Refreshing Exotic Fruits in Hawaii
Exotic fruits in Hawaii have distinctive taste and texture. They are juicy sweet , tangy and delicious which also have high nutritional value. A Hawaii vacation is not complete without trying some of Hawaii tropical fruits.
Lychee
Native to Southeastern Asia, this golf ball sized tropical fruit looks similar to a strawberry. Rough skin pinkish golf ball size tropical fruit. Native to Southeast Asia, the flesh is white translucent that is good source of Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and potassium. Taste is sweet, best to put the fruit and chill first for couple hours.
Mango
You will find mango trees throughout Hawaii. The fruits are best eaten fresh. The most common mangoes are Haden, Rapoza, and Pirie. Make sure when picking mangoes it is ripe, if it is sour, your mango was probably picked too early.
Dragon Fruit
The plant is native to southern Mexico and Central America. Today, it is grown all over the world. This fruit is native to Mexico and Central America. Today you can find it all over the world. Here in Hawaii it is very popular and found in most farmer’s market.
This fruit goes by many names, including pitaya, pitahaya, and strawberry pear. Dragon fruit has white pulp with black seeds, though less common with red type and black seeds exists as well.
Prior to eating it is best to chill in the fridge for couple of hours. Cut into quarters and peel skin off and enjoy. Fruit is rich in fiber, if you have problem with constipation, this fruit is rich in fiber and antioxidants that will help you.
Papaya
Papaya is abundant in Hawaii. It mostly grown in all yards but it can also be found in most grocery markets, fresh from the garden. Papaya in Hawaii is pancakes to breakfast. Your breakfast is almost served with a side of papaya.
Ulu or Breadfruit
Breadfruit is a species of jackfruit family believed to be a domesticated descendants Artocarpus caimans originating in New Guinea, the Maluku islands, and Philippines.
Here in Hawaii this staple for most islanders particularly from Polynesia. Instead of eating rice or bread, many Polynesians stick to Ulu or breadfruit instead.
Taro
Not really a fruit but a root crop. You may be familiar with Taro by eating taro chips. But just like Ulu or Breadfruit, taro is also a staple for most locals here in Hawaii. If you are familiar with poi, it is made of taro.
Locals would pound the taro to make thick paste. Most Hawaiian Luaus can find poi with fresh fish.
Lilikoi ( Passion Fruit)
Lilikoi or passion fruit is tangy sweet exotic fruit with gorgeous blooms. Its distinct aroma and flavor makes a great syrup, jam, ice cream and sherbet flavors, and sauce. My favorites the lilikoi flavored shave ice.
Guava
When hiking in the valleys of Hawaii there is a chance that you will encounter a guava tree. If ripe or Yellow, the guava is juicy and sweet. You can also find freshly squeezed guava juice.
Pineapple
Hawaii history of pineapple goes way back into early 1900’s since it exported pineapple throughout the world. Pineapple has since moved to other countries but consumption of Pineapple in Hawaii remains strong. You will find fresh cut pineapple, pineapple desserts, drinks at most luaus.
Coconut
When in Hawaii, the coconut trees along the beach not only gives you shade but also the fruit. Coconut water can be seen in almost all supermarkets. But have tried fresh coconut juice from the actual coconut? You would be amaze how fresh and sweet it tastes. You can also bite the flesh and taste how sweet it is.
Banana
Banana is high and potassium. Some Polynesians eat banana as their food staple. Instead of eating bread they actually eat Green banana. Ripe Apple banana is also great food as treat or dessert if you are hungry.
Starfruit
Carambola also known as Star Fruit also can be seen grown in yards or out in the forest. It is a sweet and sour fruit shape of a Five point star.
Rambutan
Rambutan is similar to eating Lychee. The flesh is translucent and sweet. It has seed in the middle but the skin must be peeled. The skin is Red with what seems to be hair like growing from the skin.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit when ripe is sweet and used in desserts. The is rare fruit that can be seen in the farmers market but if you happen to have a neighbor who has this fruit there is good chance that he can show you how to clean and eat it. This fruit is delicious and sweet. Beware when eating or cleaning this fruit it can be a little tricky because it can be too sticky if not cleaned well.
