Ever wondered if there are any fruits that start with “I”? Well, it turns out there’s more than just one—and some of them are so rare that most people have never heard of them!

From exotic finds to lesser-known local gems, this list features 51+ fruits that start with “I.” Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a trivia lover, or just curious, you’ll find some truly unique flavors.

Imagine impressing your friends with knowledge about fruits like Icacina or Ilama—fruits that sound straight out of a tropical experience. Some are delicious, others are medicinal, and all have Interesting backstories.

Ready to check out these intriguing fruits? Keep reading to uncover names, fun facts, and why these fruits deserve a spot on your must-know list!

Exotic & Common Fruits that Start with “I”

1. Icacina Fruit

The Icacina fruit comes from a drought-resistant shrub native to West Africa. It produces a reddish-orange berry with a sweet pulp surrounding a large seed.

The fruit is known locally as “false yam” due to its starchy underground tuber.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 87
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 3.2g
• Fiber: 5.4g
• Vitamin C: 12mg

Health Benefits:

• Serves as a famine food during drought periods
• Contains compounds with potential anti-diabetic properties
• Rich in dietary fiber that supports digestive health
• Contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals

Fun Facts:

• The tuber can remain dormant underground for years during drought.
• Seeds can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute in some regions.

2. Ilama Fruit

Ilama is a tropical fruit related to the cherimoya and soursop. It has a conical or heart-shaped appearance with knobby green skin that turns purple-brown when ripe.

The flesh is creamy white with a sweet, custard-like flavor often compared to a combination of banana and vanilla.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 92
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 1.7g
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 28mg

Health Benefits:

• Contains annonaceous acetogenins with potential anti-cancer properties
• Rich in vitamin C that supports immune function
• Provides dietary fiber that promotes gut health
• Contains various antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation

Fun Facts:

• The name “ilama” comes from the Nahuatl word “ilamatzapotl,” meaning “old woman’s fruit.”
• Trees produce white or pink flowers that have a pleasant fragrance.

3. Indian Almond

Despite its name, the Indian Almond isn’t a true almond but a tropical tree that produces fruits with edible seeds.

The fruit has a fibrous green outer layer that turns reddish-purple when ripe, containing a hard shell with an almond-like seed inside.

Nutritional Value per 100g (seeds):

• Calories: 533
• Fat: 49g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 8.6g
• Vitamin E: 14mg

Health Benefits:

• Seeds are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats
• Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress
• High in protein, making it a good plant-based protein source
• Leaves contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties

Fun Facts:

• Also known as “tropical almond,” “sea almond,” and “beach almond.”
• The empty seed shells were traditionally used as lantern fuel in some cultures.

4. Indian Fig (Prickly Pear)

Indian Fig, commonly known as Prickly Pear, is a type of cactus fruit with a spiny outer skin that ranges from green to red-purple when ripe.

The juicy inner flesh varies from yellowish-green to deep magenta and contains numerous small, hard seeds that can be eaten along with the pulp.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 42
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 0.7g
• Fiber: 3.6g
• Vitamin C: 14mg
• Calcium: 56mg
• Magnesium: 85mg

Health Benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress
• Contains betalains that have anti-inflammatory properties
• It may help regulate blood sugar levels due to its fiber content
• Supports digestive health through its fiber and mucilage content

Fun Facts:

• Despite its name “Indian Fig,” it’s native to Mexico and was introduced to India by Spanish explorers.
• It’s been used to produce a natural red dye called cochineal from insects that feed on the cactus.

5. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Amla is a small, round, yellowish-green fruit with a fibrous, sour flesh.

Known for its extremely sour taste, it’s considered one of the most important medicinal plants in Ayurvedic medicine and is often processed into various forms rather than eaten raw.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10.2g
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fiber: 4.3g
• Vitamin C: 600mg
• Calcium: 25mg
• Iron: 1.2mg

Health Benefits:

• Exceptionally high in vitamin C, with potent antioxidant properties
• Supports immune function and helps fight seasonal illnesses
• May promote hair growth and prevent premature graying
• Traditionally used to support digestive health and liver function
• May help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Fun Facts:

• Contains 20-30 times more vitamin C than oranges.
• Forms the base of the popular Ayurvedic tonic “Chyawanprash”.

6. Indian Hog Plum

Indian Hog Plum is an oval-shaped tropical fruit that resembles a small mango.

The fruit has a tough, waxy skin that ranges from green to yellow when ripe, with a fibrous, juicy, sour-sweet flesh that clings to a large central stone.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 85
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 0.8g
• Fiber: 3.1g
• Vitamin C: 48mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 1.1mg

Health Benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C that supports immune function
• Contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals
• Traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve stomach ailments
• The bark and leaves have medicinal properties used in traditional medicine

Fun Facts:

• Also known as “wild mango” or “jungle plum” in various regions.
• The tree’s bark is used to produce tannins for leather processing.

