Fruits are a delicious and healthy part of our diet, but we often stick to the same old options. You might miss out on some fantastic fruits starting with the letter F.
Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to over 21 interesting fruits that begin with F. You’ll discover new flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits that can spice up your fruit game.
Get ready to explore a world of fruity goodness, from familiar favorites to exotic treats.
Let’s dive into this juicy list of fantastic fruits you should try!
List of Fruits That Start with F to Explore
1. Fig
Originating from the Mediterranean, figs are small, pear-shaped fruits with a purple or green exterior and a sweet, jam-like interior. Their flavor is rich and honeyed, with a slightly chewy texture due to the seeds.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, vitamins A and K, and essential minerals like calcium and potassium. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eat fresh, dried, or used in jams, desserts, and salads. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts
- Figs were one of the first fruits to be cultivated by humans.
- They have a unique pollination process that involves a specific type of wasp.
2. Feijoa
Native to the highlands of South America, particularly Brazil and Uruguay, Feijoa is an oval-shaped fruit with green skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor reminiscent of pineapple and guava.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Often eaten raw, made into jams, or used in desserts and salads. |
| Harvesting Season | Autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. |
Fun Facts
- Feijoa is also known as the “pineapple guava.”
- The fruit is commonly used in New Zealand cuisine.
3. Finger Lime
This unique citrus fruit, native to Australia, resembles a small, elongated lime. Its interior contains tiny, caviar-like pearls that burst with a tangy, lime-like flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used as a garnish for seafood, salads, and desserts or in sauces and cocktails. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Grows well in warm, subtropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts
- Finger lime is often referred to as “lime caviar.”
- Indigenous Australians have cultivated it for thousands of years.
4. Forest Strawberry
Forest strawberries are tiny, wild berries native to Europe and North America. They have a bright red color and an intense, sweet flavor much stronger than cultivated strawberries.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | It is eaten fresh, used in desserts, jams, or as a garnish. |
| Harvesting Season | Late spring to early summer. |
| Growing Condition | Grows in woodland areas with moist, well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts
- Forest strawberries are one of the oldest strawberries, consumed since prehistoric times.
- They were considered a delicacy in ancient Rome.
5. Fuyu Persimmon
Originating from East Asia, the Fuyu persimmon is a squat, non-astringent fruit with bright orange skin. It has a sweet, honey-like flavor and can be eaten while firm.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and manganese. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, added to salads, or used in baked goods and desserts. |
| Harvesting Season | Late autumn to early winter. |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, temperate climates and well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts
- Unlike other persimmons, Fuyu persimmons can be eaten while still firm.
- They are often used in traditional Japanese New Year dishes.
6. Fuji Apple
Fuji apples, developed in Japan, are large and round with a red or pinkish skin. They are known for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, making them a popular choice for fresh eating.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in salads, baked goods, and sauces. |
| Harvesting Season | Late autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in cool climates with well-drained, loamy soil. |
Fun Facts
- Fuji apples are a cross between two American apple varieties: Red Delicious and Ralls Janet.
- They are one of the most popular apple varieties in the world.
7. False Mastic
Native to the Caribbean and parts of the Americas, False Mastic is a yellow-orange fruit with a mildly sweet, resinous flavor. It is not commonly cultivated but grows wild in certain regions.
| Nutritional Benefits | Contains vitamin C, fiber, and small amounts of essential minerals. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh or used in traditional Caribbean dishes. |
| Harvesting Season | Summer to early autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Grows in tropical climates with sandy or rocky soils. |
Fun Facts
- The tree that bears False Mastic is often used for timber.
- The fruit is sometimes used in traditional medicine in the Caribbean.
8. Farkleberry
Farkleberries are small, dark berries native to the southeastern United States. They are similar in appearance to blueberries but have a more tart and astringent flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Often used in jams, jellies, or as a flavoring in baked goods. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Prefers sandy or rocky soils in woodland areas. |
Fun Facts
- Farkleberry plants are members of the heath family, related to blueberries.
- The name “Farkleberry” has been used in American folk culture and humor.
9. Fennel
Fennel, originally from the Mediterranean, is a bulbous vegetable with feathery leaves. The bulb is often eaten as a fruit due to its sweet, anise-like flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in salads, soups, and as a garnish for fish dishes. |
| Harvesting Season | Late autumn to early winter. |
| Growing Condition | Prefers cool climates with well-drained, fertile soil. |
Fun Facts
- Fennel has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to aid digestion.
- The seeds of fennel are often used as a spice in cooking.
10. Fibrous Satinash
Fibrous Satinash, also known as Blue Lilly Pilly, is a small, blue or purple fruit native to Australia. It has a tart, cranberry-like flavor and is often used in preserves.
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in jams, jellies, and sauces, or eaten fresh. |
| Harvesting Season | Spring to early summer. |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts
- The Fibrous Satinash is often planted as an ornamental tree in Australia.
- Its fruit is a popular food source for native wildlife, including birds and possums.
11. French Mulberry
Native to the southeastern United States, French Mulberry, also known as American Beautyberry, is a small purple fruit that grows in clusters. It has a mildly sweet and astringent flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in jellies, sauces, and as a garnish. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Grows in well-drained soils, often found in woodland areas. |
Fun Facts
- The leaves of the French Mulberry plant are used as an insect repellent.
