Winter has arrived. This indicates the end of the local season for the majority of fruits. Bananas, apples, and strawberries are still common fruits seen at grocery shops. It gets more difficult to find papaya or jamun that taste like they were plucked yesterday or peaches that melt on your tongue during the winter.
Trying new, seasonal fruits that you aren’t familiar with is a fantastic way to keep fruit tasting and salads interesting over the winter months. At first glance, these unusual fruits might look frightening, yet they are hidden gems with delicious flavours and vital minerals. How recently have you used Star Fruit? Do you have any experience with pomelo? For insider information on the best exotic fruits to help you survive another long Indian winter, continue reading.
Pomelo
A pomelo first resembles a huge, malformed grapefruit. Pomelos have a teardrop-like shape rather than a spherical one. Nonetheless, the skin and zesty scent frequently prompt comparisons between grapefruit and pomelo. But you know what? The sour grapefruit tastes nothing like pomelos. Rather, its inside has a distinct texture and a slightly sweet flavour. November through March is the best time of the year to buy a pomelo. Pomelos are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and carotene, which helps to maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent weight gain.
Star Fruit
Star Fruit is a highly sought-after exotic fruit because of its exquisite shape before and after being cut. Starfruit comes in two different varieties: one that is extremely sour and the other that is sweet, like a grape. In India, the sweeter Star Fruit type is typically more in demand. Star Fruit has a remarkably low calorie content, with only 31 calories per 100 gms of fruit. This eye-catching fruit is also high in vitamin C, fibre, phosphorus, and B complex and has inherent antioxidant qualities.
Dragon Fruit
If you have never eaten dragon fruit, commonly known as "Pitaya," it may seem unique to you. Some of us might wonder if this fruit that seems like a cactus is edible because of its vivid colour, unusual shape, and many green spikes. However, after being cut down the centre, Dragon Fruit presents its last surprise. It has gorgeous white flesh, crisp black seeds, and a well-balanced sweetness. It is understandable why this fruit is referred to as "the jewel of the produce aisle." Like Star Fruit, Dragon Fruit helps cell repair and functions as a natural immunity enhancer.
Asian Pear
An estimated 3,000 different varieties of pears are cultivated every year. Asian pears, sometimes known as "Golden Pears," have a distinct flavour and crunch. Asian pears have a more rounded form, are lighter in colour, and have a sweet, crisp, slightly flowery flavour. Asian pears give the body more fibre, vitamin C, and vitamin K, which is important for healthy bones.
Lo Kam Oranges And Honey Mandarins
You know winter is here, when citrus is most readily available. Try Lo Kam Oranges or Mini Honey Mandarins for something new. A favourite wintertime favourite, mini honey mandarins are small, candy-like-sweet fruits that often have no seeds. Despite their tendency to be less juicy, Lo Kam oranges have a crisp, sweet flavour that is refreshing. Chinese citrus provides a good amount of fibre, vitamin A, antioxidants, and vitamin C. It is readily available in India too.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a pleasant citrus fruit with a ruby-red pulp and a zesty flavour, much like lemons and oranges. In addition to being a great source of immune-boosting vitamin C, it has the ideal blend of sweetness and tang to keep you healthy throughout the winter. Its antioxidants support healthy skin and general vigour, and its low-calorie level helps with weight management.
Persimmon
Savour the goodness that persimmons offer your meal and indulge in their sweet and succulent bliss. The amazing fruit of the winter that is both delicious and nourishing is the persimmon. It has vitamin A and C reserves. It is good if you want to improve gut health and digestion.