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I have long been a fan of the intrepid British explorer Captain James Cook. Not only did he “boldly go where no man had gone before”; he also boldly ate what no man had eaten before. Well, at least no clear-headed, well fed, “civilized” man had eaten before. Please let me explain…
Explorers from England, Spain, France and Germany brought many new things to the western world from the faraway tropical paradises they fell in love with. Spices, gems, textiles, strange animals, nuts, and some of the strangest looking fruit that anyone at that time had ever seen! Apples, pears and oranges were one thing, but how was one supposed to eat a pineapple?!
By the time most of these explorers reached the tropics, their supplies had run very low and they were at the mercy of what the islands had to offer in the way of victuals. Not only did they find these strange looking vegetables, tubers and fruits tasty, they also began to notice that much of their general health improved when adding them to the usual sailor’s diet of salt beef and biscuits. Captain Cook always concerned for his crew’s health, made reference to this in one of his reports to the Admiralty. The importation of tropical fruits to the west began there, and never stopped.
Over the years we have become blasé about some fruits that are purely tropical in origin – pineapple, coconut, and bananas. And, depending on ones ethnic background and geographical location, fruits such as avocados, tomatillos, prickly pear, guavas, papayas and mangoes are also becoming much more mainstream than they were even a few decades ago. But there are still many people who have never eaten a pomegranate, a kiwifruit or a passion fruit, though they would probably recognize the names. How about tamarind, horned melon, Polynesian chestnut, or dragon fruit?
Over in the Tropical Gardening Forum of DG, we have had many conversations about tropical fruit. Some of these have strange, exotic sounding names. Some are limited in their growing area, and therefore are relatively unknown in other parts of the world. And some are just, well…odd.
AlohaHoya and Wrightie have been waxing rhapsodically about the euphoria that a ripe mangosteen will bring to one’s taste buds. Since I had never even heard of mangosteen, or Garcinia mangostana, I did a little checking. These two DGers are not alone in their esteem for the little Indonesian native. Queen Victoria is said to have offered a Knighthood to anyone who could bring her the fresh fruit. People the world over, who have been lucky enough to enjoy this fruit ripe off the tree have created a demand that brings a $45.00 per pound price tag in some places. Until the last year or so, the importation of this fruit was illegal in the United States because of fear of the Asian Fruit Fly, which could devastate American crops. With irradiation now available, perhaps we will shortly be able to enjoy the "peachlike" flavor of this unusual fruit at less exorbinate prices.
Caribblue and Stellamarina have been sharing their knowledge and recipes of breadfruit – yep, that ignominious cause of the Bounty’s mutiny. Botanically known as Artocarpus altilis, breadfruit is really not a fruit, nor bread, but it is full of starch, and therefore a staple food in many tropical areas. One evening on a nearby island, I was entertained by a group of women who put on the most fantastic feast – and nearly every dish was breadfruit! It was cooked in a marvelous variety of ways, and from appetizers to dessert, everything was delicious. Since that time I have been on the hunt for breadfruit recipes. Breadfruit is, as I mentioned, very starchy, with a consistency and flavor much like a potato, so it can be used in any dish that one would consider a potato for. But then there was that wonderful pudding, so maybe you could also consider it for breadlike recipes… hmmm.
Quite a few conversations have revolved around durian - Durio zibethinus . In some places the durian is known as the "King of Fruits"… and it apparently is an acquired taste. The odor of the fruit is so strong and disagreeable that it is forbidden to take it on public transport in many places throughout Southeast Asia, and many public buildings and hotels also ban the fruit. The flavor is described as an almondy custard, and the aroma is described as month old gym socks pulled from a sewer and dunked in turpentine. I think I’ll eat my almondy custard from eggs, thanks anyway.
Finally I would like to introduce you to soursop, or Annona muricata. On a recent trip to the island of Pohnpei, we found soursop mixed drinks, soursop sorbet, soursop tea, candy and even a marinade for fish. On our first night there, one of our party tried the drink and passed it around for tasting – the general consensus being that it tasted like onions. I thought it tasted like pineapple, but I was voted down. Some in our group really liked it, others, not so much. I was taken into the kitchen at one point to examine the opened fruit, and I was amazed at the size. It was easily a foot and a half long, maybe half that wide, and probably weighed in at 7 or 8 pounds! The creamy white interior was infused with dozens of button sized black seeds. I was looking at a large guanabana! Until then I did not realize that the soursop that was so prevalent on the island was the same fruit whose juice I enjoyed when in Mexico.
