Five Fruits that Caught my Interest in Guangzhou and one Warning

Okay, so a big plus of living here in China is the fruit.  So this blog is dedicated to the top 5 fruits that I found most interesting. [ Scroll almost to bottom to skip 4 runner ups and see #1 Fruit]

The 4th Runner Up:  Snake Fruit

My Introduction:  My husband and I were talking with a waiter about an unusual fruit we loved. The waiter asked us if we ever had snake fruit.  Of course the name piqued our interest. The waiter left and then returned with a plate full of fruit.  Presentation, fantastic -- it did look like snake skin on the outside.  On the inside it looked like slick garlic pieces, firm and a little bit of a crunch.  Not moist and it had a subdued sweet flavor.  I don't really crave it, but it makes it on the list for its appearance.

The 3rd Runner Up:Red Bayberry
My Introduction:  Warning -- many of you will shudder at the following story.  I was at my favorite place to buy pineapple (a small cart on the street) -- they peel the pineapple and sell it to you for about 4 RMB.  I take it home and wash it and it is the most delicious pineapple ever!  Well, back to the Red Bayberry.  So the Pineapple Lady (I don't know her name) had these very unusual fruits one day.  She wanted me to try one and held it out for me to try.  I didn't want to because I was worried about any germs, etc.  But she was smiling and insisting and so I just smiled back and took it and popped it into my mouth.  As soon as I bit into it, I experienced this delightful burst of sweet and tart (not too tart).  It was much juicier than I had imagined.  It is at least half solid seed in the middle -- so you just kind of bite around it and spit the seed out when you are done.  I bought a bag full and took them home.

The 2nd Runner Up: Dragon Fruit

My Introduction: While walking through a "fresh market"  I saw this beautiful pink and green produce.  I didn't know what it was, all I knew is it looked cool.  I knew I had to try some.  On the inside, even cooler!  White with tiny black seeds.  My impressions of this fruit -- again big on presentation, okay on the palate.  It is a very mild tasting -- a hint of sweet, texture of a kiwi, and fun tiny seeds to crunch on.  

The 1st Runner Up: Pomelo  The "RED" one

Note:  There are two types.  The yellow ones, known here in China as the "white" ones because they are white on the inside and yellow on the outside.  There are also the red ones, which are pink on the inside and green on the outside.  Okay, now I think everyone is sufficiently as confused as I was in the beginning.  Let's continue.

Introduction:  First day we arrived we were invited to a friend's for lunch.  She had wanted to try one of these "giant grapefruits."  I liked it.  Then I discovered "red" pomelos (green on the outside, red -- or actually pink on the inside), and I loved it!   It is similar to grapefruit but more mild.  You must peel the thick spongy skin which is sometimes about half the fruit.  When you get to the inside part, you peel the thin membrane away also -- and then you have the fruit, which is delightful to eat with someone while you chat for a while.  Same feel as peeling edamame -- kind of have to work for your food.

The WINNER!!!!!!

1st Place and The Reigning Champion is the beautiful mouth-watering fruit I will always crave : The Mangosteen

Introduction:  I had seen in the market, but I had no idea and it didn't look that great-- so I completely ignored them.  And it's scary to think I did that for a while and that I may have never tasted them.  But I heard a friend mention that there was this burgundy fruit with a short green stem and that if anyone had a chance they should try it.  So I purchased two and brought them home.   We cut it open, perfectly bright white on the inside shaped kind of like cloves of garlic. Can I just say that my life will never be the same again?  Yes, it was that big of a palatal revelation.  It is exquisite!  A taste of heaven -- truly.  It's all natural, and it is perfect.  So if you are in China and you see this fruit, you MUST buy it and eat it.  Of course, all other fruit will pale in comparison after this, but it is a small price to pay.  I don't even want to describe the flavor, because I want it to be a beautiful surprise like it was for me.

WARNING:

 One last note.  Durian - popular fruit in China.  In my opinion -- Smelly.  I tasted it, I didn't like it.  And here is a picture so you can avoid it too if the smell doesn't warn you off first.  However, I see many people flock to it and enjoy eating it.  I'm afraid my Western taste buds can't handle it.