July 18, 2009

Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, and is more  related to squash than the other varieties of melons from the Cucumis

Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, is related to the tamarillo, or tree tomato, as they are both part of the nightshade family, which includes eggplant, tobacco, potatoes,

Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum, also known as tree tomato or tomate de arbol, is a shrub- like plant or small tree, native to the Andes of

Tamarind, Tamarindus indica, is native to tropical Africa, and grows wild throughout the Sudan. It was introduced into India so long ago that it is

Star Apple, Chrysophyllum cainito, is a member of the Sapodilla family and is native to Central America and the Caribbean.  It is cultivated for its

Rambutan, Nephelium lappaceum, is closely related to lychee and mamoncillo.  It is native to Malaysia, but is cultivated in many areas of the world.  In

Pomegranate, Punica gran, is an ancient fruit native to Persia (Iran).  It is both a tropical and sub-tropical plant that has been cultivated and naturalized

Pineapple, Ananas comosus, is native to Southern Brazil and Paraguay, and was passed along through indigenous tribes up to the Caribbean, where Columbus first encountered

Passion Fruit, Passiflora edulis, known also as “‘Maracuya,”  “Parcha” and “Maracuja,” is a delicious fruit that is native to Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Northern Argentina,

Papaya, Carica papaya, and of the genus Carica, is native to tropical Americas, from Southern Mexico, to Central and Northern South America.  It was cultivated

Nopal, Opuntia lasiacanta, is the paddle of the prickly pear cactus. The cactus itself is native to the Southern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South

Noni, Morinda citrifolia, also sometimes called “cheese fruit” (or even “vomit fruit”) is native to Southeast Asia, but was spread spread throughout Oceania by the

Miracle Fruit, Synsepalum dulcificum, is a simple berry that looks like a pomegrante seed, and has the remarkable ability to turn the sour taste of

Mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana, also known as Purple Mangosteen, is usually referred to as mangosteen. It is a tropical evergreen tree that grows from 20-80 feet

Mango comes from the genus Mangifera.  It is indigenous to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia, and cultivated and distributed widely in the world.  The

Mamey Sapote, Pouteria sapota, is native to Southern Mexico, Belize and Northern Guatemala, but is now cultivated in much of the Caribbean, Central America and

Longan, Dimocarpus longana, fruits are similar to lychees but come from a different family of plants, Sapindaceae.  They are known in Chinese as “dragon eyes”

Lemon, Citrus limon, a most valued resource for culinary and medicinal purposes, is used in most parts of the world.  Its origins are a mystery,