Fruits You Don’t See Everyday (In America)

The list of exotic and tropical fruits is ever-growing and lengthy, here are some key facts about just a few!

Durian

Labelled the “king of fruit,” this spiky melon originally hails from the forests of Southeast Asia. Since Durian literally means “thorny fruit” in Malay, its spiky exterior makes it hard to attempt opening the fruit, as some consider it more dangerous to touch than most cacti. The inside of a Durian consists of pods that are filled with a custard-like substance. The smell can be strong to the point where some find it intolerable, but a sign of a ripe Durian is a strong smell that isn’t sour.

According to Proscitech.com, “To choose a Durian, pick a fruit which is comparatively light and who’s stem appear big and solid. When shaking a good Durian, the seed should move.” Durian lends itself well to milk-based foods like milkshakes, ice cream, and even cakes. The custard-like consistency can be used on its own for a rich dessert.

Durian season is typically summertime (from June to August). They can be found in many mainstream supermarkets in the East, particularly in Japan. But in the West,...