The world is full of amazing plants, many of which we have never heard of. Fruits and vegetables we’ve never heard of grow in remote corners of the world that we barely know about. These strange plants often have unique flavors and can be both sweet and savory.
Here are four unusual fruits and vegetables you’ve probably never tried before. They may be hard to find, but if you have the chance to try them, they will surely surprise your taste buds.
Each of them has unique properties and can be consumed in their own way. Some of them can be eaten raw, while others need to be cooked. Some can be used as alternatives to familiar foods, while others are considered exotic delicacies.
If you’re ready for a culinary adventure, let’s explore these strange fruits and vegetables and find out how to best prepare them.
The kiwano: an exotic fruit you may not know about
As one of the strange fruits and vegetables you probably don’t know, the kiwano stands out because of its unusual shape and color. This exotic fruit is also known as the African horned melon and is native to the semi-desert areas of southern and central Africa.
The kiwano has a yellow-orange, spiny skin and a green, jelly-like interior with numerous edible seeds. The taste is sweet to sour and reminiscent of a mixture of banana, lime and cucumber. Due to its high vitamin C content and antioxidants, the kiwano is also beneficial to health and can serve as a natural energy booster.
The kiwano is often used in fruit salads, smoothies and cocktails. It can also be used as a decorative element in the presentation of dishes. So if you’re looking for a unique and exciting fruit to tantalize your taste buds, you should put the kiwano on your list.
Beet – A Strange Vegetable You Should Know About
The beet is a vegetable that looks strange and unusual at first sight. However, with its deep red color and earthy notes, it is a healthy and delicious all-rounder in the kitchen. Historically, beet originated in the Mediterranean region and has been known in Europe since the Middle Ages. Nowadays it is a popular vegetable in many different countries, which can be enjoyed both raw and cooked.
A special feature of beet is its high content of nitrates, which are converted into nitrogen in the body, causing blood vessels to dilate and thus lowering blood pressure. Also its content of iron, folic acid and vitamin C make it a valuable food supplement. In the kitchen, you can use it in many ways: Whether in salad, soup or juice, beet is always a healthy and tasty choice.
- Recipe tip: Beetroot carpaccio with goat cheese and walnuts
- Ingredients: Beet, goat cheese, walnuts, parsley, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper
- Preparation: Cut the beet into thin slices and arrange on a plate. Crumble goat cheese on top and sprinkle with chopped walnuts and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
Beet is a vegetable that definitely deserves a place on the menu. Its unusual appearance and earthy flavor make it an interesting ingredient in many dishes. It is not only delicious, but also healthy and nutritious. So, give beet a try and be delighted by its flavor!
Lotus root – A voyage of discovery into the world of strange vegetables
Lotus root is a strange root native to Asian countries and admired for its unique shape and texture. The lotus root is very popular in Asian cuisine and is highly appreciated for its health benefits.
When you cut the lotus root open, its internal structure is built up like an elaborate pattern. It consists of different chambers filled with air, giving it a sponge-like texture. Because of its special texture, lotus root is very crunchy and has a slightly sweet taste.
In Asian cuisine, lotus root is often used in soups, salads and stir-fry dishes. It can also be baked into chips or marinated.
Lotus root is prized for its many health benefits. It contains many nutrients, such as vitamin C, potassium and fiber, which are important for a healthy diet. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties and boost the immune system.
- Lotus root has a unique flavor and is popular in Asian cuisine.
- Lotus root is very crunchy and has a sponge-like texture.
- The vegetable is valued for its health benefits and contains many nutrients.
- Uses for lotus root are many – from soups to chips.
Exploring the world of strange vegetables is an exciting experience. Eating vegetables like lotus root not only enriches your culinary horizons, but also promotes your own health.
4 Unusual fruits and vegetables you may not know about
Dragon fruit is an interesting type of fruit, which is also called pitaya. It originated in Mexico and Central America, but is now widely grown in Asia and other tropical regions. The fruit has a striking pink skin with green leaves and a white or red flesh with black seeds. The flesh has a sweet, refreshing flavor and is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Dragon fruit is also very versatile. It can be eaten raw, mixed into smoothies, cocktails or desserts, or cooked to make sauces or jams. Due to its nutrients and health-promoting properties, it is a good addition to any diet.
Although dragon fruit looks unusual, it’s not the only rare fruit and vegetable out there. There’s much more to discover – for example, cherimoya, a tropical fruit variety with white flesh and a creamy, sweet taste, also known as “pineapple apple” is called. Or Romanesco, a green vegetable similar to broccoli but with an amazing spiral and symmetry that makes it a true work of art on your plate.
- Other rare fruit and vegetable options:
- Jackfruit: A large, spiny fruit that is often used in vegan recipes as a meat substitute.
- Kumquat: A small citrus fruit with a sweet, sour taste and an edible peel.
- Amethyst spinach: A variety of common spinach with purple stems and leaves, also known as “sugar beet” is called.
If you’re looking for new flavors and nutritional supplements, check out these rare fruits and vegetables and get ready for a whole new culinary experience.