Ever tried finding fruits that start with N in your local grocery store?
It’s like a treasure hunt! Most of us grab the same old apples and bananas week after week, completely missing out on some different and mouth-watering options hiding in plain sight.
But here’s the juicy truth: N-fruits pack a flavor punch like no other!
From the sweet, dripping nectar of a perfect nectarine to the wild tropical kick of a noni fruit—these underrated gems deserve your attention.
I’ve tracked down 27 amazing N-fruits that could revolutionize your smoothies, desserts, and snacks. Some will blow your taste buds away; others might challenge everything you thought you knew about fruit.
Ready to find out the secret world of nutritious, noteworthy N-fruits that most people never get to experience?
How to Incorporate N Fruits into Your Diet
Incorporating fruits that start with the letter “N” into your diet can be a fun and healthy way to diversify your meals.
Here are some creative ideas:
Smoothies and Juices:
Blend fruits like Naranjilla, Nashi Pear, or Nutmeg Fruit into your morning smoothies. These fruits add a burst of flavor and essential nutrients like fiber and antioxidants.
You can also use Nungu (Ice Apple) for a refreshing juice, especially in hot weather.
Salads:
Chop up Nashi Pear or Native Persimmon and add them to your salads.
These fruits provide a sweet, crunchy texture and can balance out savory ingredients like greens, nuts, and cheese.
Snacking:
Snack on fruits like Nigerian Pear or Napoca Cherry for a quick, healthy treat. These fruits are portable and packed with vitamins.
Desserts:
Use Napoleón Cherry or Naranjita to make fruit-based desserts. These can be incorporated into pies, tarts, or even as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
Cultural Dishes:
Nipa Palm Fruit is used in some Asian and tropical dishes. It’s sweet and can be added to savory or sweet recipes, like curries or desserts.
You could try using it in coconut-based dishes or as an ingredient in a homemade energy bar.
Baked Goods:
Try baking with fruits like Naranjilla or Nutmeg Fruit.
Nutmeg is especially popular in autumn-inspired baking, so adding this fruit to muffins, cookies, or cakes can enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Infused Water:
Add slices of Nagaia Nagi Fruit or Nymphaea Lotus Fruit (Water Lily Fruit) to your water for a subtle flavor infusion.
It’s a refreshing way to stay hydrated while enjoying the natural flavors of these fruits.
By adding these “N” fruits to your diet, you can enjoy a variety of tastes and textures, while also boosting your intake of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!
Top Fruits Starting with N You Should Try
1. Nance
Nance is a small, yellow-to-orange fruit native to Central and South America. It has a sweet, tangy flavor and is often used in beverages, jams, and traditional dishes.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 80cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 1g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Byrsonima crassifolia | Year-round | Tropical climates | Fresh, juices, jams | Central America, South America |
Health Benefits:
Rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes skin health.
Fun Fact:
Nance is often fermented to make a traditional drink called “guarapo” in Central America.
2. Navel Orange
Navel oranges are a popular variety of seedless oranges, known for their sweet, tangy flavor and easy-to-peel skin. They are typically eaten fresh or used in juices.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 47cal
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.8g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 0.9g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Citrus sinensis | Winter to Spring | Warm, subtropical climates | Fresh, juices, salads | Worldwide |
Health Benefits:
High in vitamin C, which is great for boosting immunity and improving skin health.
Fun Fact:
Navel oranges got their name from the small, undeveloped second fruit that forms at the blossom end, resembling a navel.
3. Nam Dok Mai Mango
Nam Dok Mai is a popular variety of mango known for its delicate sweetness and smooth, non-fibrous texture. It is often used in desserts and traditional Thai dishes.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 60cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 0.8g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mangifera indica | Summer to Fall | Tropical climates | Fresh, desserts, smoothies | Thailand, Southeast Asia |
Health Benefits:
Rich in vitamin A, supporting vision, and high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.
Fun Fact:
Nam Dok Mai mangoes are often regarded as the “queen of mangoes” in Thailand due to their excellent sweetness and smooth texture.
4. Noni
Noni, also known as the Indian mulberry, is a tropical fruit with a strong, pungent odor. It has a bitter taste but is often consumed for its medicinal benefits, particularly in juice form.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 46cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 0.5g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Morinda citrifolia | Year-round | Tropical, well-drained soil | Juices, smoothies, supplements | Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands |
Health Benefits:
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health and detoxification.
Fun Fact:
Noni is often called a “superfruit” due to its wide range of health benefits, especially its ability to help with inflammation and pain relief.
5. Nere
Nere is a small, sweet fruit native to the coastal regions of India and Southeast Asia. It is often consumed fresh, though it can also be used in traditional medicine.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 55cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 0.6g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Carya spp. | Summer to Fall | Coastal areas, well-drained soil | Fresh, traditional medicine | India, Southeast Asia |
Health Benefits:
Provides vitamin C and antioxidants, which help improve skin health and support the immune system.
Fun Fact:
Nere is known for its use in traditional remedies for digestive issues and skin conditions in India.
