Ever thought about the fruits that start with L? Probably not.
But there’s a whole world beyond lemons and limes! I’ve put together this list of 45 L-fruits that’ll surprise you.
From common supermarket finds to exotic treasures you might only see on tropical trips, this alphabetical collection has something for everyone.
Some might sound familiar, while others might leave you scratching your head. That’s the fun part! Each fruit comes with nutritional info, growing details, and a cool fact to drop at your next dinner party.
If you’re a curious food lover or just want to try new fruits, this list has you covered. Ready to check out the tasty world of L-fruits? Let’s go!
Delicious Fruits That Start With L
1. Lemon
Lemon is a bright yellow citrus fruit with a distinctive sour taste and refreshing aroma. It’s widely used for its juice and zest in cooking, beverages, and as a natural cleaning agent.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 29cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.3g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Protein: 1.1g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Citrus limon |
Harvesting Season | Year-round, with peak seasons varying by region |
Growing Conditions | Warm climate, well-drained soil, full sun |
Culinary Uses | Juices, seasonings, desserts, preserves, cocktails |
Popular Regions | Mediterranean, India, Mexico, Argentina, United States |
Fun Fact: Lemon trees can produce up to 600 pounds of lemons per year and can continue bearing fruit for up to 100 years.
2. Lime
Lime is a small, round green citrus fruit with a tart, acidic flavor that’s more intense than lemons. It’s essential in many cuisines worldwide and popular in beverages.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 30cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 10.5g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugar: 1.7g
- Protein: 0.7g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Citrus aurantifolia (Key lime), Citrus latifolia (Persian lime) |
Harvesting Season | Year-round, with peaks in summer |
Growing Conditions | Tropical to subtropical climates, full sun, well-drained soil |
Culinary Uses | Beverages, marinades, dressings, desserts, salsas |
Popular Regions | Mexico, Brazil, India, Southeast Asia, Florida |
Fun Fact: British sailors in the 19th century were given limes to prevent scurvy, earning them the nickname “limeys.”
3. Longan
Longan is a small, round fruit with translucent white flesh, a black seed, and sweet, musky flavor. It’s closely related to lychee but has a smoother, tan-colored shell.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 60cal
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.1g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 12.0g
- Protein: 1.0g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Dimocarpus longan |
Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall |
Growing Conditions | Subtropical to tropical climates, humid conditions |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, desserts, soups, teas, dried snacks |
Popular Regions | China, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hawaii |
Fun Fact: Longan means “dragon eye” in Cantonese, referring to its appearance when the fruit is shelled, with the black seed resembling a pupil.
4. Lychee
Lychee is a small tropical fruit with rough, reddish-pink skin, sweet fragrant white flesh, and a dark seed. The flavor is floral with hints of rose and is prized for its unique sweetness.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 66cal
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.5g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 15.2g
- Protein: 0.8g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Litchi chinensis |
Harvesting Season | May to August, depending on region |
Growing Conditions | Subtropical climate, plenty of water, protection from frost |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, desserts, cocktails, sorbets, preserves |
Popular Regions | China, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Madagascar, South Africa |
Fun Fact: Lychee trees can live for more than 1,000 years – some trees in China are said to be over 1,200 years old and still produce fruit.
5. Lingonberry
Lingonberry is a small, red berry with a tart, slightly bitter flavor similar to cranberry. It grows wild on low bushes in northern forests and is a staple in Scandinavian cuisine.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 50cal
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.3g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugar: 8.0g
- Protein: 0.8g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Vaccinium vitis-idaea |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to fall |
Growing Conditions | Cold northern climates, acidic soil, partial shade |
Culinary Uses | Jams, sauces, compotes, juices, accompaniment to savory dishes |
Popular Regions | Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, Alaska |
Fun Fact: Lingonberries contain a natural preservative called benzoic acid, which allows traditional lingonberry jam to be made without added sugar or preservatives.
