No, it’s not what you think — stinking toe is a type of fruit that can be found in Central and South America, as well as in many parts of Asia. It got its name from the fact that it looks kind of like a toe, and it can give off a very off-putting smell as soon as it’s opened. Continue reading to know more about this very interesting fruit!

Stinking toe is called by other names, too, depending on where it’s grown. For instance, it’s known as jatoba or locust fruit in the Caribbean, while in Asia it is commonly referred to as carao.

But no matter the name, one thing remains true: most people, especially those who are not used to eating this fruit, can be repelled by its smell. However, the taste is a complete 180 degree turn for it is actually very sweet! The dry and powdery cream-colored flesh can put a big smile on your face once you get past its smell. Many of those who have already tried consuming stinking toe said that it’s actually like snacking on powdered sugar — it’s that delightful to eat!

However, it’s not that easy to open stinking toe because it is actually encased in a pod. Commonly, it is smashed with a rock, brick or hammer. Once the pod is opened, the flesh can be easily removed.

Since the flesh of stinking to can be dry and powdery, you should have a glass of water nearby when consuming it. In areas of the planet where it is native to, the flesh is commonly grated, which turns it into a flour-like substance. This can then be used for making bread as well as juices and smoothies.

Now that you know that a stinking toe is not what it sounds like, it’s time to check out the perks it offers:

It Keeps Your Eyes Healthy

While the smell of stinking toe may hurt the nose of some, it can help the eyes of everyone to stay in a great shape. That’s because this exotic fruit is a good source of vitamin A. So if you want to keep at bay eye diseases that could eventually take away your 20/20 vision, it’s a wonderful idea for you to try having stinking toe.

It Wards Off Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Another nutrient that is found abundantly in stinking toe is iron. The said mineral is necessitated by the body for the production of red blood cells. RBCs for short, they permit the bloodstream to transport oxygen. Having less than optimal RBC count can lead to anemia, which can be due to a deficiency in iron. To keep iron-deficiency anemia from striking as well as reverse it, make sure that you include iron-containing foods like stinking toe in your diet regularly.

It Increases Appetite

Stinking toe is commonly given to individuals who have no appetite and are at risk of becoming malnourished. This fruit is also known to posses energy-boosting properties. It’s exactly for this reason why athletes and bodybuilders in areas where it is native to often add stinking toe to their smoothies for maximum performance and gains.

It Slows Down the Aging Process

Just like most other exotic fruits out there, stinking toe is a phenomenal source of antioxidants. Because of the ability of antioxidants to neutralize free radicals that damage healthy cells of the body, they are known to slow down the process of aging, which can register externally as well as internally. Antioxidants also help manage oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to health problems like osteoarthritis, cancer and heart disease.

Do you have family and friends who are fond of trying some of the most exotic fruits on the face of the planet? Then have this article reposted on your various social media sites to let them know about stinking toe!