In recent years, the cultivation of exotic fruits has become a growing trend in Spain. As consumers seek new gastronomic experiences and greater diversity in their diet, the demand for exotic fruits has increased significantly.
In this post we will tell you more about fresh, high quality exotic fruits in Spain, and we will discover how local orchards are contributing to diversifying and enriching the supply of these fruits in our country.
What are exotic fruits?
Exotic fruits are those that are not common in a certain region or country and come from distant places. These fruits often have unique characteristics in terms of taste, texture, aroma and appearance.
What exotic fruits are consumed in Spain?
Some examples of exotic fruits in Spain are pitaya, passion fruit, lychee and mango, among others.
It should be noted that in the countries where these fruits are grown, they are not considered exotic. It is important to differentiate between exotic fruits and tropical fruits: in Spain, all tropical fruits are exotic -because we do not have a tropical climate-, but not all exotic fruits are tropical.
It is also important to note that many of the exotic fruits consumed in Spain are of Asian origin.
Where can exotic fruits be grown?
Exotic fruits can be grown in different regions of the world, provided that the climatic and soil conditions are suitable for each species.
In Spain, in general, all tropical fruits –which are also exotic- are grown in subtropical areas, as the climate is very similar to that needed for the cultivation of these fruits.
Moreover, the Canary Islands or the Levante coast are areas where the mild climate makes it possible to adapt to other types of fruit that are not natural to the Spanish climate.
Finally, it should be noted that Spain is a country with several very different climates. Fruits grown in subtropical climates could therefore be considered exotic for regions with an Atlantic or mountain climate.
Where to get exotic fruits?
There are different ways to get exotic fruits in Spain. But, without a doubt, the most beneficial thing to do is to do it in local shops.
Some farmers in the subtropical areas of Spain, such as Axarquia in Malaga, take advantage of the climate in their growing areas to plant exotic fruits.
This is the case of Huerta de Pancha, where you can buy the best exotic fruits on the market.
Ideas for eating delicious exotic fruits
There are different options for consuming exotic fruits. Here are some of them.
One of the most popular is a tropical smoothie, which uses different exotic fruits – such as pineapple, mango, passion fruit and papaya; orange juice can also be included. Blend all these fruits, chopped, until you get a smooth texture and a refreshing taste.
Another good alternative to enjoy the best exotic fruits on the market is with a fruit kebab. You can chop up all the exotic fruits you have into bite-sized pieces, thread them on skewers and enjoy the delicious taste of a fruit salad, fruit by fruit.
If you want to use this type of fruit to accompany a dish, we recommend making an exotic fruit sauce. Simply mix as many exotic fruits as you like with a little lime juice, chopped coriander and chilli to taste. If you choose the right fruits, you can enjoy a good sauce to accompany grilled meats or salads.
Dare to try new combinations and surprise your palate!
