Last Updated on January 15, 2024
Do you ever find yourself in the fruit aisle, curious about those dark, almost black fruits but unsure of what they offer?
This list of black fruits will guide you through the darkest fruits around the world — from common ones to exotic ones — their unique nutritional profiles and how they can contribute to your overall well-being.
So get ready for an exploration of the sweeter dark side – a world brimming with black splendor, flavor, and color awaits!
Different Types of Black-Colored Fruits
1. Blackberry
These fruits are a “superfood” because they burst with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, folate, and B vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, and B6.
They also have some anti-inflammatory properties that are good for the body. These berries make a good balance of sweet-sour flavor that has made it a favorite amongst many people.
They are often portrayed as wild foods but many people actually grew them in their backyards.
2. Black Grapes
These fruits are known for their intense purple or blue-black color, giving them a nearly black appearance.
They’re also rich in vitamin C and several others like A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and folate, and they also have high antioxidant levels that help protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. (Source: WebMD)
3. Black Cherries
These cherries are a type of fruit that is known for their sweet and slightly sour flavor.
They have deep black flesh and are packed with antioxidants and nutrients like vitamins A and C. (Source: Healthline)
They’re delicious when you are eating them raw, using them in dessert bowls, or made into smoothies and preserves.
4. Black Plums or Jamun
This fruit is also known as Indian blackberry. They are a delicious and nutritious type of fruit that is enjoyed by many.
They have a deep purple to black outer skin and sweet, juicy flesh.
It is a small, tropical fruit native to the Indian subcontinent and neighboring Southeast Asia regions.
Jamun fruit is often enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary preparations, such as smoothies, syrup, jellies, desserts, and beverages.
5. Black Raspberries
They are a delicious and nutritious type of fruit. They have a slightly more robust flavor compared to red or golden ones, with a bright, sweet, and sour taste.
6. Black Apples or Black Diamond Apple
This variety of apple has a distinctive dark, almost black hue. They are known for their rich, sweet, and slightly sour flavor.
These apples have a crisp texture and a sweet flesh that is enjoyed by many.
Black diamond apples are sometimes referred to as the “king of apples” due to their unique glossy appearance and taste.
7. Black Elderberries
Black elderberries are small, black, or dark purple fruits that are round in shape and typically grow in clusters.
Elderberries are commonly used for culinary purposes, such as making jellies, sauces, and even wine.
8. Black Figs or Black Mission Figs
Black figs, also known as black mission figs, are a type of fruit that has a dark purple to black skin.
They are commonly eaten fresh and are also used in various culinary preparations, such as preserves, desserts, and even as a topping for salads or pizzas.
They have a sweet and rich flavor with a hint of bittersweet taste. If you’re looking for an addition to a balanced diet, these fruits are perfect.
9. Black Diamond Watermelon
Black Diamond watermelons have a dark green rind, typically with black or dark green stripes.
They are grown in Tibet and are known for their large size and shape, and sweet, juicy red or pink flesh.
These diamond watermelons are a popular variety among gardeners and are often found at farmers’ markets and grocery stores during the summer months due to their high water content.
10. Black Gooseberries
Black gooseberries are a type of small round fruit that are typically dark purple or black.
They are just like other varieties more commonly known as green or red gooseberries.
Black gooseberries have a sour and slightly sweet sugary flavor and can be eaten raw or used in various culinary preparations such as pies, and desserts.
11. Black Goji Berries
Black goji berries are native to the Himalayan region and have been cultivated in China for centuries.
They have a unique dark-purple or black hue, which sets them apart from their red counterparts.
They are often used in traditional Chinese medicine and are popular in various culinary uses, such as in teas, juices, and desserts.
12. Black Olives
Black olive is technically a tiny black fruit. Olive trees belong to the Oleaceae family and produce small, oval-shaped fruits that change color as they ripen.
When the olives are fully ripe, they turn black or dark purple, hence the term “black olives.”
13. Black Hawthorn Berries
Black hawthorn berries are native to western North America. They are often found in clusters and have a sour and slightly sweet taste.
They are commonly used in traditional medicine and can be made into jellies or used in recipes for desserts and beverages.
14. Black Huckleberries
Black huckleberries are small, round, and dark purple to black in color. They are typically about the size of a pea or a small blueberry.
The fruit is sweet and juicy with a slightly sour flavor. They are often used in baking, jellies, and other desserts.
15. Blackcurrant
Blackcurrant fruits are small, dark purple berries that are native and easy to grow in Europe and parts of Asia and are commonly consumed as a fruit or used as an ingredient in jellies, desserts, and beverages like juices or liqueurs.
They are known for their tart and slightly sweet flavor.
16. Black Passionfruit
Black passionfruit is a type of fruit that has a round to oval-shaped fruit with a tough outer skin that turns dark purple or black.
Inside, they have a juicy, aromatic pulp that is filled with numerous small, black, edible seeds.
17. Black Avocados
Avocados can turn black or purple-black when they are overripe.
These ripe black varieties may have a softer texture and a stronger, less desirable taste.
There are some avocado varieties, such as the Reed avocado or the Black Prince avocado, that have darker skin compared to the typical green-skinned varieties.
18. Black Dates
Black dates are a variety of dates that have a dark, almost black color. They are commonly found in the Middle East and North Africa.
Also known for their rich, sweet flavor and are often used in Middle Eastern cuisine and desserts.
19. Black Sapote or Black Persimmon
Black sapote fruit, also known as chocolate pudding fruit or black persimmon, is a type of tropical fruit native to Mexico.
