27+ Amazing Fruit That Starts With F
Have you ever wondered what fruits start with the letter F? Whether you are playing word games, exploring new flavors, or simply curious about nature’s alphabet of fruits, you have come to the right place. This hub guide covers every fruit that starts with F, from common favorites like figs to exotic treasures like finger limes.
From tropical delicacies to backyard garden staples, fruits beginning with F offer an incredible variety of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. Let’s explore this fascinating world of F fruits together.
Quick List of Fruits Starting with F
Before diving deep into each variety, here’s your complete reference list of fruits that start with the letter F:
1. Fairchild Tangerine
I discovered Fairchild tangerines during a trip to Florida. This citrus fruit that starts with f is incredibly sweet and easy to peel. What makes it special? It’s a hybrid between a Clementine mandarin and an Orlando tangelo.
The flavor hits different. Sweeter than regular oranges but with this subtle tartness that keeps you coming back for more.
2. False Mastic Fruit
Here’s where things get interesting. False mastic fruit grows in the Caribbean and Florida. I tried this during a botanical garden tour, and honestly, it tastes like a cross between a grape and a plum.
The texture is what got me. Firm on the outside, almost jelly-like inside. Not something you’ll find at your local grocery store, but worth seeking out.
3. False Jaboticaba
This exotic fruit that starts with f grows directly on tree trunks. Weird, right? I’ve only seen pictures, but the concept blew my mind. It’s native to Brazil and tastes similar to grapes.
4. False Pineapple
Despite the name, this fruit that start with f has nothing to do with actual pineapples. It’s a bromeliad fruit from South America. Sweet, slightly tangy, with a texture that’s completely unique.
5. Farkleberry
I found farkleberries during a hiking trip in Arkansas. These small, dark berries that start with f are technically edible but incredibly tart. Birds love them, humans… not so much.
6. Fascell Mangoes
Now we’re talking. Fascell mangoes are one of my favorite mango varieties. They’re grown primarily in Florida and have this incredible fiber-free texture that makes them perfect for smoothies.
The flavor is intense. Tropical, sweet, with notes that remind me of peach and apricot combined.
7. Fazli Mangoes
Fazli mangoes come from Bangladesh and India. I tried these at an international market, and they’re huge. We’re talking 2-3 pounds per fruit. The flavor is mild compared to other mangoes, but the size makes them impressive.
8. Fe’i Bananas
These aren’t your regular bananas. Fe’i bananas are orange-fleshed and grow in Polynesia. I’ve never tried them fresh, but I’ve read they’re starchier and need to be cooked before eating.
9. Feijoa
Here’s a fruit that starts with f that more people need to know about. Feijoa, also called pineapple guava, tastes like a combination of pineapple, apple, and mint.
I buy these whenever I find them at specialty stores. The skin is edible, but most people scoop out the flesh. Pro tip: Let them get slightly soft before eating.
10. Fibrous Satinash Fruit
This tropical fruit that starts with f comes from Australia. I haven’t tried it personally, but it’s supposed to be sweet with a fibrous texture (hence the name).
11. Field Cucumbers
Wait, are cucumbers fruits? Botanically, yes. Field cucumbers are wild cucumbers that grow throughout North America. I’ve encountered them during foraging trips. They’re bitter and not really worth eating unless you’re desperate.
12. Fig
The classic. Everyone knows figs. But here’s what most people don’t know: fresh figs taste nothing like dried figs. Fresh figs are jammy, sweet, with this incredible texture that’s almost creamy.
I grow fig trees in my backyard now. The varieties matter. Brown Turkey figs are different from Mission figs, which are different from Chicago Hardy figs.
13. Finger Lime
This is hands down the coolest citrus fruit that starts with f I’ve ever encountered. Finger limes look like small pickles but inside are these caviar-like pearls that burst with lime flavor.
I use them as garnish for cocktails and seafood dishes. They’re expensive (like $4-5 per lime), but worth it for special occasions.
14. Five Flavor Berry
Five flavor berry (Schisandra) is used in traditional Chinese medicine. I’ve tried the dried version as tea. It literally tastes sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent all at once. Wild experience.
15. Five Leaved Brambleberry
These grow wild in parts of Asia. I’ve never tried them, but they’re supposed to taste similar to raspberries with a slightly more complex flavor profile.
16. Flatwood Plum
Flatwood plums are native to the southeastern United States. I tried these during a foraging workshop. They’re small, tart, and make incredible jelly.
17. Florentine Citron
This citrus fruit that starts with f is massive. We’re talking football-sized citrus fruits. Most of it is pith, but the zest is incredible for cooking.
18. Florentine Crab Apple
These small apples are too tart to eat fresh, but I’ve made amazing crab apple jelly with them. The pectin content is through the roof.