6. Loganberry
Loganberry is a hybrid between a blackberry and a raspberry, with a deep red to purple color and an elongated shape. It has a tart yet sweet flavor that combines characteristics of both parent berries.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 57cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.2g
- Fiber: 5.3g
- Sugar: 4.9g
- Protein: 1.2g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Rubus Ć loganobaccus |
Harvesting Season | Mid-summer |
Growing Conditions | Cool, moist climate, fertile soil, good drainage |
Culinary Uses | Jams, jellies, pies, wines, juices |
Popular Regions | Pacific Northwest USA, UK, Scotland |
Fun Fact: The loganberry was accidentally created in 1881 by American horticulturist James Harvey Logan, who was experimenting with berry cultivation in California.
7. Loquat
Loquat is a small, pear-shaped fruit with yellow-orange skin and flesh. It has a sweet-tart flavor with notes of citrus, peach, and mango, and contains several large brown seeds.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 47cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.1g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 8.3g
- Protein: 0.4g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Eriobotrya japonica |
Harvesting Season | Late winter to early spring |
Growing Conditions | Subtropical to mild temperate climates, full sun |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, pies, jams, jellies, chutneys, wine |
Popular Regions | China, Japan, Mediterranean, California, Florida |
Fun Fact: Despite its name, the loquat originated in China, not Japan, and has been cultivated there for over 1,000 years.
8. Langsat
Langsat is a tropical fruit with pale yellow, thin skin containing translucent, segmented flesh that’s sweet with a hint of tartness. The seeds are bitter and inedible.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 65cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.8g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 13.2g
- Protein: 0.9g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Lansium domesticum |
Harvesting Season | July to October |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, high humidity, partial shade |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, preserves, jams |
Popular Regions | Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand |
Fun Fact: The bark of the langsat tree contains a substance that can be used as an anti-malarial agent in traditional medicine.
9. Lucuma
Lucuma is a subtropical fruit with green skin and dry, starchy orange flesh that tastes like maple and sweet potato. Often called “Gold of the Incas,” it’s primarily used as a natural sweetener.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 99cal
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 25.0g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 14.2g
- Protein: 1.5g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Pouteria lucuma |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to fall |
Growing Conditions | Subtropical, coastal regions, moderate temperatures |
Culinary Uses | Ice cream, desserts, smoothies, baked goods, natural sweetener |
Popular Regions | Peru, Chile, Ecuador, coastal South America |
Fun Fact: Lucuma was so valued by the Incas that it was depicted on their pottery and artwork, and is sometimes referred to as “Inca’s Gold.”
10. Lady Apple
Lady Apple is a small, bright red heritage apple variety with crisp, sweet flesh. These diminutive apples are known for their decorative appeal and were popular in Victorian times as Christmas ornaments.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 52cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.8g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 10.4g
- Protein: 0.3g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Malus domestica ‘Lady’ |
Harvesting Season | Late fall |
Growing Conditions | Temperate climate, full sun, well-drained soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, decorative purposes, desserts |
Popular Regions | France, United States, Europe |
Fun Fact: Lady apples are one of the oldest known apple varieties, dating back to ancient Rome, and were favorites in the courts of French kings.
11. Lanzones
Lanzones is a tropical fruit with yellow-brown skin that grows in clusters. The flesh is translucent white, sweet with a hint of sourness, and contains bitter seeds that can be eaten with care.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 63cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.5g
- Fiber: 1.0g
- Sugar: 14.0g
- Protein: 0.9g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Lansium parasiticum |
Harvesting Season | July to October |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, high humidity, partial shade |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, preserves, juices |
Popular Regions | Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand |
Fun Fact: In the Philippines, there’s a superstition that lanzones trees will bear more fruit if you treat them kindly and speak to them gently.
12. Langra Mango
Langra Mango is a popular variety of mango with a distinct flavor profile – aromatic, sweet, and fiberless. It has green skin even when ripe and yellow-orange flesh.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 60cal
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.0g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 13.7g
- Protein: 0.8g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Mangifera indica ‘Langra’ |
Harvesting Season | Mid to late summer |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, hot temperatures, full sun |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, desserts, chutneys, juices |
Popular Regions | Northern India, Bangladesh, Pakistan |
Fun Fact: The name “Langra” (meaning “lame”) comes from a legend about a lame man who first cultivated this variety of mango in Varanasi, India.