There are dozens of tropical fruit that I didn’t mention here, so now it is your turn. Just as I learned in Pohnpei, a familiar fruit may have a strange name somewhere else; or a familiar name may have a taste that transports you to your own tropical isle. Become your own culinary explorer, and boldly go and taste where you have never tasted before. If you like what you taste – plant the seeds!
Photo 2 : Joseph Dufour et Cie Jean-Gabriel Charvet Les Sauvages de la mer Pacifique [The Voyages of Captain Cook] 1805 Collection of the National Gallery of Australia
About Shari Scott
For most of my 53 years I have been an avid traveler, and luckily I married one as well. We are now living (for the 2nd time) on the tiny island of Kwajalein in the middle of the Pacific. I have gardened in places as varied as the Rocky Mountains and the desert of Saudi Arabia, and many points in between. My passions include, but are not limited to: Family, friends, music, good conversation, and the wonders to be found in the oceans of our planet.
Posted by thea611 (from Manning, SC) on November 16, 2007 at 6:37 PM:
I just LOVED your article, Shari! I'm just a couple of years older than you, but I did all my travelling when I was in my 20's and 30's, when I worked in the travel industry. I haven't missed being in the industry since then, UNTIL I read an article like yours, and remember the wonderful tastes of exotic fruits and veggies, and the waves lapping the beach while you eat them. I can't remember if my first taste of breadfruit was in Barbados or Tahiti, but I've never forgotten the flavour or the texture, I loved it!!! I'd be so happy to find it locally. Thanks for evoking some nice memories!!!!
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on November 16, 2007 at 6:42 PM:
You are most welcome Thea! I loved Moorea in Tahiti! One of the most beautiful places on Earth! I don't think my husband and I will ever stop traveling, we just love to see new places and meet new people. Thank you for the nice note, its always fun to know that someone has enjoyed one of my little stories. Now that you have remembered some of those exotic tastes, you should try them again!
...
Posted by thea611 (from Manning, SC) on November 17, 2007 at 2:18 PM:
Shari, I loved Moorea so much, I vowed if I ever had a little girl, I would name her Moorea. We stayed in little huts (fares, I think they were called) there. I remember there was a Club Med further down the island, but otherwise it was pretty primitive and just heavenly. But that was 1974! I shudder to think of how it must have changed since then.
...
Subject: The pineapple/Columbus legend?
Posted by paphpenpal (from Carmichael, CA) on November 12, 2007 at 1:20 PM:
I just finished reading the article on tropical fruits; fascinating, by the way ~ but has anybody
else out there heard the story of the pineapple being given to Columbus by the Caribs ? I had heard that he brought it back to Europe with him and that that was why it has been the symbol of hospitality ever since . You often see pineapple topped ironwork gates at entrances to bed & breakfast establishments and there is even a patchwork quilt pattern called the pineapple (I quilt also - when I can) . Is this story true?
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on November 16, 2007 at 6:07 PM:
Paphpenpal, I am on vacation, and the computer I am on does not have much in the way of research capability. When I get home I will check on this legend and let you know what I find out.
Yokwe,
Shari
...
Subject: Thanks for sharing:
Posted by mabey49 (from San Angelo, TX) on November 12, 2007 at 10:49 AM:
I enjoyed your artical very much.Wish we could grow the tropical fruits in West Texas.
Why dont you research Vining spinach ,or malabar Spinach? I grew it this year for the first time and its an interesting plant- its leaves are eatable and it makes a very nice full vine that has grown up to the top of my tree .It has a long stem with pretty little flowers that turn into green knobs and then turn black This is the seed...I have cooked it by parboiling it then poring the water off then cooking it some more in fresh water, then adding bacon and bacon grease to it-Its a really good dish.I think it would be interesting to see the history of it. I plan to have it in my garden every year now.I have gotten over a quart of seed off it . Keep up the good work.
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Subject: Reminds me of my childhood...
Posted by MitchF (from Oklahoma City, OK) on November 8, 2007 at 9:03 AM:
All the wonderful fruit you mention... with zapotes, lyches, and so many others .... really takes me back and reminds me I feel the need to get somewhere topical one of these days to eat them agian - fresh. I have found even the pineapples and mangos up here are juist not the same - thank you for bringing back so many wonderful memories.
...
