Exotic fruits and vegetables unheard of in India

Highlights

Often refereed to as the Brazilian Grape tree, the fruit which resembles a plum is native to South America. Jabuticaba is often used as an ingredient in wine and jellies

When it comes to vegetables and fruits, each country has its own variants. Although some veggies are found all over the world, some are region specific as they can be grown only under certain climatic conditions. Let's take a look at some exotic veggies and fruits we wish were grown in India..

Jabuticaba

Often refereed to as the Brazilian Grape tree, the fruit which resembles a plum is native to South America. Jabuticaba is often used as an ingredient in wine and jellies. The downside is that the Jabuticaba begins to ferment 3-4 days after the harvest and has to be consumed within that time.

African eggplant

Looks are deceptive so don't judge this by its cover or what you see inside because from outside it looks like a capsicum and inside looks like guava but it's neither. A cross between a tomato and eggplant, this exotic vegetable is known as the Ethiopian eggplant. Oh yes, it's actually a fruit! Like tomato and cucumber, 92% of an African eggplant constitutes water. The fruit often used as a vegetable is a rich source of vitamin b, c and beta-carotene.

Chinese red meat radish

Radish or even turnips are not unheard of in India. But how about Red Meat Radish or more commonly known as the Roseheart radish? The sweet veggie would be ideal for salads and origin China.

Purple broccoli

Thanks to supermarkets, we have at least heard of the name. But we haven't seen this colour yet! A good source of protein, the purple broccoli turns green when cooked. Romans cultivated this first.

Purple potato

They look a lot like beetroot and are anything but that! The purple veggie that originated in South America turns blue when cooked. Apparently, the presence of a chemical anthocyanin believed to be a good anti-oxidant is what gives the root a purple color.

Pineberry

A white and oldest version of strawberry with the flavour of a pineapple. The fruit was nearly extinct in 2003. Thanks to Dutch farmers who revived the cultivation to preserve the exotic fruit.

Wild rice

Most Indians love anything that comes closer to rice, no matter the colour. Perhaps we could add this to the list too. The Canadian rice is also called water oats and is a North America specialty. This is not really rice, but seeds of a grass that are high in protein, gluten free and low in fat.

Snake fruit

The Indian vegetable that comes closest to this fruit is the snake gourd which is called so because of its shape. But this fruit beats it in terms of its skin! A native of Indonesia, the fruit is also referred to as salak.

Miracle Berry

Wonder what the miracle is all about? Well, remember how water tastes sweet after you have eaten an Amla? Same is the case with this too. This berry can turn sour foods sweet. Diabetics in Japan drool over this berry.

Pink pearl apple

Although in India, we have tried every variety of apple, including Washington apple, royal gala apple, Fuji apple and of course the Ooty apple, the pink pearl apple is remains evasive. The pink pearl apple is an apple cultivar developed by a Northern California breeder.

Horned melon

Native to Africa, the fruit is also called jelly melon or African cucumber. The peel of the jelly melon is rich in vitamin C and fiber. The fruit with banana-like taste can be cooked too.

Mangosteen

Neither is it a mango nor is it related to Bruce springsteen in any way, this juicy fruit is tangy wih a fresh aroma mostly used in gourmet desserts as they are rare to find. This is believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas of Indonesia.