13. Lapsi
Lapsi is a small, round, sour fruit native to Nepal. It has yellowish-green skin when ripe and is primarily used in pickles and chutneys due to its high acidity.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 43cal
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 10.5g
- Fiber: 3.2g
- Sugar: 4.8g
- Protein: 0.9g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Choerospondias axillaris |
Harvesting Season | Fall to early winter |
Growing Conditions | Hilly regions, moderate altitude, well-drained soil |
Culinary Uses | Pickles, chutneys, candies, traditional medicine |
Popular Regions | Nepal, Tibet, India, Bhutan |
Fun Fact: Lapsi fruit is considered an important source of vitamin C for people living in the Himalayan region, especially during winter months.
14. Lardizabala
Lardizabala produces edible purplish-black berries with sweet, juicy pulp. This fruit comes from an evergreen climbing vine native to Chile.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 58cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.2g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 9.7g
- Protein: 1.1g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Lardizabala biternata |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to fall |
Growing Conditions | Cool temperate climate, partial shade, moist soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, jams, preserves |
Popular Regions | Chile, especially central and southern regions |
Fun Fact: The flexible stems of the Lardizabala plant were traditionally used by indigenous Chileans to make ropes and baskets.
15. Lilly Pilly
Lilly Pilly is a glossy, berry-like fruit that ranges in color from pink to purple. It has a crisp texture and a mild, apple-like flavor with a hint of clove.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 48cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.8g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 8.1g
- Protein: 0.5g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Syzygium species |
Harvesting Season | Summer to fall |
Growing Conditions | Subtropical to temperate, adaptable to various soils |
Culinary Uses | Jams, jellies, wines, chutneys, garnishes |
Popular Regions | Australia, Southeast Asia |
Fun Fact: Lilly Pilly has been used in traditional Australian Aboriginal bush food for thousands of years and is now gaining popularity in modern Australian cuisine.
16. Limau
Limau refers to several citrus fruits in Southeast Asia, particularly the Kaffir lime. It has a bumpy green exterior and is prized for its aromatic leaves and zest rather than its juice.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 30cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.4g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 1.7g
- Protein: 0.7g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Citrus hystrix |
Harvesting Season | Year-round in tropical climates |
Growing Conditions | Tropical to subtropical, warm climate, well-drained soil |
Culinary Uses | Leaves for curry pastes, zest for flavor, essential oils |
Popular Regions | Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, other Southeast Asian countries |
Fun Fact: The leaves of limau (kaffir lime) are more commonly used in cooking than the fruit itself, adding a distinct citrusy aroma to many Southeast Asian dishes.
17. Llama (Fruit)
The Llama fruit is an unusual tropical fruit from South America with a spiny exterior and sweet, aromatic white flesh. It’s related to custard apples and soursop.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 71cal
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.2g
- Fiber: 2.0g
- Sugar: 13.5g
- Protein: 1.2g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Annona diversifolia |
Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, low altitude, well-drained soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, sherbets, preserves, beverages |
Popular Regions | Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, other parts of Central America |
Fun Fact: Despite its name, the Llama fruit has no connection to the Andean animal; its name comes from local indigenous languages and describes its pink to purple skin.
18. Lobos
Lobos is a rare citrus hybrid with a sweet, juicy interior and slightly bumpy skin. It resembles grapefruit but has a milder, less bitter flavor.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 32cal
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.5g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 5.4g
- Protein: 0.6g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Citrus Ć paradisi hybrid |
Harvesting Season | Winter to early spring |
Growing Conditions | Mediterranean climate, full sun, well-drained soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, juices, salads, garnishes |
Popular Regions | Spain, California, home gardens |
Fun Fact: The Lobos citrus is named after the coastal town of Lobos in Spain where it was first cultivated as a specialty fruit.
