Kum..qWhat? Meet the Exotic Fruits

Selecting ripe apples, plump raspberries or juicy blueberries is likely second nature to you, as a shopping pro. But what about the array of exotic fruits that are becoming more commonplace at the store?

People are increasingly interested in a healthy diet. As such, they’re becoming more adventurous with the fruits and vegetables they’re buying. You might find new types of fruit on a shopping list. If you’re looking at something quirky and exotic, but have no idea how to tell if it’s fresh or overly ripe, here are some insider tips to exotic picking know-how.

Starfruit or Carambola

The starfruit is golden-yellow and when sliced crosswise becomes a perfect five-pointed star, which is how it got its name. Starfruit blends the taste of several fruits, including plum, pineapple, grape and lemon. Quite the fruit.

Ripe — starfruits are a deep glowing gold and you should be able to smell a fragrant aroma. Look for shiny, well-shaped fruit.

Unripe — the skin will be green.

Kumquat or Citrus Japonica

Kumquats resemble mini oval-shaped oranges, but they are a bit sour and tangy to the tastebuds. Did you know you can eat the skin of this fruit?

Ripe — look for the following: plump and firm, shiny skin and deeply orange in color.

Unripe — avoid kumquats with a greenish tint or that are starting to turn moldy. This relative of the orange family has a thinner skin than its cousin and can damage easily.

Jackfruit or Jakfruit

Jackfruit are large, heavy and expensive, so make a space in your cart for this King of Fruit. Stores often sell jackfruit while they are still immature and unripe.

Ripe — as the fruit ripens, it will show dark patches of yellow. A very ripe jackfruit will have a very strong, fruity smell. They don’t last long when they get to this stage, so check in with your customer’s preference.

Unripe — firm and green in color

Guava

Ripe — choose guavas that are starting to turn from bright green to a softer yellowish-green color. If the guava is starting to blush, it’s in its prime and will be sweet and tasty.

Unripe — green, but a good option if your customer needs them to last a little longer and ripen up at home.

Rambutan — not to be confused with a Lychee

Ripe — select rambutan that is red, orange or yellow; these are all phases of ripeness of this fruit.

Unripe — green.

How can you tell the difference between a rambutan and a lychee? In this picture you can see tiny green hairs.

Lychees have only a pebbly textured surface.

They are ripe when the skin is pink or red.

An interesting fact is lychees do not ripen off the tree, so they’re pretty much ready to go.

Chayote or Chokos

Ripe — light green is the perfect color. No wrinkles or blemishes. Find ones that are small and look like pears. Large chayote are not flavorful and can be unappetizing.

Unripe — multi-colored ranging from green to white.

Passion Fruit

Do not be put off by the wrinkled skin! Passion fruit will be the sweetest fruit of the order.

Ripe — large, heavy, plump and slightly wrinkled. Fully colored.

Unripe — any shade of green.

Dragon Fruit

These are not produced from a tree, but from a fruit bearing cactus plant!

Ripe — as the fruit matures, the skin color will change to red or yellow, depending on the variety. It should be bright, leathery and evenly colored. Lots of dark blotches means the fruit is overripe, but a few are totally fine.

Unripe — green.

Pomelo

The pomelo is the grandfather to the grapefruit.

Ripe — can be light, dark or yellow green.

Unripe — this fruit does not ripen off the tree, so any one should be a safe pick.

Julia Versluis
Site Lead, Miami