20. Black Hungarian Peppers
Black Hungarian peppers are a variety of chili peppers that are native to Hungary.
They are known for their deep black to dark purple color, which makes them a visually striking addition to dishes and gardens.
The taste is sweet and slightly smoky flavor, making them popular for use in salsas, sauces, and stews, or they can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a spice.
21. Black Mangosteen
Black mangosteen is a tropical fruit tree native to Central America and Mexico. These fruits are small, round, and have a dark purplish-black skin. The flesh inside is translucent with a sweet and tangy flavor.
These fruits are often enjoyed raw, used in desserts, or made into preserves and jellies.
22. Black Tupelo
Black tupelo fruit refers to the fruit that is small, dark blue to purplish-black, and has a sweet taste.
They are often consumed by various wildlife including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Although edible for humans as well, they are not typically consumed due to their small size and the effort required to collect them.
23. Eggplant
Eggplants, also known as aubergines, are technically classified as fruits.
Despite being considered a fruit botanically, they are commonly treated as a vegetable due to their savory taste and culinary uses.
24. Black Tamarind
Black tamarind fruits are native to Africa and are commonly consumed in various countries across Africa and Asia.
This fruit has a unique appearance, with long, slender pods that are dark brown to black in color.
Inside the pods, there are several large, flat seeds surrounded by thick, sticky, and fibrous pulp. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of sourness.
Health Benefits of Black Fruits
⚫ Antioxidant-rich
These fruits are not only delicious but high in antioxidants and have numerous health benefits.
Many of these black foods contain high levels of anthocyanins, which contribute to their dark color.
These powerful compounds have been linked to various benefits, including reducing inflammation, promoting heart health, and potentially protecting against certain types of cancer.
⚫ High in fiber
Black-colored fruits are not only delicious but also high in fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.
Fiber is important for our digestive health and can help prevent constipation, promote regular bowel movements, and keep us feeling full and satisfied after meals.
⚫ Potential cancer-fighting properties
These fruits are not only delicious but also offer potential cancer-fighting properties.
Many of these fruits, such as black currants, are rich in antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
These antioxidants have been shown to have anti-cancer effects and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
⚫ Support heart health
Black fruits are not only delicious but also offer numerous benefits, including support for heart health.
Many of these fruits are rich in antioxidants that help protect the heart by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative damage.
(Source: sahealth.sa.gov.au)
Culinary Uses of Black Fruits
⚫ Adding flavor to desserts and baked goods
These unique fruits are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to enhancing the flavor of desserts and baked goods.
For example, many of these fruits can be used in pies and cobblers, adding a burst of tangy sweetness.
Grapes make a stunning addition to fruit tarts or can even be roasted for an elegant dessert topping.
You can use black cherries in cakes or muffins for a juicy pop of flavor.
Many of these amazing dark-colored fruits work beautifully in crisps and crumbles, while others bring a vibrant twist to ice creams and sorbets.
⚫ Enhancing savory dishes
These fruits can add a depth of flavor and richness to savory dishes, making them versatile ingredients in the kitchen.
Their natural sweetness can balance out savory flavors and create a delicious contrast in dishes like salads, sauces, and marinades.
For example, many of these fruits can be pureed and used as a glaze for grilled meats or added to vinaigrettes for an extra burst of flavor.
Similarly, black grapes can be roasted with vegetables to elevate their taste or incorporated into hearty meat stews for a touch of sweetness.
⚫ Making jams and preserves
Making jams and preserves is a popular way to preserve the natural sweetness and flavors of these fruits.
Black cherries are often used in making delicious homemade preserves with their rich colors and intense flavors.
By cooking down the ripe fruits with sugar or honey, you can create a thick and spreadable jam that can be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for desserts like ice cream.
Preserves made from black-colored fruits can also be used as fillings for pastries or added to yogurt for an extra burst of fruity goodness.
Vegan Diet Options
Some of these fruits that are good for a vegan diet include blackcurrants, grapes, cherries, plums, and raspberries.
They can be eaten on their own, added to fruit salads, or used in various recipes such as jams, sauces, or desserts.
These black fruits can be consumed as part of a well-balanced diet to provide essential nutrients and a burst of flavor.
To Sum Up
From antioxidant-rich and nutritious-packed fruits to unique varieties including black goji and diamond apples.
These dark-colored gems offer a burst of flavor and health benefits.
Whether you enjoy them fresh, incorporate them into your favorite recipes, or explore exotic options from around the world, adding these vibrant fruits to your diet is a delicious way to nourish your body.
Embrace the rich colors and flavors of these fruits for a truly satisfying culinary experience!
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24 Amazing Black Fruits Around the Globe!
Ingredients
- 1. Blackberry
- 2. Black Grapes
- 3. Black Cherries
- 4. Black Plums or Jamun
- 5. Black Raspberries
- 6. Black Apples or Black Diamond Apple
- 7. Black Elderberries
- 8. Black Figs or Black Mission Figs
- 9. Black Diamond Watermelon
- 10. Black Gooseberries
- 11. Black Goji Berries
- 12. Black Olives
- 13. Black Hawthorn Berries
- 14. Black Huckleberries
- 15. Blackcurrant
- 16. Black Passionfruit
- 17. Black Avocados
- 18. Black Dates
- 19. Black Sapote or Black Persimmon
- 20. Black Hungarian Peppers
- 21. Black Mangosteen
- 22. Black Tupelo
- 23. Eggplant
- 24. Black Tamarind
Instructions
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