Tropical fruits are generally speaking those fruits that have originated in the tropics. There is such a wide variety of tropical fruits that there is nothing distinctly in common among this vast variety except a universal intolerance to frost. So tropical fruits are often grown in temperate climates and in green house environments when the natural minimum temperature might sometimes dip below freezing. In general most tropical fruits have until recently been deemed exotic because they historically have not been so readily available in non-tropical settings. In the past 100 years the banana and the pineapple have proven to be an exception because of their popularity and the intentionality of growing them and then shipping them out of warm environments. And in recent years all of the following fruits have been become almost universally available, especially the mango.

Mango

More mangos are eaten fresh all over the world than any other fruit. Their use as a food source goes back easily 4,000 years. Although originating in South East Asia, Mangos are being grown in most places where there is an optimal tropical climate. One aspect that mangos need is a climate that has hot dry periods, which allows the fruit to properly mature. Mangos are so widely consumed because they are delicious but they also are very rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidents. They are particularly rich in vitiamins A, C and Potasium. Mango also act as a digestive aid and create a calming feeling in your stomach. They are also high in fiber, and so they are recommended generally to supplement gastrointestinal health.

Papaya

The papaya originated in Central America and southern Mexico, but its popularity has led to its been cultivated in compatible climates around the world. Papayas are often served fresh in halves or slices or sometimes in fruit balls, and juice nectar is popular. Unripe papaya is not eaten raw because of its latex content, but unripe papaya is often cooked in dishes especially in South Asia. Papaya is a good source of iron and calcium as well as vitamins A, B, C and G. Some people are allergic to papaya, and should first be consumed with caution to dertmine if there is an allergic reaction. There is a broader concern for most people in ingesting the latex of the unripened fruit. This fruit has various folk medical uses, but is less well established for modern medicinal purposes.

Ginger

Ginger is aromatic, pungent and spicy, and give zest to a number of dishes from stir fries to sushi. It is an underground rhizome of the ginger plant. It is native to South East Asia, and has been used for millennia for culinary, aromatic and medical properties. It was used in classical times in the mediteranean region and then spread into Northern Europe in the Middle Ages. It has high levels of potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese and vitamin B6. It has been proven to be helpful with gastrointestinal disorders, and can be a relief from vomiting and nausea during pregnancy. It is also an effective anti inflammatory. As with medicinal uses with other fruits and spices, one should seek competent medical advice.

Pinapple

The pineapple has exceptional juiciness and balances the sweet and tart. They are second only to banana’s as North America’s favorite tropical fruit. Pineapples are a composite of many flowers whose fruitlets have fused around a central core. Pineapples originated in South America, and their cultivation has spread around the world. They can be cut and diced in various ways, and are particularly good on their own, as a bold and original taste. They can be successfully integrated into various dishes; examples being fruit salad, a salsa or a relish. Pineapple can be used for its digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. It also provides antioxidant protection and immune support. Pineapple does not have know allergic qualities, but it is acidic enough that one should be careful not to eat too much at a sitting. Otherwise one can get stomach upset.

Banana

Bananas are wonderfully sweet and creamy, and come in their own convenient yellow package. Actually there are many varieties of bananas which appear in various colors, but yellow is the most dominant color. Bananas are thought to have originated in Maylasia but speak to the rest of South Asia very early one. Banana’s were rare in non-tropical non-costal areas until refrigeration was developed, but have been highly popular fruits wherever they have become available. Bananas are enjoyed raw and cooked and in a variety of dishes. Bananas have an extremely high level of potassium, which can help with blood pressure and heart function and bone health. They have an antacid effect and can help with digestion and kidney healthy. Bananas are extremely high in vitamin B6 and are rich in vitamin C. If you have a latex allergy, you are also likely to have an allergy to bananas.