The Alphas Produce Company on Exotic Asian Fruits:
Fruits You Need to Try & Their Health Benefits
With today’s sophisticated distribution methods, exotic fruits and vegetables are becoming increasingly accessible. Exotic fruits are known for their bright hues and distinct flavor palette, however, many fruits which are not native to the United States offer an array of nutritional benefits. John Yanni Alphas, founder of The Alphas Produce Company located in Chelsea, Massachusetts distributes an extensive variety of exotic fruits all year long. Catering to a unique client base, John Alphas values quality products and provides outstanding customer service. With many fruits like the lychee and jackfruit now in high demand, exotic fruits are becoming increasingly popular.
Pitaya or “Dragon Fruit”
Dragon fruit, also known as ‘pitaya’ is recognizable for its vibrant pink skin resembling flames and its white flesh, although some types may vary in color. Dragon fruit is sweet with a crunchy texture and grown from several species of cacti. Although indigenous to Central America, Vietnam remains the leading exporter of dragon fruit. John claims that dragon fruit contains lycopene — which is responsible for the fruits rich color, has a multitude of anti-cancer properties, significantly reducing the number of cancerous cells in the body. Similarly, dragon fruit has been known to both treat and prevent diabetes by helping to stabilize blood sugar levels after consumption. In addition, the high volume of antioxidants may help defend against anti-inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Although only once eaten by royalty, dragon fruit is now a sought-after favorite of individuals around the world.
Durian — “The King of Fruits”
Durians are referred to as the ‘king of fruits’ in many areas of Asia with its heavily thorned skin and cream-colored flesh. Despite its distinct aroma and acquired taste, the durian remains a favorite throughout various Asian countries. Durians are high in vitamin C which fights off illnesses, and Vitamin B which helps protect against heart disease. The durian has high levels of dietary fiber which aids the digestive system and reduces the amount of cholesterol in the body.
Mangosteen — “The Queen of Fruits”
The mangosteen or the “Queen of Fruits” originates in Southeast Asia. Mangosteens turn deep purple when ripe and have a soft juicy center. The number of petals on the bottom of the fruit will indicate how many cloves are inside. According to The Alphas Produce Company, the mangosteen is considered a ‘superfruit’ as it protects against cancerous cell growth through the use of xanthones, lowering the chance of breast, colon, prostate, and skin cancer. Similar to the durian, mangosteens high fiber content aids in digestion by helping to expel a number of toxins.
Rambutan — The “Hairy” Fruit
The rambutan fruit is admired for its vibrant beauty and is native to the Malay-Indonesian region. Known for its hairy appearance and leathery skin, the fruit is sweet tasting. Although relatively small in size, rambutan contains high amounts of vitamin C which helps generate the body’s tissue and prevent cancer. Rambutan contains high levels of phosphorous which help maintain strong bones and aids with cognitive function. Rambutan is also known for its antibacterial properties, which protect the body from infections.
Longan — “The Dragon’s Eye”
In China, the longan is called “long yan rou” which translates to “dragon eye” given its eye-like appearance. A member of the soapberry family, the taste is similar to a lychee. The longan is new to the United States, however, is slowly gaining popularity due to its health benefits. The longan contains more vitamin C than oranges and high amounts of vitamin A. Due to the iron content, longans promote blood circulation and prevents anemia.
Pummelo — “The Chinese Grapefruit”
The pummelo is a citrus fruit native to southeast Asia and is closely related to the grapefruit. The skin color either is pale green or yellow and depending on the type, the flesh can range from white to deep red. The pummelo has a high nutritional value with each serving containing 61 mg of vitamin C per 100g serving which helps boost immunity. The pummelo is also a valuable source of fiber to promote healthy digestion and potassium to regulate blood sugars. The pummelo is also considered a top choice for individuals wanting to lose weight as it contains enzymes that help the body burn fat.
The Alphas Produce Company carries an extensive selection of exotic fruits. For more information visit alphasproduce.com to see why John Yanni Alphas and his team are the top distributors for quality fruits and vegetables.
