Fruits and Veggies : Exotic Fruits Are Wonderful Natural Delights

Tropical fruit must have been abundant in the Garden of Eden. Don't you think? At least, that's how I imagine it anyway. Do you like exotic fruit? My first visit to The Bahamas opened up a whole new world for me. There were so many delicious fruits of paradise that I had never heard of or tasted.

That was more than 30 years ago. These days, the wonderful thing about grocery shopping in America, is that you can find foods from almost anywhere in the world. These foods were not always available and so plentiful. It's not my imagination. Even Chef Jacques Pepin mentioned during one of his TV episodes that when he first arrived in the United States to begin his career as a chef, there were many ingredients that he could not readily find at the local grocery store. You had to go to a special market or a gourmet shop. Not so, these days. Thanks to the Internet, it's easy to research and learn more about tropical fruit or “exotic fruit” or “super fruit” or “wonder fruit”, and why they are so good for you. Uh huh. Right. As if people need to twist your arm to get you to eat them. :)

Check these out!

- Acerola, also known as the Barbados cherry, is native to the West Indies, and also to Southern Mexico, and Southern and Central America. They claim this fruit has numerous health benefits, but healthy or not, the taste of this tropical fruit is irresistible.

- Cherimoya tastes like bubblegum. People have even given this fruit nicknames like “ice cream fruit” or “custard apple”, so-called because it has a creamy, sherbet-like texture. But beware of the seeds, as they can be poisonous.

- Dead man’s fingers originated from China. They really do look like fingers and their color is bluish-black. The taste is similar to watermelon.

- Kiwano or the horned melon has many names. It is native to Africa and is called African cucumber. But it is also known as English tomato. (???) On the outside it is yellow and orange, but the flesh inside is lime green. It's been part of African cuisine since ancient times.

- Mangosteen grows in Southeast Asia and is considered a “wonder fruit”. One might think because of the name that it is similar to a mango, but actually it is more like a peach. Research indicates that the mangosteen contains more xanthones than any other fruit. They call it the "X-Factor".

These are just a sampling of fruits. The intent is to whet your appetite and peak your curiosity. There is also dragon fruit, starfruit, Buddha’s hand (citron), cloudberries, durian, moringa, abiu and more! 

• Additional Information:
  15 Unusual Fruits to Try From Around the World
• 25 Weird And Exotic Fruits From Asia You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
  
• Exotic Fruits From A to Z
  

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• Mangosteen
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• Top 10 vegetables to grow in your garden | Mother Nature Network

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Image credit: Kiwano fruit (Public Domain)


© Photographer: Andreas Fischer | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Content previously published at Literacy Base on Aug 3, 2016.

Read.Cash (Spanish)

Food Blurb: Exotic Fruit: CUCAMELON

A cucamelon is known by many names, such as, Mexican sour gherkin, Mexican miniature watermelon, Mexican sour cucumber, mouse melon, or pepquino.  The taste is described as a cucumber with a touch of sour lime mixed in. Most people use it in salads, pickled or used in salsa. They are usually eaten raw, but you can cook them lightly and add them to a stir-fry. They can be refridgerated (will last up to 1 month) and frozen (will last up to 3 months).

Image credit:  Amazon.com

Links below supply some additional information and a few recipes you may want to try.

• Cucamelons Are the Cutest Superfood You Can Grow Yourself | Better Homes & Gardens
• EverythingAbout Cucamelons | How to Grow In Your Garden
• CucamelonPickles | Love and Olive Oil  
• EasyCucamelon Pickle | South Indian Recipe - Cooking with Thas
• CucamelonSalad, lightly marinated and easy! - Feathers in the woods

Desserts: "Yolka" with Mango and Passion Fruit Confiture (Guest Post)

Exotic fruits like mango and passion fruit can turn a dessert in a gourmet delight.  You are going to love this recipe.

