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Striking the Balance with Exotics!!!

Have you ever thought how Broccoli is more preferred than Cauliflower nowadays?            
Ever given a thought about how the Indian fresh fruits & veggies market has evolved over past two decades? The millennials are accustomed to eating coloured Bell Peppers or Mushroom Cremini or Broccoli! However, if we go back in time and observe a gen X’s (born between 1981 to 1996) kitchen, we would not find all these exotic veggies!

Exotic veggies or fruits are the ones which are not common to the native population as they are not grown locally. Due to these reasons, exotic veggies and fruits are generally priced higher than popular/common veggies and fruits. For Indian consumers, Avocado grown in Chile is an exotic product and likewise, Indian grown Mango is considered exotic in Chile.

The major reasons behind the introduction of exotic fresh products are inclination towards healthy food and globalization.

For example, Broccoli is a human invention to achieve a healthier alternative. Broccoli was bred out of the wild cabbage plant, Brassica oleracea. It was cultivated to have a specific taste, flavour with add on nutrients that was more palatable to people.

Avocado, Dragon Fruit, Kiwi etc are all examples of exotic fruits which entered Indian markets due to demand of healthier alternatives along with free trade practices.

You can easily find your doctor, nutritionist or gym trainer recommending to start consuming certain exotic veggies and fruits for reasons specific to your health, nutrition, fitness or lifestyle. We have curated a list of popular exotics along with their unique benefits and nutrition profile below. Apart from being delicious, these fresh products would definitely make a difference in your daily health requirements.

  1. Asparagus: This exotic vegetable is not only tasty but offers numerous health benefits. It is a rich source of Vitamins A,C,E and K and also contains folate and chromium. Asparagus is a good source of glutathione. This is a detoxifying agent and breaks down carcinogens and free radicals.
  2. Avocado: Avocado is highly nutritious. It is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids which are healthy for your heart. Also, its high fibre content helps you lower cholesterol and controls blood pressure levels.
  3. Celery: This low-calorie veggie has anti-inflammatory properties. Celery contains phytonutrients, many of which belongs to the category of phenolic antioxidant. These antioxidants prevent inflammation of blood vessels and digestive tract. It also prevents cardiovascular disease, especially atherosclerosis.
  4. Leek: Like Garlic and Onions, Leeks belong to the Allium family and is a rich source of flavonoids. These flavonoids help maintain the linings of the blood vessel and protect them from damage. Leeks also contain folate which supports your cardiovascular system and maintains a proper balance of homocysteine. Moreover, these are also good for treating type-2 diabetes, obesity and rheumatoid arthritis.
  5. Lemon Grass: Lemon Grass contains zinc, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, Vitamin A and C and folate. It promotes digestion and relieves gastroenteritis. It reduces cholesterol and blood fats. Though, it is mostly used as a flavouring agent but, regular consumption of Lemon Grass removes toxins from your body and clean your kidneys.
  6. Pok Choy: Also called Bok Choy is an exotic vegetable which is well known for its high nutrient content. It is a member of the cabbage family and is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid and zinc. This exotic vegetable is a powerhouse of phenolic antioxidant which has anti-cancer properties. Rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin K and magnesium, Pakchoi build and maintain your bone structure.

There has been a constant shift in food preference towards healthy and nutritious while making a choice for yourself & your loved ones – it makes sense to try to include exotic veggies & fruits in daily food intake.

Jagsfresh helps to bridge the gap by serving certified high-quality exotic foods along with other natural & health products. If you have not stumbled upon our ‘Exotics’ category of fresh products already, do check it out - https://www.frugivore.in/subcategory/exotics/health-fruits.

Disclaimer: This article should not be construed as medical advice. It is meant for general information and is not a specific advisory. Please consult your physician/dietician, if in doubt.