7. Indian Jujube

Indian Jujube, also known as ber or Chinese date, is a small to medium-sized drupe that resembles an apple or pear in miniature.

The fruit ranges from olive green to yellow-brown when ripe, with a crisp, juicy flesh that tastes sweet and apple-like surrounding a hard central stone.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 79
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Fiber: 3.7g
• Vitamin C: 69mg
• Calcium: 21mg
• Iron: 0.5mg

Health Benefits:

• High in vitamin C that supports immune function
• Contains antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress
• Used in traditional medicine for digestive disorders and insomnia
• May help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue

Fun Facts:

• Has been cultivated for at least 4,000 years.
• The dried fruit is often used as a natural sweetener in Chinese medicine.

8. Indian Mango

Indian Mango is considered the king of fruits in South Asia.

The fruit varies widely in size, shape, and color depending on the variety, but typically has a smooth skin that ranges from green to yellow or red, with a sweet, aromatic, fibrous or non-fibrous flesh surrounding a flat, oval seed.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 0.8g
• Fiber: 1.6g
• Vitamin A: 765 IU
• Vitamin C: 36mg
• Potassium: 168mg

Health Benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A and C that support immune function and vision
• Contains digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down proteins
• Provides antioxidants like mangiferin that have protective effects
• May help improve digestive health due to fiber content

Fun Facts:

• India has over 1,000 varieties of mangoes.
• Mango trees can live for over 300 years and continue bearing fruit.

9. Indian Olive

Indian Olive, also known as jalpai, is not a true olive but rather a fruit that resembles one.

It has a small, oval shape with a thin, dark purple to black skin when ripe and contains a single large seed surrounded by a small amount of pulpy flesh.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 115
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2.5g
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Calcium: 35mg
• Iron: 1.5mg
• Vitamin B complex: Moderate levels

Health Benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
• Traditionally used for liver protection in folk medicine.
• It may help in digestion due to its fiber content.
• The seed extract has been studied for potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Fun Facts:

• Despite being called “Indian olive,” it belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family, not the olive family.
• The hard stones have been used to make prayer beads in some cultures.

10. Indian Persimmon

Indian Persimmon, also known as tendu or Indian ebony, produces small, round fruits that are yellowish-green when unripe and turn golden-yellow to orange when mature.

The flesh is sweet and astringent when unripe but develops a honey-like sweetness when fully ripe.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 70
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fiber: 3.2g
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 27mg
• Iron: 0.3mg

Health Benefits:

• Contains tannins with potential antimicrobial properties.
• Provides dietary fiber that supports digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
• Traditionally used in tribal medicine for various ailments.

Fun Facts:

• The leaves of this tree are more economically important than the fruit used for making bidis (Indian cigarettes).
• The bark yields a dye used for coloring fabric in traditional crafts.

11. Indian Plum

Indian Plum, also known as osoberry or Indian cherry, is a small, bluish-black drupe that resembles a small plum.

The fruit has a thin skin covering a soft flesh with a distinctive bitter-almond flavor that becomes sweeter when fully ripe.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 62
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Fiber: 2.8g
• Vitamin C: 12mg
• Calcium: 15mg
• Iron: 0.7mg

Health Benefits:

• It contains antioxidants that help fight cellular damage.
• Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes.
• It may have mild digestive benefits due to its fiber content.
• Used in traditional medicine for fever reduction.

Fun Facts:

• Despite the name “Indian Plum,” it’s native to North America, not India.
• One of the earliest flowering shrubs in the Pacific Northwest.

12. Indian Prune

Indian Prune, also known as hog plum in some regions, produces small oval fruits that turn from green to yellow-orange or purple when ripe.

The fruit has a sour-sweet taste with a thin skin and juicy flesh that clings to a large central stone.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 74
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fiber: 3.0g
• Vitamin C: 30mg
• Calcium: 22mg
• Iron: 0.8mg

Health Benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function
• Contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals
• Traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve stomach ailments
• It may help in reducing inflammation due to certain bioactive compounds

Fun Facts:

• The trees are often used as living fences in rural areas.
• Unripe fruits are sometimes used as a souring agent similar to tamarind.

13. Indian Sherbet Berry

Indian Sherbet Berry, also known as falsa or phalsa, is a small, round fruit that turns from green to deep purple-black when ripe.

