the hairy exterior to reveal a sweet, creamy-tasting fruit high in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Jackfruit
It is commonly found in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. Due to its unpleasant odor in fruit salads, it has come into its own as a natural vegan meat substitute.
Guaraná
This Amazonian power berry is best known for its energy-boosting properties and as an ingredient in sports drinks and fatigue-relieving products. The seeds are usually dried and powdered, but in its natural state, the fruit resembles an eyeball.
Noni
Its pungent odor has earned it the nicknames 'cheese fruit' and'starvation fruit,' but don't be put off by this! The much-maligned fruit is native to Asia, Australia, and Polynesia and is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Custard Apple
This gnarly green fruit tastes far superior to its appearance. Slice open the thick green skin to reveal a deliciously rich, creamy fruit that can be scooped out with a spoon and served as a dessert. Simply spit out the inedible seeds.
Physalis
Because of their intricate casing, these tangy little orbs are popular as an edible decoration. Physalis' beauty extends beyond its skin: the warm-climate fruit is high in vitamins A and C, iron, and phosphorus.
Salak
Because of its scaly-looking shell, salak is sometimes referred to as "snake fruit" outside of its native Indonesia. Remove the serpentine skin to reveal a fruit that resembles garlic but tastes sweetly acidic.
Buddha's hand
The Buddha's Hand, a citrus fruit, is an Asian fruit that looks like a lemon farmer's fever dream. However, it is less bitter than a true lemon, and the entire fruit can be sliced and eaten in both sweet and savory dishes.
Dragon fruit
Pitaya, also known as 'Dragon Fruit' in English, is a tropical beauty that ranks high in both taste and nutrition. It's low in calories and high in fiber, but it's high in antioxidants.
Ackee
Ackee, which resembles an eyeball and is related to the lychee and guaraná, is a common component in Jamaican cuisine despite its unsettling look. But it's not for beginners: if eaten unripe, the fruit can be poisonous.
Hala fruit
Despite having been likened to a "exploding planet," this chunky fruit's flavor has been compared to a sweet concoction of mango, pineapple, and sugarcane. Its "cones," which can be broken off and chewed raw, are found in the Pacific Islands, Hawai'i, and some regions of Asia and Australia.