Posted by frostweed (from Arlington, TX) on November 8, 2007 at 10:32 AM:
I love fruits of all kinds, but tropical fruit is so exciting, one of my favorites is mango.
Lovely and fun article Shari, thank you for the peek at your topical paradise.
Josephine.
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Posted by MitchF (from Oklahoma City, OK) on November 8, 2007 at 11:14 AM:
I was so well written right? I loved all the DG names in there too - really fun.
...
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 8, 2007 at 12:52 PM:
Great article, Shari. Makes me want to do even more forcing of my zone and try some of the more exotic tropical fruits!
One of my favorites, just because of the odd shape of the fruit, that I would like to grow but haven't found one yet is:
Fingered Citron, Buddha's Hand
Citrus medica var. sarcodactylus
I currently have some White Sapote bushes that I grew from seed that I got from a fruit of a local gardener that specializes in tropical plants. He is a bit more dedicated than I could be -- rushing around his yard on the nights when freezing temperatures are expected, draping everything in blankets. I've heard his yard looks like an explosion at a bedsheet factory on the cold nights, but I've not yet had a chance to go by his garden. I also got from him a segment of Dragon Fruit cactus that is growing for me.
So, as a result of your article, I will now have a new garden quest -- to locate all sorts of exotic fruit trees!
Jeremy
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on November 8, 2007 at 2:26 PM:
So glad you enjoyed the article. It was fun to write. Naturally, us gardeners are probably more adventursome in a culinary way, than others ... and I know there were so many that didn't get mentioned...but what fun! Buddah's Hand - Chrissy100 is growing that...she raves about it. I know so many people who love Mangos...
Dragon fruit! Since I collect dragons, I have had many people ask me about that, but it is one I have yet to add to my collection.
Keep up the tasting my friends, and thanks for the kind words!
...
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 8, 2007 at 3:14 PM:
If my Dragon Fruit cactus continues to develop, I'll send you a bit someday, Shari. It propagates from even a small segment.
Jeremy
...
Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on November 8, 2007 at 9:31 PM:
What a fun, fascinating article! Some of those fruits sound familiar, as my ex is Filipino, and an excellent cook, and we were stationed in Hawaii.
...
Posted by JaxFlaGardener (from Jacksonville, FL) on November 8, 2007 at 9:45 PM:
Just got some Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) seeds for postage today from a kind DGer. So my tropical fruit plantation is increasing already!
Jeremy
...
Posted by knottthemama (from Duncan, OK) on November 12, 2007 at 8:48 AM:
For a person new to this site, and really not fond of most tropical fruit, not even bananas, this is fascinating. I wonder if I got the chance to travel and experience the real thing, I'd feel differently about them. In the meantime, I have a rather large lot here in my town where I'm planning to put a large greenhouse for herbs, etc. Maybe I need to explore some tropicals there.
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on November 15, 2007 at 12:14 PM:
knotthemama, I'm on vacation, but just dropped in to the Garden to check my e-mail and I saw this post. First of all - Welcome to the wonderful world of Dave's Garden! I think you will find it a wonderful place to spend some time...great people, great info and lots of fun.
Secondly - Most definately, eating fresh fruit in it's natural habitat is always different than store bought processd fruit. Something about the ambience makes everything taste better. Good luck with your greenhouse, and I definately encourage the tropicals!
...
Subject: Excellent Article
Posted by Tropicman (from Wichita, KS) on November 8, 2007 at 6:48 AM:
Shari ,
Once again you've written a excellent article,from which your first hand knowledge has taken you to boundaries a lot of people from the Midwest,will never have the opportunity to ponder.
In which the grocery stores here, have yet to carry such items for people to taste.
For the first time I am growing Jackfruit,have never tried this fruit before,so I'm hoping to keep this tropical fruit tree growing long enough to come to fruit,just to say I've tried something new,that most people have never even have heard of before.
In the greenhouse now,I have 3 kinds of bananas in fruit,waiting in patiently for them to ripen,so I can experience first hand the taste of a home grown banana,to see for myself a difference if any from the store bought variety.
Once again,I'd like to commend you on a article well done!
Thanks
Tropicman
...
Posted by jadajoy (from Newport News, VA) on November 8, 2007 at 9:12 AM:
Wow Shari,
This was eye opening for me and next trip to the produce aisle will have me looking for unusual fruits to try. This past summer I tried a Canary for the first time and fell in love. The price is enough thou so I can only savor it on special occasions when in season. But you now have me thinking, maybe I can grow my own...hummmmm.
