Fruit Key Terms

Learn more about exotic fruits for your business

By Michelle Cramer

Eating healthy is an important element of today's society, as the numbers of unhealthy individuals continue to rise. It is important to provide your customers with more healthy choices, whether you sell fruit as a vendor, in a supermarket or use it in the meals you offer in your restaurant. Consider the following key elements and exotic types of fruit when considering offering your clientele something a little different.

USDA Grade A

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a rating system to make sure that fruit (as well as vegetables, meats and other fresh foods) meet high quality standards for distribution and consumption. The Grade A rating means that the fruit meets premium standards for color, flavor and the absence of defects.
Try: Learn more about the standards for fresh fruit set by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Citrus

Citrus is a term that encompasses several fruits grown on trees, have an acidic juice content and are rich in Vitamin C. Oranges account for 70% of the citrus category and the other 30% includes tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas, lemons, limes and grapefruit.
Try: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development provides a full definition of citrus fruit. Visit The Florida Department of Citrus website for more key terms related to the citrus fruit industry.

Organic

Organic fruits are those grown without the use of man-made pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals to produce quality results. The overall goal is to promote consumer health. Therefore, growers only use all natural products to boost results.
Try: Access the Organic website or Horizon Organic for more information.

Ackee

Ackee is a very strange fruit that was originally grown in Africa. Introduced to Jamaica in the 1700s, ackee became the main ingredient in one of Jamaica's national dishes -- ackee and salt fish. This fruit is slightly pear shaped, turns bright red when fully mature and has an egg-like flavor.
Try: Squidoo has more information on ackee.

Longan

Longan is native to China and Southeast Asia and is also known as the dragon's eye (the Chinese translation of the word) or lychee's little brother. The flesh is a translucent whitish color and it tastes like a grape.
Try: Access Travelfish for details on when to buy longans and for information on other types of fruits.

Persimmons

Persimmons are also known as kaki in most countries, caqui in Spain or Sharon fruit in Israel. The genus name of Diospyros means "food for the gods." There are several types of persimmons available, including California fuyu, chocolate and jiro.
Try: Seed to Supper provides more information on the several types of persimmons. NutriBase has a glossary of fruit terms for those seeking additional information.