The fruit has a sweet-tart flavor with a juicy pulp containing numerous small seeds, and is known for its cooling properties.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 50
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 1.3g
• Fiber: 3.5g
• Vitamin C: 22mg
• Iron: 1.1mg
• Calcium: 129mg

Health Benefits:

• Known for its cooling effect during hot summers
• Rich in iron, potentially beneficial for anemia
• Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress
• Traditionally used for respiratory ailments and fever
• It may help in managing blood pressure and digestive issues

Fun Facts:

• The name “falsa” comes from Persian, indicating its historical importance.
• Has been cultivated in India for at least 3,000 years.

14. Indian Star Gooseberry

Indian Star Gooseberry, also known as star gooseberry or phyllanthus, produces small, round, greenish-yellow fruits with distinctive ribbing that gives them a star-like appearance when cut crosswise.

The fruit has a crisp, juicy texture with a sour taste similar to gooseberries.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 32
• Carbohydrates: 7.6g
• Protein: 0.8g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Vitamin C: 37mg
• Calcium: 24mg
• Iron: 1.2mg

Health Benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function
• Contains compounds with potential hepatoprotective effects
• Traditionally used in Ayurveda for liver disorders
• May have mild diuretic properties according to traditional medicine

Fun Facts:

• They are not related to true gooseberries despite their similar taste and name.
• The fruit is sometimes used to make a natural hair rinse in traditional practices

15. Indian Strawberry

Indian Strawberry, also known as mock strawberry or snake berry, produces small red fruits that resemble true strawberries in appearance but have a bland, slightly sweet taste with little flavor.

The fruit has a bumpy surface with seeds on the outside, similar to strawberries.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 30
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 0.8g
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Vitamin C: 15mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 0.9mg

Health Benefits:

• Contains some antioxidants that help combat free radicals
• Used in traditional Chinese medicine for fever and sore throat
• The leaves are used more than the fruits in herbal medicine
• It may have mild anti-inflammatory properties

Fun Facts:

• Despite the name, it’s not a true strawberry but belongs to the same family (Rosaceae).
• The plant is evergreen in many climates, unlike true strawberries.
• Yellow flowers distinguish it from true strawberries, which have white flowers.

16. Indian Wild Pear

Indian Wild Pear, also known as kainth or mahal, produces small, round fruits that resemble miniature pears.

The fruit is hard and astringent when unripe but softens and develops a sweet-sour flavor when fully ripe or after the first frost.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 57
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 0.7g
• Fiber: 4.3g
• Vitamin C: 9mg
• Calcium: 18mg
• Iron: 0.6mg

Health Benefits:

• Contains tannins with potential antimicrobial properties.
• Provides dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
• Used in traditional folk medicine for digestive disorders.
• Bark and leaves are used medicinally more than fruit.

Fun Facts:

• Spring blossoms make it a popular ornamental tree.
• The wood is prized for carving and making agricultural implements.

17. Ice Apple (Tadgola)

Ice Apple, also known as tadgola or nungu, is not a true apple but the immature fruit of the palm tree, containing a clear, jelly-like sac of sweet water enclosed in a fibrous shell.

The fruit has a translucent, ice-like appearance with a mild sweet flavor and cooling properties.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 43
• Carbohydrates: 10.9g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Potassium: 180mg
• Calcium: 15mg
• Iron: 0.4mg

Health Benefits:

• Known for its cooling effect during hot summers
• Natural source of minerals and electrolytes
• Traditionally used to prevent heat stroke and dehydration
• It may help in treating urinary tract infections, according to folk medicine

Fun Facts:

• It is called an “ice apple” because the jelly-like flesh resembles ice crystals.
• Harvesting requires climbing tall palm trees, often done by skilled climbers.

18. Ichang Lemon

Ichang Lemon is not a true lemon but a citrus fruit that resembles a lemon with a thick, bumpy skin ranging from green to yellow when ripe.

The fruit has a sour, aromatic flesh similar to lemons but with distinctive flavor notes and a higher cold tolerance than most citrus.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 29
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 1.1g
• Fiber: 2.8g
• Vitamin C: 45mg
• Calcium: 26mg
• Potassium: 138mg

Health Benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function.
• Contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
• Essential oils in the peel have potential antimicrobial properties.
• It may aid digestion when consumed with warm water.

Fun Facts:

• One of the most cold-hardy citrus varieties, surviving temperatures down to 15°F.
• Not commonly available commercially outside its native regions.

19. Italian Plum

Italian Plum, also known as European prune plum or Empress plum, is an oval-shaped fruit with deep purple to blue skin covered in a waxy bloom.

The fruit has firm, greenish-yellow flesh that’s sweet and slightly tart, with a freestone pit that separates easily from the flesh.

