Fruits with spikes, prickles, and thorns have long captured our imagination. Their unusual textures make them stand out from smooth-skinned produce. When they show up in riddles, these fruits challenge our wits in fun new ways.
Below are 105 riddles that feature fruits like pineapples, durians, rambutans, and more. Each riddle helps tell the story of these unique fruits – where they grow, what they look like, how they taste, and other quirky details. The answers follow each riddle to check your guesses. How many can you get right?
Riddles about pineapples
1. What has a spiky crown and lives in tropical places?
A pineapple.
2. I’m a fruit that’s prickly outside but sweet inside. What am I?
Pineapple.
3. When you eat me, be careful of my thorny skin. My flesh is sweet and golden within. What am I?
A pineapple.
4. Slice me into rings to eat me neat. I grow with a crown that’s spiky and fleet. What am I?
Pineapple.
5. I’m delicious and tropical, with a spiky crown that’s tops. Cut off my skin to get to the treat. What fruit am I?
Pineapple.
6. A fruit of the tropics, prickly and bright. My name’s fun to say – go ahead, try! What am I?
Pineapple.
7. Expedition crews would preserve me in jars. Now I’m a treat that in smoothies you’ll find. Who am I?
Pineapple.
8. Christopher Columbus called me the pine of the Indies. But pineapples don’t grow on trees – believe me!
Pineapple.
9. I’m grown in Hawaii, jungles and more. Pull me apart to get to my core! What am I?
Pineapple.
10. James Dole made a fortune after founding a fruit company based on me. Canned and fresh – I’m nutritious, sweet and exotic, you see!
Pineapple.
Riddles about durians
11. Smelly and spiky is this awkward fruit. You either love it or think it’s absolute poop!
Durian.
12. Known as the “king of fruits” where southeast Asia’s my home. Crack open my spiny husk to get to the treasure inside – yum!
Durian.
13. I’m large and thorny and can be dangerous to pluck. But my smooth, creamy flesh is considered quite the exotic treat.
Durian.
14. My smell makes some flee, but others say I’m divine. I grow in Southeast Asia – the spiky durian.
Durian.
15. Don’t judge me by my odor unpleasant and strange. My flavor’s delightful – give me a chance!
Durian.
16. I’m revered as a delicacy in the East. But many think my smell’s like an old gym sock or deceased beast.
Durian.
17. Whether you savor or shun my taste depends where you’re from. I’m native to Asia and called “king of fruits” there by some.
Durian.
18. My spikes can pierce, and my stench is renowned. But fans say my flavor is quite heavenly found.
Durian.
19. My odor’s been likened to rotten food and dirty socks. But some say my creamy flesh is heaven in a box. What am I?
Durian.
20. I’m revered in Malaysia but reviled on the subway. Crack open my thorny case – my flavor will make your day!
Durian.
Riddles about jackfruit
21. I can weigh over 80 pounds out in the tropics. Cut me open to find sweet treats – I’m no hysteric!
Jackfruit.
22. Exotic and huge, I originate in South and Southeast Asia. My scent pulls people in to sample my fruit, ripe and cheesy.
Jackfruit.
23. Don’t call me a watermelon – that would just be wrong. I can grow over three feet long!
Jackfruit.
24. My sticky sweet innards are great in many dishes. And roasted, my seeds make delicious munchies!
Jackfruit.
25. I’m the biggest tree fruit of all, odd-looking with bumpy green skin. Slice me open and dive right in!
Jackfruit.
26. My size is gigantic, my flavors exotic and dynamic. I’m often cooked savory with spices that add kick.
Jackfruit.
27. My size can be massive, as fruits go, it’s true. I’m delicious cooked in curries – can you guess who?
Jackfruit.
28. My yellow flesh is sweetly sublime. In tropical countries, I’m eaten all the time.
Jackfruit.
29. Don’t mistake me for Durian, though we both have thorny projections. I’m more mellow and mix well with lots of textures and flavors.
Jackfruit.
30. I’m versatile in the kitchen – fried, stewed, or in ice cream. My huge green pods hold tasty fruit inside – take off the rind and dig right in!
Jackfruit.
Riddles about rambutan
31. Crimson and hairy, with a sweet milky bite. Peel back my skin for a tropical delight!
Rambutan.
32. Exotic and odd, I’m sure to intrigue. Crack open my fuzzy red case for a sweet seed you can eat!
Rambutan.
33. Lychee’s my cousin though we don’t look the same. I’m hairy and red – take a guess at my name!
Rambutan.
34. My name means “hairy” and one look will explain. Inside I’m sweet and juicy – go ahead, try and name me!
Rambutan.
35. Don’t judge me by my hair – I’m delish, rest assured. My name sounds like a dance with a fun foreign word.
Rambutan.
36. Southeast Asia’s my home, though I’m popular worldwide. Crack my odd, fuzzy peel to get to the sweet fruit inside.
Rambutan.
