While the usual suspects like apples, carrots, and tomatoes grace our tables daily, there exists a realm of peculiar and exotic fruits and vegetables that promise to add a dash of excitement to your cooking repertoire.
Join me on a journey as we delve into the realm of the unusual, discovering flavours and textures that may surprise and delight your palate.
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya):
Hailing from the cactus family, the vibrant hues of dragon fruit catch the eye instantly. With its dramatic pink or yellow skin and speckled flesh dotted with tiny black seeds, this fruit offers a mild, slightly sweet flavour reminiscent of a cross between a kiwi and a pear. Dragon fruit is not only visually stunning but also packed with antioxidants and nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to smoothie bowls, fruit salads, or even savoury dishes like ceviche.
Kohlrabi:
Resembling a cross between a turnip and a cabbage, kohlrabi is an often-overlooked member of the brassica family. Its bulbous stem boasts a crisp texture and a subtly sweet, cabbage-like flavour. Kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw, sliced thinly and added to salads for a refreshing crunch, or cooked into soups, stews, or stir-fries to add a unique twist to your dishes.
Pomelo:
Think of a grapefruit, but on steroids – that's the pomelo for you. This hefty citrus fruit sports a thick, pithy rind that encases juicy segments bursting with tangy-sweet flavour. While peeling a pomelo may require some effort, the reward is well worth it. Add pomelo segments to salads for a burst of citrusy freshness, or enjoy them on their own for a refreshing snack.
Romanesco Broccoli:
Nature's fractal masterpiece, romanesco broccoli, captivates with its mesmerising spiral patterns and vibrant chartreuse hue. With a flavour akin to traditional broccoli but slightly nuttier and more delicate, this vegetable shines when roasted or steamed. Serve romanesco as a striking side dish, or incorporate it into pasta dishes or grain salads for a visually stunning and delicious twist.
Celeriac:
Often mistaken for a root of the celery plant, celeriac boasts a distinct flavour profile that sets it apart. With its knobby exterior and creamy white flesh, celeriac offers a subtle, celery-like taste with hints of parsley and nuttiness. This versatile vegetable can be roasted, mashed, or puréed into soups, adding depth and complexity to your culinary creations.
Feijoa:
Also known as pineapple guava, feijoa is a small, egg-shaped fruit with a fragrant aroma and a unique flavour profile reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and strawberry. Scoop out the jelly-like flesh from its green, slightly gritty skin and enjoy it raw, or use it to make jams, chutneys, or desserts for a taste of the tropics.
As we traverse the culinary landscape, let us not forget to embrace the diversity of nature's bounty. By venturing beyond the familiar and embracing the unusual, we open ourselves up to a world of new flavours, textures, and experiences waiting to be savoured. So, the next time you find yourself perusing the produce section, why not take a chance on something out of the ordinary? Who knows – you might just discover your new favourite ingredient. Happy cooking!