Who would have thought that the letter X hid unsuspected fruity treasures? If you landed here, it’s probably because you are curious, or maybe you’re trying to win a game of “petit bac” with a rare word. No matter the reason, get ready to travel around the world discovering 15 fruits with exotic names. Some are sweet, others surprising, but all have a story to tell!
1. Xigua: the Chinese watermelon
You probably know watermelon, but did you know it has a specific name in China? The Xigua is a variety of watermelon with juicy red flesh, highly prized in summer for refreshing oneself. Its sweet taste and intense hydration make it one of the most consumed fruits in the world. Why you should try it?- Rich in antioxidants (hello lycopene!)
- Ideal for hydrating after a long summer day
- Low in calories but super indulgent
2. Ximenia: the African wild plum
The Ximenia caffra, also known as the African wild plum, mainly grows in Southern Africa. This small orange-red fruit hides a tangy flavor that makes your taste buds tingle! Some benefits of Ximenia:- Rich in vitamin C
- Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties
- Oil extracted from seeds prized in cosmetics
3. Xoconostle: the sour prickly pear
If you know Nopal, this Mexican cactus with multiple uses, then you will love Xoconostle! Unlike the classic prickly pear which is sweet and sugary, this fruit is more sour and very popular in Mexican cuisine. How to enjoy it?- In spicy salsas
- In juice with honey
- As an ingredient in traditional dishes
4. Xylocarp: the coconut in all its glory
The term Xylocarp actually refers to hard-shelled fruits like… the coconut! Nothing more classic, you might say, but did you know that green and mature coconuts don’t have the same taste or uses? Green coconut:- Rich in coconut water (perfect for hydration)
- Lighter taste
- Thicker and sweeter flesh
- Ideal for desserts and coconut milk
5. Xiangjiao: the Chinese banana
Well, we’re cheating a bit because Xiangjiao simply means “banana” in Mandarin. But this reminds us that the banana is a universal fruit, with different varieties all over the world. Fun fact: the Chinese often use bananas to sweeten spicy dishes.6. Xoài: the Vietnamese mango
Again, Xoài is just the Vietnamese name for mango, but did you know that Vietnam produces some of the best mangoes in the world? They are often smaller, super sweet, and perfect for smoothies. Simple recipe to try:- 1 ripe Xoài mango
- 200 ml of coconut milk
- Crushed ice
- Blend everything and enjoy!
7. Xanthium: the fruit with formidable spikes
Little known, Xanthium is a small spiny fruit, often considered a weed. But be careful, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat certain respiratory conditions.Summary table of fruits starting with X
| Name | Origin | Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Xigua | China | Sweet and juicy |
| Ximenia | Africa | Tangy |
| Xoconostle | Mexico | Sour and spicy |
| Xylocarp | Tropics | Sweet (coconut) |
| Xiangjiao | China | Sweet and creamy |
| Xoài | Vietnam | Super sweet |
| Xanthium | Everywhere | Non-edible |
In conclusion…
You see, even with the letter X, we can find incredible fruits from all corners of the world! Some are very common (hello coconut), others more exotic, but each has its little thing to offer. So, which one are you most eager to taste? If this article taught you something, share it with your friends! And if you want to discover even more rare fruits, take a look at our ultimate guide to exotic fruits. Who knows, maybe the next fruit you taste will become your favorite!
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!
