If you're on the hunt for unique produce to spice up your meals or try something new, several retailers—online and in-store—can help you find exotic and rare fruits and vegetables. Here's a guide to some of the best options.

Online Retailers

Desibasket
- What to Find: Indian and Asian staples like curry leaves, bitter melon, methi, and fresh turmeric.
- Top Pick: Indian okra (ladyfingers) stays tender longer than regular okra.
- Shipping: Free shipping with a $25–$50 minimum, depending on location.

H Mart
- What to Find: Korean produce such as Okinawan sweet potatoes, dragonfruit, lotus root, and chili peppers.
- Top Pick: Dragonfruit with edible black seeds; perfect for scooping or adding to fruit salads.
- Shipping: Available via H Fresh in NY/NJ, starting at $5.99 (free for orders over $49).

Melissa’s
- What to Find: Seasonal items like star fruit, cactus pear, feijoas, kumquats, and Buddha’s hand.
- Top Pick: Kiwano horned melon with cucumber-like jelly inside; great for smoothies.
- Shipping: FedEx shipping fees vary; free delivery available in parts of California.

Miami Fruit
- What to Find: Tropical fruits like sapodilla, passion fruit, durian, cacao pods, and soursop.
- Top Pick: Cacao fruit; eat the sweet flesh or make your own chocolate from the seeds.
- Shipping: Ships Monday–Thursday; delays possible for ripening or high demand.

Tropical Fruit Box
- What to Find: Exotic options like rambutan, breadfruit, golden berries, and sugarcane.
- Top Pick: Rambutan, a hairy cousin of lychee, with sweet white fruit and an inedible seed.
- Shipping: Free shipping option available, but expedited delivery costs are steep.

Weee
- What to Find: Asian and Mexican produce like cherimoyas, Thai basil, bitter melon, and chayote.
- Top Pick: Cherimoya; tastes like a mix of pear, papaya, and banana. Scoop out its custard-like flesh.
- Shipping: Free delivery on first orders of $35 or more.

In-Person Options

Chain Grocery Stores
- Examples: Whole Foods, Safeway, Albertson’s.
- What to Find: Red bananas, star fruit, dragonfruit, horned melons, and more.
- Top Pick: Red bananas, which taste like bananas with a hint of raspberry.

Mom-and-Pop Shops
- What to Find: Surprising local gems like nopales (prickly pear cactus pads) or rare imports.
- Top Tip: Use apps like DoorDash or Instacart to browse small shop inventories near you.

Tips for Trying New Produce

• Learn Preparation Methods: Many retailers provide guidance on ripeness and how to cook or eat items.
• Experiment with Recipes: Incorporate new fruits and vegetables into salads, smoothies, or ethnic dishes.
• Start Small: Pick variety boxes or smaller portions to try multiple items without overcommitting.

Enjoy exploring new flavors and textures in your kitchen!

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