Today I'm going to educate you on the world of exotic fruits or at least introduce you to five that you've probably never seen or heard of. While you probably can't get a hold of them in your local supermarket, it's always good to know of them next time you're in that part of the world... some of them look rather amusing too.

Rambutan



This cute red fruit is only the size of a ping pong ball and is originally from Malaysia but is also grown in Thailand, Indoneisa, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka. The thin, leathery skin is covered in tiny pinkish hairs hence the name "rambut" which means hair in Malay. Similar to the lychee, it has a white pink flesh that is juicy and sweet. It’s often eaten fresh or canned, in salads and in cocktails.


Durian



You might have already heard of this fruit. It's known for its stink which smells like rotting food. I'm not sure how anyone can stomach eating anything that smells this bad but it's considered a delicacy in certain parts of South East Asia. Apparently the smell lingers for days. And it doesn't come cheap either. The durian tree takes 15 years to fruit and it costs up to $50 per fruit. The fruit is huge too, the size of a volleyball, and covered in spikes. Think I've leave this one to the natives to eat.


African Cucumber



This may look like a little like a cucumber and it's called a cucumber and it even tastes a bit like a cucumber but it's actually a fruit that's green and yellow on the outside and bright orange on the inside. (It's also known as the horned melon, jelly melon, kiwano or hedged gourd). It originates in the Kalahari Desert—which spans from central Botswana to west central South Africa and eastern Namibia—but can now be found in California and New Zealand. It's also been described as a mix of banana, cucumber and lemon.


Buddha's Hand



This is definitely my favorite shaped fruit. The Buddha's Hand or "fingered citron" (I don't know which name I prefer) is native to southwest China and northeastern India. The fruit is in season in winter, and can grow up to 12 inches. When split vertically, it reveals a white, juiceless and often seedless flesh. It's most famous for its fragrant scent (which smells like violets). Its thick yellow rind is often used to make jam and marinades, to flavor liquors and perfume clothing. In Japan, it's also a symbol of good luck for New Year’s, and is displayed as a decoration in homes.


Monstera Deliciosa



This fruit from Mexico is also used for ornamental purposes. It takes just over a year for the fruit to ripen and when it does, the scales begin to separate, allowing the white flesh inside to appear. It's said to taste like a blend of pineapple and banana.