Discover the Exotic Fruits of the East

I absolutely love Asia for many reasons, and one of the things that fascinates me the most is the incredible diversity of fruits you can find there. From the tiny longan to the massive jackfruit, the range of flavors and textures is truly extraordinary. Join me as I recount my adventures exploring the fascinating fruit markets of Taiwan.

Asian Pears:

When I walked through the Checkers in Sea Point a few years ago, I stumbled upon the Asian pears for the first time ever in South Africa. It was such an exhilarating moment for me that I couldn’t resist calling up my mom to share the news. Asian pears are unique fruits that have a rounded shape and are filled with a generous amount of water, much like watermelons. They have a distinctive texture that is both grainy and crispy, similar to apples. People from Asia usually enjoy these yellow-skinned fruits raw and peeled, either in between dishes or as a refreshing palate cleanser after a meal. It’s essential to handle them with care since they bruise quite easily. That’s why they are often individually wrapped in paper or cushioned with little styrofoam webbings, providing extra protection.

In addition to their delicate nature, Asian pears are also packed with beneficial nutrients. They boast a high content of vitamin C and fiber, which are excellent for maintaining a healthy diet. These fruits become firm when they ripen, creating a satisfying crunch when you take a bite. You can easily find Asian pears in any market throughout Asia, where they are known for their unbeatable refreshing taste.

Chinese dates / jujubes

I recently tried some Chinese dates, also known as jujubes, and let me tell you, they were quite an adventure! These little fruits come in a range of colors, but the ones I had were green. Just like chillies and peppers, the color changes as they ripen, and they can be enjoyed at any stage. They start off green, then turn red, and after drying, they become a prune-like purply-red.

The texture of Chinese dates is really something special. It’s like a mix of apple and pear, creating a super crispy and juicy experience. Imagine a small, crispy granny smith apple, but with less sourness. That’s what it tastes like!

Custard apples

In my search for fruity excitement, I came across the bull’s heart, also known as the custard apple. The name alone got my attention! This fruit is quite interesting to look at, with its knotted braids resembling the ones on Buddha’s head.

Custard apples thrive in warm and humid climates, which explains why they are native to the Middle East. The moment I took a bite, I discovered a burst of sweetness and juiciness. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! There’s also a slight acidic taste and a delightful granular texture that adds to the experience.

Did you know that custard apple has a bunch of health benefits? It’s loaded with vitamin C, different types of vitamin B, potassium, protein, fiber, minerals, and energy. Plus, it’s low in fat and copper!

Now, let’s talk about dragon fruit. These beauties can be found in South Africa, and I came across them at Wellness Warehouse. They kinda look like cactus fruits, also known as prickly pears, with their thorny exterior. But don’t worry, the actual fruit is thorn-free and safe to handle.

The flesh of dragon fruit is similar to kiwi, but less stringy. And guess what? You can eat the small seeds inside, just like kiwi seeds! The taste is not as amazing as its appearance, though. It comes in various hues, from bright pink to rich purple to white flesh.

Lastly, let’s dive into the world of durian. This fruit is an acquired taste, some people love it, while others can’t stand it. It has a unique flavor and smell that can be quite polarizing. But hey, don’t knock it until you try it!

Hey there! Have you ever heard of the ‘King of Fruits’? It’s quite a unique one, let me tell you. This fruit, also known as durian, is a hot commodity in Asia, but there’s something pretty funky about it – yup, it smells like… well, let’s just say it’s not a pleasant aroma. It’s so stinky that it’s actually banned in most hotels, buses, and trains.

But you know what’s interesting? Despite its less-than-appealing smell, this fruit is like a superhero in the nutrition department. Just like the custard apple, it’s packed with all sorts of health benefits:

• It may have a high fat content, but guess what? It’s cholesterol-free!
• Need a little help in the bathroom? This fruit can be your natural laxative.
• And that’s not all – it’s loaded with vitamin C and vitamin B groups to keep you healthy.
• It’s like a mineral powerhouse with manganese, copper, iron, and magnesium.
• And let’s not forget about potassium. It helps keep your heart rate and blood pressure in check.

Oh, and there’s another fruit worth mentioning – jackfruit!

