Oct. 22, 2009
Lauren Mueller
When students attempt to get a full serving of fruits and vegetables they have lots of exotic options. Weird fruits may not always be available in the produce section of a grocery store, but new flavors are making their way into Vitamin Water, juices and liqueurs.
Gooseberries
A gooseberry is the size of a plum with little hairs sticking off the skin, and a cluster of seeds in the center. California Rare Fruit Growers (CRFG) said gooseberries come in white, pink and red, depending on the amount of sunlight they get. CRFG also said that gooseberries have a unique taste, mixing apple, grape and strawberry.
Pomelo
A pomelo is a lot like a grapefruit and is the largest citrus fruit. It goes by many names, including Chinese grapefruit and shaddock. It has a pillow-like peel that acts as a cushion to the sweet meat inside. It tastes a lot like a grapefruit, only less bitter. Like other citrus fruits it contains vitamin C. Pomelo is becoming more and more common and you are now likely to find it on store shelves.
Kiwano
Kiwano looks like a spiny little melon. It is a hybrid of a cucumber and a melon whose insides are often used like a jelly. The taste is necessarily acquired, and these fruits are mostly used for decoration because of their unique spines.
Lilikoi
Lilikoi, more commonly known as yellow passion fruit, comes “packaged” just like a pomegranate. It is larger and tarter than the purple passion fruit. The seeds are edible, but some people find them hard to eat fresh because they are so tart. Lilikoi can be scooped out to top ice cream, blended to make juice or used as a salad dressing. Lilikoi is typically found in Hawaii due to particular climate requirements, but may be working its way to stores on the west coast.
Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, grows on a vine and is a cactus-like fruit. The most common variety is red dragon fruit. Dragon fruit tastes a little like a sour strawberry mixed with floral notes. It looks like a pink orb with green petals sticking off the sides. According to dragonfruitpitaya.com, dragon fruit contains a high amount of antioxidants and vitamin C. Dragonfruitpitaya.com also says that dragon fruit lowers blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Dragon fruit is now reaching a U.S. market through Bacardi and other like drinks.