What are Some Different Types of Tropical Fruits?
Tropical fruits stem from the tropical parts of the world, generally grown around the equator where the climate is warm. These type of fruits need a tropical or subtropical climate to grow in and cannot tolerate frost. This is why most well-known tropical fruits are exported from tropical countries.
There are hundreds of different kinds of tropical fruits across the world. While the more well-known ones are exported, some fruits are still only grown and marketed locally. Some examples of the more well-known tropical fruits are bananas, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, coconut, guava, dragonfruit, and avocados.
Bananas originated in the tropics of south-east Asia but are grown in almost all tropical regions today. Bananas grow on plants the size of trees and are loaded with potassium and other valuable nutrients. They are good for lowering blood pressure, speeding the recovery of diarrhea and lowering the risk of strokes.
Mangoes were originally grown in southern Asia, parts of Burma, and eastern India but are grown in all tropical regions of the world now. Mangoes are often considered the "apple of the tropics."
Southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America were the origins of papayas, but these fruits are grown in most tropical countries worldwide today. They tend to be eaten fresh after the skin has been peeled and the seeds removed.
Pineapples originated in southern Brazil and Paraguay. The inside of the fruit is eaten after the outside is removed. It is loaded with Vitamin C and other substances that keep the body strong and aid in digestion.
The coconut's origin is unknown but is possibly thought to have originated somewhere in southern Asia or South America. This fruit is grown in the wet tropics all over the world. The coconut palm is grown for decoration and for its edible parts. Many parts of the plant are used to make roofing for huts and furniture.
Guavas were originally grown in Central America and southern Mexico, but these fruits are generally grown in many tropical and subtropical areas now. The leaves of the guava can be used medicinally for diarrhea or they can be used for tanning and dyeing as well.
People in Mexico, Central America and South America originally grew the dragonfruit where it is still distributed today. This fruit's distribution has branched out to parts of Asia and continues to gain its popularity worldwide. The dragonfruit is the fruit of a cactus plant that only blooms at night.
Avocados originated in parts of southern Mexico and Central America, and are still are a large food crop in Central America. They are probably the most nutritious of the tropical fruits, but are often considered to be a vegetable because of their use in salads and various dips. Avocados work great for lowering blood pressure and controlling cholesterol in the body.
While there are hundreds of tropical fruits across the world, these are just a few of the more well-known ones. The more popular fruits can be found in most supermarkets and farmer's markets, while other tropical fruits are marketed locally and can only be enjoyed when visiting their countries of origin.
Written by L. Hepfer
