List of tropical fruits

List of Tropical FruitsTropical Origin
JackfruitSouthern India, Bangladesh
DurianMalaya or Borneo
AvocadoMexico
LycheeSouth East Asia
PineappleSouth America
Dragon FruitSouthern Mexico and Central America
Black SapoteMexico, Central America, Cuba, Philippines.
Longan Myanmar and southern China.
Papaya Central America
Guava Mexico and Central America.
RambutanSouth East Asia, Australia, Hawaii
Star fruit Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia
CherimoyaValleys of Ecuador, Colombia and Per
AcaiAmazon Rainforest Central, Brazil
SoursopSouth America
PomegranateIran, south-west Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan
BananaSoutheast Asia, in the jungles of Malaysis
MangoSouth Asia
CoconutIndia and Southeast Asia
Mangosteen South East Asia
Passion fruitSouth America and North Africa
BreadfruitNew Guinea and the Indo-Malay
CocoaSouth America
Aguaje Fruit South America
Acerola CherryWest India
BaelIndia
Bignay New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia
Bilimbi Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
Black MulberrySubtropical Iran
BreadfruitPhilippines and New Guinea
Burmese GrapesAsia
Cacao Beanrainforest regions of tropical America
CalabashSouth America
Canistel fruitCentral America
CantaloupeSouthern Asia
cape gooseberryChile, Columbia, and Peru
ChayoteSouthern Mexico and Honduras
CupaucuBrazil
Dabai Fruit Borneo
Date Plum Southwest Asia.
Dodder LaurelAustralia
Duku FruitAsia
Elephant AppleIndia and China
FigMediterranean area
GambogeSoutheast Asia
GenipSouth America
Hala FruitSoutheast Asia, Florida, Hawaii
Honey Dew MelonEgypt
Horned MelonAfrica
Iboga Central-West Africa.
Indian Jujube FruitSouthern Asia
Jelly Palm Fruit Brazil and Uruguay
JaltomatoMexico and Central America
Jatoba fruitSouthern Mexico, Brazil and Peru.
Java AppleSE Asia
Kaffir LimeSoutheast Asia
KiwiChina
Lablab fruitSoutheast Asia
Lemon AspenQueensland Australia
LimeberryIndonesia and the Philippines
Mamoncino Northern South America and the Island of Margarita
MangosteenSouth East Asia
MarangBorneo
Miracle FruitWest Africa
Oil palm fruitWest and SW Africa
Peach Palm FruitCentral and South America
Pequi FruitBrazil’s central highlands
RambaiSoutheast Asia
RataNew Zealand, Indonesia or the Philippines.
Red BananaSE Asia
Saigon MangoVietnam
SalakJava and Sumatra
SapodillaSouthern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean,
Sonkoyasouthern Mexico to northern South America
Star FruitIndia and Southeast Asia
Sweet LimeIndia
TerapBorneo
Velvet TamarinoMalaysia
WanpeeSouth East Asia
Ximenia CafraAfrica
Yayat PalmBrazil and Uruguay
Raspuri MangoIndia
Ramontchi Africa
PerismmonAsia
Peach Palm FruitColombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil
NanceCentral and Latin America
Nanranjila Ecuador, Peru and Colombia
Mangaba Brazil
Junglesop FruitCentral Africa.
Jungle plumEast European and Caucasian and China
Jamaican NutmegIndonesia, Banda Islands
Ita Palm FruitSouth America
Mamey SapoteCentral America
Lemon Aspen Eastern coastal Australia.
Lancetilla MangoNorth coast of Honduras.
Kwai MukChina
KowaiAfrica to Asia, including India
Korlan South East Asia
Jocotetropical Americas
Jelly Palm FruitSouthernmost Brazil and Uruguay.
Giant Lau LauNew Guinea
Guarana Brazil
IlameCentral America
India Almond Fruit Asia
MangabaBrazil
WatermelonSouthern Africa

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on tropical fruits! From familiar favorites to exotic treasures, we will take you on a delightful journey through a wide variety of tropical fruits. Whether you’re a fruit enthusiast or simply curious about these flavorful wonders, you’ve come to the right place.

The tropics, encompassing regions like Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, are home to an abundance of delicious fruits. In this guide, we will introduce you to 129 tropical fruits worth trying, along with creative ideas on how to incorporate them into your meals and snacks. Are you ready to explore the colorful and flavorful world of tropical fruits?

But first, let’s uncover the most popular tropical fruit in the world. Any guesses? Head over to the next section to find out!

Exploring the Tropical Fruit Kingdom

Tropical fruits come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Here are some popular tropical fruits that you may already be familiar with:

  1. Acai: Native to the Amazon region of Brazil, acai berries are known for their antioxidant properties and are commonly used in ice cream and skincare products.
  2. Acerola Cherries: Also known as Barbados Cherries, they are rich in vitamin C and can be used in a variety of recipes, including jams and pies.
  3. Avocados: Originating from Mexico, avocados have become increasingly popular in the United States, especially in Mexican cuisine and as a low-carb, high-fat dietary staple.
  4. Bananas: One of the most widely consumed fruits in the world, bananas are available in various varieties and are an excellent source of potassium.
  5. Cacao: The beans of the cacao tree are used to make chocolate, with Ivory Coast and Ghana being the top cocoa producers. However, the industry is also plagued by the issue of child labor.
  6. Dragon Fruit: Also known as Pitaya, dragon fruit has a vibrant pink exterior and a mild, sweet flavor. It is often used in fruit salads and smoothies.

