1. South American Fruits By: Mimi

2. Jack fruit -is the largest tree borne fruit in the world. -is very high in fiber. -appears to be similar to the durian but is usually larger in size. When a jack fruit is cracked open, you will find little bulbs of little edible jack fruit flesh. -can be an excellent vegetarian substitute for meat. Canned jack fruit in brine is usually referred to as “vegetable meat.”

3. Passion fruit -is native to South America. -is the fruit of the passion fruit flower. -tends to taste tart. There are two types: purple passion fruit and yellow passion fruit Although they differ in appearance, they taste the same. -has a jelly-like pulp with black seeds.

4. Star fruit -is also know as the “Carambola.” -is called the star fruit because when you cut it across, it shows a five pointed star shape. -has many benefits like the strawberry, although consuming this when you have kidney stones or kidney failure can be harmful because it contains oxalic acid. Eating this when you have these problems can result in nausea, mental confusion, vomiting, and hiccups.

5. The Dragon Fruit -is native to Mexico, Central and South America. -is also known as the “Pitaya fruit.” -is highly concentrated with vitamin C. -Originates from the dragon fruit cactus plant. -is among the most nutritious of exotic fruits. -has a light, sweet taste.

6. The Jicama -is often called the mexican potato, mexican yam bean, or the chinese turnip. -can be used as an alternative for the water chestnut. When raw, tastes similar to the apple or the pear. -is high in vitamin C and low in sodium.

7. Papaya -was first cultivated in Mexico and Central America. -is a rich source of vitamin C and A, potassium, folate, and fiber. There are two types of papayas: the Mexican papaya and the Hawaiian papaya

8. Mango -is known as the “king of fruit” throughout the world. -is high in vitamin C and vitamin A. The leaves of the mango are used in weddings to ensure that many children will be born. Mango leaves are also toxic and can kill cattle or other livestock. The mango fruit skin is considered to be enidible. In India, it is believed to grant wishes and represents love.