Fruits from Asia
The kiwi fruit is originally from China. The small oval-shaped fruit gets its name from the native bird of New Zealand, the kiwi. Both the fruit and the bird have fuzzy brown skin. Inside, the fruit is bright green with tiny black seeds. It tastes like a combination of a strawberry, a melon, and a banana
But the kiwi is much more than an exotic fruit. According to recent studies, the kiwi has the most nutrients of all fruits. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, and it is good for colds and asthma. Studies show that kiwi can help children with breathing problems and coughs. Kiwis also help reduce the fats in one’s blood, and so they help keep the heart healthy.
The mangosteen is native to Southeast Asia. On the outside, the fruit is a reddish purple color and has a small green crown near the stem. The fruit is white on the inside. The mangosteen tastes like a combination of strawberry and peach, and it is sweet and sour.
The people of Southeast Asia use the mangosteen for medicinal purposes. The skin is used to treat infections, reduce pain, and control fever. A tea made from the rind is also good for stomach problems. Powder from the dried fruit is used for skin diseases. It’s not surprising people in Thailand call it the “ Queen of Fruits ”