Fruit of the Month

Exotic Fruit of the Month

Just about the only thing better then fruit of the month with fresh tree ripened fruit is an exotic fruit of the month. Exotic fruits are special not just because of their unique flavors, but because they are not readily available. Since a huge variety of exotic fruits are not sold in typical grocery stores when people receive exotic fruits it is really a special treat. What an opportunity to introduce a co-worker, business partner, friend or family member to something new. Many exotic fruits although they taste wonderful, may have a "different" appearance so people are intimidated to buy them. No only would you be giving a nutritious gift basket you may be expanding introducing some one to their new favorite food.

Exotic Fruit Papaya

Exotic Fruits

Since most people are not familiar with all exotic fruits available, I made a list of possible exotic fruits to consider including in an exotic fruit of the month gift basket.

Black Sapote Exotic Fruit

Often called "chocolate pudding fruit", the black sapote fruit has a dark brown flesh and the most wonderfully sweet, rich flavor. The fruit can be really enhanced by adding a touch of rum, or vanilla extract. A really wonderful fruit to serve with or inside of ice cream. Goes well with papaya if looking to have an exotic gift basket with two fruits. Grown in Mexico. Look to include the Black Sapote fruit to exotic gift baskets during the autumn and winter months.

Canistel Exotic Fruit

Grown in central America, the Canistel is a round orange fruit, that has the texture of a hard boiled egg. A staple in the diet of people from Peru. Available for gift baskets between the month so f January and September. This fruit can be dried out and used as a flavoring when cooking.

Carambola Exotic Fruit

Grown in Indonesia and Malaysia. The carambola, called the "Star King" or "Star Fruit" is yellow or green and shaped like a star. It has a refreshing taste and is juicy, and has a crisp texture. The yellow carambola fruit has a more acidic flavor. The green carambola fruit is sweeter. Available throughout the year but is more abundant over the summer. Can be stored in the in refrigerator for 1-3 weeks.

Grumichama Exotic Fruit

Grown in Brazil, the cherry like fruits are a purplish black. The grumichama's flesh is sweet and soft. Wonderful to preserve in jellies if there is any left over fruit from the gift basket.

Mamey Sapote

Grown in Central America. The mamey sapote is a large fruit with thick brown skin. It tastes similar to a mix between apricots and peaches.

Jakfruit Exotic Fruit

Grown in Idia, the jakfruit tree is one of the worlds largest fruit trees. Jakfruit is very sweet and tastes similar to a banana. People eat the fleshy inside when yellow as a fruit. When the jakfruit is still green, it is eaten as a vegetable in curries. A main ingredient in curry in India or Siri Lanka. Available from January to June. The jakfruit can be eaten as a fruit, cooked or dried. When dried, the flesh makes a honey sweet leather.

Lychee Exotic Fruit

Lychee's are grown in china. They have a red skin and white flesh. Lychee fruit is tangy It can be stored for up to 4 weeks and eaten fresh but can also be dried, frozen or preserved in jars.

Exotic Fruit Pomegranate

Abui Exotic Fruit

Grown in the Amazon, the Abiu fruit has a rounded oval shape with bright yellow skin. Abiu fruit tastes best when served chilled. It's flesh has a sweet and creamy texture that tastes similar to creamy caramel. Since it has low acidity, a splash of lime or lemon juice enhances the flavor. To eat a abiu fruit, you simply cut it in half and scoop out with a spoon. Try to eat soon after cutting as the flesh discolors quickly after cut. Look for Abiu fruit to be available for gift baskets and fruit of the month clubs between January and September.

Breadfruit

A very interesting large green fruit, similar to a potato. It is usually sliced thin, deep fried and served like a chip. The bread fruit is grown in south east Asia. Available for exotic gift baskets from January to June. Unlike many other exotic fruits that need to be eaten right away, the breadfruit keeps well. It can be cut up and frozen.

Durian Exotic Fruit

Referred to as "king" of tropical fruit. The durian fruit is covered with spines and has a creamy flesh. Tastes amazing but smells horrible. Depending on who you are sending the exotic fruit basket to- add this fruit with caution (only because of the intense odor).

Giant Granadilla Exotic Fruit

Grown in Queensland, this melon like fruit is sweet and juicy. The white flesh tastes similar to a pear.

Jaboticaba Exotic Fruit

Grown in Brazil, the small fruit similar to grapes is very sweet. Available for gift baskets in warmer months. Would make a great gift basket for someone who likes to make exotic jelly, jams or exotic wine.

Malay Roseapple Exotic Fruit

Grown in Malaysia and in tropical areas where there are no frosts. The malay roseapple is a pear-shaped fruit with pink skin. To enjoy, you just cut the malay roseapple in pieces or eat like an apple. It also has a lovely a rose scent.

Other exotic fruits to consider:

Acerola Cherries
Alphonso Mango
Ambrosia Melon
Baby Banana (nino)
Banana Sampler
Bergamot Orange
Black New Zealand Figs
Australian Blood Oranges
Sicilian Blood Oranges
Buddha's Hand Fruits
Cape Gooseberry/ Peruvian Cherry
CFhampagne Mango/ Ataulfo Mango
Cherimoya
Chikoo Fruits
Custard Apple
Dragon Fruits
Haden Mango
Kesar Mango
Feijoa from New Zealand
Keitt Mango
Kiwano Horned Melon
Longan
Passion Fruit from New Zealand
Pepino Melon
South African Baby Pineapples
Strawberry Papayas
Tamarillo
Fresh wasabi from Japan
Ugli Fruit
White Sapote
Yuzu Fruit

Resources for exotic fruits:

Wikipedia.org- Culinary Fruits

DMOZ.org - Scientific sites about agriculture, horticulture, and fruits.

University of California- Exotic fruit information