In a world filled with apples, bananas, and carrots, there are some fruits and veggies that defy all expectations. From peculiar shapes to mind-boggling flavors, these weird looking fruits and vegetables are here to shake up your taste buds and challenge your culinary adventures. Join us as we explore the quirkiest and most extraordinary fruits and vegetables that Mother Nature has to offer.
1. Chinese Artichokes
Some funky looking tubers have a nutty, artichoke-like flavor and a crunchy texture that will surprise your taste buds.
2. Fiddleheads
Forget about playing with your food, these curled-up fern fronds are the ultimate food fidget spinners. With a taste that’s part asparagus, part spinach, they’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
3. Olluco
Let’s give a warm welcome to the vibrant and versatile olluco! It has an earthy, nutty flavor that can add a delightful twist to stir-fries, soups, and stews.
4. Horned Melon
With its spiky orange exterior and lime green jelly-like flesh, this fruit has a tangy, refreshing taste that’s perfect for a tropical treat.
5. Akebi
A peculiar fruit from Japan that has a sweet and slightly tart flavor with a texture resembling a blend of cucumber and melon, in a lighter shade of purple.
6. Makrut Lime
Known as the “king of limes,” this tiny citrus packs a punch with its intense aroma and tangy, sour taste that adds a burst of flavor to your dishes.
7. Peter Pepper
Get ready for some spicy laughs with this cheeky chili. Its distinctive shape has earned it quite the reputation, making it the go-to pepper for some serious kitchen giggles and fiery flavor.
8. Burahol
This is an exotic fruit packing an aromatic and tropical taste. It may not win any beauty contests, but it certainly captivates with its enticing aroma.
9. Buddha’s Hand
This citrus oddity will have you questioning if you stumbled upon a fruit or a lemony octopus. Its tentacle-like fingers are perfect for adding a zesty twist to your dishes and giving your kitchen a touch of fruity Zen.
10. Agretti
Time to take your taste buds on a trip to Italy! Agretti, also known as monk’s beard, offers a unique taste, a mix between tangy and salty. It’s a culinary gem that will elevate your Mediterranean dishes.
11. Monstera Deliciosa Fruit
Yes, you might know the plant, but the fruit is the talk of the town. It’s the fruity equivalent of a roller coaster for your taste buds. Get ready to unleash your inner monster muncher!
12. Rambutan
With a very hairy exterior, this tropical fruit is a real showstopper! It has a sweet and juicy taste that’s like a party in your mouth, you’ll be rambutan-ing back for more.
13. Skirret
Move over, carrot, there’s a new root in town! Skirret is the cool, underground veggie with a delicate, sweet flavor that will have you digging for seconds.
14. Oca
Say hello to the rainbow tuber! This vibrant veggie comes in a kaleidoscope of colors and packs a tangy, citrusy punch that will brighten up any dish.
15. Sugar Apple
Get ready to spoon into a fruit with a name as creamy and dreamy as it tastes. This tropical delight is like a custard-filled surprise party for your taste buds.
16. Lotus Root
Dive into the aquatic wonderland of lotus roots! They have a rather unique appearance and a satisfyingly crisp texture, similar to celery.
17. Jackfruit
It’s not just a fruit, it’s a fruit bonanza! This giant tropical treat has a sweet, tropical flavor and a texture that’s like a juicy, fibrous adventure. Get ready to go bananas for jackfruit!
18. Samphire
Samphire is the wild child of the vegetable world, going by multiple names and flavors. Whether you call it sea beans, asparagus of the sea, or pickleweed, this crunchy and salty sensation will transport your taste buds to the seaside.
19. Jabuticaba Fruit
Prepare for a grape-like fruit that defies convention! Jabuticaba grows right on the trunk of its tree, making it a tree-hugging fruit that’s bursting with juicy goodness. It’s like nature’s fruity surprise party!
20. Bitter Melon
Get ready for a taste sensation that’s both bitter and better! This melon packs a punch with its distinct flavor and is also packed with a ton of nutrients.
21. Bamboo Shoot
These edible plant stems offer a delightful crunch and a mild, earthy flavor that will have you bamboo-zled with delight.
