For every fruit enthusiast, there exist beloved favorites. Among the most cherished are bananas, apples, and melons, which are celebrated globally and readily available in markets everywhere. While some individuals enjoy a routine of consuming the same fruits daily, others might seek a delightful range of options. Fascinatingly, there exists a vast array of fruits flourishing across the planet, many of which may be unfamiliar to you. To expand your palate, here are 17 unique and nutritious fruits that you should consider trying.

1. Rambutan

Rambutans, the vibrant red fruits of the Nephelium lappaceum tree, are indigenous to Southeast Asia. These delightful fruits are technically categorized as berries and tend to grow in clusters, showcasing their unique appearance. Enveloped in a leathery skin adorned with hair-like spikes known as spinterns, the rambutan is truly a visual treat.

When you bite into their grape-like, gelatinous flesh, you’ll experience a sweet flavor balanced with a hint of tartness. Nutritionally, rambutans are a powerhouse, especially rich in vitamin C, providing approximately 40% of the Daily Value (DV) in a 100-gram serving. This essential water-soluble vitamin is renowned for its strong antioxidant properties and its role in bolstering the immune system.

2. Pawpaw

Pawpaws (Asimina triloba) are the largest edible fruits indigenous to North America. These fruits have historically played a crucial role in the diets of various Native American tribes and served as a vital food source for early European explorers and settlers venturing into the continent. Growing to an impressive length of up to 15 cm (approximately 6 inches), ripe pawpaws exhibit a beautiful greenish-yellow color and possess a sweet, tropical-like flavor that delights the palate. This unique fruit is not only delicious but also brimming with essential nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and iron. It is particularly rich in potent polyphenol antioxidants, which contribute to overall health.

Despite their nutritional benefits, the pawpaw's delicate texture and relatively short shelf life can make them difficult to find. However, during their peak season, you can discover these treasures at specialty growers or farmers' markets across North America.

3. Kiwano (Horned Melon)

Kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus), commonly referred to as horned melon or jelly melon, is a scrumptious fruit that originates from a vine endemic to Africa. This unique fruit is related to cucumbers and melons, sharing the same botanical family. With its striking orange exterior adorned with small spikes, the kiwano's interior is a jelly-like texture in shades of vibrant green or yellow. While the seeds are technically edible, many individuals choose to relish only the succulent flesh.

Rich in essential nutrients, kiwano is particularly abundant in vitamin C and magnesium. Furthermore, studies on animals indicate that it may assist in lowering blood sugar levels, offering potential benefits for individuals managing diabetes.

4. Loquat

Loquats, the delightful and nutrient-dense fruits from the Eriobotrya japonica tree, come in shades of yellow, orange, or reddish, depending on their variety. These small fruits are not only delicious but also boast an impressive nutritional profile. Rich in carotenoids, which are potent plant pigments, loquats offer significant health benefits. Research indicates that a diet abundant in carotenoids may contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease and various forms of cancer, making these fruits a valuable addition to your meals.

Whether enjoyed fresh or used in a variety of culinary creations, including both sweet and savory dishes, loquats are versatile. You can typically find them in select specialty grocery stores, making them a delightful find for those looking to expand their fruit repertoire.

5. Jujube

Often mistaken for the sweet candies sharing their name, jujubes — also referred to as Chinese dates or red dates (??????) — are highly nutritious fruits indigenous to Southeast Asia. These enticing fruits can be enjoyed in their fresh state; however, they are predominantly consumed in their dried form, where they develop a delightful sweetness and a chewy, candy-like texture. Regardless of whether they are fresh or dried, jujubes offer an array of nutritional benefits. These small, yet mighty fruits are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and flavonoid antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

6. Star Fruit

Star fruit, known as carambola in India, is a tropical delight that captivates with its unique star-shaped appearance. Its vibrant color and intriguing form make it a favored addition to fruit salads and cheese platters across various cultures. When fully ripened, this fruit boasts a cheerful yellow hue and a juicy texture complemented by a mildly tart flavor. Notably, star fruit serves as a convenient on-the-go snack option since the entire fruit is edible, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.

