12 exotic superfruits to try
Bored with the usual fruit in the supermarket? Try adding some of these exotic wonders to your diet. They might look weird, but many taste delicious and have hidden nutritional benefits.
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Kiwano (pictured)
It might look like some kind of fruity weapon, but the spiky orange exterior of Kiwano hides a surprising flavour, often described as a cross between cucumber, kiwi and banana. It's an excellent source of vitamins C and A, as well as potassium.
Goji berries
Native to China, goji berries are bright orange-red in colour and bursting with antioxidant goodness, including carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, and contain all eight essential amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals, iron, polysaccharides, B vitamins and vitamin E. Goji berries are celebrated for their ability to help clear the skin, protect the immune system, reduce body aches and lower blood cholesterol.
Acai berries
Originating in the Amazon rainforests, acai berries have been used to improve heart health, boost the body's energy and stimulate the immune system for centuries. High in antioxidants, acai berries contain the minerals potassium, manganese, copper, iron, and magnesium.
Buddha's Hand
Despite having the appearance of gnarled fingers, the Buddha's Hand is packed full of goodness in the form of vitamin C and fibre. Just don't expect a juicy treat - it is entirely comprised of pith. Used predominately in China and Japan, it's usually added to desserts or alcohol as a zest or flavouring.
%VIRTUAL-AFCSponserAds%Dragonfruit
Unlike its bright pink and green exterior, the Dragonfruit's flavour is said to be a little bland, but it does contain antioxidants, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, and is low in sugar.
Star fruit
This edible marvel is a star in more ways than one. Once sliced, the fruit shows off its star-like form, and is another vitamin C-packed treat with added potassium and plenty of fibre.
Jack fruit
The bulbous, dimply exterior of the Jack fruit hides an interior laden with vitamin C, and contains manganese for healthy brain function. You might want to share it though - they have been known to weigh in at 80 pounds.
Camu Camu
Camu Camu berries contain more vitamin C than an orange and are packed with antioxidant flavonoids and beta-carotene, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium, and iron. The fruit is also believed to help increase energy, improve mood and support brain functioning.
Rambutan
A relative of the lychee, the Rambutan's exterior is red and spiky. And beneath the skin lies a fruit that has the look and texture of an eyeball. Get past that though, and you'll benefit from iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese and zinc.
Mangosteen
Hidden beneath its hard brown exterior, the flesh of the mangosteen is white... and as unappealing as its shell. But it is blessed with a tangy peach-like flavour, fibre, iron, vitamin C and folate, a big plus for pregnant women.
Umeboshi
Literally translated from the Japanese as 'dried plums', umeboshi must be fermented before they are even edible. These high-alkali foods are rich in iron and thiamine for a healthy nervous system.
Cherimoya
Commonly known as the 'custard apple' because of its creamy interior, the cherimoya tastes something like a mix of pineapple and banana. High in vitamin C, it contains more fibre than your typical apple.
Have you discovered an exotic superfood? Leave a comment below...
