Exotic Fruits A-Z

Shoppers intrigued but baffled by the increasing variety of exotic fruits available at supermarkets will appreciate this concise, portable guide. Bacon ( Exotic Vegetables A-Z , reviewed above) brings expertise to bear on well-known varieties (dates, coconuts, figs, melons, kiwi) and dark horse candidates (the succulent durian; apricot-flavored mangosteen; potato-shaped, granular sapodilla; and star-shaped carambola, which can be used to clean brassware). In alphabetical entries, the author explains how to recognize each fruit, comments on its origin and lore and explains what to do with it, beginning with, simply, ``Eat it!'' and concluding with handling and serving suggestions (e.g., warnings against the mango's treacherous juice, which provokes allergic reactions in some people). Recipes for beach plum jam, cloudberry meringue cake, lychee ice cream, soursop sorbet and persimmon frozen yogurt are tempting. (Jan.)