Kinds of Tropical Fruit

Tropical fruits are grown and cultivated in warm climates. Most of these can be found in South and Central America, as well as Hawaii, Florida, Southeast Asia and Australia. There are hundreds of tropical fruits around the world in many flavors, sizes and tastes. They provide nutrients and vitamins whether eaten fresh or used in recipes. Many of these fruits also have health benefits and can fight diseases, including cancer.

Dragon Fruit

• Native to Central and South America, dragon fruit comes in at least 25 different varieties. They can be magenta, white or red and have health benefits. They contain lycopene, which contains an important antioxidant known to fight cancer, lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. According to an old Asian legend, dragon fruit came from fire breathing dragons that spewed fruit after breathing fire. The fruit was collected after the dragon was slain and presented to the Emperor as a sign of victory. Today, dragon fruit is used in fruit juices and teas by many major food companies.

Lychee

• Lychee is a small red fruit that resembles a large raspberry. Originating from Southern China, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, it provides more Vitamin C than oranges or lemons, contains potassium and the same amount of fiber as an apple. Lychees are also low in calories and contain zero fat. It's best to eat lychees when they are fully ripe, since unlike some fruits, they do not continue to ripen after picking. They can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer for several weeks.

Papaya

• Papayas resemble a pear in shape and texture, weigh about 1 pound and are about 7 inches long. The papaya is yellow, pink or orange on the outside. Small, round, black seeds are found on the inside of this fruit in a gelatin-like substance. The seeds are edible, can sometimes be substituted for black pepper, and have a somewhat bitter taste. Papayas are not only sweet in taste, they provide many nutrients and vitamins, including Vitamin C and B, fiber, magnesium, carotenes and potassium.

Star Fruit

• When cut across the middle, the shape of this fruit resembles a star. Two types of star fruit are grown, tart and sweet. Tart star fruits ribs are narrowly spaced while sweet fruits have fleshy ribs. Star fruit contains Vitamin C, is cholesterol free, and contains only 20 calories. Star fruit is ripe when it turns from green to yellow. You do not have to peel this fruit before eating. Originating in Sri Lanka, star fruit was first cultivated in Southeast Asia and now is grown in Hawaii and Florida.