Pit, pith, peel: Fruit of a different kind

Tag: horned melon

Exotic fruits look like they've landed from Mars.

With their spiky exteriors, funny colors and oddball shapes, these interesting fruits often elicit a double-take from shoppers.

Despite their strange appearance, these mostly tropical-grown fruits have gained a following as people's interest in food and dining grows. Chefs are whirling them into smoothies and cocktails, using them to top fruit and leafy green salads, and blending them into sauces and chutneys.

Patrick Killiany, a produce specialist at Giant Foods, said people tend to use these fruits for "the "wow' factor."

"You take it to a party and people are like "Wow, what is that?"' he said.

That's sort of how the kiwi arrived in the 1980s. Now the fruit has reached mainstream status. Mangos are following their lead. The oval-shaped greenish-blush mango's popularity stems from its health benefits and global appeal.

If you're feeling intimidated by exotic fruits - even the more mainstream mango - buy one on your next shopping trip. Expect to pay upward of $2 to $3 for ones such as star fruit and kiwano melon.