Making Mealtime Meaningful: Discover how we're giving back with the 12T Cares program →

Apples, oranges, bananas, berries… We consider these staple fruits and par for the course of what you can expect to find at any grocery store here in the U.S. There are tons of other kinds of fruit out there – some really strange, but delicious fruits that are much harder to come by. Here is a list of some of the strangest fruits from around the world!

1. Hala Fruit

The hala fruit is native to islands in the South Pacific. They grow on trees and may look like large pineapples from afar. Up close, however, you’ll see that the fruit is actually made up of long clusters all attached to a solid core. When the hala fruit is peeled, the meat found inside is orange and red. There is also sweet nectar once the hala fruit is cracked open. It tastes a bit like mango. The core of the fruit is sturdy and durable. Some of the islanders use it as an alternative to dental floss.

2. Cherimoya

The cherimoya may look a bit like an artichoke, but trust us, it is very different! The trees on which the cherimoya grow are nicknamed, “ice cream trees,” probably due to the sweet taste and creamy center of the fruit. It tastes like a mix of peaches, strawberries, and bananas. Sounds delightful! In fact, Mark Twain once said that the cherimoya is the most delicious fruit known to man.

3. Rambutan

Rambutan is one of the most popular fruits in Southeast Asia and other tropical climates. While it may look a bit like a sea urchin, and have leathery skin and spikes, the fruit inside the rambutan is quite delectable. It has been compared to a white grape. If you are curious to try this fruit for yourself, you can actually find it at a lot of Asian markets in the U.S.

4. Physalis

There are over seventy variations of this very popular South American fruit. While it may look like a flower or a strange leaf, once you peel into the casing, you’ll find a small, reddish orange fruit. It is said to taste a bit like a tomato, which is why it is often used in pasta sauces and soups.

5. Mangosteen

The mangosteen is native to Southeast Asia and Inda, and is sometimes referred to as the “queen of fruits.” Many people say it is the most delicious fruit in the world. The flavor, however, might not be for everyone. It is said to taste like peaches, but with an oniony aftertaste. The fruit has skyrocketed in popularity since it was declaired a superfruit.