Welcome to summer and peak fruit season. Continuing with our theme for this year of adding more variety to our diets; I encourage you to explore the exotic fruits this season. These delightful and often tropical fruits are full of antioxidants, electrolytes and of course fluid; meant to better hydrate us during the hot summer months. Below are a few of my personal favorites; some of these can be found in your local grocery stores but others you may need to visit your local Asian or international food market. Enjoy!

5 Exotic Fruits to Try This Summer

Lychee:

Native to southern China, they are in peak season during the summer. They are naturally high in polyphenols (antioxidants) and fluid and have a natural floral flavor that goes best with other tropical flavors.

Dragon Fruit:

Native to Central and South America this fruit contains a decent amount of fiber and vitamin C along with other antioxidants. It is naturally sweet and is commonly found in two forms (red and white) and a rare form (yellow); its flavor is a mixture of pear and kiwi.

Golden Kiwi:

Most people have tried a regular green kiwi but the golden kiwi is a real treat. It is naturally sweeter and higher in vitamin C and folate. Also, strangely enough, you are encouraged to eat the skin of the golden kiwi, which is soft and less bitter compared to the skin of the green kiwi.

Durian Fruit:

Also known as the “king of fruits” because it is more nutritious compared to other fruits, but it has a reputation for being very odorous. This fruit can be used in sweet or savory dishes and the flavor is described as cheesy, almond, garlic and caramel all at once. Naturally, rich in fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C and several antioxidants. The seeds/ husk have been used in traditional Malaysian medicine. The fruit can also be quite big!

Star Fruit:

This fruit is both sweet and sour with a unique shape of a 5-point star. It not only displays pretty but is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C while being low in calories. However, it is very high oxalates so if you have a risk of kidney stones, best to avoid.

Interested in learning more from Renee? See the entire Eat Good, Feel Better Series HERE!