Presentation Highlights Flavor Prospects
Yangmei/Yumberry
(Myrica rubra)
- Also called a Chinese bayberry
- Yumberry is the recognized name of a supplement featuring this fruit
- Is an ancient native fruit to China
- Small, purplish berry with a fruity, berry and bubble gum-like flavor profile
- Contains high levels of antioxidants and is considered a superfruit
Traditional Uses
- Consumed fresh
- Dried and canned varieties distributed locally
- Used to make both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages
- Known as a supplement outside of Asia
Current Applications
- Featured across categories in China
- Emerging in Western Europe in superfruit smoothies and juices
- Recently turned up in the U.S. and Canada in enhanced water, juice and tea categories
Outlook
Yumberry is the exotic poised to be the next pomegranate in mainstream brands and product categories. It's more likely than its sister superfruits, such as acai and acerola, to hit the mainstream in a sustainable way. Yumberry is likely to grow considerably based on its pleasing, familiar-sounding name, combined with consumer curiosity of new tastes. Its bright fruit flavor is also a winner. For these reasons, we may soon consider yumberry to be in the "Now and Emerging" category instead of on the list of potential future trends.
Rambutan
(Nephelium lappaceum)
- Native to Southeast Asia
- Comes from the word "rambut," meaning hair, because of its soft spines
- Related to the lychee, but less juicy and acidic
- Sweet, semi-transparent flesh is very aromatic
- A good source of calcium and vitamin C
Traditional Uses
- In Southeast Asian countries, rambutan is a common fresh fruit, enjoyed in salads and various sweets
Current Applications
- Canned varieties available in Asia and elsewhere
- Recently featured in yogurts and chilled desserts in Asia
- Growing international market for fresh rambutans
- Recently appeared in fine dining beverages and desserts in the U.S.
Outlook
Asian flavor trends certainly have momentum, and rambutan is among the fruits becoming more available to U.S. consumers. The question becomes, however, is there room for both lychee and rambutan in the U.S. index of exotic flavors to adopt? Perhaps not, likely resulting in rambutan remaining a novelty choice in the produce aisle for mainstream consumers.
Jackfruit
(Artocarpus heterophyllus)
- Native to Southeast Asia
- Grown in Asia, Australia, Brazil and parts of Africa
- Mild taste similar to pineapple
- Largest tree fruit — some can grow to 20 inches in diameter
- Significant range in size, taste and texture among varieties
Traditional Uses
- Consumed fresh, canned, frozen, dried and pickled
- Jackfruit chips are popular commercial products
- Used in a variety of traditional dishes, including puddings and other desserts, curries, stews and salads
Current Applications
- Found in a variety of product categories in Asia, including snacks, confections, baked goods and desserts
- Recently appeared in the U.S. as a featured flavor in a vitamin water and in an energy beverage
Outlook
Jackfruit's broad familiarity across Asia and Brazil points to good potential as an exotic trend. The unique fibrous texture of many varieties may take some getting used to, but perhaps jackfruit is an ingredient, like lulo, poised to grow within the flavor category more than as an ingredient.