19. Long Mulberry
Long Mulberry is an elongated variety of mulberry that grows on trees. It has a deep purple to black color when ripe and a sweet-tart flavor that’s juicier than common mulberries.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 43cal
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.8g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 8.1g
- Protein: 1.4g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Morus nigra (elongated variety) |
Harvesting Season | Late spring to early summer |
Growing Conditions | Temperate climate, adaptable to various soils, full sun |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, pies, jams, wines, smoothies |
Popular Regions | Asia, particularly China and Korea, parts of Europe |
Fun Fact: Silk production historically depended on mulberry leaves as the sole food source for silkworms, making mulberry trees invaluable to the silk industry in Asia.
20. Lovi
Lovi is a small, round, cherry-like fruit with dark red skin and sweet-sour pulp. It contains a single large seed and is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 40cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.7g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 6.5g
- Protein: 0.7g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Flacourtia inermis |
Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, good drainage, moderate water |
Culinary Uses | Jams, jellies, pies, wine, syrups |
Popular Regions | Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India |
Fun Fact: Lovi fruit trees often have thorns when young, but these thorns disappear as the tree matures, which is unusual in the plant kingdom.
21. Langka (Jackfruit)
Langka, or jackfruit, is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, reaching up to 80 pounds. It has a spiky green exterior and yellow, fibrous flesh with a sweet flavor when ripe.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 95cal
- Fat: 0.6g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 23.2g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 19.1g
- Protein: 1.7g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Artocarpus heterophyllus |
Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, high humidity, well-drained soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating when ripe, vegetable substitute when unripe, desserts |
Popular Regions | Southeast Asia, India, Bangladesh, Philippines |
Fun Fact: Jackfruit is increasingly used as a meat substitute in vegan cuisine due to its texture when young, which resembles pulled pork or chicken when cooked.
22. Langsah
Langsah is a variant spelling of langsat, but sometimes refers to a slightly different cultivar with thinner skin and sweeter flesh. It grows in grape-like clusters.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 64cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.6g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 13.3g
- Protein: 0.9g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Lansium parasiticum (variety) |
Harvesting Season | July to October |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, high humidity, partial shade |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, preserves, drinks |
Popular Regions | Malaysia, Indonesia, southern Thailand |
Fun Fact: The dried skin of langsah fruits is traditionally burned in some parts of Southeast Asia to repel mosquitoes.
23. Lakoocha
Lakoocha is a tropical fruit with a bumpy yellow-orange exterior and soft, sweet pulp when ripe. The unripe fruit is used in pickles while the ripe fruit is eaten fresh.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 83cal
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.1g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 15.3g
- Protein: 2.1g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Artocarpus lakoocha |
Harvesting Season | Summer |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, heavy rainfall, deep soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, pickles, chutneys, curries when unripe |
Popular Regions | India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia |
Fun Fact: The wood of the lakoocha tree produces a yellow dye that has been traditionally used to dye Buddhist monks’ robes in parts of Asia.
24. Lipote
Lipote is a small, dark purple to black berry-like fruit with sweet-sour flesh and multiple small seeds. It grows on trees native to the Philippines.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 49cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.1g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 8.7g
- Protein: 0.8g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Syzygium polycephaloides |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to fall |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, moderate rainfall, well-drained soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, wines, jams, desserts |
Popular Regions | Philippines, particularly Luzon island |
Fun Fact: Lipote fruit is becoming rare in its native Philippines as forests are cleared, and conservation efforts are now focused on preserving this unique fruit.
25. Liana
Liana fruits come from woody, climbing vines that grow in tropical forests. Different liana species produce various edible fruits, many with sweet pulp surrounding large seeds.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 54cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.6g
- Fiber: 2.1g
- Sugar: 9.5g
- Protein: 0.9g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Various species from families like Bignoniaceae and Fabaceae |
Harvesting Season | Varies by species, typically in wet season |
Growing Conditions | Tropical rainforest, high rainfall, warm temperatures |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, traditional medicines, some processed foods |
Popular Regions | Amazon basin, Central Africa, Southeast Asia |
Fun Fact: Lianas make up approximately 25% of the woody plants in tropical forests and are crucial for forest ecology, providing pathways for animals to move through the canopy.
