Whole Foods Market

Try them in: Dragon Fruit Recharge Smoothie

Ask what else goes into it besides what the menu lists.

Season: Late fall Meet the punk rocker of tropical fruits. Discard the spiky red shell and feast on the juicy grape-like flesh within. While the seed is inedible, you’ll love enjoying this fruit’s aromatic sweet-tart flavor in desserts or simply out of hand. It also brings tropical vibes to smoothies in place of cherries. Rock on

Ask what else goes into it besides what the menu lists.

Shop tropical fruits

Ask what else goes into it besides what the menu lists.

Season: Winter into early spring Our favorite thing about kumquats is that their sweet skin is edible. Go on, dig right in! The flesh itself is a bit tart, so we recommend eating them whole for a perfect balance of flavor. How fun is that? They also add a bright pop to savory entrées when sliced

Ask what else goes into it besides what the menu lists.

Try it in: Coconut Cream Tapioca

Ask what else goes into it besides what the menu lists.

Ask whether the dough has milk in it, and to leave off any dairy cheese.

Ask whether the fryer is shared with meat, and if there is egg in the batter.

Ask whether it is cooked in butter or a meat stock rather than oil.

Season: Spring through summer Also known as Ataúlfo mangoes, these oval-shaped favorites have a golden yellow skin that reveals a bright yellow inside. We recommend adding these tropical delights to ice cream, smoothie bowls and Thai coconut sticky rice, or dicing and adding to ceviche, pico de gallo or guacamole

Season: Almost year-round Once you try it, you’ll feel the passion, too. Inside its thick purple skin (the deep wrinkles let you know it’s ripe), you’ll find small black edible seeds that are coated by pulp containing a lemony, citrusy flavor. Add a pop of texture and flavor to a yogurt parfait, vinaigrette for a mango, arugula and avocado salad, or stirred into a mimosa

Add to the ultimate cheese board

Season: Fall Here’s the deal: Unlike full-size kiwis, these babies have edible skin without the fuzz. They’re similar in size to grapes with a bright and zesty fruit flavor. Kiwi berries go well in both smoothies and cocktails — or slice in half crosswise to add a bright pop of color to cheese boards or salads

Season: Late spring through summer A member of the tomatillo family, gooseberries taste like a tropical cherry tomato — super juicy with a sweet-tart kick. Just be sure to peel off their papery husks before washing and using. Look for berries that are clean, plump and feel like grapes. Pairs perfectly with soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert