14. Akebia
The Akebia fruit is commonly known as the chocolate vine. It contains a sweet, soft pulp that resembles a white dragonfruit. The flesh of the fruit is soft and crunchy, with a mildly sweet and lightly bitter flavor. In your mouth, the flesh melts into a semi-sweet liquid with notes of coconut, pear and melon. It is native to Japan, where it is considered quite bland. Purple Akebi fruits sold on markets are however very popular with tourists, to eat or to take back home as a luxury gift.
On the next page you’ll find the fruity equivalent of caviar.