The first thing that crosses people mind when talking about Spain is exotic. Yes, from the men, women up to their language sound so exotic. Spain is the fourth largest country in the European continent and the only country in Europe that has border with African country. The assimilation of culture, language and custom are the reasons why Spain is well known as exotic country. Not only that from culinary even the fruits and vegetables could be considered as rare and exotic and the list of fruits from Spanish and health benefits below may surprise you.
- Custard Apple
Spanish name: Cherimoya or Chirimoya
Custard apple is one of the tropical fruit that is easily found in countries with tropical climate. In Spain, cherimoya or custard apple is commercially cultivated in regions like Granada and Costa Tropical. The health benefits of custard apple is probably endless because though 75% of the fruit is water, the rest is packed with vitamin A and vitamin C. Not only that, custard apple is also excellent source of potassium and other types of calcium that makes custard apple is great for teeth and bones.
- Pomegranate
Spanish name: Granada
Who doesn’t love pomegranate? This fruit is so exotic and yet so deliciously tasty. As packed with potent antioxidants and fiber, pomegranate is excellent to reduce the symptoms of high blood pressure. Overall, consuming pomegranate regularly could help maintaining the health of oral organ by preventing the accumulation of plaque on teeth. Pomegranate could be eaten raw, add it to fruit smoothies, blender it to be made into juice or mix it with fruits or vegetable salad.
- Persimmon
Spanish name: Sharoni or Caqui
The other common name used for this fruit is Sharon fruit. The deep orange or red color is the only distinctive feature that differentiates this fruit from tomato. However, when you eat it, the pulp tastes so sweet. This fruit is rich of fiber and vitamin C which are good for human metabolism. The best time to eat this fruit is when it has ripen and don’t eat it with empty stomach because the acidic content of this fruit may affect the gastric juice inside the gut.
- Quince
Spanish name: Membrillo
Those who are not really familiar with quince fruit may be mistaken it with apple. However, if you look it a bit closer quince is slightly larger than regular apple. Quince is rich of vitamins and fiber. That is why quince in the top list of weight loss foods recommended for those who are currently in intensive weight loss diet program. The fiber will make you feel full a bit longer while the simple sugar contained in the fruit will act as your natural energy booster.
- Prickly Pear
Spanish name: Higo Chumbo
Prickly pear is well known as summer fruit in Spain because during summer is the peak season of this fruit. The bright appearance of the fruit, orange and yellow, are the strong indication that this fruit is rich of fiber and vitamin C. Not only that, prickly pear is also packed with some essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium. The combination of vitamin, fiber and minerals make this fruit is excellent to manage the cholesterol level.
- Medlar Fruit
Spanish name: Nispero de invierno
Medlar fruit is quite rare to be found outside Spain, that is why if you have a chance to visit this country, don’t miss the chance to taste this exotic fruit. Medlar fruit is rich of vitamin C, vitamin B complex and Pectin. In ancient up to modern time, medlar fruit is used to how prevent diarrhea, especially in children. Medlar fruit has been used as home remedy to treat diarrhea since ancient time.
- Jujube
Spanish name: Azoifaifa
Jujube is one of the fruits originated from Spain, the appearance is quite unique but the taste is similar to apple. Jujube is packed with vitamin C benefits and rich with fiber. Traditionally, jujube is consumed during recovery stage to help improving the appetite and boosting the immunity system. There are some factors that could cause someone is losing their appetite, if you are among them, don’t hesitate to add jujube to your daily diet.
- Avocado
Spanish name: Aguacate
Do you know that avocado is one of the foods that lower the cholesterol level? It is because avocado contains more potassium and also packed with some essential vitamins like vitamin K, E and B complex. During the season, around November to January, one of the provinces in Spain, Granada could produce up to 20 million kilos of avocado. So, it is a perfect season for you who want to experience harvesting avocados yourself.
- Orange
Spanish name: Orange
Though orange is probably the most common fruits in the world but in Spain, during the season, orange juice is consumed daily and orange marmalade is common thing to find in the marketplace. Not only that, during the season, in some Andalusian cities you will find a street decorated with all kinds of types of oranges. For the health benefits of orange, surely you know it well that it is an excellent source of vitamin C and also fiber.
- Mango
Spanish name: Mango
Just like orange, mango is also one of the most common fruits in the world. In Spain, the most well-known mango variety comes from Malaga, one of the tropical regions of Spain where you could experience harvesting the mango yourself. Besides super rich of vitamin C, mango is also the excellent source of fiber. The health benefits of fiber are including good for cholesterol, weight loss and digestive system.
Those are the top ten list of fruits from Spanish and health benefits you should know. Some fruits like avocado, orange and mango are type of fruits that easily found around the world but there is a unique experience when you are shopping for those fruits in Spain. So, whenever you have chance to visit this country, don’t miss that experience and the most important thing, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the culinary made of those exotic fruits.