26. Lebombo Ironwood
Lebombo Ironwood produces small, round, red to purple berries with sweet-tart flesh. The fruit comes from a hardy tree native to southern Africa.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 57cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.2g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 10.1g
- Protein: 0.9g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Androstachys johnsonii |
Harvesting Season | Late summer |
Growing Conditions | Subtropical climate, rocky soil, drought-tolerant |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, traditional medicines, jams |
Popular Regions | South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe |
Fun Fact: The wood of the Lebombo Ironwood tree is extremely dense and durable, making it termite-resistant and valuable for construction in its native regions.
27. Limba
Limba fruit is a small, yellow berry that grows on trees native to tropical Africa. It has a sweet-sour taste and is rich in vitamin C.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 47cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.8g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 8.4g
- Protein: 0.7g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Terminalia superba (fruit) |
Harvesting Season | Rainy season |
Growing Conditions | Tropical climate, seasonal rainfall, fertile soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, juices, traditional medicine |
Popular Regions | Central and West Africa, particularly Congo Basin |
Fun Fact: While the limba fruit is edible, the tree is primarily valued for its timber, which is exported worldwide for use in furniture and musical instruments.
28. Lumpy
Lumpy is a unique citrus fruit with an irregular, bumpy surface and sweet-tart flesh. It’s a natural mutation of grapefruit or pomelo with a distinctive appearance.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 33cal
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.6g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 6.1g
- Protein: 0.6g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Citrus Ć paradisi (mutation) |
Harvesting Season | Winter to early spring |
Growing Conditions | Subtropical climate, full sun, well-drained soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, juicing, marmalades |
Popular Regions | Southeast Asia, specialty citrus orchards |
Fun Fact: Lumpy fruit is often caused by Citrus Bud Mite infestations, but some varieties naturally develop this unusual appearance and have been selectively cultivated for this trait.
29. Lawton Berry
Lawton berry is an heirloom variety of blackberry with large, glossy black fruits and rich, sweet-tart flavor. It was one of the first cultivated blackberry varieties in America.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 43cal
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.6g
- Fiber: 5.3g
- Sugar: 4.9g
- Protein: 1.4g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Rubus ‘Lawton’ |
Harvesting Season | Mid to late summer |
Growing Conditions | Temperate climate, full sun to partial shade, moist soil |
Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, pies, jams, jellies, wine |
Popular Regions | Eastern United States, heritage gardens |
Fun Fact: The Lawton blackberry was discovered in the wild in New Rochelle, New York in 1834 and was named after William Lawton who first cultivated and promoted it commercially.
30. Lablab
Lablab, also known as hyacinth bean, produces edible purple-tinged pods and beans. The young pods can be eaten like snap beans, while the mature beans must be thoroughly cooked.
Nutritional Value Per 100g (young pods):
- Calories: 47cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.2g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 2.1g
- Protein: 3.9g
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Lablab purpureus |
Harvesting Season | Summer to fall |
Growing Conditions | Tropical to subtropical, heat-tolerant, drought-resistant |
Culinary Uses | Young pods as vegetables, mature beans in soups and stews |
Popular Regions | India, Southeast Asia, Africa, tropical regions |
Fun Fact: Lablab is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, with evidence of cultivation in India dating back to 1500 BCE, and it’s both a food crop and an ornamental plant.
Fruit that Starts with L You Have Never Heard Of
31. Langelo
Langelo is a citrus hybrid between a tangelo and a pomelo, resulting in a large fruit with sweet-tart flesh. It has loose, easy-to-peel skin and juicy segments.
32. Laroda Plum
Laroda plum is a Japanese-American hybrid plum with dark purple skin and amber-yellow flesh. It has a sweet, rich flavor and firm texture that makes it ideal for both fresh eating and processing.
33. Lincoln Plum
Lincoln plum is a European plum variety with blue-purple skin and rich, sweet yellow flesh. It’s primarily a dessert plum with excellent flavor when fully ripe.
34. Loretta Plum
Loretta plum is a mid-season Japanese plum variety with red skin and sweet, juicy amber flesh. It has a fine texture and excellent flavor, making it popular for fresh consumption.
35. Little Finger Lime
Little Finger Lime is a smaller variety of the Australian finger lime with the same caviar-like pulp vesicles but in a more compact fruit. Available in various colors including green, pink, and purple.