37. My crimson coat’s unusual but pay that no mind. Peel it back for a treat that’s juicy and sublime.
Rambutan.
38. I’m related to the lychee but more oblong in shape. Break through my hairy peel for a delicious, exotic escape!
Rambutan.
39. My name has the word “hairy” – one look and you’ll know why. Inside my weird red coat is a sweetness you should try.
Rambutan.
40. I’m sweet and delicious, that’s certainly true. But you have to get past my odd red hairy case first – can you?
Rambutan.
Riddles about Asian horned melon
41. Prickly and oval, I’m bright orange in hue. Slice me open to find something tasty and new!
Asian horned melon.
42. My name says I’m horned though I’m not beastly at all. I’m a cute little fruit – small, orange and oval.
Asian horned melon.
43. Don’t be put off by the spikes on my skin. Inside I’m a treat – sweet, sour and juicy within.
Asian horned melon.
44. In Australia and New Zealand, I’m also known as kiwano. Cut me in half to get to the edible green go!
Horned melon.
45. I’m a peculiar fruit with horns and orange spikes. Cut me open for something sweetly refreshing you’ll like.
Horned melon.
Riddles about starfruit
46. Yellow and waxy, I’m shapely and tall. Cut crosswise to see me turn into a star – how cool is that!
Starfruit.
47. I’m juicy and sweet with a shape you should know – cut me in slices and stars will show!
Starfruit.
48. My name sounds astronomical, but looks can deceive. I’m a tropical fruit you can often find weaved decoratively into salads or drinks.
Starfruit.
49. Five angles I’ve got, if you slice me right. I’m a sweet treat that’s a star-shaped delight!
Starfruit.
50. Grown in Florida, Asia – many lands, in fact. Slice me crosswise and stars will enact!
Starfruit.
Riddles about soursop
51. My flavor’s described as a pineapple-strawberry mix. And I look kind of like an evil durian – a greenish explosive prickly ball!
Soursop.
52. Don’t be fooled by my prickly evil aura – my flavor is fruity and totally alluring!
Soursop.
53. Though I’m dotted with spikes, inside I’m creamy and white. Scoop me out to enjoy my sweet fruity bite.
Soursop.
54. With my pineapple-strawberry flavor, I’m exotic and prized. Though my skin’s kind of creepy, I’m delicious if you’re wise.
Soursop.
55. My name has the word “sour” but I’m truly quite sweet. Cut me open for creamy fruit – it’s such a treat!
Soursop.
Riddles about Kiwano melon
56. Also called the African horned cucumber, I’m oval and orange with spikes galore. Slice me in half to find jelly you can scoop out – then go back for more!
Kiwano melon.
57. Exotic and odd-looking, with my gelatinous green interior, I’m a peculiar treat from Africa that you should try, superior!
Kiwano melon.
58. My other name’s horned melon, for the spikes on my frame. And the insides are scoop-able – it’s kind of my claim to fame!
Kiwano melon.
59. Don’t be turned off by the thorns on my case. Inside I’m unique – jelly you can scrape that’s tropical and ace!
Kiwano melon.
60. I come from southern Africa but am grown elsewhere today. Cut me open to find jelly inside – hip hip hooray!
Kiwano melon.
Riddles about custard apples
61. My knobby green flesh can look rather odd, it’s true – but inside I’m delicious, creamy and smooth – cut me in half to get to the sweet custardy goo!
Custard apple.
62. Bumpy and weird-looking I may appear, but never judge a fruit by its skin, my dear! Inside I’m delicious, exotic and creamy – take a chance on me – you’ll see what I mean!
Custard apple.
63. My name’s a hint – I’m creamy and rich within. But my looks may throw you off if you just judge by skin.
Custard apple.
64. Heart-shaped and knobby, don’t judge me on my cover – cut me open to find a sweet creamy treat – you’re sure to fall in love!
Custard apple.
65. Exotic and odd-looking, I’ll admit that it’s true – but inside I’m delicious – give me a chance, do!
Custard apple.
Riddles about Buddha’s hand
66. My name’s a hint of my peculiar shape – I look like fingers, uplifted in glee. Though I’m not much for eating, as a zest I’m amazing – take a whiff and you’ll quickly agree!
Buddha’s hand.
67. Don’t expect sweet juice from this citrus it’s true – I’m more for fragrance and zest – there’s so little flesh, what’s a cook to do?
Buddha’s hand.
68. My looks are unusual – the name says it all. Resembling long fingers, I’m hefty in size but inside I’m quite hollow and useless for pies.
Buddha’s hand.
69. I look like a many-fingered yellow hand. But don’t expect juicy fruit – I’m in demand for my zest and fragrance instead.
Buddha’s hand.
70. Don’t expect to eat me – there’s so little pulp inside. But you’ll love my fragrant oils – your kitchen I’ll ably guide.
Buddha’s hand.
