10 Weird Fruit Names That Will Make You Say, "What the Fruit?"

Have you ever stumbled upon a piece of fruit with a name so bizarre, it made you do a double-take? From the Buddha's Hand to the Dragon Fruit, the world of fruits is filled with strange and wonderful names that are sure to pique your curiosity.

According to a study by the National Geographic Society, there are over 2,000 known varieties of fruits, each with its own unique name and history. While some fruit names are straightforward, such as "apple" or "banana", others are downright perplexing.

But what's behind these peculiar names? Many fruit names are inspired by their appearance, such as the Horned Melon or the Star Fruit. Others are named after their place of origin, such as the Black Sapote or the Physalis. And still others are named after people, such as the Papaya or the Avocado.

Whatever the reason, weird fruit names are a fun and fascinating way to learn more about the world of fruits. So next time you're at the grocery store, don't be afraid to pick up a piece of fruit with a strange name. You might just discover a new favorite!

Weird Fruit Name Examples

English Name	Scientific Name
Buddha's Hand	Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis
Dragon Fruit	Hylocereus undatus
Horned Melon	Cucumis metuliferus
Star Fruit	Averrhoa carambola
Black Sapote	Diospyros nigra
Physalis	Physalis peruviana
Papaya	Carica papaya
Avocado	Persea americana
Durian	Durio zibethinus
Rambutan	Nephelium lappaceum

Unusual Fruit Names and Their Origins

English Name	Scientific Name	Origin
Buddha's Hand	Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis	China
Dragon Fruit	Hylocereus undatus	Central America
Horned Melon	Cucumis metuliferus	Africa
Star Fruit	Averrhoa carambola	Malaysia
Black Sapote	Diospyros nigra	Mexico
Physalis	Physalis peruviana	South America
Papaya	Carica papaya	Central America
Avocado	Persea americana	Mexico
Durian	Durio zibethinus	Southeast Asia
Rambutan	Nephelium lappaceum	Southeast Asia

Success Stories

The "Dragon Fruit" Boom: In recent years, the dragon fruit has become increasingly popular around the world, thanks to its unique appearance and sweet taste. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global production of dragon fruit has increased by over 500% in the past decade.

The "Avocado Craze": Avocados have become a staple in many diets around the world, thanks to their rich, creamy texture and nutritional value. According to the Hass Avocado Board, global consumption of avocados has increased by over 20% in the past five years.

The "Physalis Revolution": Physalis, also known as "ground cherries," have recently gained popularity as a healthy and delicious snack. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), physalis are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.

10 Weird Fruit Names That Will Make You Say, "What the Fruit?"