There are exotic fruits grown around the world that many of us have never had the opportunity to taste. Some varieties of fruit are unusual not only in appearance but also in name -- with monikers such as "Buddha's hand" and "paw paw." Such fruits may be difficult to find, but you can ask your grocer or check with a store that imports exotic fruit about availability.
Buddha's Hand
Buddha's Hand, also known as fingered citron, is a citrus fruit so named because it resembles a hand and fingers. The seedless fruit grows on a small, shrubby tree with oblong or rumpled leaves. The rind is highly fragrant when mature, and Buddha's Hand has a lemony, tangy taste. Chefs use Buddha's Hand in souffles, desserts, casseroles or any dish that requires lemon zest. You can use it as a lemon twist in cocktails. Buddha's hand is high in vitamin C and may be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Native to the Himalayas, Buddha's hand is a symbol of longevity and happiness in China. The Japanese give Buddha's hand as a New Year's gift to bestow good fortune on the household.
Paw Paw
The paw paw fruit is indigenous to the eastern United States woodlands and is the largest edible fruit that is native to the United States. The fruit is an edible berry with larger ones sometimes appearing in clumps. The paw paw has a flavor similar to the mango, contains 1.2 g of protein and is also a rich source of vitamins C and A. You may eat paw paw fresh and use it in salads or to accompany a main course such as seafood or chicken. You can even bake it and serve it as a vegetable.
Yuzu
Yuzu, also known as Japanese citron, is native to China and commercially cultivated in Japan. Yuzu is a hardy, fragrant fruit with a yellow- to orange-colored skin. The fruit has a tangy taste similar to grapefruit yet reminiscent of mandarin orange. It's a favorite in Japanese cuisine and often used as a garnish for soups and other dishes or for drinks and flavoring. The Japanese extract the fragrance of yuzu for use in products such as soap, perfume and lotions.
Cherimoya
Cherimoya grows from a tree with greenish, fleshy petals and fragrant flowers. The South American cherimoya is rough on the outside but filled with a sweet, custard-like substance on the inside that is commonly scooped out with a spoon and eaten from the fruit. The seeds, however, are not edible and need to be removed. Cherimoya may be served as sherbet or ice cream. You can use it in fruit salads, sauces or to make a soft drink.
Lychee
The lychee is a fruit from the soapberry family, native to certain low-elevation regions of China. On the outside, the lychee looks rough and bumpy but the flesh inside is sweet. You can eat lychee in its natural state by peeling away the outer skin. You may also add them to fruit salads and use them to make sherbet, jams and jellies. The fruit can also be stuffed with a filling such as cottage cheese and topped with nuts if desired.
Jabotacaba
The jabotacaba fruit is a member of the guava family. It is purplish black and resembles grape clusters, although the fruits are plum size. Jabotacaba fruit grows from the Brazilian grape tree and the outer skin is a bit tough. There are several varieties of jabotacaba fruit that differ slightly in appearance. Jabotacaba berries can be eaten right from the tree or used for juice, smoothies, jelly and a variety of desserts.
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