If you’ve ventured into a grocery store lately, you might have noticed some strange fruits not native to Iowa. Maybe you’ve heard of star fruit and kumquats, maybe you haven’t. Next time you’re grocery shopping, try a fruit from the following list.

• The cherimoya fruit from South America, and now California, can be eaten fresh, chilled or frozen. It has a rich, creamy texture. Like a melon, the cherimoya needs to be cut in half lengthways, then you can remove the seeds with a spoon. 

• Carambola, or star fruit, you can find all year long.  ISU Dining centers even offer this citrus fruit. Carambola doesn’t need to be peeled, just washed and sliced. When looking for this type of fruit, look for a bright yellow color. The fruit also must be firm to the touch.

• If you can find the Mexican custard apple, make sure to eat it quick. These fruits spoil extremely quickly. Typically eaten raw, just peel and enjoy. Try topping the fruit with a citrus juice and serving as a dessert.

• If you enjoy wheat beer, this fruit is for you. Meyer lemons combine a sweet orange flavor with a tart lemon flavor. Slice them up and use them in your beer. These lemons are also delicious with seafood or chicken dishes.

• Looking to try the largest citrus fruit? Check out the pummelo. Grown mainly in Asian countries, this fruit is a hybrid between an orange and a grapefruit. To serve, slice and remove the green and white flesh surrounding the inside. Although large in size, the pummelo does not contain much fruit once the rind and inner flesh is removed. The fruit is a little tart, so try serving with a sprinkle of sugar.

• Quince is a fruit that can come in a pineapple or apple variety. The pineapple quince is better served after cooking, as it is hard and tart. The apple quince is much sweeter and can be enjoyed raw. Look for quinces that have yellow skin. Surprisingly blemishes and brown spots do not affect the quality of this fruit. Peel and remove the core, like an apple, before serving.

• Ever see that orange fruit with spikes? The kiwano melon, or African horned melon, has somewhat of an intimidating appearance, but has a delicious jelly-like flesh and tart taste. These melons are best eaten when golden-orange and served raw. The kiwano melon can last up to six months if stored properly at room temperature.

For more information, Hy-Vee offers various health notes and tips online for how to buy, prepare and store these types of fruits.