Riddles about dragonfruit
71. Hot pink flesh speckled with black – cut me open for an exotic snack!
Dragonfruit.
72. My name sounds dangerous but I’m really a treat. Colorful inside, where spiky leaves meet.
Dragonfruit.
73. Maybe it’s my pink skin or shape that made me look scary. But slice me open for something totally contrary!
Dragonfruit.
74. My skin is magenta and scaly like a dragon. But my insides are a delightful snack you’ll be waggin’ your tongue at!
Dragonfruit.
75. Pink or yellow, take your pick – cut me open for a beauty inside, slick!
Dragonfruit.
Riddles about prickly pears
76. A cactus fruit that’s juicy and sweet within – my spines you must carefully avoid in getting to the win!
Prickly pear.
77. A tasty fruit of the desert I be, with spines you must work around – carefully! To get to my sweetness just persevere.
Prickly pear.
78. I’m a sweet treat that grows on a cactus outside. My spines you must dodge – but the effort I’m worth, you’ll decide!
Prickly pear.
79. My name says it all – I’m both prickly and pear. But my insides are delicious, so take care in getting there!
Prickly pear.
80. Be careful of spines when harvesting my treats. The sweet payoff is worth it – juicy fruit that’s scrumptious to eat!
Prickly pear.
Riddles about mangosteens
81. White segments inside a purple case – break me open and you’ll approve of my taste!
Mangosteen.
82. Don’t let my leathery purple shell dissuade you. Crack me open for segments so sweet they’ll persuade you!
Mangosteen.
83. Exotic and enticing, give me a try. Peel off my tough skin and taste the reward inside!
Mangosteen.
84. With a regal purple rind I may look stuck up, but my insides are delightfully sweet – you’re in for a treat when you crack me up!
Mangosteen.
85. Don’t judge this book by its leathery purple case – inside you’ll find spectacularly sweet white lace!
Mangosteen.
Riddles about physalis
86. My name comes from bladder – I’m encased in a pod that looks papery and odd. Inside is a sweet treat – take a chance, go ahead and eat!
Physalis.
87. Don’t be deceived by my strange, tissue-thin shroud. Peel it back for a sweet berry treat – I’ll make you proud!
Physalis.
88. I’m a weird fruit that looks like it’s wrapped in a veil. But my oddities aside, I have quite the appeal!
Physalis.
89. Check out my odd, papery case – it makes me look outer space! But inside is a yummy surprise – go on, give it a try!
Physalis.
90. My odd husk may give you pause, but peel it back – you’ll applause my sweet treat of a berry that’s inside – huzzah!
Physalis.
Riddles about pepino melons
91. Stripes of orange, yellow and purple – cut me in slices for a taste that’s superb!
Pepino melon.
92. My name rhymes with a zesty herb. And my taste is just as unique – slice me into this salad, it’s exactly what you seek!
Pepino melon.
93. Exotic and odd, with colorful stripes on my skin, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it – let sweet fruity fun begin!
Pepino melon.
94. I look like I was painted by some artist having fun. My stripes are wild colors, and my flavor second to none!
Pepino melon.
95. My skin’s often striped yellow and purple, to enthrall – cut me up into slices, I’m delicious to all!
Pepino melon.
Riddles about Romanesco
96. My shape is so artsy, like a natural snowflake or spiral – some say I look alien, but my flavor’s totally vital!
Romanesco.
97. Chartreuse and crazy cool – you won’t believe your eyes when you see my unusually artsy shape and size!
Romanesco.
98. Give me a chance, even if my looks make you fret – I’m a natural beauty, taste me and you won’t regret!
Romanesco.
99. Don’t be afraid of my unusual form – I’m beautiful, inside and out, the loveliest veggie born!
Romanesco.
100. My geometric appearance is naturally occuring, some say I look alien – but your taste buds I’ll be luring!
Romanesco.
Riddles about Kakadu plums
101. Native to Australia, I pack nutrients galore. Antioxidants abound in my flesh to the core!
Kakadu plum.
102. Find me in the Australian bush, where I generously grow. My vitamin C levels are incredibly high, you know!
Kakadu plum.
103. One of the richest natural sources of vitamin C – that claim to fame belongs to me!
Kakadu plum.
104. The world record for vitamin C in a fruit? Look no further than me – I’ll combat scurvy easily with my nutritional density!
Kakadu plum.
105. In the Australian outback I thrive, where few fruits can survive. Try me in jams or sauces – with antioxidants I amply supply!
Kakadu plum.
Conclusion
Riddles can reveal fun details and intriguing facts about fruits in memorable ways. Spiky, exotic produce from around the world like durians, rambutans and Buddha’s hand especially lend themselves to riddles that playfully highlight their unusual shapes, textures and flavors. Their curious forms and global origins make discovering them feel like solving a puzzle or mystery. Next time you spot an intriguingly weird fruit, turn it into a riddle to unleash your curiosity and creativity!
