It’s easy to grab an apple or handful of grapes on your way out the door, but let’s be real: who doesn’t get bored of these basic staples? Luckily, Whole Foods carries a variety of exotic fruits to change up your diet and take you on some food adventures. There’s no time like summertime to try these unique fruits out.
Starfruit
Bright yellow with tinges of light green when ripe, starfruit isn’t just pretty — it’s also juicy and low-cal. It’s loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, and it’s powerful when it comes to preventing colds and boosting your immune system. The entire fruit is edible, even the skin. Its distinct taste sets it apart from any other fruit; often described as a mixture of apple, pear and citrus, it’s not overwhelmingly sweet when ripe, and is firm and sour when unripe, similar to a green apple.
Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Soda Works
Red Banana
Softer and sweeter than your conventional yellow banana, a red banana has a slight raspberry flavor. Pick one up next time you need some potassium to jumpstart the morning or an afternoon snack on-the-go.
Photo by Lily Allen
Kumquats
These small yellow-orange fruits are eaten raw when ripe. The rind is sweet and the center is sour, creating a thrilling combination of flavors when enjoyed. Consumed on their own or in a salad, kumquats also make for a great mindless snack — try substituting a handful for popcorn or grapes next time you’re zoning out in front of the TV.
Photo by Lily Allen
Papaya
This nutritious fruit can be consumed raw without skin and seeds or cooked in savory dishes or salads. The orange fruit has a soft consistency and sweet, mellow taste. The black seeds are, in fact, edible and have a crunchy-peppery flavor, but we suggest tossing them. Purchased pre-cut or whole, papaya is chock-full of vitamins and minerals that will help keep you healthy against unpredictable Midwestern weather.
Photo by Lily Allen