Acai, star fruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit and lychee are stepping into the spotlight as the newest stars on the superfood block.
Acai-Banana Sorbet
Acai is the purple, berrylike fruit from a palm tree that grows in Central and South America. It's packed with antioxidants and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. We love it partnered with frozen banana for a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate sorbet.
We were pleasantly surprised to find that star fruit tastes a lot like apple in this star-studded cake. So we drifted toward warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. The tropical fruit is packed with fiber and vitamin C, not to mention making the cake a conversation starter!
A dragon fruit (also called pitaya) may look like a fire-breathing artichoke, but it's a cactus-family member that's a powerhouse of vitamin C and B vitamins. The white or fuchsia flesh has a fair amount of fiber, and the curious little black seeds are full of healthy fats. Dragon fruit tastes like a cross between a pear and a kiwi, and gives traditional Waldorf salad a tropical update. Look for it in specialty South American or Asian stores.
Grown in tropical regions throughout the world, passion fruit is usually enjoyed as a juice with the crunchy seeds strained out. But consider leaving them: In this smoothie they help deliver an impressive 6 grams of fiber. Passion fruit is also a good source of vitamins A and C, and nonheme, plant-based iron.
Lychees are packed with vitamin C and perfect in this Thai-inspired curry. They bring that touch of sweetness that canned pineapple brings, plus extra potassium and fiber. You can find them in Asian markets.
