Jackson Free Press

I can definitely see the appeal of being a fruitarian. Not only are fruit beautiful in color and texture, they taste great and are light and refreshing. They also provide us with nutrients we need to stay healthy and live longer. But why limit yourself to apples and oranges? Try some of these uncommon fruits.

• Pitayas, commonly known as dragon fruit, must be cut open to reveal the edible flesh. Dragon fruit come in three varieties, mostly varying in color: bright pink, or yellow with white, or red flesh and black seeds. All have a mildly sweet and crunchy taste. The skin is not healthy to digest, so be sure to cut all of it away.

• Star fruit tastes of pineapples, apples and kiwi combined. When cut, it is star-shaped, hence the name, and it is entirely edible, including the waxy skin. This crunchy, sweet fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Kumquats, cute and small, pack a big punch of tangy sweetness. The whole fruit, except for the seeds, is edible, which distinguishes it from other citrus fruits. The peel has antioxidants, essential oils and fiber.

• Guava is a super fruit packed with vitamins A and C, fatty acids and lots of seeds. Low in fat and calories and creamy in texture, guavas contain vitamins and minerals that can help prevent cancers, aging and can boost your immune system.

• Passion fruit has a juicy interior with seeds. Passion fruit comes in two varieties: The edible kind is golden, and the other, which is mildly poisonous, is a dark red.

• Muscadines are similar to grapes but larger and grow in smaller clusters. The dark purple fruit has a sweet pulp and tart skin. It is said to have a compound that can lower cholesterol and risks of coronary heart disease.