Fruits that start with the letter “H” might not always make the top of the list, but they are incredibly diverse and packed with delightful flavors and health benefits. Whether you’re exploring tropical fruits, discovering new exotic flavors, or adding them to your favorite fruit salad, fruits starting with the letter “H” are sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 20 unique fruits that start with H, each offering its own special qualities, taste, and health benefits.
Let’s explore the 20 fruits that start with H!
1. Hala Fruit (Pandanus tectorius)
Why It’s Special: Native to the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, the Hala fruit has a sweet, pineapple-like taste.
Taste & Texture: The flesh is sweet and fibrous, and it can be eaten raw or boiled.
Health Benefits: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, Hala fruit is great for digestion and immune support.
2. Hog Plum (Spondias mombin)
Why It’s Special: Found mainly in tropical regions, the Hog Plum is a small, bright yellow fruit known for its tart flavor.
Taste & Texture: It has a sour-tasting flesh with a firm texture, often used in sauces and jellies.
Health Benefits: It’s a good source of vitamin C and fiber, promoting digestion and immune health.
3. Hazelnut (Corylus avellana)
Why It’s Special: A small nut considered a fruit, hazelnuts are commonly used in chocolate and baking.
Taste & Texture: They have a rich, creamy flavor with a smooth, crunchy texture.
Health Benefits: Hazelnuts are high in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting heart health.
4. Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta)
Why It’s Special: A smaller, fuzz-free version of the kiwi, the hardy kiwi is perfect for snacking.
Taste & Texture: The smooth skin contains a sweet, grape-like flavor, and the flesh is slightly tangy.
Health Benefits: Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, it boosts immunity and aids digestion.
5. Horned Melon (Cucumis metuliferus)
Why It’s Special: Known for its spiky orange peel and vibrant green interior, this melon has a tropical vibe.
Taste & Texture: The flesh is jelly-like, with a mild flavor reminiscent of cucumber.
Health Benefits: Horned melon is hydrating, packed with antioxidants, and supports heart health.
6. Honeydew Melon (Cucumis melo)
Why It’s Special: A popular summer fruit, honeydew melons have a refreshing, sweet taste.
Taste & Texture: The pale green flesh is juicy and smooth, perfect for a light snack or fruit salad.
Health Benefits: High in water content and vitamin C, honeydew helps with hydration and immune function.
7. Huckleberry (Vaccinium spp.)
Why It’s Special: Similar to blueberries, huckleberries grow in wild, mountainous regions and have a unique flavor.
Taste & Texture: These small, round berries are sweet with a hint of tartness.
Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, huckleberries promote healthy skin and improve circulation.
8. Heirloom Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Why It’s Special: Heirloom tomatoes are prized for their superior flavor and variety of colors.
Taste & Texture: They are juicy, with a balance of sweetness and acidity.
Health Benefits: These tomatoes are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and lycopene, helping protect against chronic diseases.
9. Hassaku (Citrus hassaku)
Why It’s Special: A Japanese citrus fruit, the Hassaku is a hybrid between a pomelo and a mandarin.
Taste & Texture: It has a sweet-tart flavor and a juicy, slightly bitter taste.
Health Benefits: It’s a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, aiding digestion and immune health.
10. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Why It’s Special: The fruit of the hackberry tree, this berry-like fruit grows in temperate regions.
Taste & Texture: It has a sweet yet slightly bitter taste with a firm texture.
Health Benefits: Hackberries are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and are a source of fiber.
11. Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus monogyna)
Why It’s Special: A small, red berry, hawthorn is often used in herbal medicine and jams.
Taste & Texture: It has a tart, astringent flavor with a soft, granular texture.
Health Benefits: Hawthorn berries are known for their heart-protective properties, helping to lower blood pressure.
12. Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea)
Why It’s Special: This elongated, blue-purple berry grows on hardy shrubs and has a strong, sweet flavor.
Taste & Texture: It’s similar to blueberries but with a sharper flavor.
Health Benefits: Honeyberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, promoting skin health and boosting the immune system.
13. Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana)
Why It’s Special: A Japanese citrus variety, the Hyuganatsu is slightly sweeter than traditional oranges.
Taste & Texture: It has a sweet, tangy flavor and a juicy, fleshy texture.
Health Benefits: Like other citrus fruits, it’s high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help fight off colds.
14. Huito (Genipa americana)
Why It’s Special: This fruit is native to the Amazon and is prized for its unique, sweet flavor.
Taste & Texture: The pulp is sweet and aromatic, often used in beverages and dyes.
Health Benefits: Huito is a source of antioxidants, and it has been used traditionally to treat digestive issues.
15. Himalayan Mulberry (Morus macroura)
Why It’s Special: This fruit grows in the Himalayan region and offers a rich, sweet flavor.
Taste & Texture: It’s sweet with a slightly tart undertone and has a soft, juicy texture.
Health Benefits: Himalayan mulberries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, promoting heart health and digestion.
16. Hog Plum (Spondias tuberosa)
Why It’s Special: Known for its sour and tangy taste, the Hog Plum is commonly found in Brazil.
Taste & Texture: It has a sour flesh with a fibrous texture.
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Hog plum boosts immune health and fights inflammation.
17. Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis)
Why It’s Special: Native to South Africa, the Hottentot fig is both a fruit and an ornamental plant.
Taste & Texture: The fruit has a sweet, fig-like taste with a gelatinous texture.
Health Benefits: It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, beneficial for overall health.
18. Hairless Rambutan (Nephelium xerospermoides)
Why It’s Special: This variety of rambutan lacks the characteristic hairy outer skin but still offers a sweet, tropical flavor.
Taste & Texture: It has a juicy and sweet flesh, perfect for tropical fruit salads.
Health Benefits: High in vitamin C and iron, it supports immune function and helps combat anemia.
19. Hass Avocado (Persea americana)
Why It’s Special: Hass avocados are the most common variety, known for their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Taste & Texture: The flesh is smooth and buttery, making it perfect for guacamole or on toast.
Health Benefits: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, Hass avocados support heart health and digestion.
20. Honeydew Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
Why It’s Special: A unique pear variety, the Honeydew pear has a crisp texture and a sweet, mild flavor.
Taste & Texture: It’s refreshing, with a smooth, watery texture similar to melons.
Health Benefits: Rich in fiber and vitamin C, Honeydew pears are great for digestion and immune support.
Conclusion
Fruits that start with the letter “H” are not only delicious but offer a range of health benefits. Whether you’re seeking tropical fruits like the Hala fruit or the hearty Hazelnut, or exploring the refreshing taste of honeydew melon, there’s no shortage of variety. From boosting immunity with vitamin C-rich fruits like the Hardy Kiwi to enjoying a rich source of antioxidants with Huckleberries, these fruits can add a delightful twist to your diet.
Have you tried any of these fruits? Which ones are your favorite? Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below!