These are just a few examples of the tropical fruits that will be discussed in this guide.

Lesser-Known Tropical Delights

In addition to the popular tropical fruits mentioned above, there are also many lesser-known tropical fruits that offer unique flavors and textures. Here are some examples:

  1. Bael: Native to India and Southeast Asia, bael fruits are used in various forms, including fresh, dried, and in juices.
  2. Bilimbi: Commonly found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, bilimbi fruits are often used as a souring agent in Filipino cuisines.
  3. Canistel: Also known as egg fruit or cupcake fruit, canistel is grown in Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines. It has a sweet flavor and a large pit.
  4. Chayote: Native to Southern Mexico and Honduras, chayotes can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of ways.
  5. Mangosteen: With a purple outer shell and sweet translucent flesh, mangosteen is a popular tropical fruit in Southeast Asia.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of tropical fruits that will be featured in this guide.

Experience the Visual Delights of Tropical Fruits

Explore the vibrant colors and textures of lesser-known tropical fruits with these captivating images:

Tropical Fruits and Health Benefits

Tropical fruits are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. Many tropical fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, acerola cherries are a great source of vitamin C, while bananas provide potassium and dietary fiber. Dragon fruit is known for its antioxidant properties, and avocado is rich in beneficial monounsaturated fats. These are just a few examples of the health benefits associated with tropical fruits.

In this guide, we will delve deeper into the nutritional advantages of various tropical fruits.

But before we do that, let’s take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and enticing shapes of tropical fruits. Here’s an image of some mouthwatering tropical fruits to whet your appetite:

Tropical FruitNutritional Benefits
Acerola CherriesGreat source of vitamin C
BananasHigh in potassium and dietary fiber
Dragon FruitRich in antioxidants
AvocadoContains beneficial monounsaturated fats

These fruits not only tantalize the taste buds but also provide a wide range of health benefits. In the following sections, we will explore the nutritional profiles of various tropical fruits and how they contribute to overall well-being.

Growing and Buying Tropical Fruits

If you’re interested in adding a touch of the tropics to your own space, growing your own tropical fruits can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. With the right knowledge and care, you can enjoy the sweet taste and vibrant colors of tropical fruits right at home.

Here are some tips and advice on how to grow tropical fruits:

  1. Choose the right location: Tropical fruits thrive in warm and humid climates. Find a sunny spot in your garden or consider growing them in pots indoors if you live in a cooler climate.
  2. Select suitable varieties: Different tropical fruits have different temperature and soil requirements. Research and choose varieties that are well-suited to your specific growing conditions.
  3. Provide proper care: Tropical fruits need regular watering and fertilizing. Follow specific care instructions for each fruit to ensure healthy growth and optimal fruit production.
  4. Protect from cold temperatures: If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to protect your tropical fruit plants from freezing temperatures by covering them or bringing them indoors.

While growing your own tropical fruits can be a rewarding experience, it’s understandable if you prefer to enjoy the flavors without the hassle of gardening. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for buying tropical fruits, both fresh and frozen, in the United States.

Here are some places where you can buy tropical fruits:

  • Local grocery stores: Many grocery stores now stock a variety of tropical fruits, allowing you to conveniently purchase them alongside your regular groceries.
  • Fruit markets and farmers’ markets: Visit local fruit markets or farmers’ markets to find a wide selection of tropical fruits directly from growers.
  • Online vendors: Explore online vendors specializing in tropical fruits, offering a wider range of options and the convenience of home delivery.

Whether you choose to grow your own tropical fruits or purchase them, adding these exotic delights to your diet is a wonderful way to embrace new flavors and experience the vibrant tastes of the tropics.

So go ahead, embark on your tropical fruit journey and savor the deliciousness that awaits!

Exploring Tropical Fruit Culinary Adventures

Now that you’ve learned about the wide variety of tropical fruits and their health benefits, it’s time to discover how to incorporate them into your culinary creations. Tropical fruits bring a burst of vibrant flavors and exotic aromas to dishes, making them a delightful addition to your table.

One popular way to enjoy tropical fruits is by blending them into refreshing smoothies. Combine juicy mangoes, tangy pineapples, and creamy bananas for a tropical twist that will transport you to a sunny beach. You can also experiment with different combinations to create your own unique flavors.

For those with a sweet tooth, tropical fruits can be transformed into decadent desserts. From tropical fruit salads infused with lime zest and coconut flakes to pies filled with creamy avocado and bright passion fruit curds, there’s no shortage of choices. Don’t forget to incorporate tropical fruits into delightful jams and spreads to savor their flavors all year round.

In recent years, tropical fruits have gained popularity in American cuisine, adding a dash of exotic flair to traditional dishes. For example, adding tangy tamarind to barbecue sauces or using tropical fruits like guava and papaya in salsas can elevate the flavor profiles of grilled meats and seafood. Chefs across the country are incorporating tropical fruits into their menus, offering a unique dining experience to adventurous food enthusiasts.

Whether you’re an aspiring chef exploring new ingredients or a home cook eager to bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen, tropical fruits provide endless inspiration. So dive into the world of tropical fruit culinary adventures, and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey!

Source Links