19. Florida Cherry
Florida cherry isn’t actually a cherry. It’s a small tropical fruit that grows in South Florida. I tried it once at a farmers market. Sweet, slightly floral flavor.
20. Florida Strangler Fig
This fig variety is native to Florida and the Caribbean. The figs are small but incredibly sweet. The trees are also fascinating – they literally strangle other trees as they grow.
21. Fony Baobab
Fony baobab fruit comes from Madagascar. I’ve only had the powder form, which is incredibly tart and high in vitamin C. The fresh fruit is supposed to have a sherbet-like texture.
22. Forest Strawberry
These wild strawberries are tiny but packed with flavor. I find them during summer hikes. They’re way more intense than store-bought strawberries – concentrated strawberry flavor in a package the size of your fingernail.
23. Fox Grape
Fox grapes are wild grapes native to eastern North America. I’ve made wine from these. They have this distinctive “foxy” flavor that’s either love it or hate it.
24. Fuji Apples
Everyone knows Fuji apples. Sweet, crisp, perfect for snacking. But here’s the thing – tree-ripened Fuji apples taste completely different from store-bought ones. The sugar content is insane.
25. Fuji Cherry
Not to be confused with the apple, Fuji cherries are a variety of Japanese cherry. I tried these at a specialty orchard. They’re larger than most cherries and incredibly sweet.
26. Fukushu Kumquat
Fukushu kumquats are my favorite citrus for eating whole. The skin is sweet, the flesh is tart. You eat the entire thing. It’s like nature’s Sour Patch Kids.
27. Fuyu Persimmon
Fuyu persimmons are crisp and sweet, unlike their astringent cousins. I eat these like apples during fall. The flavor is subtle but addictive.
More Delicious 😋 Fruits:
Detailed Guide to Popular Fruits That Start with F
Fig (Ficus carica)
Figs are among the most ancient cultivated fruits, with a history spanning over 11,000 years. These tear-shaped fruits are actually inverted flowers, making them botanically unique. Fresh figs have a soft, sweet flesh packed with tiny edible seeds that provide a delightful crunch.
Appearance and Varieties: Figs come in various colors including green, purple, brown, and black. Popular varieties include Mission (dark purple), Calimyrna (golden), and Brown Turkey (brownish-purple). The interior flesh ranges from pink to deep red.
Nutritional Benefits: Figs are nutritional powerhouses containing high levels of fiber, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. They support digestive health, bone strength, and heart function. A single fresh fig provides about 37 calories and significant amounts of vitamin K.
How to Eat: Fresh figs can be eaten whole, including the skin. Simply rinse and enjoy, or add to salads, cheese boards, or desserts. Dried figs make excellent snacks and can be rehydrated for cooking.
Feijoa (Pineapple Guava)
Native to South America, feijoa is an oval-shaped fruit with a unique flavor profile that combines pineapple, guava, and mint. The fruit has a bumpy green skin and aromatic white flesh filled with small, soft seeds.
Origin and Characteristics: Feijoa trees thrive in subtropical climates and are popular in New Zealand, where they’re commonly called “feijoas.” The fruit typically measures 2-4 inches long and has a distinctive fragrant aroma.
Taste Profile: The flavor is complex and refreshing – imagine pineapple sweetness with guava richness and a hint of mint coolness. The texture is grainy yet juicy, similar to a pear.
Health Benefits: Feijoas are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support immune function and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The fruit is also a good source of folate and potassium.
Culinary Uses: Eat fresh by scooping out the flesh, or use in smoothies, jams, and baked goods. The fruit pairs wonderfully with yogurt and can be made into wine or juice.
Fuyu Persimmon
Fuyu persimmons are the most popular variety of persimmon, known for their sweet, crisp texture that can be enjoyed while still firm. Unlike their astringent cousins, Fuyu persimmons are non-astringent and taste great even when not fully soft.
Types of Persimmons: There are two main categories: astringent (like Hachiya) which must be fully ripe to eat, and non-astringent (like Fuyu) which can be eaten firm and crisp like an apple.
Nutritional Value: Persimmons are loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene. They support eye health, immune function, and heart health.
Best Ways to Consume: Slice and eat fresh, add to salads, or use in baking. The firm texture makes them perfect for fruit salads where they won’t break down.
Storage Tips: Store ripe Fuyu persimmons in the refrigerator for up to a week. Unripe fruits can be left at room temperature to ripen further.
Finger Lime (Citrus Caviar)
Perhaps the most unique citrus fruit, finger limes are native to Australia and prized for their caviar-like pulp that bursts with tangy flavor. These elongated fruits are becoming increasingly popular in gourmet cooking.
