No matter how big your local supermarket is, it can’t possibly carry every fruit that grows around the world. Some fruits look so unusual that you might walk right past them without knowing what’s hiding inside.
From spiky red fruits to giant tropical giants, these exotic fruits are definitely worth trying if you ever spot them while traveling or at a specialty grocery store.
At AdmiGram.com, we’ve rounded up 10 unusual fruits that may surprise you — not only with how they look, but also with how they taste.
10 Exotic Fruits That You Absolutely Must Try
Durian
© Pesce Huang / Unsplash
Durian is one of the most famous — and most controversial — tropical fruits in the world. Its large, spiky shell is hard to miss, but its smell is what really gets people talking.
The creamy flesh inside has a rich, sweet flavor with hints of vanilla, nuts, and caramel. Some people absolutely love it, while others can’t get past the smell.
If you ever get the chance to try fresh durian, go for it. Just don’t be surprised if your first reaction is, “What is that smell?”
Dragon Fruit
© Nikolai Chernichenko / Unsplash
Dragon fruit, also called pitaya, looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie. Its bright pink or yellow skin and tiny black seeds make it one of the most recognizable tropical fruits around.
The flesh is juicy and mildly sweet, with a flavor that is often compared to a mix of kiwi and pear. It’s refreshing, light, and much less intense than its appearance might suggest.
Rambutan
© hellentoosch_99 via Instagram
At first glance, rambutan looks like a tiny red creature covered in soft spikes. But cut through the strange-looking skin and you’ll find juicy, translucent fruit inside.
Rambutan tastes sweet and refreshing, with a texture similar to grapes. It may also have a slight floral or citrusy note.
The outside looks intimidating, but the inside is surprisingly simple and delicious.
Star Fruit
© Lucas George Wendt / Unsplash
Star fruit gets its name from its shape. Slice it across the middle and you’ll get perfect little stars.
The fruit is crisp and juicy, with a mildly sweet and slightly tart flavor. Depending on how ripe it is, it can taste a little like a mix of apple, pear, and citrus.
And yes, you can eat the whole thing — including the skin.
Salak
© Dennis Sylvester Hurd / Flickr
Also known as snake fruit, salak gets its nickname from its reddish-brown, scaly skin. It may look tough on the outside, but the fruit inside is crisp, juicy, and surprisingly flavorful.
Its taste is sweet and slightly tart, with some people comparing it to a combination of apple, pineapple, and citrus.
If you’re looking for a fruit that looks completely different from anything in a typical American supermarket, salak is a great choice.
Jackfruit
© tutincommon / Flickr
Jackfruit is hard to miss. It can grow to an enormous size, making it one of the largest fruits that grow on trees.
Inside the rough green skin are dozens of golden-yellow pods. The ripe fruit is sweet and fragrant, with a flavor often compared to a combination of banana, pineapple, mango, and melon.
Jackfruit is also popular in savory dishes when it is still young and unripe, where its texture can resemble shredded meat.
Lychee
© heeluck2 via Instagram
Lychee may look small and simple, but it packs plenty of flavor. Its rough pinkish-red skin protects juicy, translucent flesh and a single large seed.
The taste is sweet, floral, and slightly tart, with a refreshing texture similar to a very juicy grape.
Fresh lychees are especially delicious when served chilled — and they can be surprisingly addictive.
Mangosteen
© Art Rachen / Unsplash
Despite its name, mangosteen has nothing to do with mango. This round tropical fruit has thick purple skin and soft white segments inside.
The flesh is juicy, sweet, and slightly tart, with a delicate flavor that is difficult to compare with other fruits. It’s often described as a mix of peach, citrus, and pineapple.
The thick shell may make it look difficult to eat, but once you open it, the soft white fruit inside is worth the effort.
Makrut Lime
© Stratman2 / Flickr
You may know this fruit by its older English name, kaffir lime. Today, makrut lime is a more common and preferred name.
Unlike many fruits on this list, makrut lime is valued more for its intensely fragrant zest and leaves than for eating the flesh on its own. Its distinctive citrus aroma is a key ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes, especially Thai curries and soups.
The fruit itself is extremely tart and bitter, so you probably won’t want to eat it like an orange. But its zest and juice can add an incredible citrus kick to food and drinks.
Wood Apple
© themissingdrumstick via Instagram
Wood apple gets its name from its hard, woody shell, which can be surprisingly difficult to crack open.
Inside is soft, sticky pulp with a sweet-and-tangy flavor. Depending on the fruit, you may notice notes reminiscent of citrus, caramel, tamarind, or tropical fruit.
It may not win a beauty contest, but that’s part of the fun. Sometimes the strangest-looking fruits turn out to be the most interesting ones.
image on top: Pontus Ohlsson / Unsplash
