Fruits that start with the letter “C” bring an exciting array of flavors, colors, and health benefits to the table. From the sweetness of cherries to the richness of cacao fruit, there’s something for everyone in the world of “C” fruits. Whether you’re a fruit enthusiast looking to try something new or just want to expand your knowledge of exotic fruits, this list is sure to satisfy your curiosity.
Fruits like citrus fruits are famous for their refreshing taste and high vitamin C content, while others like the cacao fruit play a key role in the chocolate-making process. These fruits not only enhance your diet with their nutritious benefits, but they also make delicious additions to your meals, fruit salads, and snacks.
Let’s explore the 30 fruits that start with C!
1. Cacao Fruit
- Region: Central and South America
- Taste: Bitter, earthy
- Fun Fact: The cocoa bean inside the cacao fruit is the primary ingredient in chocolate.
- Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, supporting heart health and mood improvement.
2. Ceylon Gooseberry
- Region: Sri Lanka, South Asia
- Taste: Tart, citrusy
- Health Benefits: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, great for boosting immunity.
3. Cherry
- Region: Northern Hemisphere
- Taste: Sweet or tart
- Varieties: Sweet cherry, sour cherry, Cornelian cherry
- Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, promoting heart and skin health.
- Culinary Uses: Fruit salads, jams, desserts.
4. Custard Apple
- Region: Southeast Asia, South America
- Taste: Sweet, creamy
- Texture: Soft, white flesh with black seeds
- Health Benefits: High in dietary fiber and vitamin C, supporting digestion and immune health.
5. Cashew Apple
- Region: South America, Africa
- Taste: Sweet, astringent
- Fun Fact: The cashew nut is attached to this fruit.
- Health Benefits: Contains vitamin C and potassium, promoting immune and heart health.
6. Coffee Cherry
- Region: Africa, South America
- Taste: Mildly sweet, fruity
- Fun Fact: The coffee bean is found inside the coffee cherry.
- Health Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supporting metabolism and overall health.
7. Calabash Fruit
- Region: Tropical regions
- Taste: Bitter
- Uses: Often used for medicinal purposes.
8. Canary Melon
- Region: Asia, Mediterranean
- Taste: Sweet, mild
- Color: Yellow skin, light orange flesh
- Health Benefits: High in vitamin C and water content, promoting hydration.
9. Cedar Bay Cherry
- Region: Australia
- Taste: Sweet, tangy
- Uses: Perfect for making fruit jams.
10. Cape Gooseberry
- Region: South America
- Taste: Tart, citrusy
- Fun Fact: Also known as Physalis peruviana, these are encased in a papery husk.
- Health Benefits: High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
11. Cherry Tomato
- Region: Worldwide
- Taste: Sweet, juicy
- Fun Fact: Botanically a fruit, used like a vegetable in many dishes.
12. Crab Apple
- Region: North America, Asia
- Taste: Tart
- Uses: Often used in jams and jellies.
13. Chico Fruit
- Region: Mexico, Central America
- Taste: Sweet, caramel-like
- Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C.
14. Canistel Fruit
- Region: Central America
- Taste: Eggy, custard-like
- Health Benefits: A good source of vitamin A and fiber.
15. Caper Berries
- Region: Mediterranean
- Taste: Salty, tangy
- Uses: Often pickled and used in salads and sauces.
16. Ceylon Gooseberry
- Region: Sri Lanka
- Taste: Tangy, slightly sweet
- Health Benefits: High in antioxidants and fiber, promoting digestive health.
17. Citrus Fruits (Various Types)
- Examples: Sweet oranges, tangerines, mandarins
- Health Benefits: Excellent source of vitamin C, supporting immune function.
18. Cocoa Bean Fruit
- Region: South America
- Taste: Bitter
- Uses: Main ingredient in chocolate production.
19. Cocky Apple
- Region: Australia
- Taste: Sweet with slight astringency
- Uses: Often used in traditional desserts.
20. Cornelian Cherry
- Region: Europe, Western Asia
- Taste: Tart, ideal for preserves and jams.
21. Cloudberry
- Region: Northern Hemisphere
- Taste: Tangy, juicy
- Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
22. Cranberry
- Region: North America
- Taste: Tart, often used in juices and sauces
- Health Benefits: Excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin C.
23. Chayote Fruit
- Region: Central America
- Taste: Mild, crisp
- Health Benefits: Low in calories, high in fiber and vitamin C.
24. Curuba (Banana Passionfruit)
- Region: South America
- Taste: Sweet-tart
- Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin A and potassium.
25. Chokeberry
- Region: North America
- Taste: Bitter, astringent
- Health Benefits: High in antioxidants, promoting heart health.
26. Chontaduro
- Region: South America
- Taste: Starchy, nutty
- Uses: Commonly eaten as a snack in Colombia.
27. Cedar Plum
- Region: Africa
- Taste: Sour
- Health Benefits: Used in traditional medicine for its health benefits.
28. Chocolate Vine Fruit
- Region: Asia
- Taste: Sweet, pulpy flesh
- Fun Fact: Named for its chocolate-like flavor.
29. Crown Fig
- Region: Asia
- Taste: Mildly sweet
- Health Benefits: Great source of fiber and vitamin C.
Conclusion
Fruits that start with C bring a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and sour flavors to your diet. Whether you’re enjoying tropical fruits, citrus fruits, or the exotic cacao fruit, each of these fruits is packed with nutrients and health benefits. Add them to your diet to support immune health, digestive health, and heart health.
Which of these fruits have you tried? Let us know your favorites or ask questions in the comments below.