22. Yardlong
Don’t let the name fool you, this slender veggie is not for measuring purposes. With its incredible length and a taste that’s like a green bean on steroids.
23. Romanesco Broccoli
Prepare for a math lesson with your veggies! Romanesco broccoli is a mesmerizing fractal masterpiece with a taste that’s a perfect blend of broccoli and cauliflower. It’s proof that math can be delicious!
24. Ackee
Hailing from the tropical paradise of Jamaica, ackee is like a taste explosion in your mouth. Its creamy texture and unique flavor make it the star of traditional Caribbean dishes.
25. Winged Bean
This bean spreads its wings and takes your taste buds to new heights! With a flavor that’s a mix of green beans and asparagus, it’s a versatile veggie that will have you flying high with delight.
26. Pitaya
Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, is a vibrant and exotic fruit with a subtly sweet taste and a visually stunning appearance.
27. Dulse
Dive into the world of edible seaweed with dulse! This marine delicacy offers a salty, umami flavor and a unique texture that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a taste of the ocean.
28. Luffa
It’s not just a bath sponge, it’s a vegetable too! Luffa, also known as sponge gourd, has a mild and delicate taste that’s perfect for soaking up flavors in stir-fries and soups.
29. Radicchio
This vibrant veggie is here to paint your plate red! With its bitter yet refreshing taste and beautiful burgundy leaves, red radicchio adds a pop of color and flavor to salads and dishes.
30. Kohlrabi
Say hello to the alien of the vegetable world! Kohlrabi may look strange, but it’s crunchy texture and subtly sweet taste make it a versatile veggie that’s perfect for slaws, salads, and snacking.
31. Noni Fruit
A fruit with a love-it-or-hate-it reputation! Noni fruit has a pungent aroma and a unique taste that’s both sweet and tangy. It’s an adventurous choice for the bold palates out there.
32. Black Sapote
Want to taste the chocolatey side of fruit? Black sapote, also known as the chocolate pudding fruit, offers a rich and velvety flavor that’s like indulging in a decadent dessert. It’s a fruit worth swooning over!
33. Achiote
Get ready to spice up your taste buds with achiote! This vibrant red spice adds a distinctive flavor and a beautiful color to your dishes, making them truly pop.
34. Aguaje
Time to embrace the power of the Amazon! Aguaje, also known as the “fruit of life,” offers a unique taste and is packed with nutrients. It’s a fruity adventure that will transport you to the lush rainforests.
35. Salsify
Prepare for a root vegetable with a name that sounds like a Latin dance! Salsify has a mild, earthy flavor and a delicate texture that makes it a versatile addition to soups, stews, and side dishes.
36. Chinese Leek
This leek takes the crown for being both stunningly beautiful and delicious. With its vibrant flowers and a garlicky/oniony flavor, it adds a touch of elegance to your culinary creations.
37. Nopales
It’s time to embrace the prickly side of veggies! Nopales, also known as cactus paddles, offer a slightly tart taste and a tender texture. They’re a beloved ingredient in Mexican cuisine and perfect for adding a touch of Southwestern flair to your dishes.
38. Sapota
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and pear-like flavor of sapota with a custard-like texture.
39. Tomatillo
Say hello to the zesty cousin of tomatoes! Tomatillos bring a tangy and slightly citrusy flavor to your dishes, making them perfect for salsas, sauces, and Mexican-inspired creations.
So, the next time you find yourself in the grocery store, why not venture beyond the usual suspects and add a touch of eccentricity to your shopping cart? These weird looking fruits and veggies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a thrilling journey for your taste buds. Embrace the unexpected, ignite your culinary creativity, and let these unusual wonders bring a burst of excitement to your plate.
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FAQ
What is the fruit that looks like a kiwi but isn’t?
Feijoas. Similar to kiwis, their seeds, inner flesh and pulp can all be eaten.
What is the 1 fruit in the world?
The plantain and the banana (they are related to one another) are the most known and consumed fruits on earth.
Which fruit is happy?
Again, the banana. It contains tryptophan which turns to serotonin inside our bodies. This relaxes us, improves the mood and leads to a sensation of happiness. So, bananas are happy 🙂
What’s the least known fruit?
The least known fruit is probably Pawpaw.
