Results: Strange Exotic Fruits

Rambutan - This fruit looks similar to a sea urchin with a red body and long green hairs. Rambutans are native to tropical regions of southeast Asia and grow on trees that can reach up to 80 feet. When the fruit is peeled from its spiky outer layer, it has a white center that tastes sweet and creamy and is said to be quite delicious. Are you ready for a taste of this exotic fruit?

Durian is native to Asia and has a pungent odor. Scientists quoted in "Smithsonian Magazine" claim, "The odor is best described as turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock." It can be smelled from yards away and is banned on public transportation. However, it is reported to have plenty of fans around the world. Durian is typically used to flavor candies and drinks, but can also be eaten raw. Would you try this stinky fruit?

African cucumber - If you are a "Star Trek" fan you might recognize the African cucumber or kiwano as a "Golana melon" from the planet Golana. It is not a prop invented by science fiction writers, but actually a real fruit that grows in southern Africa. If the fruit is eaten before reaching maturity, it tastes similar to a cucumber and is frequently pickled. If you wait for it to ripen, it is like a self-contained fruit cup with hints of melon, kiwi, banana, and citrus. Does this sound like a fruit you would like to sample?

Ackee - A plant that produces fruit, found in West Africa, the Caribbean, southern Florida, and Central America. It is the national fruit of Jamaica and considered one of the country's best delicacies. Unripe fruit has a long-held reputation as being poisonous with potential fatalities. When ripe and cooked properly, the fruit arils are renowned as "delicious". Are you familiar with this fruit?

"Monstera deliciosa" translates into "delicious monster" in Spanish. A mature fruit is the same size and shape as a large ear of corn and takes about a year to ripen on the tree. Once the fruit reaches maturity, it features tropical notes of pineapple, coconut, and banana. Unripe monstera deliciosa fruit is poisonous, and can cause severe throat and skin irritation. Ready to sample?