Carambola is remarkably low in calories, offering just 31 calories per 100 grams, while providing a wealth of nutrients. It is packed with dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and copper, making it a nutritious choice. Particularly, its high content of insoluble fiber supports healthy bowel movements and enhances overall digestive wellness.

7. Black Sapote

Black sapote (Diospyros nigra), often referred to as the “chocolate pudding fruit,” is a delightful tropical fruit that belongs to the same family as persimmons. Its rich, dark brown pulp has a creamy texture that closely resembles chocolate pudding, making it an intriguing addition to various dishes. This exotic fruit is packed with nutrients, particularly vitamin C, offering more than 200% of the Daily Value (DV) in just a 100-gram serving. This makes it a fantastic choice for boosting your immune system and overall health.

Although black sapote is originally from regions such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, it is not commonly found in local grocery stores. However, it can be sourced online from specialty fruit growers, particularly during its peak season, allowing enthusiasts worldwide, including those in India and Australia, to enjoy its unique flavor and health benefits.

8. Jackfruit

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), which can reach impressive weights of up to 50 kg (approximately 110 pounds), is a tropical fruit that hails from India. Its outer skin is adorned with numerous small, cone-shaped projections, giving it a unique appearance.

When ripe, the flesh of the jackfruit emits a delightful aroma reminiscent of bananas and possesses a naturally sweet flavor. Interestingly, unripe jackfruit is gaining popularity as a plant-based meat alternative due to its subtle taste and fibrous, meaty texture, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes across cultures. Moreover, jackfruit is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a rich supply of vitamin C, multiple B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and a variety of antioxidants. Recent studies even indicate that it may have potential benefits in regulating blood sugar levels, making it a fruit worth incorporating into your diet.

9. Cherimoya

Cherimoya, known as custard apple (?????) in India, is an extraordinary fruit cherished for its delectably sweet and creamy flesh. Although it originates from South America, this delightful fruit is cultivated in various tropical regions around the globe, making it a popular choice in many cuisines. The luscious, creamy interior of these green, heart-shaped fruits is often savored by simply scooping it out with a spoon, a method that highlights its delightful texture.

Rich in essential nutrients, cherimoya is abundant in dietary fiber, vitamin C, numerous B vitamins, as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium, and manganese. This nutrient-packed fruit is also a source of antioxidants, which may play a role in protecting the body from oxidative stress and cellular damage, contributing to overall health.

10. Soursop

Soursop (Annona muricata), known as Graviola in some regions, is a uniquely shaped oval fruit adorned with small spines. This fascinating fruit can weigh over 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds) and exhibits a yellow-green color as it ripens. Its flavor is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy, captivating the taste buds. Research conducted in test tubes and on animals suggests that soursop may offer a range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties, although studies involving humans remain scarce.

While primarily grown in tropical climates, soursop can easily be found and purchased online from specialized fruit suppliers, making it accessible to enthusiasts around the globe.

11. Husk Cherries

Husk cherries, commonly referred to as golden berries, Cape gooseberries, Inca berries, or Peruvian groundcherries, are delightful small fruits that boast a vibrant yellow hue and a flavor reminiscent of sweet grapes. Encased in a non-edible, papery husk, these fruits bear a striking resemblance to tomatillos. They are versatile in the kitchen, often transformed into delicious jams, zesty sauces, and delightful desserts. Enjoying them raw is also a fantastic option, providing a tasty, low-calorie snack that satisfies cravings.

These nutrient-rich fruits are loaded with essential compounds, including vitamin C, a variety of B vitamins, and beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant carotenoid. Notably, husk cherries are cultivated in various regions around the globe, making them accessible at local specialty grocery stores or farmers' markets, whether you're in India, Australia, Japan, or Canada.

12. Sapodilla

Manilkara zapota, an evergreen tree originally found in regions of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, yields a delightful fruit known as sapodilla (chikoo in India). This fruit is characterized by its egg-like shape and textured brown skin. Renowned for their remarkable sweetness, sapodillas are typically enjoyed fresh, directly from their rind. Depending on the cultivar, the texture of the flesh can range from smooth to slightly granular, adding to its unique appeal.