Nutritional Value per 100g:

• Calories: 46
• Carbohydrates: 11.4g
• Protein: 0.7g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Vitamin C: 9.5mg
• Potassium: 157mg
• Vitamin K: 6.4μg

Health Benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants including anthocyanins from the skin.
• Provides dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains natural sorbitol that acts as a mild laxative.
• It may help in maintaining bone health due to vitamin K content.

Fun Facts:

• The primary plum variety is used for making prunes.
• Cultivated for over 2,000 years, with references in ancient Roman texts.

Other Unique Fruit that Starts with “I”

20. Ita Palm Fruit

21. Iboga Fruit

22. Icacina Senegalensis

23. Ilama (Annona diversifolia)

24. Ice Cream Bean

25. Icebox Watermelon

26. Indian Black Berry (Jamun)

27. Indian Breadfruit

28. Indian Butter Tree Fruit

29. Indian Chokecherry

30. Indian Custard Apple

31. Indian Date

32. Indian Eggplant (technically a fruit)

33. Indian Fig Tree Fruit

34. Indian Grape

35. Indian Jackfruit

36. Indian Laurel Fig

37. Indian Mulberry

38. Indian Nutmeg

39. Indian Oak Fruit

40. Indian Peach

41. Indian Pecan

42. Indian Pomegranate

43. Indian Raspberries

44. Indian Rhubarb Fruit

45. Indian Sandalwood Fruit

46. Indian Sapodilla

47. Indian Sorrel Fruit

48. Indian Tamarind

49. Indian Velvet Apple

50. Indonesian Lime

51. Indonesian Mango

52. Iranian Fig

53. Iranian Grape

54. Iranian Melon

55. Italian Lemon

56. Italian Orange

57. Italian Pear

58. Italian Pomegranate

59. Ivory Palm Fruit

Easy Recipes with “I” Fruits

1. Indian Mango Lassi

A refreshing yogurt-based drink that’s perfect for hot summer days and showcases the sweet flavor of Indian mangoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe Indian mango, peeled and diced
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Add all ingredients except ice to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
• Add a few ice cubes and blend again until frothy.
• Pour into glasses and sprinkle with a pinch of cardamom on top.
• Serve immediately for the most refreshing taste.

2. Italian Plum Crumble

A simple dessert that transforms Italian plums into a warm, comforting treat with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 Italian plums, halved and pitted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange plums in a baking dish.
• Sprinkle plums with granulated sugar and lemon juice.
• In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.
• Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the plums.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly, then serve warm.

3. Indian Gooseberry (Amla) Chutney (Sauce)

A tangy, flavorful condiment that makes good use of amla’s sour taste and health benefits.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh amla (Indian gooseberry), deseeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup jaggery or brown sugar
• 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add chopped amla, green chilies, and ginger, then cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Stir in jaggery or brown sugar and salt, cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
• Let it cool, then blend to a coarse texture and mix in fresh cilantro.
• Serve with flatbreads, rice, or as a dipping sauce for snacks.

4. Ice Apple (Tadgola) Summer Cooler

A simple beverage that highlights the natural cooling properties of ice apples, perfect for hot weather.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 ice apples (tadgola), pulp removed and roughly chopped
• 2 cups coconut water or plain water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar or jaggery syrup (optional)
• A few mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Place the ice apple pulp in a blender with coconut water and blend briefly.
• Add lemon juice and sweetener if using, pulse to combine.
• Pour into glasses filled with ice cubes.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
• Serve immediately as a refreshing summer drink.

5. Indian Fig (Prickly Pear) Smoothie

A nutritious smoothie that makes good use of the sweet flavor and vibrant color of Indian figs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Indian fig (prickly pear) flesh, carefully peeled and seeds removed
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk or plant-based alternative
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4-5 ice cubes

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients except ice in a blender and process until smooth.
• Add ice cubes and blend again until the mixture is cold and frothy.
• Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
• For extra flavor, garnish with a small piece of prickly pear on the rim.
• Enjoy as a nutritious breakfast or snack option.

The Bottom Line

From the familiar Indian Mango to the exotic Icacina fruit, this collection of “I” fruits has revealed a world of flavors waiting to be enjoyed.

While many of these fruits remain regional treasures, their nutritional benefits and culinary versatility make them worth seeking out.

Whether you’re enhancing your diet with vitamin-rich Amla, cooling down with Ice Apple, or trying a sweet-tart Indian Sherbet Berry, these fruits offer nourishment.

Next time you’re at a specialty market or traveling abroad, keep an eye out for these hidden gems.

You might find a new favorite that transforms your smoothies, desserts, or traditional recipes with unexpected flavors from around the world.

Have you tried any of these “I” fruits before? Which one would you most like to taste? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!

Looking for more unusual fruits? Check out our guides to “77 Delicious Fruits That Start with B” and “21 Interesting Fruits That Start with R You Should Try” to continue your fruity experience!