Bali Class Tropical Fruit is a tropical island that grows many unique fruits that you may not have had the chance to try before. Some of these include salak (or snake fruit), Buah Nga AKA Dragon Fruit, rambutan and kelengkeng.
These red distinct looking fruits taste like lychee and are great for weight loss and high in Vitamin C. They can be found in most markets and stalls around town.
Mangosteen
Mangosteen is a exotic tropical fruit with a hard, deep purple exterior that opens up like a box of jewels to reveal the succulent white flesh inside. It is grown mainly in the tropical regions of Asia and Southeast Asian nations, but small-scale attempts have been made to cultivate it outside the tropics, especially in California and Florida, with mixed results.
The fruit contains a high level of antioxidants that are thought to help prevent aging and cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps boost the immune system.
It is also a great source of folate and vitamin C, which are important for maintaining a healthy brain. It is believed to help fight against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by helping with memory formation. It also helps to protect against cardiovascular disease by reducing lipid peroxidation.
Papaya
Known as Belimbing in Bali, the Papaya is a sweet fruit that can be eaten fresh or used for salads. It has an enzyme that aids digestion and is also a natural meat tenderizer. It is rich in Vitamin C, dietary fiber and potassium and has potential heart-health benefits.
Bananas are one of the most common and important fruits in Bali, especially when they’re boiled or steamed and sold at food stalls in traditional markets. Bananas are not only delicious, they’re also a source of energy and a great antioxidant.
Aside from mango, pineapple and bananas, a platter of fresh fruit is a must-try when visiting Bali. Other tropical fruits include durian, which has a spiky green shell and a pungent odor that’s off-putting to many people. Once you get past the smell, the flesh inside is creamy and tastes similar to cantaloupe and mango. It’s rich in Vitamin C and a good source of folic acid, niacin and vitamin B6.
Rambutan
A tropical fruit that looks like a cross between a grape and a lychee, rambutan has a hairy exterior with juicy white flesh. It can be eaten fresh or used as an ingredient to add a distinct, sweet and tropical flavor to desserts and drinks.
They are known for their deliciously juicy and delicately sweet taste, which some say is reminiscent of a sweet green grape or lychee with a hint of acidity. They have a soft jelly-like texture and are most often enjoyed fresh or added to no-cook dishes like fruit salads and smoothies.
Rambutan comes from the Nephelium lappaceum tree and belongs to the Sapindaceae family (also known as the soapberry family). It is low in fat and contains moderate amounts of protein and dietary fiber and minerals such as copper, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. It also has a healthy amount of Vitamin B5 which is important for helping the body to convert food into energy.
Durian
Durian (scientific name Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit famous throughout Southeast Asia. Its cultivation thrives in tropical areas, ceasing when average daily temperatures drop below 22degC [1].
Durian is a round or oblong fruit with spiky outer parts that are light green or brownish in colour (Figure 1A). It has 3-5 longitudinal sutures which open only after the complete ripening of the whole fruit [2].
Durians have an unpleasant, thorny skin but inside you will find sweet flesh containing seeds. The taste is similar to that of a kiwi, pear and watermelon with a unique fragrance. It is a very difficult fruit to transport due to its size and weight, but is popular in Bali due to the perfect conditions for its growth.
Other exotic fruits you will find in Bali include sukun, buah nga or dragon fruit, markisa, kelengkeng, apple banana and rambutan. You should not miss trying these delicious and exotic fruits during your visit to this beautiful island.