Have you been searching for Exotic Asian Fruits With Recipes? If you are, then search no more.
Asia has proven to be one continent that has varieties of mouth-watering fruits. These fruits are seemingly perfect in cuisines and give flavor to dishes and pastries.
These fruits do not miss out on nutrients as they are rich in vitamins and help build your immune system.
Let’s run down and see the best 43 Exotic fruits you would like to try out this summer with your family.
Asian Fruits With Recipes
1. Asian Pear
This particular fruit passes as an exotic fruit found in Asia.
They appear similar to the shape of an apple with a circular dimple right at the top but taste more like a pear.
Which is sweet and contains less acid in it than an apple.
They differ in color as well as in skin type.
They can be yellowish other times you find other species more brown-like.
They can be either smooth or speckled.
They are used to make sweet, savoring dishes like Roasted persimmon, Asian pear, brussels sprouts, and purple daikon radish.
Which can pass for a filling side dish. Giving you a sweet yet savory taste.
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2. Breadfruit
This fruit tastes like bread when it is cooked and that’s how it got its name.
It is oval and has prickly skin.
It is used to prepare ripe breadfruit cakes.
Ripe breadfruit cakes are perfect with tea.
It gives a mouth-filling that can not be overemphasized.
● Recipe of roasted breadfruit.
Roasted breadfruit is said to sit well as a side dish.
Also, it is healthier than when fried.
● Ingredients
Half a Breadfruit should be used together with whole coconut oil.
Instructions
● Heat the oven beforehand to about 180°c.
● Wash the breadfruit thoroughly and allow it to dry.
● Massage the whole body of the fruit with coconut oil.
● Wrap gently with foil.
● After you have removed the stalk, inscribe an X at its bottom.
if it’s a whole bread you wish to roast.
● Put the fruit directly in the oven’s center.
● The timing may differ.
It will depend on the size of the breadfruit.
It takes an hour to cook but a whole one should take an extra 30 minutes.
a whole one should take 1 hr 30 minutes.
It should be soft and golden browned when it cooks properly.
Serve accordingly.
3. Buddha’s hand
In my opinion, this is the strangest fruit I have seen.
It doesn’t have the usual oval shape most fruits have. Instead, it is shaped like a hand with tentacles looking like fingers.
It contains no juice, seed, or even pulp but has a very unique scent. Somewhat like lime and a lavender combination.
Recipes containing Buddha’s hand
This fruit is used to make different edibles when not eaten raw. These includes:
● Salads
● Preserves
● Bakes
● Alcoholic preserves
4. Chinese Bayberries
This is another exotic fruit found in Asia.
It has a similar look to berries but is not berries.
Rather they are more like cherries and belong to the drupe family.
The taste is similar to that of a strawberry and cranberry but has an orange filling in the mouth. Interesting right?
They are used to make preserves, infused in drinks, and can be used to bake dishes too.
5. Coconut
I believe this is the most popular of all the exotic fruits.
It is easier to introduce to visitors and tourists as they are fond of growing at the beaches.
The milk gotten from the coconut can be used to prepare mouth-watering drinks and dishes like coconut rice.
It tastes like a bit of sweet vanilla.
● Recipe of Instant Pot Coconut rice
● Ingredients
- garlic
- green onions
- coconut cream, unsweetened
- Rice
6. Dates
The outer layer is brown and fleshy with sweet chewy flesh on the inner layer.
They are stone fruits that grow in large clusters.
Ingredients
I peanut butter
II. cinnamon
III. Roasted peanuts
IV. shredded coconut (unsweetened)
V. dried cranberries
7. Durians
This is another exotic fruit that can be eaten raw or fired.
It is shaped like a foot-long sea urchin.
Durian Recipe Foods
Durians can be used for rice dishes or even desserts like ice creams and smoothies.
8. Hawthongs
It is not a very sweet fruit and the texture seems to be more similar to apples. The seed is not to be eaten.
Hawthongs finished products
They can be cooked and turned into preserves.
You can also get it dried as fruit leather.
9. Guava
This tropical fruit is another exotic fruit in Asia.
It is perfect for preserves and making pastes for spreads.