Unique Characteristics: Finger limes are 2-4 inches long with thin skin that ranges from green to reddish-brown. Inside, the fruit contains hundreds of small vesicles that pop when bitten, releasing intense citrus flavor.
Culinary Applications: Chefs worldwide prize finger limes as “citrus caviar” for garnishing seafood, cocktails, and desserts. The vesicles add both flavor and textural interest to dishes.
Growing Regions: Originally from Australian rainforests, finger limes are now cultivated in California, Florida, and other suitable climates worldwide.
Price and Availability: Due to their specialty nature and limited production, finger limes are among the more expensive citrus fruits, often costing $15-30 per pound.
Citrus Fruits That Start with F
Fairchild Tangerine
Developed in Florida, Fairchild tangerines are a hybrid between Clementine and Orlando tangelo. They’re exceptionally sweet, easy to peel, and nearly seedless, making them perfect for snacking.
Finger Lime
As discussed above, finger limes represent the most exotic member of the citrus family that starts with F.
Florida Orange Varieties
Several orange cultivars developed in Florida begin with F, including Florida Orange and various commercial varieties bred for juice production.
Tropical and Exotic F Fruits
Finger Banana
These miniature bananas, also called Lady Finger bananas, are sweeter and creamier than regular bananas. Native to Australia, they measure only 4-5 inches long and have thinner skin.
False Mastic
Small red berries from Mediterranean regions, false mastic fruits are used traditionally for making liqueurs and preserves. They have a resinous flavor and are not commonly eaten fresh.
Forest Strawberry
Wild European strawberries (Fragaria vesca) are much smaller than commercial varieties but pack intense flavor. These tiny red fruits grow naturally in forests and have been enjoyed for centuries.
Farkleberry
Native to the southeastern United States, farkleberries are small, dark blue to black berries that grow on shrubs. They’re somewhat dry and seedy but can be used for jams and jellies.
Fruits vs Vegetables That Start with F
Common Confusion
Many people confuse certain plants that start with F as fruits when they’re actually vegetables or other plant parts:
Fennel is a vegetable bulb with a licorice flavor, not a fruit. While fennel plants produce seeds, the edible bulb portion is classified as a vegetable.
Fava beans are legumes, not fruits. These broad beans grow in pods but are classified as vegetables in culinary terms.
True Fruits Starting with F
True botanical fruits that start with F include all the varieties mentioned above – figs, feijoas, finger limes, and others. Remember, botanically speaking, a fruit develops from the flower of a plant and contains seeds.
Nutritional Benefits of F Fruits
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Fruits starting with F are nutritional powerhouses. Figs provide calcium and potassium, while feijoas offer vitamin C and folate. Persimmons are rich in vitamin A, and citrus fruits like finger limes provide vitamin C and flavonoids.
Antioxidant Properties
Most F fruits contain significant antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage. Figs contain anthocyanins, persimmons have beta-carotene, and citrus fruits provide flavonoids like hesperidin.
Fiber Content
Many fruits beginning with F are excellent fiber sources. Figs are particularly high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, supporting digestive health and helping maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Health Benefits Summary
Regular consumption of F fruits may support heart health, immune function, digestive wellness, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The diverse nutrient profiles make them valuable additions to a healthy diet.
How to Use F Fruits in Cooking
Fresh Consumption
Most fruits that start with F are delicious eaten fresh. Figs and persimmons can be eaten out of hand, while feijoas are best scooped with a spoon. Finger limes are typically used as garnishes due to their intense flavor.
Desserts and Baked Goods
Figs work wonderfully in tarts, cakes, and pastries. Persimmons can be used in cookies, breads, and puddings. Feijoas make excellent additions to muffins and fruit crisps.
Beverages and Smoothies
Feijoas blend beautifully in smoothies, while figs can be muddled in cocktails. Persimmons make sweet, nutritious juice, and finger limes add sparkle to beverages and cocktails.
Preserves and Jams
Many F fruits preserve well. Fig jam is a classic, while feijoa chutney is popular in New Zealand. Persimmons can be dried for long-term storage, and finger limes can be used to make unique citrus preserves.
Where to Buy and Grow F Fruits
Grocery Store Availability
Common fruits like figs and persimmons are widely available in most grocery stores, especially during their peak seasons (late summer through fall). Feijoas may be found in specialty or international markets.
Specialty Markets and Online
Exotic varieties like finger limes are typically found in gourmet markets or ordered online. Many specialty fruit vendors offer seasonal selections of unusual F fruits.
Growing Your Own F Fruits
Fig trees are relatively easy to grow in warm climates and can even be grown in containers. Persimmon trees are hardy in many regions, while feijoa trees thrive in subtropical areas. Finger lime trees are becoming available for home cultivation.
