Fruits come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, but most of them are round. However, some fruits stand out because of their unique shapes. If you’re curious about what fruit isn’t round, keep reading to discover the odd-shaped fruit.
What Makes Fruit Round?
Many fruits are round because they develop from a flower’s ovary, which usually has a round shape. The ovary is the female reproductive part of the flower that contains the ovules, which produce seeds after fertilization.
In most plant species, the ovary swells and becomes fleshy when the ovules are fertilized. The ovary’s shape and size determine the fruit’s shape and size, so if the ovary is round, the fruit will be round as well.
Why Are Some Fruits Not Round?
Despite the round shape of the ovary, some fruits develop into irregular shapes due to various factors. Some fruits are oblong, others are tubular, and some have multiple lobes or segments.
One reason for the irregular shape of some fruits is genetic variation. Some plant species have genetic variations that affect the fruit’s shape or size, resulting in atypical fruits.
Another reason is physical factors such as the fruit’s position on the plant or external pressure from an object. For instance, some fruits grow sideways or downwards, causing them to develop an oblong shape.
What Are Examples of Non-Round Fruits?
Pineapple
Pineapple is one of the most popular non-round fruits. It has a cylindrical shape with a crown of spiky leaves at the top. Pineapples are native to South America but are now grown worldwide in tropical regions.
Pineapple fruits have a yellow or brownish tough outer layer, and their inner flesh is yellow or white, depending on the variety. Pineapples have a sweet, tart taste and are commonly used in fruit salads, juices, and smoothies.
Banana
Bananas are one of the world’s most popular fruits, and they have a curved, elongated shape. They are native to Southeast Asia but are now grown in many tropical regions worldwide, making them easily accessible to everyone.
Bananas have yellow or green skin with soft, white flesh inside. They are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are commonly eaten as a snack, added to desserts, or used in smoothies.
Pear
Pears are another non-round fruit whose shape varies from oblong to round. Pears are native to Europe and Asia but are now grown in many regions worldwide. They have a thin, often russet-colored skin and creamy white flesh inside.
Pears are commonly eaten raw, as part of a fruit salad, or cooked in pies and sauces. They have a sweet, fragrant flavor and are rich in vitamin C and fiber.
Avocado
The avocado has a unique pear-shaped appearance and is native to South America. Avocado fruits have a green, bumpy skin and a large seed inside, surrounded by creamy green flesh.
Avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals and have a mild, nutty flavor. They are often eaten raw, mashed into guacamole, or added to salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Kiwi
Kiwi is a small, oval-shaped fruit with brown, fuzzy skin and bright green flesh inside, dotted with tiny black seeds. Kiwis are native to China but are now grown in many countries worldwide.
Kiwis have a tangy, sweet taste and are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. They are commonly eaten raw, added to fruit salads, or used in desserts and smoothies.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Non-Round Fruits?
Non-round fruits are a healthy addition to your diet and offer several benefits for your health:
- They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, promote heart health, and prevent chronic diseases.
- They provide a variety of tastes, textures, and flavors that can add excitement and pleasure to your meals.
- They are versatile and can be eaten raw, cooked, or used in a variety of dishes, making them a versatile ingredient in your culinary repertoire.
Conclusion
Non-round fruits are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer several health benefits. They provide a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious addition to your meals, and their unique shapes can add visual interest to your plate.
If you’re looking for some variety in your fruit intake, try some of these non-round fruits:
- Pineapple
- Banana
- Pear
- Avocado
- Kiwi
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are examples of non-round fruits?
A: Some examples of non-round fruits are pineapple, banana, pear, avocado, and kiwi.
Q: Are non-round fruits less healthy than round fruits?
A: No, non-round fruits are just as healthy as round fruits. They offer a variety of nutrients and health benefits and can be a delicious addition to your diet.
Q: Are non-round fruits less flavorful than round fruits?
A: No, non-round fruits are just as flavorful as round fruits. Their unique shapes can even add a new level of texture and flavor to your meals.
Q: Can you eat the skin of non-round fruits?
A: It depends on the fruit. For example, the skin of a pear is edible, but the skin of a pineapple or kiwi is not. Always research or ask a professional before consuming the skin of any fruit.
Q: Do non-round fruits have more seeds than round fruits?
A: Not necessarily. The number of seeds in a fruit depends on the fruit’s species and variety, not its shape.
Q: How should I store non-round fruits?
A: Store non-round fruits in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can also refrigerate them, but make sure to wrap them in a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
References
- “Why Fruits Are Round” by Stephanie Pappas, Live Science
- “Why Some Fruits Have Strange Shapes” by Laura Moss, Mother Nature Network
- “16 Non-Round Fruits That Are Totally Worth Trying” by Sheela Prakash, Kitchn