They are called tropical fruits (or exotic fruits) and we love them: avocado, banana, pineapple, mango, lychee, etc. Appreciated by the French, they are however not cultivated in France. Here is our list of major tropical fruits (to avoid if you prefer short circuits)!
In France, the consumption of tropical fruits reaches about twenty kilos per year and per household. Just that ! And according to the Kantar Worldpanel, the three most consumed exotic fruits in France account for 90% of the total. These are bananas (12.7 kg per year and per household), avocado (2.4 kg) and pineapple (2 kg).
The list of major tropical fruits
Tropical fruits are defined as fruits from regions with a tropical or equatorial climate. They have the common characteristic of ne not well endure the cold. Tropical fruits are classified into two categories : “major” (this is the list of important tropical fruits that we draw up below) and “minor” tropical fruits, that is to say those which are becoming rarer on our shelves.
1. The banana
Banana fruit, the banana has a thick, tender, sweet, yellow or other skin depending on the variety. It is a fruit rich in vitamins, fiber and carbohydrates, which is a great source of energy. It is good for concentration thanks to its potassium content and effective against nervousness thanks to its vitamin B content.
France does not produce bananas but they can be found all year round in shops in France. In the world, more than 110 million tonnes of bananas are produced per year. India is the largest producer with more than a quarter of production.
2. The lawyer
Originally from Mexico, the avocado is the fruit of the avocado tree with soft and creamy flesh. It contains unsaturated fatty acids, which are excellent for your health. He is good for the heart thanks to omega 9 which are known to play a role in lowering bad LDL cholesterol. Avocado is also good for your eyesight, skin, and breath.
The energy value of avocado is consequent (130 kcal / 100 g) and it contains 14% lipids. As a result, avocado is often singled out for its high fat content. But it is largely linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid favorable to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.
3. Pineapple
Like the banana, thepineapple is the tropical fruit par excellence. It immediately makes one think of the sun and weighs 1.8 kg on average. Pineapple is very rich in potassium, manganese, bromelain, vitamin C and fiber. It is therefore very useful for bones, blood, digestion and is an excellent anti-inflammatory.
Detox, colds, fats, painful periods: pineapple is a fruit that conceals many health benefits. It is easily found today on the shelves all year round. Its flavor fits into many savory and sweet recipes.
4. Mango
Another star in the list of tropical fruits, the mango which is the fruit of the mango tree. It has an oval shape, hard, smooth skin, and a color that varies between green, yellow and orange. Native to India, it belongs to the Anacardiaceae family.
Low in calories but very rich in nutrients, mango is good for the skin thanks to vitamin C which promotes collagen production. By its fiber content, it helps to lower cholesterol. It also stimulates memory thanks to the amount of glutamic acids it contains. It is found almost all year round but its peak season is from December to February.
5. Papaya
The papaya is an exotic fruit with orange flesh native to Mexico. She is known for facilitate digestion and its seeds are particularly useful in the case of slimming drainage. It improves vision, increases the immune system and reduces the risk of cancer.
Papaya contains fiber, water, flavonoids and enzymes. It is also rich in lycopene, calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamins C, B5 and E. The main papaya producing countries are Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico, India and Indonesia.
6. Lychee
the litchi is a fruit tree of the Sapindaceae family and native to China, hence its nickname “Chinese Cherry”. Its fruit is round in shape with white, sweet flesh and a pinkish rind.
Lychee is excellent for soothe the pains. It is an ideal analgesic against headaches and gastric disorders. Its high fiber content promotes intestinal transit and digestion. It therefore helps to fight against constipation and heartburn.
Thanks to its antioxidant and vitamin C content, it would prevent cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. We also recognize him a beneficial toning effect For sportive people. It is also an excellent anti fatigue and stimulator of the immune system.
7. The pomegranate
The least popular in this list of major tropical fruits is undoubtedly the grenade. It is a Mediterranean fruit that comes in the form of an apple adorned with a stem generally red in color and about ten centimeters in diameter. It is recognized for its rich nutritional composition in vitamins B, C, E, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. It provides, for 100 g, nearly 40% of the recommended vitamin C intake.
The pomegranate has anti-inflammatory properties induced by its richness in punicalagins, compounds with antioxidant properties. It participates in the strengthening of bones and joints, thus limiting the appearance of various degenerative bone diseases, such as arthritis or osteoporosis.
Tell us what is your favorite exotic fruit, especially if it is not in our list of major tropical fruits!
8. The coconut
The coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm. It is rich in fatty acids, calories and antioxidants. It also contains vitamins B3, B5, mineral salts like zinc, potassium, and magnesium.
Consuming coconut improves digestion and increases the feeling of fullness thanks to the fibers. It is good for cardiovascular health. Coconut is thirst-quenching and very popular in both cosmetics and cooking.
9. The passion fruit
the passion fruit comes in the form of a large egg weighing 80 g on average. It grows on a liana and can be found in various colors depending on the variety: yellow, orange or brown.
Passion fruit has several health benefits. Its high fiber content makes it useful for digestion. It could also prevent cancer and cardiovascular illnesses by its antioxidant and potassium content. It is also recognized as having a protective effect for the eyes thanks to the vitamins A, C and the flavonoids it contains.
10. Guava
The guava is a tropical fruit in the shape of pear or apple. It is a tonic food that has an exceptional vitamin C content and a great richness in fiber.
Its color varies from green to red, passing through yellow. Its low energy intake makes it a fruit easy for everyone to consume : in juice, sorbet, or syrup. The world’s largest producer of guava is India.