  "Yolka" with mango and passionfruit confiture

Ingredients: ⠀

⠀ 📌Merengue:
Egg white 150 g
Granulated sugar 300 g
Lemon juice 1 tsp
⠀
⠀ 📌Cream mascarpone:
Mascarpone 150 g
Cream 33% fat 100 g
Powdered sugar 1 tbsp (optional)
Vanilla extract 1 tsp

⠀⠀ 📌Filling:
Mango jam - passion fruit 150 g
⠀
Preparation:

STEP 1. Meringue:
Heat the protein with sugar in a water bath, stirring constantly, until the sugar crystals dissolve. Remove the protein mass from heat, beat with a mixer until stable peaks. At the end of whipping, add lemon juice. On pastry parchment, draw 3 circles of the desired diameter, turn over and place on a baking sheet. Spread the protein mass with a silicone spatula (or spoon) within the circles drawn, making a small indentation in the center of the circle. Place the baking sheet in an oven preheated to 150 ° C and immediately reduce the temperature to 100 ° C. Bake for ~ 1.5 hours. The exact baking time and temperature range depend on the power of your oven. The meringue should not brown, but should have a hard crust. Cool the finished meringue cakes. ⠀

STEP 2. Cream mascarpone:
Using a mixer, beat the chilled cream with mascarpone and vanilla extract until stable peaks (add powdered sugar if desired). ⠀

STEP 3. Assembly:
Put the cream on the meringue cake, then add a layer of confiture. Repeat with the following cakes. Place the finished cake in the refrigerator for ~ 1 hour.

❗️ Notes: To prevent the pastry parchment from slipping on the baking sheet, grease the edges with whipped protein mass and glue it to the nasty. Bon Appetit!

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Exotic Fruit: Do You Heart Persimmons?

Fuyu Persimmon Diospyros kaki 'Fuyu'
~ Other Common Name(s): Fuyu Kaki

Fuyu persimmon is a fruit that ripens in the fall season and should be included in the American cornucopia or “horn of plenty”. It is sweet and has a beautiful color! It makes for a beautiful ornamental plant. It attracts birds so you might want to put a cage around it.

There are two other varieties of the persimmon that I know of: Cinnamon Persimmons (also called Percinnamons); and Hachiya Persimmons. This fruits is native to China and Japan.  But there is also an American persimmon.

• "Putchamin is the Algonquin Indian word from which we get persimmon, and it appears from a report by Hernando de Soto in 1541 that Indians in the Mississippi region made it into “bread”. The variety of persimmon enjoyed by these intrepid explorers and early settlers is what we now call Diospyros virginiana." (Source: Pioneers and Persimmons | The Old Foodie)

• According to folklore, if you crack open a persimmon seed from a ripe fruit and the shape inside (called a cotyledon) looks like a fork, winter will be mild; if you see a spoon, there will be a lot of snow, and if there is a knife, winter will be bitingly cold and “cut like a knife.” (Source: Farmer's Almanac)

• In the Buddhist religion, persimmons are a symbol of transformation. In China, they are an auspicious gift to newlyweds to celebrate eternal love. (Source: Real Food Encyclopedia | Persimmons | FoodPrint)

You can make cookies, pies, breads, and jam with it. Slice or dice tme like apples and you can put them in salads, if you like fruit in your salad. Instead of apples with your roasted pork, substitute persimmons. You can dehydrate them and eat them like chips!

• FUN FOOD FACT: You can freeze persimmons whole. Then when ready to eat, take them out of the freezer, let stand for 20 minutes to soften up, cut off the the top, take a spoon and DIVE IN!

Here are some wonderful recipes collected by Yummy Mummy Kitchen and Martha Stewart.

20 Persimmon Recipes  

12 Persimmon Recipes Everyone Should Make This Fall ~ 

Original source

Food Blurb: WARNING: Delicacies Can Be Dangerous!

Many people are blessed to travel the world and get introduced to new foods they have never tasted or even heard of. Here is some advice you should never ignore. In some countries, certain foods may be considered “delicacies” but … “Prepare them wrong and you can die!” 

