This year has seen an explosion of new and exotic fruits on the market in the produce aisle and in prepared foods and drinks. Here's a list of some you may already see in your market, and some that may show up sometime during the new year.
Acai: grown in the Amazon rain forest, this unusual berry-like fruit is rich in antioxidants, as well as healthy fats, protein and dietary fiber. It is most commonly found in stores as a beverage ingredient.
Camu camu: a red-purple cherry-like fruit that also comes from the Amazon. It is rich in vitamin C, but has a very acidic taste that requires addition of sugar and often milk to enhance acceptability. It can add a very attractive color to foods and beverages.
Capuacu: also grown in the Amazon rain forest, this fruit comes from a tree in the cocoa family (Theobroma grandiflorum) and has a very high antioxidant content. The fruits are brown and fuzzy - an appearance that has earned them the nickname 'hardy kiwi fruit' . They are about the size of melons. I have not tried this fruit, but according to an article in foodnavigator.com, "the pulp is white and creamy, and can be used as a substitute to cocoa in chocolate food products. "
Goji berry: also known as the wolfberry, this fruit has been available as an ingredient for awhile in the U.S., but because of the recent interest in antioxidants it is finding new found fame. It is not found as a raw fruit. The berry is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein and fiber, and is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals.
Guavasteen: as mentioned in gcimagazine.com, "Guavasteen, which is also known as Feijoa, is a fruit that has been promoted for its high antioxidant properties. Native to New Zealand, it could likely be the type of new sensation consumers are looking for."
Lulo: an extremely popular fruit and beverage in Colombia, it is just beginning to sell here in the U.S. According to foodnavigator.com, "It looks like an orange-coloured tomato, apparently, but has light-green jelly-like flesh that tastes similar to pineapple or lemon." Due to easy spoilage, it is typically used as an ingredient in products rather than sold as a fresh fruit in retail markets.
Pomegranate: certainly not new, but the fresh fruit is available much more widely and for a longer season than ever before. Products range from bottled juice, drinks and teas to ice creams. Prized for it's high antioxidant content, the fruit can be enjoyed raw. In some countries the juice is a very popular beverage.
Be adventurous. Buy one fresh and try it. If you find the fruit dried or as a juice, see how it tastes. They are all very different than the fruits we are used to here in North America. It's always fun to experience new tastes and create new recipes to add a little zest to your standard menus. We'll try to see what we can come up with in the Good Mood Diet test kitchen throughout the year, too.
Yours in a Good Mood,
Dr. Susan Kleiner