6. Natal Plum
Natal plum is a small, bright red fruit that grows on shrubs in southern Africa. It has a sweet and sour taste, often used in jams, jellies, and sauces.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 56cal
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 0.5g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Carissa macrocarpa | Year-round | Coastal, well-drained soil | Jams, jellies, sauces | Southern Africa |
Health Benefits:
High in vitamin C, which supports immunity, and provides a source of fiber for digestive health.
Fun Fact:
Natal plum is often used in traditional African medicine and as a natural remedy for various ailments.
7. Northern Spy Apple
Northern Spy apples are known for their crisp, tart flavor. They are often used in pies, crisps, and other desserts due to their balance of sweetness and acidity.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 52cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 0.5g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Malus domestica | Fall | Temperate climates | Pies, crisps, fresh | North America, Europe |
Health Benefits:
Rich in dietary fiber, supporting digestive health, and contains antioxidants that protect against free radicals.
Fun Fact:
Northern Spy apples are prized for their use in baking due to their ability to hold shape and flavor well when cooked.
8. Nectacot
Nectacot is a hybrid fruit, a cross between a nectarine and an apricot. It has a smooth, firm texture and a sweet, tangy flavor, often enjoyed fresh or used in desserts.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 44cal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 0.5g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prunus spp. | Summer | Temperate, well-drained soil | Fresh, desserts, smoothies | North America, Europe |
Health Benefits:
Contains vitamins A and C, promoting healthy vision and boosting the immune system.
Fun Fact:
Nectacots are a relatively new hybrid fruit, combining the best qualities of both nectarines and apricots.
9. Nectarine
Nectarines are smooth-skinned peaches with a slightly firmer texture and a sweet, juicy flavor. They are often eaten fresh or used in baking, jams, and sauces.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 44cal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 0.9g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prunus persica | Summer | Temperate climates, well-drained soil | Fresh, baked goods, jams | Worldwide |
Health Benefits:
Packed with antioxidants, promoting healthy skin and reducing inflammation.
Fun Fact:
Nectarines are genetically similar to peaches, with the only difference being the smooth skin.
10. Nonda Plum
Nonda plum is a small, round fruit native to northern Australia. It has a tart flavor and is often used in sauces, jams, and chutneys.
Nutritional Value Per 100g:
- Calories: 54cal
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 0.6g
Scientific Name | Harvesting Season | Growing Conditions | Culinary Uses | Popular Regions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parinari nonda | Summer to Fall | Tropical climates, well-drained soil | Jams, chutneys, sauces | Australia |
Health Benefits:
High in antioxidants and vitamin C, promoting heart health and boosting the immune system.
Fun Fact:
Nonda plum is considered an important bush food for Indigenous Australians due to its unique flavor and medicinal properties.
Other Delicious Fruits that Start with N
11. Napoca Cherry
12. Nungu (Ice Apple)
13. Naranjilla
14. Nepalese Raspberry
15. Native Persimmon
16. Nashi Pear (Asian Pear)
17. Nutmeg Fruit
18. Naranjita
19. Nipa Palm Fruit
20. Northern Hackberry
21. Nigerian Pear
22. New Guinea Walnut Fruit
23. Nonda Fruit
24. Nymphaea Lotus Fruit (Water Lily Fruit)
25. Nyssa Fruit (Tupelo Fruit)
26. Napoleón Cherry
27. Nageia Nagi Fruit
Interesting Recipes You Should Try
1. Navel Orange Salad with Avocado & Almonds
Ingredients:
- 2 Navel Oranges, peeled and sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- A handful of slivered almonds (or any nut of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and slice the Navel Oranges, making sure to remove any seeds.
- Dice the avocado into chunks.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the Navel Orange slices and avocado.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss carefully.
4.Finish the Salad:
Sprinkle the slivered almonds over the salad for a crunchy finish.
5. Serve:
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer.
2. Nam Dok Mai Mango Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe Nam Dok Mai Mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
- A few ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mango:
Peel and dice the Nam Dok Mai Mango into small cubes.
2. Blend the Smoothie:
- In a blender, combine the diced mango, coconut milk, yogurt, honey, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and Adjust:
Taste the smoothie and add more honey or coconut milk if you prefer it sweeter or thinner.
4. Serve:
Pour into glasses and serve immediately for a cool, tropical drink.
These recipes offer a refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of Navel Orange and Nam Dok Mai Mango separately!
The Bottom Line
These 27 N-fruits show how varied and exciting the fruit world can be!
From common nectarines to different nungu, each offers unique flavors and health benefits worth trying.
Adding these N-fruits to your diet brings new tastes and nutritional variety. Many contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall wellness in ways your usual fruits might not.
Which N-fruit caught your attention? Will you look for noni at specialty stores or plant a nectarine tree in your yard? The choice is yours!
Already enjoying these N-fruits?
You might also love exploring my guide to “Fruits That Start With B” for even more options to brighten your fruit bowl.
Let me know which fruit you’ll try first in the comments below!