Some foods don't even require preparation because they are eaten raw. My first time seeing this fruit was when I visited The Bahamas to meet my husband's parents. I tasted it. It was delicious. So it was a shock to see that star fruit was on this list of "dangerous foods". Who knew?

♦♦  Superfoods Cookbook: Book One: 75+ Recipes of Quick & Easy Cooking, Low Fat Cooking, Gluten-Free Cooking, Wheat Free Cooking, Low Cholesterol Cooking, ... - weight loss plan for women) (Volume 29)

Top 15 Most Dangerous Foods in the World (Read this before eating) - https://t.co/kdauKXAaiZ ~ "Some of the most dangerous foods on the planet are delicacies in some countries. Prepare them wrong and you can die! Try these foods at your own risk!" #exotic #foodanddrink pic.twitter.com/veqADGZj6e

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) March 12, 2019

Source: Virily.com

Food Blurb: 100 Healthiest Foods ~ Is Your Favorite Food on the List?

It's great to review a Top 10 List of healthy foods to eat. But a list of the Top 100 healthy foods gives you more to choose from. That's 10 times YUM! YUM!   Pomegranates, one of my favorite fruits is on this list. Spirulina is also on the list. To my surprise, certain meats, like bison, are also on the list.

♦♦ Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner: Power-Packed Recipes and Meal Plans Designed to Help You Lose Weight and Control Your Blood Glucose

100 Healthiest Foods on the Planet | Eat This, Not That! ~ https://t.co/tLSBCmpK78 ~ #HealthyFood #healthyeating #eathealthy #fruitsandveggies @EatThisNotThat pic.twitter.com/MO9wWXQdRx

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) March 12, 2019

Source: Virily.com

Mango Plus Rose Water Equal Refreshing Earthly Delight

Almost everyone loves roses. But these flowers have a special meaning to me because of my late mother's rose bush which was the centerpiece of the front yard of my childhood home. Every time I see a rose, it's impossible to disassociate them from this childhood memory. 

My Facebook friend is knowledgeable about holistic health and alternative remedies and she published a wonderful article about rose water which she refers to a Grandma’s Secret Weapon. She explains the benefits of using it for skin care and suggests it be a part of aromatherapy. That sounds fabulous. But did you also know that you can drink rose water?

Following me so far? 

You're probably thinking: 'Hurry and get to the part about the mangos!'

Mangos (or Mangoes)?  Another childhood memory is being able to go out in my backyard or my neighbor's backyard and pick a mango from the tree to enjoy. To this day, it's always a thrill find any kind recipe that includes mango as an ingredient. Sharing the recipe gives me an even bigger thrill.

Here is a link to a quick and easy recipe that is sure to delight you found in the Cooking Section of the New York Times.

• Mango Rose Water Lassi

In case you've never seen or heard of a “lassi”, here is a clear definition found in Wikipedia:

“Lassi (pronounced [ləs-siː]) (la-SEE) is a popular traditional yogurt-based drink from the Indian Subcontinent and originates from the Punjab. ... a blend of yogurt, water, spices and sometimes fruit.”

The definition does not specifically mention “rose water”. But it does say “water” and that's good enough!  :)

Rose Flower Water by Malandel (French) 16 oz

The malandel is a product of France.
Rose flower water is produced by water distillation from rose flowers.

• Not only is it great in a smoothie but can be added to a creamy tapioca or rice pudding and marries well with most ricotta cheese desserts and Italian sponge cakes, cookies and biscuits.

• Sprinkle a few drops into ice water for an amazing transformation.

• In the Middle East, it is used to flavor baklava (or filo desserts) and sherbets, and Turkish delight candies.

