If you received a surprise gift of a large exotic fruit box, then you might be wondering what to do with it. These luxurious fruits are bursting with flavour and nutrients, but quite possibly many of the shapes, colours, aromas and textures are unfamiliar to you. Don’t worry, there are plenty of easy ways to enjoy tropical fruit.
You can simply peel and enjoy some exotic fruits as a snack, and others make delicious ingredients in these fresh summer recipes.
Energy-boosting smoothies
Smoothies are perfect for soft fruits that are less easy to eat whole. Try scooping out the inside of a dragon fruit and blending it with the flesh of a mangosteen and a chopped banana. Add 200ml or coconut water and the juice of half a lime for a sweet burst of energy with a refreshing tangy twist.
Silky smooth sorbets
You don’t need complex ice cream making equipment to produce nutritious yet flavourful sorbets with ripe fruit. Many types of exotic fruit are an ideal sorbet ingredient, but particularly perfect are cherimoya, lychee and passionfruit. Peel and chop the ripe fruit and leave it to freeze for at least four hours.
When it’s frozen all you have to do is blend it with the juice of one lemon or lime and two tablespoons of honey (if you prefer extra sweetness). Serve immediately, or freeze for another hour if you prefer a firmer texture.
Zingy salsas
Freshly made salsas are perfect for accompanying summer barbecues or patio snacks. Guava and passionfruit provide a great combination of tanginess and sweetness when mixed with finely chopped red onions, chillis, lime juice and a handful of fresh coriander. If you don’t have these fruits, pineapple, mango or papaya are great alternatives.