Loquat
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The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a subtropical evergreen fruit tree native to China. It was introduced into Japan possibly a thousand years ago, and reach California in the 1870’s. Today, loquat trees are also grown in many countries including Mexico, Portugal. Brazil, India, Pakistan, Australia, France, Italy, Israel, Egypt and other Mediterranean countries.
The fruits growing in clusters, are oval about 2.5-5 cm long having smooth yellow or orange skin. The sweet and juicy pulp comes in white, yellow or orange depending on the cultivar. The taste is like a cross between a passion fruit and a guava The fruit may contain three to five large brown seeds. The skin, can be removed easily if the fruit is ripe. The fruit can be eaten raw, preserved dried or stewed. Loquat is rich in vitamin A, dietary fiber, minerals, pectin and anti-oxidants.
Feijoa
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The Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) is a flowering plant that is indigenous to South America. The fruit tree, also called pineapple guava and guavasteen was first cultivated in New Zealand in the early 1900s.The pear-shaped feijoa fruits are about .75-3.5″ in long with waxy skin. The fruit emit’s a strong aromatic scent and taste like a cross of guava and pineapple. Just like guava, the fruit pulp has a gritty texture and becomes gelatinous when ripe. How to eat the fruit? Just cut it in half, then use a spoon to scoop out the pulp. The Feijoa fruit is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, folate, and proanthocyanins, a highly effective antioxidant.
Chontaduro
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The Chontaduro (Bactris gasipaes), is a palm native to Central and South America. The fruit growing in clusters are harvested from the top of this palm that grows to 20 m or taller. Chontaduro fruit tastes like a cross between roasted chestnuts and baked potato. It may be eaten raw or can be stewed in salted water. The palm fruit is rich in Vitamin C, vitamin A, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron) and proteins.
Passion fruit
Passion fruit (passiflora edulis) is native to Central America where Brazil is the main producing country. This climbing vine with nearly round or ovoid fruit can grow 15 to 20 ft. The fruit, yellow or dark purple in color; has thick outer skin and inside is a thick mucous-like membrane covering as many as 250 small, black seeds. The fruits are edible and the pulp tastes sweet. If eaten raw, cut the fruit in half and spoon out the pulp. Passion fruit is packed with vitamins A and C, a good source of fiber, and contains potassium and iron. It has also medicinal uses such as easing headaches, ulcers, anxiety, urinary tract infections, and heart attacks.
Read full article:10 Wonderful Exotic Fruits! – Part Three
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