When shopping for groceries at H Mart produce section, experts recommend keeping an eye out for unique fruits and vegetables that are difficult to find in regular supermarkets.
Lifestyle media Parade recently introduced seven items to buy and three items to skip in the H Mart produce aisle, explaining that finding distinctive agricultural products hard to locate elsewhere is a major strength of the Asian supermarket chain.
The first recommended item is rambutan, a tropical fruit featuring a red skin covered in hair-like thorns, offering a soft, sweet flesh and a flavor similar to lychee with a slightly tarter twist.
The second is lychee, known for its rough red rind enclosing a translucent, moisture-rich pulp that delivers a sweet aroma reminiscent of strawberries, watermelons, and pears, along with abundant vitamin C.
Korean melon, familiar to many Korean-Americans, also made the recommended list, with Parade noting that H Mart customers frequently purchase them by the box during sales, often highlighting the seed-filled center as the sweetest part.
Among vegetables, bok choy and Chinese eggplant secured spots, as bok choy remains relatively hard to find in mainstream American supermarkets and serves as a staple for regular H Mart shoppers, while Chinese eggplant stands out for being longer and thinner than regular eggplants.
Durian, which sparks mixed reactions due to its strong and distinct odor, was also recommended for its devoted consumer base despite its unfamiliarity to first-time buyers.
The final recommendation is dragon fruit, praised for a flavor profile resembling a mix of pear and kiwi paired with a smooth texture, though white-fleshed varieties are sometimes viewed as mild compared to the sweeter yellow dragon fruit.
Conversely, items suggested as unnecessary to purchase at H Mart include tomatoes, regular potatoes, and lemons and limes, as these goods are often available at lower prices in other grocery stores.
