Discovering Nigeria’s Unpopular Fruits

1. Monkey Kola

Despite sharing a name with the caffeine-heavy kola nut, monkey kola is refreshing and entirely caffeine-free.

Color Variants: Ranges from yellow to red and even white.

Flavor: Crisp and mildly sweet.

Fun Fact: Monkeys are genuinely fond of this fruit—hence the name!

2. June Plums

Warning: Contains a spiky seed, so don’t bite recklessly!

Flavor: Tart and juicy, great for jams.

Season: Typically found around December

3. Rose Apple (Water Apple)

Texture: Crisp and watery.

Flavor: Mildly sweet with floral notes.

Brain Boost: Contains nutrients that support cognitive function

4. Ackee (Ishin)

Origin: Indigenous to Nigeria, though famously associated with Jamaica.

Caution: Toxic when unripe and must be properly prepared.

Local Name: “Ishin” in Yoruba.

Fun Fact: Opens up when ripe, revealing edible arils

5. Ube Ukpoko / Atili

Often Confused With: African butter pear (Ube).

Unique Trait: Smaller and firmer than regular Ube.

Use: Eaten fresh or used in traditional dishes.

Discovery: First spotted in Port Harcourt

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