Recipe for Pastelillo de Guayaba
One beautiful recipe guava can be used for is ‘Pastelillo de Guayaba’
Ingredients
● egg yolk
● water
● guava paste
● Puff Pastry
● powdered sugar (icing sugar more preferably)
Direction
● Preheat your oven to 400°c.
● Make your egg wash and keep it aside.
● Slice your paste into ½. Set your guava aside.
● Make sure you already have your puff pastry set.
● To get it all started, roll your puff pastry into a large rectangle.
● Use a sharp knife to cut the dough. Make sure you don’t cut through the dough or you will have it difficult making it rise.
● After placing a slice of guava paste on the side of the puff pastry leaving a margin in between.
● Brush a little dose of egg wash in that margin you left earlier, between the edge of the dough and the slice of the guava paste.
● Cover the guava paste by folding the pastry in half into a rectangular shape. Press down with your fingers to seal the edges closed.
● Transfer it to your already prepared sheet pan. Gently leaving space between each pastry
● Brush egg whites gently on every pastry and be careful not to overdo it to avoid it spilling by the sides.
● Bake still until it gets golden brown. This should last for 20 minutes.
● Your pastry is ready to be served after cooling.
10. Japanese Persimmon
This is also another exotic fruit found in Asia. They look like tomatoes but have different tastes from tomatoes.
They have a sweet taste combination of mango and a bit of cinnamon.
One good factor about them is the fact you can use them.in place of apples when serving desserts.
They can be used in cereals, salads, and even oatmeal. But here I will be disclosing an interesting recipe that Japanese persimmon is needed for.
Recipe of persimmon and avocado salad
Ingredients
● olive oil
● white wine vinegar
● white balsamic vinegar
● Dijon mustard
● Salt and pepper (to taste)
● baby arugula
● firm-ripe Fuyu persimmon quartered and thinly sliced
● large avocado, cut into wedges
● fresh pomegranate arils
Turns out to be one of the best salads in Asia. It’s a plus one if you know how to make it.
Direction
● Mix your olive oil, vinegar, and mustard until fully blended.
● Add in your salt and pepper, as much as you can handle.
● Next, you get your salad ready.
● Turn the arugula with the dressing until you are certain it is properly mixed and well coated.
● You can either share it into bowls or just move it to one big bowl.
● Gently place your persimmon and avocado slices on the already-prepared arugula.
● After that, you can now add in your pomegranate.
● Your salad is beautifully ready to be enjoyed.
This is one healthy meal you do not want to miss out on.
11. Dragon Fruits
Here is one amazing way to enjoy your dragon fruits.
You can just turn it into a smoothie. It works just fine.
Dragon fruit smoothie bowl
12. Jackfruit
this is one exotic fruit you need to have a feel of if you haven’t.
Do you know it is the largest tree fruit in the world? That’s right!
And it is cherished by those who know its value.
Ripe jackfruit can be eaten fresh or added to ice cream and desserts. If unripe, it can be pulled apart and used as a substitute for chicken, pork, or other vegetarian main dishes.
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13. Kumquat
This fruit is very identical to an orange. But, they are petite and the outer layer of the kumquat can be eaten too.
They are perfect in desserts and cocktails because of their sour flavor that is brought to the table.
Amongst the many recipes that Kumquat can be used to prepare, I feel this recipe for the kumquat pie will keep you salivating.
Ingredients
● Ripe kumquats whole
● condensed milk (sweetened)
● Fresh lemon juice
● whipped topping and candied kumquat slices. This is not a necessary ingredient. If you so desire.
● graham cracker crust purchased, deep dish
Direction
● Firstly, we remove the seeds from the kumquat.
Ensure to get out the hidden seeds also.
● Next, we want the seeds evenly mixed until completely smooth.
● Now, add in your milk that is condensed, lemon juice, and whipped topping, and mix evenly with your pureed fruit.
● Chill for two to three hours after you have poured it out into your graham cracker.
● And it is ready to serve. ( you can add in your preferred garnish if you wish).
14. Langsat
Langsat has similarities in appearance to potatoes.
