15+ Exotic Fruits That Are Restricted in the U.S. (and 1 Run-of-the-Mill Vegetable)

In order to minimize the risk of pests, diseases, and other environmental concerns, certain fruits are prohibited from being imported into the U.S. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warns travelers that "almost all fresh fruits and vegetables (whole or cut) are prohibited from entering the United States," it does allow exceptions for certain canned or dried fruits. 

According to the USDA, stringent regulations on the importation and cultivation of certain fruits are crucial to protect local agriculture and ecosystems. While some of these fruits are well-known internationally, others are more rare and exotic. 

Here are 17 fruits that are illegal or heavily restricted in the U.S. and one commonplace vegetable.

Mangosteen, often praised as the "queen of fruits," is cherished for its sweet and tangy flavor profile. Hailing from Thailand, the fruit was illegal in the U.S. for years due to concerns about fruit flies that can damage crops. While it is sometimes available in canned or frozen form, fresh mangosteen is hard to find in the U.S. 

However, as of 2007, mangosteen that's been irradiated (fruit that has been exposed to ionizing radiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life) is allowed into the U.S. 

Soursop, known for its soft, creamy texture, is restricted in the U.S. because it can carry pests that threaten local agriculture. The fruit is also noted for its potential medicinal properties, which adds to its demand. Despite the restrictions, soursop is popular in Latin American cuisines and is widely used in smoothies, desserts, and teas. 

As of 2018, soursop from Mexico is allowed into the U.S. as long as the fruit is "commercially produced" and part of a commercial shipment. In addition, shipments must undergo irradiation to eliminate potential pests.

Ackee, a staple in Jamaican cuisine, is illegal due to the risk of hypoglycin A and B — toxins that can cause severe illness if the fruit is not properly ripened and prepared. These toxins can lead to a condition called "Jamaican vomiting sickness," which can be fatal. Despite its dangers, ackee is beloved for its creamy, savory taste and is the main ingredient in the national dish of Jamaica: ackee and saltfish. 

In the U.S., canned ackee is available in select grocery stores but is closely regulated.

Hailing from West Africa, these small fruits are known for their miraculous ability to make sour foods taste sweet (hence the name). But its active compound, miraculin, can alter taste perception, which has raised concerns about its use in artificial sweeteners. Though you can still find them in specialty markets or as tablets, its cultivation and sale are heavily controlled to prevent disruptions to the food industry. 

Known for its strong odor and rich, creamy texture, durian is banned in certain areas of the U.S. primarily due to its overpowering smell. While not illegal nationwide, many public places, including hotels and public transport, prohibit its presence. Durian is often referred to as the "king of fruits" and is highly prized in Southeast Asia. But its unique flavor and smell is highly polarizing, loved by some and loathed by others.

Certain varieties of pitahaya, also known as dragon fruit, are restricted due to the potential for pest infestation. Dragon fruit from Ecuador require a permit and inspection for entry. This vibrant fruit, known for its striking appearance and mild, sweet taste, is typically grown in tropical regions. In the U.S., these imports are heavily regulated to ensure it is free from pests. But efforts to cultivate it domestically have also increased, with California, Florida, and Hawaii leading the charge.  

This spiky tropical fruit that resembles a small tomato is native to Southeast Asia and is prized for its high vitamin content. But it's restricted in many parts of the world, including in the U.S., due to its potential to introduce plant diseases and disrupt crops. However, as of 2011, rambutan from Malaysia and Vietnam is allowed into the U.S, as long as "designated phytosanitary measures," are taken. 

Rambutan is praised for its tangy, sweet flavor and is commonly used in Asian cuisines to make a variety of sauces, juices, jams, and dessert.  

The Buddha's hand, a citrus fruit with a finger-like appearance, is hard to find in many parts of the U.S. due to concerns about it introducing plant diseases. This is because the fruit's unusual protrusions can harbor unseen pests or spores that could potentially harm domestic citrus crops. It is fully banned in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Hawaii. But one can still find them in specialty stores, or online. 

The fruit has a unique flavor profile that is aromatic and mildly sweet, with a zest reminiscent of lemon. Buddha's hand are ideal for making candied citrus, infusing into liqueurs, and for adding a citrusy aroma to baked goods, desserts, and even potpourri. 

