One of the things we simply can't get enough of here in Hilo is the strange and exotic tropical fruits. Just when we think we've tried them all. . .BAM . . .there's another one that becomes our "new favorite". Let's just say we have lots of favorites here.
The great part is that we still have the yummy fruits and veggies found back in Utah but with newly found exciting cousins to eat alongside!!
Here's a sample of some of our favorites:
STAR FRUIT
A great source of Vitamin C the star fruit can be incorporated in pretty much every meal - sweet or savory. Originating in Thailand, it's now a staple in Hawaii and is ready to harvest in the winter months. If you find a ripe one they are delicious raw but . . .M. wasn't a big fan.
Fun Fact: Star Fruit can seriously harm you or kill you if you have kidney or liver problems. As these organs filter out a toxin found in the fruit. So far we haven't felt any adverse effects. : )
RAMBUTAN
Perhaps my new favorite, rambutan is the weirdest looking fruit ever!! The spiky, red exterior seems to scare some people. However, the "spikes" are extremely soft and opening the fruit is relatively easy. Within is an almost gummy, delicious morsel swelling with juice. The meat is full of antioxidants and is thought to be the next superfood. Sadly it's still $4.00 per pound here.
Fun Fact: It takes about 5-6 years for a seedling to produce fruit. Once fruit bearing it produces fruit twice annually; once in late fall and once in early winter.
The great part is that we still have the yummy fruits and veggies found back in Utah but with newly found exciting cousins to eat alongside!!
Here's a sample of some of our favorites:
STAR FRUIT
A great source of Vitamin C the star fruit can be incorporated in pretty much every meal - sweet or savory. Originating in Thailand, it's now a staple in Hawaii and is ready to harvest in the winter months. If you find a ripe one they are delicious raw but . . .M. wasn't a big fan.
Fun Fact: Star Fruit can seriously harm you or kill you if you have kidney or liver problems. As these organs filter out a toxin found in the fruit. So far we haven't felt any adverse effects. : )
RAMBUTAN
Perhaps my new favorite, rambutan is the weirdest looking fruit ever!! The spiky, red exterior seems to scare some people. However, the "spikes" are extremely soft and opening the fruit is relatively easy. Within is an almost gummy, delicious morsel swelling with juice. The meat is full of antioxidants and is thought to be the next superfood. Sadly it's still $4.00 per pound here.
Fun Fact: It takes about 5-6 years for a seedling to produce fruit. Once fruit bearing it produces fruit twice annually; once in late fall and once in early winter.
LYCHEE
Another one of my favorites, is the wonderful lychee. Very similar to Rambutan it has a hard exterior core and a soft, gummy center. The fruit, however, is very different tasting. Almost perfume-like; but not like the "perfumey" apple pears. There's a rather large pit in the middle so don't go diving into it or you'll break a tooth.
Fun Fact: Tea made from lychee peelings is said to cure smallpox and diarrhea according to Chinese legend.
Another one of my favorites, is the wonderful lychee. Very similar to Rambutan it has a hard exterior core and a soft, gummy center. The fruit, however, is very different tasting. Almost perfume-like; but not like the "perfumey" apple pears. There's a rather large pit in the middle so don't go diving into it or you'll break a tooth.
Fun Fact: Tea made from lychee peelings is said to cure smallpox and diarrhea according to Chinese legend.
PINEAPPLE
Most well known to Hawaii, the pineapple, did not disappoint. You can tell that each one remains on the stock/tree until it is fully ripened. These pineapples make some of the most delicious gluten free pineapple upside-down cake EVER!! A good sized one will cost you about $3.50 here.
Fun Fact: It takes almost 3 years for a pineapple to fully mature - now the price tag makes sense.
Most well known to Hawaii, the pineapple, did not disappoint. You can tell that each one remains on the stock/tree until it is fully ripened. These pineapples make some of the most delicious gluten free pineapple upside-down cake EVER!! A good sized one will cost you about $3.50 here.
Fun Fact: It takes almost 3 years for a pineapple to fully mature - now the price tag makes sense.
PURPLE MANGOSTEEN
The absolute most expensive fruit in Hawaii is the infamous purple mangosteen. Desired by many, this delicious fruit looks almost like a plum with a very strange stem. You do not eat the purple rind and meat but go for the soft white center (watch out for the huge seeds).
Fun Fact: The mangosteen is known to be Queen Victoria's favorite fruit.
The absolute most expensive fruit in Hawaii is the infamous purple mangosteen. Desired by many, this delicious fruit looks almost like a plum with a very strange stem. You do not eat the purple rind and meat but go for the soft white center (watch out for the huge seeds).
Fun Fact: The mangosteen is known to be Queen Victoria's favorite fruit.
DRAGON FRUIT
M.'s favorite, Dragon Fruit, is one of the most unique looking fruit on this earth. The outside truly looks like a Dragon and the inside can either be soft white or pink - the consistency is a mix between watermelon and cantaloupe. Costing around $6.00 per pound on the mainland, we've found it for as little as $2.50. YUM!
Fun Facts: Pollination of dragon fruit is done by nocturnal creatures such as moths and bats. It grows on a cactus and blooms only one night per fruit cycle.
M.'s favorite, Dragon Fruit, is one of the most unique looking fruit on this earth. The outside truly looks like a Dragon and the inside can either be soft white or pink - the consistency is a mix between watermelon and cantaloupe. Costing around $6.00 per pound on the mainland, we've found it for as little as $2.50. YUM!
Fun Facts: Pollination of dragon fruit is done by nocturnal creatures such as moths and bats. It grows on a cactus and blooms only one night per fruit cycle.
ETC.
Other notable fruits include HUGE Pink Grapefruit, Guava, and Papaya. We eat a papaya every single morning for breakfast - they are only 4/$1.00 and well worth the cost. : )
Word of warning: Don't eat the seeds. They are extremely bitter and typically used to tenderize meats in marinades.
Other notable fruits include HUGE Pink Grapefruit, Guava, and Papaya. We eat a papaya every single morning for breakfast - they are only 4/$1.00 and well worth the cost. : )
Word of warning: Don't eat the seeds. They are extremely bitter and typically used to tenderize meats in marinades.
We love the new additions to our diet. Fruit will never be the same - so fresh and SO delicious!
We miss you Utah . . .but we've Gone Surfing!!
We miss you Utah . . .but we've Gone Surfing!!