Seasonal Availability Guide
- Figs: Late summer through early fall
- Persimmons: Fall through early winter
- Feijoas: Late fall through early winter
- Finger Limes: Winter through spring
- Finger Bananas: Year-round in tropical regions
F Fruits Around the World
English Names vs Other Languages
Many fruits starting with F have different names in other languages. Feijoa is called “pineapple guava” in English but “fejoa” in Spanish. Figs are “higos” in Spanish and “figues” in French.
Regional Varieties
Different regions have developed unique varieties of F fruits. Mediterranean countries have numerous fig varieties, while Australia has multiple finger lime cultivars. Each region’s climate and soil create distinct flavor profiles.
Cultural Significance
Figs hold religious and cultural significance in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. In some traditions, fig trees symbolize peace and prosperity. Persimmons are deeply valued in Asian cultures, particularly in Japan where they’re called “kaki.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common fruit that starts with F?
Fig is likely the most widely recognized and available fruit starting with F. These sweet, chewy fruits have been cultivated for thousands of years and are found in grocery stores worldwide, both fresh and dried.
Are there any citrus fruits that start with F?
Yes, there are several citrus fruits beginning with F, including finger lime (also called citrus caviar) and Fairchild tangerine. Finger limes are particularly unique with their caviar-like pulp that bursts with tangy flavor.
What tropical fruits start with F?
Several tropical and subtropical fruits start with F, including feijoa (pineapple guava), finger banana, and forest strawberry. These fruits offer exotic flavors and are prized in their native regions.
Is fennel a fruit that starts with F?
No, fennel is actually a vegetable, not a fruit. While fennel plants do produce seeds, the edible bulb portion that most people consume is classified as a vegetable and has a distinctive licorice flavor.
What is the most exotic fruit starting with F?
Finger lime (citrus caviar) is considered one of the most exotic fruits starting with F due to its unique caviar-like pulp that pops in your mouth. Native to Australia, it’s now prized by gourmet chefs worldwide.
Can you name 5 fruits that start with F?
Five popular fruits that start with F are: fig, feijoa (pineapple guava), Fuyu persimmon, finger lime, and finger banana. Each offers unique flavors and nutritional benefits.
What fruit starts with F and has 4 letters?
While “figs” is plural and has 4 letters, the singular “fig” has only 3 letters. There isn’t a common fruit starting with F that has exactly 4 letters in its standard English name.
Are there any red fruits that start with F?
Yes, several fruits starting with F can be red, including certain varieties of figs (which have red flesh), forest strawberries (wild strawberries), and some finger lime varieties that have reddish skin.
What green fruits start with F?
Green fruits starting with F include unripe feijoas, green fig varieties, and green finger limes. Many of these fruits may change color as they ripen, but some varieties remain green when fully mature.
Where can I buy fruits that start with F?
Common F fruits like figs and persimmons are available at most grocery stores. Exotic varieties like finger limes and feijoas may require visits to specialty markets, international grocers, or online ordering from specialty fruit vendors.
How do you eat a fig?
Figs can be eaten whole, including the skin – simply rinse and enjoy. You can eat them fresh out of hand, slice them for salads or cheese boards, or use them in cooking and baking. Both the skin and seeds are completely edible.
What does feijoa taste like?
Feijoa has a unique, complex flavor that combines the sweetness of pineapple, the richness of guava, and a refreshing hint of mint. The texture is grainy yet juicy, similar to a ripe pear, with a distinctive aromatic quality.
Are finger limes expensive?
Yes, finger limes are typically more expensive than regular citrus fruits due to their specialty nature and limited production. They often cost $15-30 per pound and are considered a gourmet ingredient in fine dining.
Can I grow fruits that start with F at home?
Yes, many F fruits can be grown at home with proper conditions. Fig trees are particularly adaptable and can grow in containers. Persimmon trees are hardy in many climates, while feijoa trees thrive in subtropical regions.
What’s the difference between Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons?
Fuyu persimmons are non-astringent and can be eaten firm and crisp like an apple, while Hachiya persimmons are astringent and must be completely soft and ripe before eating to avoid an unpleasant, mouth-puckering sensation.
Final Thoughts on F Fruits
Look, I have spent years exploring unusual fruits. The alphabet fruit that starts with f category is one of the most diverse and interesting.
Name a fruit that starts with f, and I can probably tell you where to find it, how it tastes, and whether it’s worth trying.
My advice? Start with the accessible ones. Fuji apples, figs, and feijoas if you can find them. Then work your way up to the weird stuff like finger limes and false mastic fruit.
The world of fruits that start with the letter f is bigger than most people realize. And honestly, that’s what makes food exploration so exciting.
Whether you’re looking for fruit names that start with f for a trivia game or you’re genuinely curious about expanding your palate, this list gives you plenty to work with.
What fruit that starts with f will you try first?
