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Tropical Scoopable Fruits

Four snack-friendly fruits—no peeling required.

In the bleak days of winter when you’re struggling to get more fresh fruit into your diet, some of the best options are fruits from warmer climates. Kiwi, passion fruit, feijoa (fay-YOH-ah; also called pineapple guava) and prickly pear are some of our favorites, becuase there's no peeling necessary. Just cut open these fruits and enjoy the sweet tastes of the tropics by the spoonful. Eat them unadorned or add a squeeze of lime, a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon to jazz them up.

Related Recipes

Banana-Kiwi Salad
Kiwi-Mint Julep
Mango-Passion Fruit Smoothie
Passion Fruit Punch
Raspberry Sorbet with Sliced Kiwis

Kiwis

Kiwis taste like a cross between strawberries, pineapple and melon and yield to gentle pressure when ripe. They can be peeled and sliced, but for a quick snack, cut them in half and scoop the fruit right out of the skin.

Passion Fruit

Passion Fruit pulp is usually strained to make juice for flavoring drinks or sauces, but we love slurping the juicy pulp—edible seeds and all—right out of the shell. Carefully slice off the top of the fruit to reveal the tart-sweet nectar inside. Wrinkled skin is a sign of ripeness.

Prickly Pears

Prickly Pears have a juicy interior with edible seeds and taste similar to melon or sweet pear. Slightly soft when ripe. Although their tiny barbs are usually removed from the outside, hold them with a napkin just in case.

Feijoas (Pineapple Guavas)

Feijoas (pineapple guavas) are ripe when fragrant, slightly soft and the inner “jelly” is translucent. The sweet jelly and the surrounding flesh are both edible. The unique floral flavor is reminiscent of sweet banana, pear and Smarties candy!

More Tropical Fruits

Luscious Pineapple Recipes
Fresh Mango: Technique and Recipes

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