Let’s talk about my recent fruit-fueled adventure in Miami. Growing up in Taiwan, I thought I knew a thing or two about exotic fruits, but boy, was I wrong!
Miami opened my eyes to a whole new world of exotic tropical treasures. It all started when I stepped into a local fruit stand and was greeted by a dazzling display of fruits I had never seen before. These were beyond the familiar: lychee, longan, mango, and papaya! From cherimoya’s creamy goodness to the rich flavors of black sapote, I was in fruit heaven!
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1. Cherimoya – Looks like Sugar Apple
As I tore into a cherimoya, the creamy texture and tropical flavor instantly won me over. It was like taking a bite of paradise! The fruit has a green, scaly skin and a creamy white flesh with scattered black seeds. The flavor is a blend of pineapple, banana, and coconut. While it may resemble the sugar apple I am used to in Taiwan, it has its own unique taste and texture.
2. Black Sapote – Most Incredible Miami Find
Next up was the black sapote, also known as the “chocolate pudding fruit.” A tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America, this gem is a must-try if you ever get a chance. Despite its name, it’s actually not related to sapote fruits; instead, it’s a close cousin to persimmon. Its appearance is reminiscent of an avocado crossed with a persimmon—quite intriguing, to say the least.
However, it was the taste that truly hooked me. One bite of its dark chocolate-like richness, and I was instantly captivated. It was similar to indulging in dessert, but in the form of a fruit! Imagine creamy avocado dark chocolate pudding with a subtle hint of fruity persimmon – utterly addictive and utterly delicious!
Yet, there’s a quirk to this fruit: its dark chocolate color has a tendency to stain clothes. It’s like mud in that regard. Strangely enough, I see both dark chocolate pudding and mud in its appearance.
3. Mamey Sapote – Not a Fan of Pumpkin Fruit
Then there was the mamey sapote. While it didn’t quite hit the mark for me, its vibrant orange hue and smooth texture were certainly intriguing. Mamey is known for its vivid orange flesh and smooth consistency. With a sweet and creamy flavor, it offers hits of sweet potato, pumpkin, and almond.
4. StarFruit – As Sweet As Childhood Memory
Let’s not forget about the star fruit! Growing up in Taiwan, I was no stranger to these beauties, but the ones I found in Miami were next-level delicious. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they transported me back to the streets of Taipei.
5. Sapodilla – Incredibly Sweet and Dessert Like
Last but not least is the sapodilla, native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. With its rough brown outer skin and sweet, grainy flesh, it quickly became a favorite of mine. Its unique flavor, reminiscent of brown sugar, caramel, and a little cinnamon sprinkled on a pear, left me craving more.
But wait, there’s more! I also stumbled upon cocoa fruit at another fruit stand, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to learn more about it. If you’ve got any tips or recipes for using cocoa fruit at home, I’d love to hear from you! Please share it in the comments below.
6. Cocoa Fruit – What Do You Do With It?
So, this is my exotic fruity adventure in Miami. Whether you’re a fruit fanatic like me, looking to expand your culinary horizons, or seeking a taste of simple bliss, I highly recommend paying a visit to an exotic Miami fruit stand.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
And while you’re there, take a moment to embrace the dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. It’s about savoring the simple joys of life and allowing yourself to fully enjoy the experience of indulging in exotic fruits.
Happy tasting!
While in Miami, don’t miss the 16 Must-See Natural Wonders Florida has to offer.
Q&A Section
1. What exotic tropical fruits can you find in Miami?
In Miami, you can find exotic tropical fruits such as black sapote, mamey sapote, sapodilla, cocoa fruit, jackfruit, and starfruit. Other rare finds include soursop, dragon fruit, longan, lychee, and passion fruit.
2. Where are these exotic tropical fruits grown?
Many of these exotic tropical fruits are grown both in and outside of the United States. In Miami and other parts of Florida, you can find local farms growing black sapote, mamey sapote, sapodilla, and starfruit. Cocoa fruit, jackfruit, soursop, dragon fruit, longan, lychee, and passion fruit are also cultivated in Florida. Additionally, these fruits are commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, such as Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.
3. What does black sapote taste like?
Black sapote, also known as “chocolate pudding fruit,” has a sweet, custard-like flavor reminiscent of chocolate pudding when ripe.
4. How do you eat mamey sapote?
Mamey sapote is typically eaten fresh. You can cut it open, remove the seed, and scoop out the flesh. It can also be used in smoothies, desserts, and milkshakes.
5. What are the health benefits of sapodilla?
Sapodilla is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. It can aid in digestion, boost immunity, and promote healthy skin.
6. Can you eat raw cocoa fruit?
Yes, you can eat the white pulp surrounding the cocoa beans inside the cocoa fruit. It has a sweet, tangy flavor. However, the beans themselves are usually fermented and processed to make cocoa and chocolate.
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Profile photo credit: Sapodilla by Rison Thumboor, licensed under CC by 2.0 DEED
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