The fruit of the noni tree has as many as 100 nicknames in its native Polynesia, but its aroma has given it a more disagreeable alias: the vomit fruit or the

cheese fruit.

Thanks to its bitter and acidic aroma that's often likened to the scent of fish, horseradish, or foul cheese, those with a sharp nose will be able to smell noni from a distance.

Although noni flourishes in tough-to-grow areas, its funky flavor and aroma lead it to be considered a starvation fruit to be eaten only in extremely dire times.

Unripe noni has a sharp, bitter, and astringent flavor that will numb your tongue, while ripe noni has an earthy, cheesy, wasabi-like flavor with a tinge of sourness.

Ripe noni, on the other hand, can be eaten raw with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top or cooked into rich sauces, casseroles, and rice-based dishes.

Though it has an unfavorable smell and flavor, noni has many health benefits. The Polynesians have been using it to treat constipation, arthritis, and pain for over 2,000 years.

Noni juice is also linked to several health benefits, as it is packed with antioxidants such as iridoids, beta carotene, vitamins C, and vitamin E, as well as biotin and folate.