Mangos from The Fruit Company

Rose Flower Water by Malandel (French) 16 oz - $15.99 Add a splash of rosewater to a creamy tapioca or rice pudding and sprinkle with chopped pistachios to make a simple dessert elegant. Rose flower water also marries well with most ricotta cheese desserts and Italian sponge cakes, cookies and biscuits. The next time you dollop creme friche over your dessert, add a teaspoon of rose flower water beforehand. Sprinkle a few drops into ice water for an amazing transformation. Add some saffron threads and a couple of drops of rose water. A fantastic combination! It can also be used to flavor baklava and other filo desserts. Used widely in the Middle East especially to flavor baklava and sherbets as well as Turkish delight candies. Rose flower water is produced by water distillation from rose flowers. The malandel is a product of france.

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Exotic Fruit: Do You Heart Pomegranates?

Do you love pomegranates? I know I do! I would even like to start a movement with the goal of adding pomegranates to the traditional American Thanksgiving cornucopia.  (Care to participate in the Thanksgiving cornucopia POLL and cast your vote? )

Pomegranates are so exotic and enjoy an exotic history!   Indeed it is the food of myth and legends.

They are the wonder food of ancient civilizations like Persia and Israel.  

In fact, in ancient Greece, pomegranates were considered an aphrodisiac.  

Two respected modern publications - The Globe and Mail, “Canada’s #1 national newspaper” and The NHS in England – both claim that the claims that pomegranates are a “superfood” can be proven.

Pomegranate: A ‘superfood’ that goes straight to your heart http://t.co/ALDCAjjmVN

— Globe Health (@Globe_Health) December 4, 2013

Pomegranate: superfood or fad? We investigate http://t.co/XHGc474ppv pic.twitter.com/oxIgzXk3Ej

— NHS Choices (@NHSChoices) February 2, 2015

Shared the link via my post stream on Google Plus stream, but in case you didn't see it there, view it here. If you are on Pinterest, please visit my pinboard dedicated to POMEGRANATES? Started the board a couple of years ago and to date, it has 100 pins: recipes (food and drinks), beauty and healthcare products, etc. 

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• Pomegranate Health Benefits For Men - Be Well Buzz(bewellbuzz.com)

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• 3 wonder sauces you need in your kitchen cupboard right now: from zhoug to pomegranate ketchup(standard.co.uk)

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• Pomegranates in Art as Symbol and Metaphor.... Guest Blogger: Deborah Hickey-Tiernan(gailcreativestudies.wordpress.com)

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Blueberry Pomegranate - $5.00 Our Blueberry Pomegranate tea has a round fruity taste with a sweet and slightly tart finish. A wonderfully refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion! Floral, Sweet, Fruity

Green Pomegranate - Award Winning - $5.00 Select organic green tea hand tossed in a large wok, dried to perfection, then carefully blended with organic raspberries and essence of pomegranate. Sweeten the senses with a tart and tangy rush to the palate. Also available in our Eco Pyramid Teabags here. Fruity, Sweet, Tart

© Photographer: Svetamart | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Maria Nasir Shares Her Recipe for a Refreshing Summer Drink Made With Mango and Chia Seeds

Maria Nasir Shares Her Recipe for a Refreshing Summer Drink Made With Mango and Chia Seeds.  The mango fruit is surely a delight to anybody's taste buds.  If you have never tasted a mango you are missing out and there is no reason why you should.  If you can not find them at your local grocery store they can be purchased online.  (See below.)

Mango and Chia Seed Drink, a Gold Mine of #Vitamins ~ https://t.co/eouclym1AL ~ Maria Nasir Shares Her #Recipe for a Refreshing #Summer #Drink Made With #Mango and #ChiaSeeds … #foodanddrink pic.twitter.com/AY599RngYs

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) April 21, 2019

Food Gifts : Mangos - 4 lbs ~ Available at The Fruit Company
Grown in tropical regions, we bring in the most delicious mangos available. Hand selected by our team, we only ship mangoes that have their well known distinctive sweet taste and are ready to enjoy. Send a mango gift box rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and so delicious.






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• Do You Like Exotic Fruit?
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