The 10 Strangest Exotic Fruits Commonly Eaten in China

Tasting the exotic fruits of China could be part of your travel adventure in China. Let's take a look at the top 10 weirdest/strangest fruits that you may have never heard of. This way when you come across them, you'll know what they are like and whether you want to give them a try!
Learn why a fruit would be interesting to (Western) foreigners, what it looks like, its description, its health benefits, information about side-effects or what you might need to be careful about, and how to eat them.
1. Durian (榴莲 liúlián)
For Chinese, the big durians covered with sharp spikes are probably the most popular of the exotic tropical fruits. It is called the "King of Fruits." It is so popular, it is among the most expensive of fruits when it is in season.
You can find it in every fruit market in season, and it is so relished, few people can afford to eat it often. It costs about 100 RMB (15 USD) or more a kilo in season and is sold in most fruit stores.
What make is strange is the spiky hard skin, it's huge size, like a small or medium watermelon, and the yellowish or whitish meat. Until you try it, you might think it stinks, but the taste is like an exquisite custard pudding made with almond oil. It is quite nutritious and filling, and if you like it, you'll think it smells good.
· Pronunciation: /lyoh-lyen/
· Tastes: banana/almond/onion mixture.
· How to eat it: In markets, the seller may offer to cut it and/or remove spiky skin. You might scoop out the meat with a spoon. Don't eat the hard seed inside, which is slightly poisonous. It is a popular Chinese dessert.
Health Benefits and Possible Side Effects / Dangers
Health benefits: Nutritious, high in calories, minerals, vitamins and especially B vitamins. Potent antioxidants. High in sulphur. This makes it anti-cancer and gets rid of parasites. Reduces high blood pressure and improves sex hormone and serotonin levels. Increases muscle growth and stamina in athletes.
Warnings/side effects: This is a potent medicinal fruit, and your body needs time to adapt before consuming much of it. If you are trying it for the first time, eat just a little, maybe an ounce of it at most and see how your body reacts to it since some people have allergic reactions or other health issues after eating it. It is suggested that pregnant women should not eat it.
In Chinese medicine, it is known as a fruit with lots of Yang, or male energy. If you eat a lot, you'll at least perspire probably. Eating too much may keep you awake or cause your heart to race. People with high blood pressure or diabetes or who are taking medications for these conditions would best avoid it. It is not something you'll probably want to eat everyday.
2. Dragonfruit (火龙果 huǒlóngguǒ)
The red dragon fruit
Dragon fruit is another strikingly unusual common fruit in China you may have never eaten. The striking purplish-red color of its skin with the projections coming off it may make it seem unpalatable. The skin isn't palatable, but the white or red meat with little black seeds inside is delicious. Unlike durian, dragon fruit doesn't have side effects.
Eating them seems to have the same effect as eating common foods like bananas or pears, but they are good for you and more nutritional.
· Pronunciation: /hoh-long-gwor/
· Tastes: bland, like a pear. Chewing on the seeds releases pleasant fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6.
· How to eat it: When properly ripe, you can peel off the skin in the same way you eat a banana.
Health Benefits and Possible Side Effects / Dangers
Health benefits: It is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C. It has polyunsaturated fatty acids like eating fish, and it is high in several B vitamins. It strengthens the immune system, helps people heal faster, and helps heal respiratory problems. Lycopene in it helps prevent cancer.
Warnings/side effects: None. You can eat them as often as you want.
3. Rambutans (红毛丹 hóngmáodān)
Rambutans are piled with the other fruit in Chinese markets when it is in season. Dragon fruits are the big red fruits above the big yellow papayas.
Rambutans are the third strangest fruit. They look furry. 红毛丹 means "red haired pellet." They are about the size of ping pong balls or golf balls. People don't eat the skin. They are similar to lychees and longans. The red/green hairs make them look strange.
If you've eaten lychees or longans, these are about the same, except they are less juicy and sometimes more tart. People usually prefer eating lychees over rambutans.
· Pronunciation: /hong-maoww-dan/
· Tastes: Pear and lychee mix, or pear and slightly sour white grape mix.
· How to eat them: Just peel it and eat the insides. A sharp knife helps to cut off the skin. Don't try biting into the skin to avoid getting dust and bugs in your mouth. Their season extends from April to September, so they are available longer than lychees.
Health Benefits and Possible Side Effects / Dangers
Health Benefits: It is high in fiber and lower in calories than lychees. So it is a good substitute for those trying to loose weight, but with about the same health benefits as lychees.
Warnings/side effects: See lychee below.
4. Bayberry (杨梅 yángméi)
Bayberry
These fruits are so different, strangely textured, and brightly red-purple colored, they catch your eye when you see them. Like rambutans, they also look furry. Their color makes them look delicious. And they are a very good health promoting food.
These are often sold in the streets in season. They are not expensive. Give them a try. There are no known adverse health effects. They are about 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. The fruit's pulp is similar in color, but may be somewhat lighter. Americans might call it "yumberry."
· Pronunciation: /yang-may/
· Tastes: sweet and sour like pomegranate. Texture like a strawberry.
How to eat them: The fruit has a very short shelf life and often attracts insects. Insects hide in the knobbly skin. Soaking the fruit in saltwater can help remove insects before you eat it. Eat the skin