Lodhi Garden

When it comes to tropical fruits, the world offers an array of rare and intriguing species known for their unique flavors, textures, and health benefits. One such exotic treasure is the Illama (Annona diversifolia), a fruit cherished in Central America for its soft, aromatic pulp and custard-like texture. Though relatively unknown to much of the … Read more

When people hear the word “Pawpaw,” they may think of different fruits depending on where they’re from. In much of the world, pawpaw is another name for papaya (Carica papaya), a tropical fruit popular in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, in parts of North America, particularly in the United States, Pawpaw refers to a … Read more

The world of exotic tropical fruits offers an incredible range of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits — and among these lesser-known treasures is the Canistel, commonly called the Egg Fruit. With its rich, sweet flavor and custard-like texture, Canistel is cherished in many parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. But which nation … Read more

A curious tropical fusion has been captivating fruit lovers in Southeast Asia: the durian–cempedak hybrid, blending the pungent creaminess of durian with the sweet, custardy notes of cempedak. Known colloquially as “durian cempedak,” this hybrid is still rare—so which country leads in growing it at scale? Despite its novelty, the undisputed leader is Malaysia, where agricultural … Read more

That bright, spiky fruit known as African horned cucumber or kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus) may look bizarre, but it’s a resilient, nutritious gem. Originally from southern and central Africa, kiwano is now grown worldwide—in New Zealand, Australia, California, Israel, and Europe. Yet, production remains most prominent in its native regions. So, which country produces the most … Read more

Bright orange berries dotting thorny shrubs—sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a distinctive super‑berry prized in nutrition, cosmetics, and environmental restoration. But behind its growing global appeal lies a clear leader in production: China. Let’s explore why China dominates this sector, with ~90% of the world’s total acreage, and how the fruit is cultivated, processed, and … Read more

The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a little-known fruit with a flavor likened to spiced apple‑sauce and an ancient pedigree tracing back to classical civilizations. While once widely grown, it is now considered a niche or heirloom fruit. But one country still leads in production—and that country is Spain. Global Rediscovery of an Ancient Fruit Medlars … Read more

With its deep‑red, bumpy skin and sweet‑tart flavor akin to a mix of strawberry, cranberry, and pomegranate, yangmei—also known as Chinese bayberry, red bayberry, yumberry, or waxberry—is one of East Asia’s most beloved seasonal fruits. Though it has yet to conquer supermarket aisles worldwide, yangmei is a staple of festivals, home gardens, and culinary traditions … Read more

What Is Noni? Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia and Australasia, later spread across the Pacific by Polynesian voyagers . The fruit, rough with a pungent aroma, is often likened to cheese or vomit—yet it remains prized in traditional medicine and specialty food and wellness markets worldwide . Noni … Read more

Though often used more like a vegetable than a fruit, chayote (Sechium edule), also known as mirliton, cho-cho, or chokō, is a versatile staple in kitchens across the globe. With crisp, mild flesh, it lends itself to everything from salads and soups to stir-fries and preserves. But speaking of scale—which country produces the most chayote? … Read more