Fruits & Veggies I Dislike: My Honest Food Journey

Hey foodies! Ever stop and think about the fruits and veggies you actually avoid? We all have them, right? That one vegetable that just doesn't hit the spot, or a fruit that makes you scrunch up your face. Well, I'm here to spill the beans (pun intended!) on the fruits and vegetables that I, personally, am not the biggest fan of. It's not about what's "good" or "bad"; it's all about my taste buds and the experiences I've had with these foods. So, grab a snack (maybe not one of my dislikes!) and let's dive into my personal food journey.

The Vegetable Villains: My Least Favorite Greens and Roots

Let's kick things off with the vegetable crew, shall we? This is where I have the most trouble. Growing up, I wasn't exactly a veggie-loving kid, and some of those early experiences have stuck with me. Now, I understand how vital they are, and I try to incorporate them into my meals, but there are a few that still make me pause. These aren't necessarily "bad" vegetables, but they just don't jive with my palate. I always try to include several vegetables to have a healthy lifestyle, but some of them are hard to eat because of their taste and texture.

Brussels Sprouts: The Bitter Bite

Ah, Brussels sprouts. These tiny cabbages have a reputation, and for me, it's not a good one. When cooked wrong, they can be intensely bitter and have a sulfurous smell. Now, I know, I know, when roasted with bacon and a balsamic glaze, they can be amazing. But, I've had too many experiences with overcooked, bitter sprouts to fully embrace them. The taste is a really big factor when I'm looking for a vegetable to eat. I believe that not everyone likes every type of food. I am still trying to find a recipe that can change my taste buds to eat sprouts, and will never give up trying.

It's not that I hate them; it's more of an avoidance strategy. The thought of potentially biting into a bitter sprout just isn't appealing. I understand that preparation is key and that they can be delicious, but the risk-reward ratio is just not in their favor for me. I am open to trying them again, but I'm approaching with caution. Maybe one day, I'll find a Brussels sprout preparation that changes my mind. Maybe. Brussels sprouts can be great for our health, with tons of fiber and vitamins, but their taste needs a lot of work for me.

Eggplant: The Spongey Dilemma

Eggplant, also known as aubergine in some places, is another vegetable that gives me pause. The texture is a big factor for me. I find it often gets too spongy and absorbs a ton of oil when it's cooked, which isn't the most pleasant experience. I have tried many dishes that have eggplant, and I have found the texture always being the same. I guess this is something that I do not like. When it's not cooked right, it can be a little bland, and the texture can be off-putting. It's almost like biting into a vegetable that's trying to be something else. Eggplant can be prepared in so many ways: baked, grilled, fried. There are so many recipes out there that could change my mind, but I still do not like it. I have to say I am not a fan of this vegetable.

Now, I understand that eggplant can be delicious in dishes like baba ghanoush or eggplant parmesan, but I have not had a great experience with it. So, for me, it is still a vegetable I don't actively seek out. Maybe it's the specific varieties I've tried, or maybe it's just a texture thing. I haven't quite found the right eggplant dish that will convert me into a fan. I understand how good eggplant can be, but unfortunately, I'm not a big fan.

Beets: The Earthy Challenge

Beets are another vegetable that I have a love-hate relationship with. Their earthy flavor is something that I have had a hard time getting used to. I appreciate their vibrant color and the fact that they're packed with nutrients, but the taste can be a bit overwhelming for my taste buds. I have a lot of recipes with beets, I'm just not in love with it. I will keep trying to find the perfect recipe that can change my mind, but for now, they are on the avoid list.

I’ve tried beets in salads, roasted, and even pickled. Sometimes, the earthy flavor is subtle and pleasant, but other times, it's just a bit too much for me. I think it is great for the people who enjoy it, but for me, I have a long journey to find the right recipes. I'm always open to trying new beet dishes, especially if they have a lot of flavor and aren't overly earthy. Maybe one day I'll find the perfect beet dish, but for now, it's a vegetable I approach with a bit of hesitation. There are a lot of good things with beets, such as antioxidants, and vitamins. So, I will keep trying to find a beet dish that can change my mind.

Fruit Frenemies: My Sweet and Sometimes Sour Experiences

Okay, let's switch gears and talk about fruits! While I generally love fruits, there are a few that I don't always reach for. It's often not about the flavor itself but sometimes about texture or the overall eating experience. We all have those fruits we find less appealing. Some of these are fruits that I do like, I just don't have them often.

Durian: The Controversial King

Durian is one of those fruits that you either love or hate, and unfortunately, I fall into the latter category. It's infamous for its pungent odor, which some people find repulsive. The smell alone is enough to put me off, even before I take a bite. It's a very common fruit in Southeast Asia, but I still don't like it. The texture of durian is also a bit of a challenge for me. It's creamy and custard-like, but combined with the strong smell, it's just not an enjoyable experience for me. I always try to push my boundaries with food, but this is one fruit I haven't been able to conquer. I understand that the flavor can be complex and that people appreciate durian for its unique taste, but I'm not one of them. The smell is a big factor for me, it's a big no for me.

Now, I know durian is considered the "king of fruits" by many, but I just can't get past the smell and the texture. It's a cultural thing, and I respect that people enjoy it, but it's just not for me. Maybe, if I could get past the smell, I'd have a different opinion. But for now, durian remains a fruit that I admire from afar.

Star Fruit: The Tart Surprise

Star fruit, with its beautiful star shape, is another fruit that I find a bit challenging. While I love the look of it, I find it has a somewhat tart and slightly sour taste. The taste is the big factor in this fruit. When I was younger, I thought I would like it, but I did not. It's not necessarily a bad taste, but it's not the kind of sweetness that I typically crave. Also, I don't really find the texture very satisfying. It's a bit watery, and I prefer fruits with more substance. I am open to trying it again, but I have not had a great experience with it, yet.

I've tried star fruit a few times, hoping to grow to love it, but it hasn't happened yet. Maybe it's the tartness, or maybe it's just not my favorite texture. I might be more open to it if it was incorporated into a dish, like a smoothie or a salad, where the tartness is balanced out. For now, it's a fruit that I admire more for its appearance than its flavor. Star fruits are really good for you, with great vitamins, and antioxidants.

It's All About Personal Preferences

So, there you have it, folks! My list of fruits and vegetables that I'm not the biggest fan of. Remember, this is all based on my personal experiences and taste buds. Food is subjective, and what one person loves, another might dislike. These are just some of the foods that I have some trouble with, but I will keep looking for different recipes, because my taste buds can change.

I encourage you to explore different foods, even those you're hesitant about. You might surprise yourself and discover a new favorite! Maybe I'll even try some of the suggestions you guys have to try new recipes with the foods I do not like. The most important thing is to be open-minded and enjoy the journey of discovering new flavors and textures. Happy eating!