Notably, sapodillas are rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which are essential for combating diseases, alongside a significant amount of vitamin C. These health benefits make sapodillas a valuable addition to a balanced diet, enjoyed across various cuisines including Indian, Australian, and Japanese culinary traditions.

13. Cloudberries

Cloudberries (Rubus chamaemorus) thrive in the wild across cool, temperate regions, notably in countries like Canada, Eastern Russia, and the Northeastern United States. These distinctive berries are highly coveted by foragers for their unique balance of sweet and tart flavors.

The vibrant yellow-orange hue of these berries is indicative of their impressive nutritional profile, as they deliver a remarkable 176% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C per 100-gram serving. Additionally, cloudberries are rich in ellagic acid, a potent antioxidant known for its potential benefits in enhancing metabolic health and fighting against cancer. While cloudberries are not commonly cultivated, making them a rare find, enthusiasts can easily purchase various products derived from them, such as jams and preserves, through online platforms.

14. Longan Fruit

Belonging to the same family as rambutan and lychee, longan fruit (Dimocarpus longan) is indigenous to Southern Asia. Commonly referred to as the dragon’s eye, its translucent, gelatinous flesh envelops a dark seed, creating an appearance reminiscent of an eyeball when shelled. This delightful fruit can be enjoyed both fresh and cooked, but it is frequently preserved through methods such as canning or drying for long-term use.

Rich in vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants, longan fruits boast significant health benefits. Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics have led to their utilization in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are believed to enhance appetite, alleviate fever, and combat parasitic infections.

15. Beach Plums

Beach plums (Prunus maritima Marsh.) are a unique variety of wild plum that flourishes along the eastern shores of the United States. These hardy plants prefer sandy soil and have a remarkable ability to tolerate salt, making them perfectly suited for growth near coastal dunes and beaches. In terms of appearance, they bear a striking resemblance to cherries, both in size and shape, and their hues can vary from a vibrant blue to a rich blackish-purple.

When fully ripe, beach plums deliver a delightful sweetness and are often incorporated into a variety of desserts, or transformed into luscious jams, jellies, and preserves. Like many wild plums, they are low in calories yet provide a beneficial source of essential nutrients, notably provitamin A and vitamin C, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.

16. Prickly Pear

Prickly pear (Opuntia), often referred to as nopal, is a unique cactus primarily found in Mexico and the Southwestern regions of the United States. This fascinating fruit can range in flavor from mildly bitter to exceptionally sweet. Due to its sharp spines, it is essential to peel the skin before consumption to enjoy its delicious flesh safely.

Rich in essential nutrients, prickly pears boast a high content of vitamin C and magnesium, a vital mineral that supports various bodily functions, including muscle control, immune response, and maintaining heart health. These succulent fruits are delightful when eaten fresh, but they can also be transformed into refreshing juices and sweet syrups. You can conveniently find raw nopal or prickly pear syrup at health food stores or browse online for a variety of products.

17. Japanese Persimmons

Among the various varieties of persimmons, the Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki) stands out as the most popular and widely cultivated. These delightful fruits exhibit a spectrum of colors, ranging from vibrant orange to a rich brownish-red, and when fully ripe, they boast a soft, sweet flesh that is incredibly satisfying. In terms of nutrition, Japanese persimmons are a powerhouse, offering a generous amount of provitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, copper, and manganese. Their impressive nutrient profile makes them a valuable addition to any diet.

Moreover, these fruits are abundant in potent plant compounds that are linked to various health benefits, such as cholesterol reduction, anti-inflammatory properties, and protection against cellular damage. Including persimmons in your diet can contribute to overall well-being. You'll find these delicious fruits available in specialty grocery stores during their peak season, making it easy to incorporate them into your meals.

The Bottom Line

Fruits such as rambutans, black sapote, star fruits (karambola), sapodillas (chikoo), and beach plums are just a handful of the myriad of unique and nutritious fruits cultivated globally. Their unique flavors, along with a rich array of nutrients, can potentially enhance your health in numerous ways. Incorporate some of these fascinating fruits into your diet to introduce exciting variety to your snacks and meals.