But it has a sour and sweet combination of taste and feels juicy and creamy in the mouth.
Langsats are mostly used to make desserts. Because of the gummy feeling it gives. But can also be eaten raw if desired.
15. Longan
Logan is another interesting fruit in Asia.
Longan has translucent flesh and large black circular seeds with white spots.
Taste: The flesh is musky and has a sweet taste similar to lychee fruit.
How to eat: Longan can be eaten fresh, dried, or canned. It can be used in jellies, salads, smoothies, and desserts.
16. Loquats
● Cut the loquat into long wedges after washing and allowing it to dry up properly.
● Add up the fenugreek seeds. Allow under heat for 45 seconds to a minute, till light brown.
● In the same pan add the mustard seeds and let them pop.
● Move to a mortar with fenugreek seeds and grind until you get a powder texture.
● In a pan, heat oil and add a half teaspoon of mustard seeds/. Let the mustard pop and then add the asafoetida.
● In a large bow, add the cut loquat, red chili powder, salt, mustard-fenugreek powder, and the tempering. Give a mix and let rest for one hour.
● After settling, stir it again and add seasoning and red chili to your taste.
● It’s ready for serving after 30 minutes.
17. Lotus
This exotic fruit also has its specialty and can be used to prepare more than one delicacy but I will be unfolding one recipe I’m sure you will appreciate.
The procedure of making Lotus seed sweet soup with Longan
● Carefully remove the bitter green germs from the middle.
● Steam for over 25 minutes until they start to soften.
● After properly rinsing your long, boil them to a simmer
● Add sugar and simmer for 10 minutes until you can see the longans plump. Allow cooling.
● Focus on your lotus seeds and boil them in water at medium heat for 10 minutes
● After boiling till you are satisfied with their softness, you can add in sugar and allow it to dissolve
● Transfer to a container and store
● You can decide to add vanilla extract but I prefer jasmine flowers.
You can serve warm but most people enjoy it cold.
18. Lychee
This interesting exotic fruit is greenish when not ripped but turns somewhat pinkish-red when fully ripped.
It is an interesting fruit. It doesn’t have its food recipe but it is brilliant when added to other dishes like salads or even smoothies.
And if you feel like you are feeling any of them you can have it raw.
The flavor is like a clash between watermelon and strawberry.
19. Mango
To get a perfect recipe for Mango Jalapeno salsa.
Of course, you need mangoes first. Then;
- tomato chopped
- cucumber chopped
- red onion chopped
- fresh cilantro
- jalapeno
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- red wine vinegar
- sea salt
Direction
This has to be the simplest method so far in making any recipe.
You don’t have to do much.
Just mix all ingredients and your meal is ready to serve.
20. Mangosteen
This exotic fruit can be eaten raw or better still in salads.
You also need to try fruit juice. It’s divine. Apart from being so perfect in drinks, they also have superpowers that leave your mind blown when added to ice creams and desserts.
It is a taste you never want to get over.
21. Meyer lemon
This is a fruit that is used to make Meyer lemon curd. They can be used as fillings, toppings, and even spreads for your pies and cakes.
Procedures
● Mix the Eggs with the lemon zest and the Kosher salt.
Whip it till it’s frothy.
Use a whisk to whip the mixture vigorously until it is frothy, then set the bowl aside.
● Heat your already mixed Meyer Lemon Juice
● Then add in sugar and butter slices.
● Stir it generously until you can see the sugar dissolve
● 5 minutes is enough time for the butter and sugar to be properly melted.
And there you have your Meyer Lemon Curd ready to be served.
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22. Noni
Noni varies in species.
They can be green, yellow or when milky in color.
They are mostly used for medicines as they are good anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory drinks.
23. Papaya
This is one of my favorite fruits. I love how it melts in the mouth releasing its mango-like flavor once it’s ripe.
Of all papaya dishes, I prefer Hawaiian papaya and crab salad.
I believe you will love it too. So I’m going to share the recipe with you.
It’s as simple as spelling out your name. Trust me
You honestly do not need much for this delicacy. And the process is surprisingly easy too.
Procedures
● Mix in the crabmeat and peppers. and set aside.
