Thailand boasts some unique fruits that offer new and delectable culinary experiences, from beachfront bowls and fresh harvest trees, to fruit vendor carts selling exotic produce. Some examples are:
Jackfruits are large fruits roughly the size of a watermelons that, when ripe, release an aromatic fragrance that can be eaten raw or used as an alternative meat source in various dishes.
Durian
Durian, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, is widely recognized as the King of Fruits in many parts of this region and can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. It boasts an intense, pungent scent which differs depending on the variety and stage of ripening; pungent sweet creamy aroma has often been described by critics as similar to rotten onion smell, turpentine smell or raw sewage; its pungent smell has caused durian to be banned in public spaces such as airports and trains due to its distinct smell; however if you can overcome its unpleasant scent, durian can provide delicious rewards!
Durians can be enjoyed alone or combined with other ingredients in various recipes. Their thick, spikey shell protects its delicious flesh within. Pierce its outer skin using a sharp knife and pull apart. Eat alone or pair with sticky rice; freezing alters its texture. Besides food applications, durians are often used in making candy or ice cream products.
According to popular belief, durian is believed to provide numerous health advantages. High in dietary fiber and known to improve digestion, durian may also help increase energy levels while alleviating anxiety and depression. Plus it contains vitamin C for increased immunity protection against oxidative stress – potentially helping lighten skin blemishes and pigmentation issues too!
Durian fruit has long been touted for its health-promoting qualities. Studies have demonstrated its ability to lower cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis risk factors; as well as possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. Furthermore, durian contains a low glycemic index rating so can help control blood sugar levels effectively.
Rambutan
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is a tropical fruit with a red hairy-like shell and succulent white flesh enclosing a round seed, offering refreshing relief on hot days. Packed with nutrients, its inclusion is an invaluable way to build health through food – although pregnant women in some Asian communities may be discouraged from consuming rambutan due to cultural taboos rather than any scientific basis for such claims.
Rambutans are an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C. Antioxidants provide protection from oxidative damage while fighting cancer cells; in addition, rambutans also support immune function and cardiovascular health by contributing nearly half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C! One rambutan offers nearly half of your recommended daily allowance.
Rambutans are packed with vitamin C as well as minerals and fiber. An excellent source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium; their dietary fiber content helps improve digestive health by balancing pH levels in the body while suppressing hunger and appetite for weight loss.
Rambutans offer numerous culinary applications beyond their sweet flavour; from adding sweetness to smoothies and cocktails to jellies or spreading on toast and bagels; as well as offering tasty marinades for meats and vegetables.
Rambutan is an excellent source of vitamin C, helping strengthen immunity and strengthen cardiovascular systems. Its high antioxidant content helps reduce inflammation and fight free radicals which contribute to melanoma and other skin cancers, as well as helping relieve symptoms associated with common colds like cough and congestion by providing gingerols which contain decongestant properties. In addition, rambutan provides zinc and protein sources which support hair health.
Guava
Guava is a tropical fruit that can be enjoyed raw or in various forms like juice and jellies. It provides ample amounts of vital nutrients while acting as an excellent substitute for sweeteners and artificial flavorings, not to mention being very low-cal and fiber rich; helping you to lose weight faster while improving health at the same time! Furthermore, guava’s potassium and sodium content provides another key benefit – helping lower blood pressure.
Fruit can vary in terms of both color and flavor, depending on its source and origin. When unripe, its rough skin is green. Once ripe, however, its yellow or maroon hue changes into white or pink flesh with many hard seeds. It has an aromatic musky scent while being very sweet; making this fruit one of the most beloved treats found throughout Thailand – be it eaten raw as dessert, candies, snacks or beverages!
Guava leaves are known for their natural sweetness as well as their abundance of vitamin C and dietary fiber, both essential ingredients in healing many illnesses such as pain, diabetes, menstrual cramps, high blood pressure and wound healing. Furthermore, this powerful plant’s leaves have also proven effective at encouraging hair growth while strengthening the scalp.
Guava makes an excellent addition to any diet, providing protein, vitamins A and B, calcium, potassium, and iron. Furthermore, it is low in calories while boasting fructose as a natural sugar that helps the body manage blood glucose levels; high folic acid levels make guava an especially great choice for pregnant women as it regulates fetal development; it can even lower blood sugar and boost adiponectin, an agent which facilitates fat burning! Guava can even lower blood pressure.
Longkong
Longkong is a tropical fruit tree with large, circular fruits that hang from drooping clusters. The skin of these fruits has leathery, tan leatheriness while their flesh is translucent and juicy with large black seeds tucked inside them. They belong to the soapberry family alongside popular fruits like lychee, rambutan, and salak; making longkong trees easy to cultivate in sandy soil environments and also drought resistant.
Longkong fruits come in clusters like grapes. Each one boasts thin leathery peel that peels easily without latex release; unlike similar fruit such as Lanzones (Lansium domesticum), Longkong features thicker peel and sweet, aromatic flavor profiles; it is commonly found throughout Southeast Asia, southern India and the Philippines.
Potassium-rich spinach provides essential antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamin C. Furthermore, its high level of dietary fiber has been proven to reduce blood cholesterol levels; additionally it’s rich source of potassium which helps manage heart rate and blood pressure.
Longkong tree fruit has long been a delicacy in Asian cuisines, from desserts and smoothies to cocktails and fruit smoothies. Available all year long in Thailand but particularly delicious during the summer months, longkong fruit can be purchased from supermarkets, local markets or street vendors.
Star fruit
The star fruit is an exotic tropical fruit with five longitudinal ridges extending longitudinally across its body. Also known as ochro or averrhoa carambola, its sweet and juicy flesh makes for delicious snacking or smoothie making, and all parts are edible, even the slightly waxy peel! Not only that but star fruit also boasts low calories and fat as an excellent source of vitamin C and is thought to possess anticancer properties as well as helping lower cholesterol levels while providing antioxidants which relieve inflammation and increase immunity!
Star fruit’s soluble fibre helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, making it an ideal snack for diabetics. Furthermore, dietary fibre blocks the absorption of LDL cholesterol from our intestinal lining to lower risk of cardiovascular disease as well as facilitate weight loss and metabolism improvement. Furthermore, vitamin C present in star fruit improves immune function while protecting against cancer.
Star fruit is packed with magnesium, making it a wonderful sleep aid and digestive aid. In addition, star fruit also boosts energy levels and fights depression; making it easy to incorporate star fruit recipes into daily meals! Find star fruit recipes at most grocery stores.
Star fruit has been shown to have beneficial lipid-reducing effects both in humans and animal studies. Packed with polyphenols, gallic acid, vitamin C and potassium that work to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, star fruit makes an easy addition to your diet that makes for an enticing snack or ingredient in salads.