There’s something fascinating about spiky fruits, and most grocers will tell you the same: their sharp, armored look doesn’t just make them stand out — it sparks instant curiosity, especially for those seeing them for the first time. The spikes may seem intimidating, even dangerous, but inside often lies soft, delicious flesh.
Among the many spiky fruits in the world, today we’re shining a light on the yellow varieties. If you’ve landed on this post wondering, “What is that yellow fruit with spikes?” you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find some of the most common yellow spiky fruits, complete with pictures and details to help you identify your mystery find.
1. Kiwano
Let’s kick things off with one of the most striking yellow spiky fruits out there — the kiwano, also called the horned melon. With its alien-looking skin covered in little horns, it looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Inside, though, you’ll find a refreshing, jelly-like flesh that tastes a bit like cucumber with hints of lime or banana. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it as healthy as it is eye-catching.
2. Yellow Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit — also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear — usually features red skin and green scales, but there’s also a striking yellow variety that earns a spot on this list. Its bumpy, spiky skin hides white flesh dotted with black seeds. The flavor? Think of a mildly sweet blend of kiwi and pear, refreshing and easy to enjoy.
3. Durian
Durian is one of those fruits you either run from or fall in love with. Its sharp spikes guard a soft, creamy flesh inside that ranges from pale yellow to deep orange. The smell is strong—some call it unbearable, others call it heavenly. People who love it say the soft, creamy taste is amazing, and it can be eaten fresh or used in both sweet and salty foods.
4. Jackfruit
Jackfruit might remind you of durian because of its spiky shell, but it’s not quite as sharp to handle. This giant fruit has a spiky green shell, but inside it reveals bright yellow flesh that people enjoy for its sweet flavor and meaty texture. Yes, the stringy flesh is so meaty that many vegans use it as a tasty stand-in for pulled pork. Some varieties are firm and crunchy, while others are softer and sweeter.
5. Gac Fruit
Gac fruit might not be as famous as dragon fruit or jackfruit, but it’s just as eye-catching. While the common type ripens to a fiery red, there are also striking yellow varieties covered in soft spikes. Inside, the flesh is mild, creamy, and lightly sweet—like a cross between avocado and carrot. In Vietnam, it’s even used to color festive sticky rice, symbolizing luck and joy.
6. Yellow Prickly Pear
The yellow prickly pear is one of those desert treasures that proves how life thrives even in the harshest places. Growing on the nopal cactus, this spiky fruit is as tough as it looks yet hides juicy flesh inside. Beyond its refreshing taste, it’s valued for its potential health benefits and resilience. From treating ailments to simply cooling you down, this fruit is as practical as it is eye-catching.
7. Yellow Rambutan
Yellow rambutan is a tropical delight that looks almost otherworldly with its bright skin covered in soft, spiky hairs. Crack it open, and you’ll find juicy, translucent flesh that’s sweet and refreshing—perfect for hot climates where it thrives. Just be careful with the seed inside: it’s toxic when raw but safe if cooked.
8. Yellow Spiny Guard
Spiny gourd, often called kantola in South Asia, is a small, spiky fruit that can be green or yellow when ripe. Though it looks a little intimidating, it’s a favorite in Indian and Bangladeshi kitchens, especially during the monsoon season. Cooked as a vegetable, it has a mild, earthy flavor and is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Many also value it for its digestive benefits and potential to support healthy blood sugar levels.