Fruits that start with the letter “I” might not be as commonly discussed, but they have unique characteristics and health benefits that make them stand out. Whether you’re looking for tropical flavors, new fruit varieties, or just curious about fruits you’ve never tried before, this list of 20 fruits starting with the letter “I” is sure to introduce you to some exciting options.
Whether you’re a fruit lover or exploring new ingredients for your next fruit salad or smoothie, let’s dive into the 20 fruits that start with I and discover their flavors, textures, and health benefits.
1. Indian Fig Fruit (Opuntia)
Why It’s Special: Also known as prickly pear, this fruit comes from the prickly pear cactus and is found in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Taste & Texture: Indian Fig fruit has a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a juicy, translucent flesh.
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it supports immune health and reduces inflammation.
2. Ita Palm Berry (Mauritia flexuosa)
Why It’s Special: Found in the Amazon rainforest, this tropical fruit is also called aguaje or moriche palm fruit.
Taste & Texture: The fruit is sweet and tangy, with a creamy texture.
Health Benefits: It is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and beneficial plant compounds, helping with skin health and vision.
3. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
Why It’s Special: Known for its medicinal properties, the Indian Gooseberry is a highly regarded fruit in Ayurveda.
Taste & Texture: It has a tart and sour flavor, and the texture is firm and slightly fibrous.
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, amla supports immune health, improves skin quality, and has anti-aging properties.
4. Ice Apple (Tadgola)
Why It’s Special: A unique tropical fruit popular in South Asia, the Ice Apple grows from the sugar palm tree.
Taste & Texture: The fruit has a sweet and slightly floral flavor, with a watery, jelly-like texture.
Health Benefits: It’s known for its hydrating properties, making it great for hydration and digestive health.
5. Illawarra Plum (Podocarpus elatus)
Why It’s Special: A native Australian fruit, the Illawarra Plum is prized for its deep purple color and unique taste.
Taste & Texture: The fruit has a sweet, savory flavor with a soft, fleshy texture.
Health Benefits: This fruit is high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
6. Indian Jujube (Ber)
Why It’s Special: The Indian Jujube is a small, round fruit known for its sweet and tangy flavor.
Taste & Texture: It has a crunchy texture and a taste that is both sweet and sour.
Health Benefits: It is a good source of vitamin C, helping boost immunity and promoting digestive health.
7. Ice Cream Bean (Inga edulis)
Why It’s Special: Also known as the “ice cream fruit,” this fruit is native to Central and South America.
Taste & Texture: The fruit has a creamy, sweet taste similar to vanilla ice cream, with a soft, fibrous pulp.
Health Benefits: Ice cream beans are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and boosting immunity.
8. Indian Plum (Ziziphus mauritiana)
Why It’s Special: Native to India and Southeast Asia, Indian plums are commonly used in traditional medicine.
Taste & Texture: The fruit has a sweet-tart taste and a juicy, firm flesh.
Health Benefits: Indian plums are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which promote heart health and skin rejuvenation.
9. Imbu (Spondias tuberosa)
Why It’s Special: Also known as “umbú,” this small fruit is native to Brazil.
Taste & Texture: Imbu has a sweet and tangy flavor with a fibrous texture.
Health Benefits: The fruit is a good source of vitamin C and helps with digestive health.
10. Indian Almond (Terminalia catappa)
Why It’s Special: The Indian almond tree produces large fruits that are often used for their medicinal properties.
Taste & Texture: The fruit has a soft, fibrous pulp and a nutty flavor.
Health Benefits: Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, it supports heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
11. Isabella Grape (Vitis vinifera)
Why It’s Special: A variety of dark purple grapes, often used to make wine and juice.
Taste & Texture: These grapes are sweet with a slightly tangy flavor and have a firm, juicy texture.
Health Benefits: Isabella grapes are packed with antioxidants like resveratrol, promoting heart health and protecting against chronic diseases.
12. Indian Sweet Lemon (Citrus limetta)
Why It’s Special: A variety of lime with a sweeter taste, commonly found in India and the Middle East.
Taste & Texture: It has a sweet, mild citrus flavor with a smooth texture.
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, it supports immune function and promotes healthy skin.
13. Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis)
Why It’s Special: Commonly used in Indian cuisine, the Ivy Gourd is a small, elongated fruit.
Taste & Texture: It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture.
Health Benefits: Ivy Gourd is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, promoting digestive health and lowering blood sugar levels.
14. Indian Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
Why It’s Special: Indian Tamarind is a sour fruit commonly used in cooking, especially in Indian and Thai cuisines.
Taste & Texture: It has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with a sticky, fibrous texture.
Health Benefits: Tamarind is known for its digestive benefits and high vitamin C content, supporting immunity and heart health.
15. Imara (Baccaurea ramiflora)
Why It’s Special: A rare tropical fruit found in Southeast Asia, the Imara has a unique flavor profile.
Taste & Texture: The fruit has a sweet and sour taste with translucent flesh.
Health Benefits: Imara is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting skin health and fighting inflammation.
16. Indian Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
Why It’s Special: This pear variety is native to Asia and is known for its crunchy texture.
Taste & Texture: It has a sweet and mild flavor, with a firm, crisp texture.
Health Benefits: Indian pears are rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping regulate blood sugar.
17. Inca Berry (Physalis peruviana)
Why It’s Special: Also known as the golden berry, the Inca berry is a small, bright yellow fruit native to South America.
Taste & Texture: It has a tart, citrus-like flavor with a juicy, translucent flesh.
Health Benefits: Inca berries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which help support the immune system and digestive health.
18. Iriomote Wild Grape
Why It’s Special: A rare grape found on Iriomote Island in Japan, known for its intense sweetness.
Taste & Texture: The fruit is sweet with a rich, juicy texture.
Health Benefits: Iriomote wild grapes are packed with antioxidants and promote heart health and blood circulation.
19. Iceberg Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Why It’s Special: While not typically thought of as a fruit, iceberg lettuce is technically a botanical fruit.
Taste & Texture: It has a crisp, refreshing taste and a crunchy texture.
Health Benefits: Iceberg lettuce is low in calories and high in water content, making it great for hydration and supporting digestive health.
20. Ivory Fig (Ficus macrophylla)
Why It’s Special: A unique fig variety known for its pale, almost white color.
Taste & Texture: The fruit has a sweet, mild flavor with a soft and slightly chewy texture.
Health Benefits: Figs are rich in fiber and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and reducing inflammation.
Conclusion
Fruits that start with the letter “I” offer a wonderful variety of flavors, textures, and health benefits. From the sweet and tangy Indian Fig fruit to the hydrating Ice Apple, these fruits are as nutritious as they are delicious. Many of them are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, promoting overall health and wellness.
Have you tried any of these “I” fruits? Which one is your favorite? Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below!