36. Longevity Fruit
Longevity fruit, also known as monk fruit or luo han guo, is a small round fruit with sweet flesh that’s used primarily as a natural sweetener. It’s intensely sweet without calories and is becoming popular as a sugar alternative.
37. Limonia
Limonia, also called wood-apple or elephant apple, is a hard-shelled fruit with aromatic, sticky pulp inside. The flavor is sweet-sour with a distinctive aroma.
38. Latundan Banana
Latundan banana is a popular variety in the Philippines and Southeast Asia with a sweet, aromatic flavor. It has yellow skin when ripe and creamy white flesh that’s softer than Cavendish bananas.
39. Lemato
Lemato is a hybrid fruit combining characteristics of lemons and tomatoes. It has an appearance similar to a yellow tomato but with a citrus-tomato flavor profile.
40. Little Gooseberry Tree
Little Gooseberry Tree, also known as otaheite gooseberry or star gooseberry, produces small, round, ribbed, pale green fruits with crisp, very sour flesh used primarily in cooking.
41. Lingaro
Lingaro is a rare tropical fruit from Southeast Asia with translucent white flesh and a sweet, delicate flavor. It resembles longan but with a distinct floral note.
42. Lakota (Grape)
Lakota is a seeded table grape variety with large, blue-black berries and sweet, juicy flesh. It’s disease-resistant and cold-hardy, making it suitable for organic growing.
43. Lambrusco (Grape)
Lakota is a seeded table grape variety with large, blue-black berries and sweet, juicy flesh. It’s disease-resistant and cold-hardy, making it suitable for organic growing.
44. Louvi Fruit
Louvi fruit is an obscure tropical fruit with sweet, fragrant pulp enclosed in a thin skin. It has notes of peach and banana in its flavor profile.
45. Lobolobo
Lobolobo is a small, round tropical fruit native to parts of South America with deep purple skin and sweet-tart flesh. It grows on shrubs in the Amazon rainforest and has traditionally been harvested by indigenous communities.
Recipes Featuring Fruits That Start With L
1. Lemon & Lavender Shortbread Cookies
A delicate and buttery treat infused with floral lavender and zesty lemon.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325Ā°F (160Ā°C).
- In a bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lavender.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until dough comes together.
- Roll dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Slice dough into rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
2. Lychee & Coconut Panna Cotta
A creamy and tropical Italian dessert with a refreshing lychee twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or canned lychees, pureed
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp gelatin powder
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Heat coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- Stir in the lychee puree.
- Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until fully dissolved.
- Pour into ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Serve chilled, garnished with fresh lychees.
3. Loganberry & Honey Yogurt Parfait
A simple yet delicious layered breakfast or dessert with tangy loganberries.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen loganberries
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup granola
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat loganberries and honey over low heat until berries soften. Let cool.
- In serving glasses, layer Greek yogurt, the loganberry mixture, and granola.
- Repeat layers and finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a chilled treat.
4. Loquat & Ginger Glazed Salmon
A sweet and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with tender salmon fillets.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup fresh loquats, pitted and diced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C).
- In a saucepan, heat loquats, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Brush salmon fillets with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Place salmon on a baking sheet and brush generously with loquat glaze.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve hot with extra glaze on the side.
5. Lime & Mint Agua Fresca
A refreshing Mexican-style drink with a citrusy and cooling taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Lime slices and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine water, lime juice, honey (or sugar), and mint leaves.
- Blend until smooth.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove mint pieces.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lime slices and mint sprigs.
Summing Up
Now that you know about these 45 L-fruits, from the common lemon to the rare lobolobo, you’ve got some tasty options to look for!
These fruits show just how varied nature can be, and each has its own special flavor profile and health perks.
Some might work in your garden, depending on where you live.
Others might need a trip to specialty markets or far-off countries to sample. But isn’t that part of the fun?
The next time you spot an unusual fruit that starts with L, you’ll know what you’re looking at! Want to keep learning about alphabet-themed fruits? Our posts on “Interesting Fruits That Start with A You Should Try” and “Interesting Fruits That Start with M You Should Try” are just a click away.
Happy tasting!