● Whisk rice vinegar, fish sauce, sucanat, sriracha, lime juice, and mayonnaise all in the same bowl.
● Then, turn out the dressing over the crabmeat and peppers then mix properly until it is finally coated.
● From the top cut, the papaya opens into two equal parts and then gets rid of the seeds neatly.
● Turn out your already prepared crab salad into the hollow of each papaya half.
It should be served cold!
24. Passion Fruit
They are mostly used in candies, sauces, and salads. But, my favorite is when they are used for smoothies.
You can’t get enough of how heavenly it stands out in the taste.
25. Pitaya
This is one great tropical fruit that can be turned into a salad.
Or, blended with other fruits and turned into a perfect smoothie you might want to try out on a date.
26. Pomelo
They are enjoyed as snacks when eaten whole.
But it possesses other qualities like being turned into:
Marmalade: Make pomelo marmalade the same way you would orange marmalade.
Fruit salad: Add pomelos to both sweet and savory fruit salads to add a punchy burst of citrus flavor.
27. Paulson
They are exotic fruits enjoyed like other Asian fruits.
Can be used to make wines or enjoyed in a smoothie.
28. Rambutan
One of Rambutan’s superpowers I know of is its flavoring curries especially when it gets all spicy.
It just comes and cools everything down.
One lovely fruit I must say.
If you don’t enjoy them in curries ice cream. You can equally just have them raw.
29. Sapodilla
Sapodillas is a tropical fruit.
The fruit can be eaten just like that or taken in smoothies, fruit, lettuce, Saladin sauces, and syrups.
They are great in pies, pancakes, kes, or muffins too.
30. Snake Fruit
It has a taste like that pineapple only that it is dry and crunchy when it goes ripe.
It can be used for the production of wines and some juices. But people enjoy eating it raw.
31. Soursop
The inner layer of this fruit can be used for smoothies and drinks.
But I think you will enjoy it more if you roast it raw.
32. Sugar apple
It is independently sweet but can also be used to add taste to savory dishes. The Flavors Work Works perfectly in milkshakes, creams, cocktails, oils, and so on.
33. Tamarillo
Tamarillo can be used for smoothies and also as a fine topping for pasta, chic, ken, and egg dishes too.
Anyhow, how you prefer to enjoy the fruit works.
34. Wax apples
It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I believe it was this particular apple they were talking about.
You can not overemphasize health benefits. It hydrates your body very well.
35. Yuzu
Yuzu is one unique fruit.
This is used in different ways. They include:
For Cocktails, mocktails, slushies, and so on.
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36. Namnam
This is another exciting fruit found in Asia.
The fruits are not difficult and it is said that the oil from the seizure is used to cure diseases.
The fruit can be either boiled or cooked with sugar to make candies and desserts. The unripe ones are not wasted too. They can be used to make curries.
Or if you so prefer the fruits can be eaten raw also.
37. Ruby Roman Grapes
I wonder how many grape species there are in Asia.
These grapes can be taken as whole fruits and enjoyed as snacks.
You might want to try them out in pies too.
38. Kinsei Apple
This kind of apple is mind-blowing. They are apples obviously and taste slightly different from the apples we are more familiar with.
But it has unique flavors and works perfectly with the dessert.
39. Afghan Grapes
They are used for raisins and are perfect for direct consumption too.
I have personally had a thing for grapes and this one is no exception.
40. Elephant Ear Fig
This is one interesting fruit that got its title from its looks.
It was called the Elephant its fig because its tree had broad leaves like that of an elephant’s ear.
That didn’t stop its flavor’s sweet flavor and soft textured skin to munch.
In India where it grows mostly, they are saved and used in salads and also as curries.
You can either enjoy them as whole fruits or you can turn them into jams or beverages.
41. Wampee
In Vietnam, they’re made into jams, jellies, and beverages
While ingredients are pee ingredients used in making savory dishes such as Chi Hsin, with a sweet flavor, and Guy Sam.
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Conclusion
We can’t doubt that Asia is blessed with so many rich fruits.
How about you? How many of these fruits have you heard of and tasted? We will be waiting for your response in the comment box.