Properties: Exotic fruits
The properties of exotic fruits can vary depending on the variety, as there are many different types. Generally, however, exotic fruits often have a unique and intense aroma as well as a striking color. Many of them are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some exotic fruits like mango or papaya also have a creamy or juicy texture and can be eaten raw as well as cooked or baked.
Whether pineapple, cherimoya, or dragon fruit - exotic fruits, whether as fruit or juice, are a rich source of valuable vitamins and minerals.
Origin: Exotic fruits
The term "exotic fruits" refers to fruits that are not native to temperate climate zones and typically originate from the tropics and subtropics. The origin of exotic fruits can vary greatly depending on the type. Some are cultivated in specific regions around the world, while others are imported from various countries. Examples of exotic fruits and their origins include:
- Pineapple: originally from South America, it is now grown in many tropical countries, including Hawaii, Thailand, the Philippines, and Brazil.
- Mango: originates from India and is now cultivated in numerous tropical regions, including South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- Papaya: comes from Central and South America and is currently grown in various tropical countries, including India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
- Guava: hails from Central America and is presently cultivated in many tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, including Mexico, Thailand, and India.
- Passion fruit: originates from South America and is now grown in several countries, including Kenya, India, and Australia.
It's important to note that exotic fruits are often very delicate and may not be able to be stored for long periods. Therefore, the fruits are quickly imported so they can then be sold and consumed.
Uses: Exotic fruits
Tropical fruits can be used in various ways, depending on the type and ripeness. Some can be eaten raw, while others are better suited when cooked or baked. Tropical fruits can also be used in salads, smoothies, cocktails, and desserts. Furthermore, some tropical fruits can be juiced or processed into jam and jelly. However, the use depends heavily on the kind of tropical fruit.
Storage: Exotic fruits
The storage of exotic fruits depends on the specific fruit. Generally, exotic fruits should be stored at room temperature until they are ripe. Once they are ripe, they can be kept in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. Some exotic fruits, such as pineapples, can also be stored at room temperature to improve their taste and texture. Other fruits, like mangoes and papayas, should be kept in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life and prevent them from spoiling quickly. It is advisable to store exotic fruits separately since they often tend to release ethylene, which can accelerate the ripening of other fruits and lead to quick spoilage.
Health: Exotic fruits
There is a variety of exotic fruits, each containing different healthy components. Some examples of healthy components in exotic fruits are:
- Mango: contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folic acid and antioxidants.
- Papaya: contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folic acid, Potassium, Magnesium and Papain, an enzyme that supports digestion.
- Pineapple: contains Vitamin C, Bromelain, an enzyme that supports digestion, and Manganese, which is important for bone formation.
- Passion fruit: contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Fiber, Iron and antioxidants.
- Kiwi: contains Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Potassium, Fiber and antioxidants.
- Pomegranate: contains Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folic acid, Potassium, Fiber and antioxidants.
It is important to note that the specific healthy components and nutrients of exotic fruits can vary depending on type and ripeness.
Season of Exotic fruits: The season for exotic fruits can vary greatly depending on the type and region. Some exotic fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple are in peak season during summer months and may be available regionally or imported then. Other fruits such as lychees, rambutans, or dragonfruits have their main season in winter months and are more readily available then. It is therefore advisable to inform oneself about the season according to the desired fruit and region.
Exotic fruits taste: intensive, sweet, sour, bitter, refreshing
As exotic fruits are referred to fruit varieties that are not native to Germany. Especially in winter, the selection of domestic fruit varieties is very limited. Therefore, consumers often reach for the colorful, exotic fruits during the pre-Christmas period as well as in other winter months. Varieties such as bananas, kiwis, mandarins, and oranges are versatile fruit types with a high content of vitamins and minerals.
Banana
The popular fruit here originates from Southeast Asia but grows today in almost all tropical countries. It requires both plenty of sun and rain for its growth. Bananas are harvested while still unripe to prevent them from spoiling during the long transport routes. They are cut off the stem with a machete. The ripening process is further delayed during transportation, only initiated shortly before the bananas reach supermarkets. The most commonly sold bananas are yellow varieties. However, there are also brown, red, and striped bananas. Depending on the variety, the fruits can be eaten raw or cooked and baked.
Kiwi
The kiwi originally comes from China. It was imported to New Zealand about a hundred years ago, where most of today's sold fruit originates from. Since the kiwi plant is winter-hardy, it can also be cultivated in Germany. However, local kiwis naturally differ in taste from the original ones. The kiwi belongs to the most popular fruit varieties and is eaten raw.
Orange
Oranges are mostly grown in subtropical climate zones, particularly in Brazil. In Europe, the largest stocks are found in Spain and Italy. They grow on tall shrubs or trees that can reach a height of ten meters. They require plenty of water and high temperatures; however, they only acquire their strong orange color when temperatures drop below 17 degrees Celsius. Oranges are very susceptible to pests and are therefore usually treated with chemical pesticides. As with other fruits, the purchase of organic products should be preferred.
Papaya
The Spaniards spread the cultivation of papaya in the 16th century after discovering it in Mexico and other parts of Central America. Papayas sold in supermarkets mostly come from Hawaii and Brazil. They are seed-resistant cultivars from different fruit varieties. They weigh about one kilogram, although fruits in their country of origin can reach a weight of five kilograms. Papayas can be eaten raw or prepared for delicious Asian dishes. The black seeds do not need to be discarded; when roasted in the oven, they can serve as a tasty and affordable substitute for pepper.
Avocado
The avocado is considered a superfood and a source of many healthy fats here. It originally comes from Mexico. The sale of avocados is somewhat controversial because the fruits require large amounts of water during cultivation. Avocados grow on trees that can reach up to 20 meters in height. After about four years, the trees bear fruit. These only ripen after falling off the tree, which allows them to be transported well into our latitudes without spoiling. In supermarkets, they are mostly sold unripe and only ripen at home later on. Avocados should not be stored in the refrigerator to avoid interrupting the ripening process.
Dates
Dates come from the Orient and have a long tradition there. They thrive on palm trees that grow in palm groves and can reach heights of up to 30 meters. A single tree can bear up to 100 kilograms of fruit, but it only bears fruit every two years. Dates are very sweet due to their high sugar content but are still very filling. Dates are suitable as a snack between meals; filled with cheese, they can be baked in the oven or used as a substitute for sugar in cakes.
Cherimoya
The cherimoya is still largely unknown here. It grows among others in Israel, Spain, Africa, Brazil, and Thailand and arrives from there all year round. It has soft and delicate fruit flesh whose aroma reminds of a mixture of pineapple and cinnamon. The fruits are suitable as desserts, for example, in pudding, as a fruit salad or simply pure.
Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruits impress with their unique appearance both inside and out. They grow in all tropical countries, especially in Asia. Dragon fruit is the fruit of cacti that climb on masonry or support plants. The flowers of these cacti are among the largest in the world. They open up within a single night and emit a unique fragrance. Like many other exotic fruits, dragon fruits are harvested unripe; they are only edible for a short time after harvest. They should not be eaten unripe but only when the skin glows pink and gives slightly under light pressure.