1. They are Worth Learning About
Although there is a huge range of fruits that can be called "exotic"--meaning from tropical climates all around the world--learning about some of the more popular ones is a great place to start. Many people are familiar with bananas and pineapples, which are widely available, but have they tasted mango, papaya, kiwi, guava or passion fruit? If you have not yet explored the many spectacular fruits from places like Hawaii, Tahiti, the Caribbean and South America, you are in for some very special treats.
2. To Try Them is to Like Them
For some people, exotic foods like tropical fruit can seem a little strange at first. However, approaching them with a spirit of adventure can result in some luscious taste experiences. You can start asking friends and family what their favorite exotic fruits are, when and where they are available in your area, and how to eat them. It can make for some fun conversation, and you will be well informed when you feel like trying a new fruit yourself. You may find you can add a whole new zest to your meals by adding mango slices to salads, salsas and grilled fish, blending papaya into your smoothies, or topping lemon cake with kiwi slices.
3. They Have Some Very Special Characteristics
Most exotic fruits have some special gifts to offer you. For example, mangos are rich in nutrients as well as fiber and are low in calories. Richly-scented passion fruit is also deliciously sweet, boasting many vitamins and minerals, and has been traditionally thought to calm anxiety and promote restful sleep. This age-old wisdom has been supported by modern science with several studies exploring the sedative nature of the passion fruit flower. Guava is especially high in a carotenoid antioxidant called lycopene, a phytochemical with powerful antioxidant activity.
4. Some are Great Digestive Aids
Papaya contains B vitamins, vitamin E, folate, potassium and magnesium, but goes beyond nutrient value in offering a unique enzyme called papain that promotes healthy digestion. In fact, papain is the primary ingredient in many natural digestive aids found in health food stores. Pineapple is another tummy soother. Along with considerable vitamin C, it contains an enzyme called bromelain, a highly effective digestive aid. According to a 2005 study in the journal Clinical Immunology, bromelain may also help to minimize inflammation in your digestive system, reducing your risk of disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.
5. They are Low-Calorie Luxuries
You may find it amazing that foods that taste this scrumptious and downright decadent are such calorie bargains. For example, an average-sized mango is only about 110 calories, medium-sized bananas are about 100 calories each, a pineapple is only 74 calories per cup, and lush, sweet papaya is only 55 calories per cup. Clearly, these unusual fruits are both calorie bargains and culinary delights. So take some time to learn about them, and you may find your world a more colorful, healthy and delicious place to be.
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