- The fruit is a favorite food of birds and other wildlife.
12. Flatwoods Plum
Flatwoods Plum is a small, dark purple fruit native to the southeastern United States. It has a tart flavor and is often used in preserves or as a wildlife food source.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C and dietary fiber. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in jams, jellies, and sauces. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer. |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in sandy or rocky soils in open woodland areas. |
Fun Facts
- Flatwoods Plum trees are often used in land restoration projects.
- The fruit is a valuable food source for deer and other wildlife.
13. Florida Cherry
Florida Cherry, also known as Surinam Cherry, is a small, ribbed fruit with a bright red or dark purple color.
Native to South America, it has a sweet-tart flavor with a hint of bitterness.
| Nutritional Benefits | It is high in vitamin C and vitamin A, with good antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | It is eaten fresh and used in jams, jellies, and as a beverage flavoring. |
| Harvesting Season | Spring to early summer. |
| Growing Condition | Grows well in tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts
- Florida Cherry is often used as a hedge plant in tropical gardens.
- The fruit is popular in Brazilian cuisine, where it’s known as “Pitanga.”
14. Fox Grape
Fox Grape is a wild grape variety native to North America, known for its thick skin and strong, musky flavor. The grapes are small and typically dark purple to black.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in making wine, juice, and jams or eaten fresh. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Prefers sunny locations with well-drained, fertile soil. |
Fun Facts
- Native Americans used Fox Grapes to make pemmican, a traditional dried meat product.
- The name “Fox Grape” refers to the fruit’s musky, “foxy” smell.
15. Flame Seedless Grape
Flame Seedless is a popular table grape variety known for its sweet flavor and vibrant red color. Originally developed in California, it is widely grown in many regions around the world.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in salads, desserts, and as a garnish. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm climates with well-drained, sandy loam soil. |
Fun Facts
- Flame Seedless Grapes are one of the most popular seedless grape varieties worldwide.
- They are often used in fruit platters and as a healthy snack option.
16. Finger Banana
Finger Bananas, also known as Baby Bananas, are small, sweet bananas native to Southeast Asia. They are typically 3-4 inches long and have a creamy texture with a honey-like flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in desserts, smoothies, and as a snack. |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round in tropical climates. |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, humid climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts
- Finger Bananas are often preferred by children due to their small size and sweetness.
- They are also known as “Lady Finger Bananas” in some regions.
17. Forest Plumbush
Forest Plumbush is a wild fruit native to the woodlands of North America. The small, dark purple fruits have a tart, slightly bitter taste and are often used in preserves.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C and antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in jams, jellies, and sauces, or as a wildlife food source. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Grows in well-drained soils in forested areas. |
Fun Facts
- The fruits of the Forest Plumbush are an important food source for birds and small mammals.
- The plant is often used in conservation efforts to restore native habitats.
18. Forest Blackberry
Forest Blackberries are wild berries native to Europe and North America. They are smaller than cultivated blackberries and have a more intense, sweet-tart flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamins C and K, and rich in antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in desserts, jams, and as a garnish. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Prefers cool, moist environments with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts
- Forest Blackberries have been gathered and eaten by humans for thousands of years.
- They are often used in traditional medicines for their health benefits.
19. Fertility Apple
The Fertility Apple is a rare variety believed to have originated in ancient European orchards. It has a golden-yellow skin with a sweet, crisp taste, often associated with traditional rituals.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in pies, sauces, and cider making. |
| Harvesting Season | Late autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in temperate climates with well-drained, fertile soil. |
Fun Facts
- Fertility Apples were historically used in European fertility rituals and celebrations.
- The variety is now rare and mostly grown in heritage orchards.
20. Falang Apple
The Falang Apple, native to the mountains of Central Asia, is small with a reddish-green skin. It has a crisp, tart flavor and is often used in traditional cooking and preserves.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C and dietary fiber. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in cooking, preserves, and eaten fresh. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn. |
| Growing Condition | Grows in mountainous regions with well-drained, fertile soil. |
Fun Facts
- The Falang Apple is one of the oldest known apple varieties, dating back thousands of years.
- It is believed to be a wild ancestor of many modern apple varieties.
21. Falafel Fruit
Falafel Fruit, not to be confused with the dish, is a rare fruit from the Middle East with a unique, nutty flavor.
It is small and round and has a hard outer shell that protects its edible seeds.
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in protein, healthy fats, and dietary fiber. |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | The seeds are used in cooking, snacks, and traditional dishes. |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer. |
| Growing Condition | Prefers arid climates with sandy, well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts
- Falafel Fruit is often used in traditional Middle Eastern medicine.
- The seeds are sometimes ground into flour for use in baking.
Conclusion
Now you know about 21 fruits that start with F!
From familiar figs to exotic feijoas, there’s a world of F-fruits to explore. I hope this list has sparked your curiosity to try some new flavors.
Why does this matter? Adding variety to your diet isn’t just fun – it’s good for you, too. Each fruit brings its own mix of vitamins and nutrients. Plus, trying new foods can make eating more exciting and enjoyable.
What’s next? Next time you’re at the grocery store or farmers market, keep an eye out for these F-fruits. Pick one you’ve never tried before and give it a taste. You might just find a new favorite!
Feel free to share your F-fruit experiences in the comments below.
Happy fruit hunting!