So, let me tell you about this time when I reached the top of the Central Mountain Range in Taichung. Boy, was I out of shape! Anyway, as I caught my breath, I spotted a tree with the biggest fruit I had ever seen. I mean, these things were massive – like two times the size of my head! Naturally, I was curious, so I did some digging and found out that what I had stumbled upon was a jackfruit, the largest fruit that grows on a tree. Can you believe it? These babies can weigh up to a whopping 45 kg!

The jackfruit belongs to the mulberry family and has a fleshy yellowish interior that reminds me a little of bananas. Oh, get this! The seeds can actually be boiled and eaten like beans. Pretty cool, huh?

Oh, and by the way, you know how I said the jackfruit was my favorite fruit? Scratch that. I totally forgot about the green apple guava. These little guys are something else! They have a crispy texture, just like apples. So, when it comes to choosing between the two, I honestly don’t know which one I like more.

The apple guava is a fascinating fruit that thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates. It can be found in various regions around the world, including eastern Asia, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Interestingly, it is native to Mexico.

What makes the apple guava even more intriguing is its exceptional nutritional profile. It is packed with vital nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. By consuming this fruit, you can give your body a healthy boost and support your overall well-being.

When it comes to enjoying the apple guava, people in Asia have their own unique way. We prefer to slice it up and often remove the seeds before indulging in its deliciousness. However, I must say that I personally enjoy the seeds too! To enhance the flavor, some of us even pair it with preserved plum or prune powder. The combination is a true delight for the taste buds.

Now, let’s talk about longan.

The name “longan” translates to “dragon eye,” which instantly captures my attention as I was born in the year of the dragon. This fruit holds a special place in my heart, and I always feel a connection to it. However, during my winter trip, I was disappointed to learn that longan was not in season. It made me quite sad, as I had wonderful memories associated with this fruit.

I vividly remember my dad returning from Taiwan to South Africa with a bunch of longans. It was an exciting moment for me and my family. Just like with lychees, we would peel the longans, getting all sticky and messy, and enjoy their juicy sweetness. Those were some of the best moments of my childhood.

Have you ever tried longan? It’s this amazing tropical fruit that belongs to the lychee family. The taste is similar but sweeter, and the flesh wraps around a big stone. Unlike a lychee, the skin is smooth. They also make dried longan, which is commonly used in desserts like the eight treasure sweet soup.

Now let me tell you about another fruit that I absolutely love: the pomelo. It’s in the citrus family and it’s like a grapefruit. But here’s the exciting part – pomelos are sweet, a little bit bitter (like the grapefruit flavor), and incredibly juicy.

If you’re in South Africa, check out Checkers or the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill. You might just find these amazing fruits. And speaking of South Africa, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, people enjoy eating pomelos along with mooncakes. It’s a tasty tradition.

Wax apples: Nature’s Sweet Delights

Let me tell you about one of my favorite fruits – the wax apple. A fruit that I couldn’t resist having every single day during my time in Taiwan. This wonderful fruit thrives in the tropical regions, and in South Africa, it can only be found in Durban where the humidity is just right. It goes by many names – love apple, java apple, royal apple, bellfruit, Jamaican apple, water apple, mountain apple, cloud apple, wax jambu, rose apple, and bell fruit.

When you look at it, you can’t help but notice its shiny, vibrant colors. It ranges from deep red to a beautiful purple, with a touch of white or a translucent hue. And oh, when you bite into it, you’ll be amazed by the texture. It’s like a soft, fluffy cloud of cotton candy! But don’t be fooled – this fruit is chock full of water. In fact, the amount of water it contains is comparable to that of a juicy watermelon.

What I find fascinating about the wax apple is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it fresh, or you can use it to create delectable treats. With its crisp and refreshing taste, it’s a perfect addition to any fruit salad. And if you’re feeling creative, you can even make a unique wax apple sorbet or a mouthwatering jam. The possibilities are endless!

So, the next time you come across these marvelous fruits, don’t hesitate to give them a try. They are a true tropical treasure, packed with flavor and refreshment. Trust me, once you experience the wonders of the wax apple, you’ll be hooked!

For a visual feast of wax apples, check out the original post on Butterfingers