Fresh lychee with hulls are restricted from entry into the U.S. due to potential pests like longan mites (erinose mite). However, lychee and longan from Vietnam are allowed in as long as "treatment and inspection" is conducted. This tropical fruit native to southeastern China is cherished for its juicy, translucent white flesh that offers a delicate balance of sweetness and floral notes. 

Lychees are often also used in desserts, such as fruit salads, sorbets, and jellies, as well as in beverages like smoothies, cocktails, and teas. 

Despite being a popular fruit worldwide, importing fresh passion fruit into the U.S. is restricted from many countries, except for Australia, Bermuda, Chile, New Zealand, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This is because the fruit can harbor pests like the false spider mites, which can devastate domestic passion fruit crops. 

Passion fruit is commonly used for making juices, smoothies, and cocktails, and is praised for its sweet-tart flavor and aromatic qualities. The pulp and seeds can also be used in desserts like cheesecakes, tarts, and ice creams to enhance flavor and texture. 

Pequi fruit, native to Brazil, is restricted in parts of the U.S. due to its potential to harbor pests. The fruit, which is known for its strong aroma and unique flavor, is often used in traditional Brazilian and Portuguese dishes. Pequi also contains a hard seed that can be toxic if not prepared correctly. While fresh pequi can be hard to find in the U.S., one can still buy it in canned or jarred form in specialty stores or online. 

Fresh guava imports are restricted in the U.S. due to potential pests it can carry. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, fresh guava can only be imported from certain countries (mainly Mexico) and must meet specific requirements, including a permit and other mandatory treatments. 

Native to Central and South America, guava is celebrated for its sweet, tangy flavor and nutritional benefits. Known for its green or yellow skin and pink or white flesh, guava is rich in vitamins C and A, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.  

This small citrus fruit from the Philippines is restricted in the U.S. due to its potential to carry citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). Valued for its tart flavor that resembles a blend of lemon, lime, and orange flavors, it is often used in Filipino cuisine. While import regulations aim to protect U.S. citrus crops and mitigate any risks, efforts to grow calamansi domestically have also increased.  

Black sapote, a sweet, custard-like fruit that resembles chocolate pudding, is popular in tropical regions, especially in central America. It is often used in desserts and smoothies to highlight its unique flavor and creamy texture. Import regulations in the U.S. focus on preventing the introduction of pests that could threaten domestic crops. Currently, fresh sapote is banned from entry if it's imported from Mexico. 

However, efforts to cultivate it domestically have increased, mainly in Florida and Hawaii.

This tropical fruit that's similar to lychee is also heavily restricted in some parts of the U.S. due to its potential to carry pests. Both lychees and longans from Taiwan are banned from entering and being distributed in Florida. Longan has a translucent, juicy flesh and is widely popular in Asian cuisines. It is commonly used in desserts, beverages, and as part of traditional medicine remedies. 

Sapodilla, a sweet fruit with a brown, grainy texture, is also restricted in parts of the U.S due to pest concerns. However, as of 2019, fresh sapodilla from Mexico is allowed as long as it passes pest mitigations. Prior to that, only sapodilla from Saint Lucia and Saint Kitts was allowed. 

Native to Central America, sapodilla is often used in traditional desserts and beverages. Its creamy, rich flavor makes it a popular ingredient in smoothies, ice creams, and jams to help thicken drinks and give them a more indulgent taste. 

Believe it or not, bell peppers and fresh tomatoes from Canda are restricted (or fully banned) from entering the U.S. This is because these vegetables can carry pests such as the "Tomato brown rugose fruit virus," which can pose significant threats to U.S. agriculture. 

According to the USDA, both bell peppers and tomatoes coming from our neighbor to the north "must be inspected at the point of origin to ensure it is free from disease and symptoms." In addition, the produce is also subject to permits and other regulations. 

Cherimoya, a tropical fruit native to the Andean valleys of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, is subject to import restrictions in the U.S. due to concerns about fruit flies and other pests. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it requires a permit for entry if it comes from Mexico. Cherimoya from Chile is also allowed as long as the fruit is subjected to a "mandatory soapy water and wax treatment."

Known for its creamy texture and sweet, tangy flavor profile, cherimoya is often compared to a blend of banana, pineapple, and strawberry. Its thick rind and juicy, flesh make it a popular ingredient in various recipes, including salads, smoothies, desserts, and sauces. 

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