Thanks for a wonderful article!
...
Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on November 8, 2007 at 9:47 AM:
As always you have taken us to another part of the world that we didn't realize existed. Thank you for a well written, informative article. We have oriental markets within 20 miles, may have to do some exploring.
...
Posted by jadajoy (from Newport News, VA) on November 8, 2007 at 9:53 AM:
Good idea LouC! Pick me up, I'll join you :-)
...
Posted by McGlory (from Southeast, NE) on November 8, 2007 at 11:10 AM:
You talked about fruits I've never heard of. I'm with Tropicman - Midwesterners miss out on a lot! Thank you for broadening our horizons, Shari. Well done. When I can come visit? ;-)
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on November 8, 2007 at 2:32 PM:
Don...I think it was during our discussion of your Jackfruit that this article was conceived...does that make you a surrogate daddy?
Joyce and Christi - if you guys are going on a shopping spree, you better take me with you! I'll be technical adviser and all around enjoyment and laughter sponge!
Lori - anytime sweety - I get back December 6th. Call me, we'll do lunch.
Thanks, everyone for the kind words. It was a fun article...glad you enjoyed it.
...
Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on November 8, 2007 at 3:04 PM:
In the next three plus weeks we will all at least be on the same continent. Just where could we meet to grocery shop. I do know that if it isn't in Houston, it ain't in the states. Very, very cosmopolitan city. Dallas is a wannabe. Now remember, I am born, bred, live in Dallas but stayed in Houston for several months. What a place. Sure to find exotic fruits there somewhere.
...
Posted by stellamarina (from Laie, HI) on November 8, 2007 at 4:59 PM:
Great article Shari! For all those tropical fruit ethusiasts who live in or plan to visit Hawaii, make sure you check out Frankie's nursery at Waimanalo on the island of Oahu. On his fruit farm/nursery he has hundreds of different kind of tropical fruit. Many you will not even have heard of before. August is the best time to go....lots of free fruit samples :0) . Aloha
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Posted by Tropicman (from Wichita, KS) on November 8, 2007 at 8:50 PM:
Shari,I feel more like the great grand daddy if anything!!!LOL
Winter is always hard on me bones!!!!
...
Posted by KaperC (from No. San Diego Co., CA) on November 12, 2007 at 12:27 PM:
Great article as always, Shari. Guanabana brings back memories of Costa Rica. And I'm with you about the custard! Isn't it funny how something can smell so different to individuals?
The importation of tropical fruits to the west began there, and never stopped.
Some of these have strange, exotic sounding names. Some are limited in their growing area, and therefore are relatively unknown in other parts of the world. And some are just, well…odd.
Botanically known as Artocarpus altilis, breadfruit is really not a fruit, nor bread, but it is full of starch, and therefore a staple food in many tropical areas. One evening on a nearby island, I was entertained by a group of women who put on the most fantastic feast – and nearly every dish was breadfruit! It was cooked in a marvelous variety of ways, and from appetizers to dessert, everything was delicious. Since that time I have been on the hunt for breadfruit recipes. Breadfruit is, as I mentioned, very starchy, with a consistency and flavor much like a potato, so it can be used in any dish that one would consider a potato for. But then there was that wonderful pudding, so maybe you could also consider it for breadlike recipes… hmmm.
In some places the durian is known as the "King of Fruits"… and it apparently is an acquired taste. The odor of the fruit is so strong and disagreeable that it is forbidden to take it on public transport in many places throughout Southeast Asia, and many public buildings and hotels also ban the fruit. The flavor is described as an almondy custard, and the aroma is described as month old gym socks pulled from a sewer and dunked in turpentine. I think I’ll eat my almondy custard from eggs, thanks anyway.
candy and even a marinade for fish. On our first night there, one of our party tried the drink and passed it around for tasting – the general consensus being that it tasted like onions. I thought it tasted like pineapple, but I was voted down. Some in our group really liked it, others, not so much. I was taken into the kitchen at one point to examine the opened fruit, and I was amazed at the size. It was easily a foot and a half long, maybe half that wide, and probably weighed in at 7 or 8 pounds! The creamy white interior was infused with dozens of button sized black seeds. I was looking at a large guanabana! Until then I did not realize that the soursop that was so prevalent on the island was the same fruit whose juice I enjoyed when in Mexico.
