Fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet, but maintaining a balanced intake of fruits is also crucial. Many fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges are prevalent, but many others are simply ignored despite being delicious and nutrient-rich.
1. Dragonfruit
With their tough and spiky exterior, it’s no surprise that many people avoid dragonfruit. But beneath this tough exterior hides a sweet pulp that is easily scooped out with a spoon, similar to an avocado. As an added benefit, dragonfruit contain high amounts of fiber and antioxidants along with their deliciously sweet flavor.
2. Blood oranges
A relative of oranges and mandarins, blood oranges are oranges with a blood-red flesh and a tough skin. This tough skin is a no-go for many people, but blood oranges offer a unique flavor (unlike any other citrus). Many people also fear that blood oranges are GMOs, yet in fact, they have been around since the 1600s, well before the rise of genetic modification. Just like many other citruses, blood oranges are high in Vitamins A and C and Potassium.
3. Figs
Although harder to find, figs are a hidden gem in the world of fruits. While they appear slightly mushy and are difficult to peel (due to their very thin skin), they hide an immensely sweet flesh. Figs can be eaten raw or prepared in a variety of ways. Figs are also loaded with Vitamins A and C and natural sugar but contain no fat.
4. Kiwi
Kiwis are another set of fruits that deserve more attention. Kiwis are widely available, but they tend to have a slightly bitter aftertaste and must be peeled before eating, leading many people to opting for other fruits. However, Kiwis are also very sweet and packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
5. Pomegranate
Pomegranates have also fallen out of trend in recent times, which is largely due to the fact that pomegranates require significant effort to consume. Each pomegranate must be split, and then its seeds must be removed by hand. This process is very time-consuming and yields only a small amount of edible fruit. However, fresh, pre-prepared pomegranate seeds are now widely available, allowing consumers to catch up on the Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium they were missing out on.
6. Lychee
Lychees round out this list of underrated fruits. Lychees are rough to the touch and must be peeled to get at the flesh, similar to oranges. Unfortunately, lychees are more difficult to find in supermarkets, leaving many consumers without the intense sweetness found in the lychee flesh. Besides natural sugars, Lychees are also highly rich in potassium and Vitamin C.
