Last Updated on February 23, 2024
Ever wondered just how many fruits start with the letter I? Hint: more than you might think! Our world is filled with an abundance of colorful, nutritious fruits – some well-known, others hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
This article will introduce you to a host of intriguing and exotic fruits beginning with this ninth letter of the alphabet.
Ready for a fruitful adventure? Each fruit is hearty and delicious! Let’s dive in!
20 Fruits That Start With The Letter I
We’ve got your 20 nutritious I fruits with amazing benefits, they are:
1. Imbe Fruit
Commonly known as African mangosteen, hailing from the tropical regions of Africa, Imbe is a unique fruit that starts with the letter “I”.
This round little fruit is sweet and acidic. Its vibrant orange skin encases a juicy pulp and one or two large seeds. Ideal for both fresh consumption and inclusion in jams, juices, or dessert recipes.
Its exotic nature may make it hard to come by in local American markets but if you ever have a chance to try this underrated gem, don’t hesitate!
2. Icacina
Icacina is a lesser-known fruit from a genus of flowering plants that is native to West Africa and is commonly found in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.
It has a distinctive taste that combines sweet and sour flavors, making it a unique addition to various dishes. These fruits are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against free radicals and support overall well-being.
3. Iboga
Iboga is an exotic fruit and is native to Central Africa. This unique fruit comes from the Tabernanthe iboga plant and has long been used in traditional medicine for its powerful effects.
4. Irvingia Gabonensis
Irvingia gabonensis, is a fruit grown in West and Central Africa. It grows on the Irvingia tree and is widely recognized for its potential benefits. The fruit is yellow or green in color, with a sweet and tangy taste.
African mango has gained popularity as a dietary supplement due to its high fiber content and potential weight loss properties.
It is believed to promote weight loss by increasing metabolism and reducing appetite.
5. Icaco
Icaco, also known as Cocoplum, is a tropical fruit that belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family. This unique fruit is native to the coastal regions of Central America and the Caribbean.
Icaco fruits are small in size, typically around one inch in diameter, and have a purple or reddish-brown skin when ripe.
The flesh of the icaco fruit is juicy and has a sweet yet mildly tart flavor that resembles a combination of plum and apricot. It is often enjoyed fresh but can also be used in jams, jellies, desserts, and even cocktails.
6. Ichigo
Ichigo fruit, the Japanese botanical name for cultivated strawberry, is a delicious and nutritious fruit. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, Ichigo fruits are a great source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
They are also low in calories and fat, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Moreover, the sweetness of Ichigo fruit makes it a popular ingredient in various desserts, jams, and smoothies.
7. Ice Apple
Ice Apple fruit, also known as the Sugar Palm, is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It is a unique fruit that has a jelly-like texture and a sweet, refreshing taste.
The outer shell of the fruit is dark brown in color and when opened, reveals a white, translucent flesh that resembles ice.
Hence the name “Ice Apple.” When the fruit ripens fully, the flesh becomes softer and juicier.
8. Ice Cream Bean Fruit
Ice Cream Bean fruits, also known as Inga Edulis, are a tropical fruit from South America.
They are known for their unique bean-like appearance, with large, brown pods that contain a soft, fluffy edible white pulp that resembles vanilla ice cream. Hence, the name “Ice Cream Beans.”
The pulp has a sweet and custard-like flavor, similar to a combination of vanilla, coconut, and caramel, making it a popular dessert ingredient in its native regions.
The fruit grows on tall trees, reaching heights of up to 80 feet, and the pods can grow to be as long as two feet. These beans are not only enjoyed fresh but can also be used in smoothies, ice cream, and various other desserts.
Although they are not as common in other parts of the world, Ice Cream Beans are gaining popularity due to their unique taste and appearance.
9. Ilama Fruit
Ilama fruit, also known as the black custard apple, is a tropical spiky fruit that is native to South America and is known for its unique taste and texture.
The fruit has a green and bumpy outer skin, similar to a melon, and can grow up to 20 centimeters in diameter. When ripe, the skin turns yellow and the flesh becomes soft and creamy.
The flavor of the ilama fruit is often described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple, with hints of citrus.
It is extremely sweet and juicy and has a sweet taste that is both refreshing and satisfying.
10. Illawarra Plum
The Illawarra Plum fruit is a unique fruit that is native to subtropical rainforests in Australia, particularly in the Illawarra region of New South Wales.
This fruit is small and dark purple, with a tart flavor. It is often referred to as a “bushfood” due to its use by Indigenous Australians as a traditional food source.
However, the Illawarra Plum is still relatively unknown and underutilized, which presents an opportunity for its cultivation and commercialization.
11. Inca Berry
Inca Berry, also known as golden berry or cape gooseberry, is a small fruit native to the Andean region of South America.
It is a round, orange-yellow fruit enclosed in a paper-like husk that is similar to a cape gooseberry. They have a unique taste, combining sweetness with a slight tanginess.
12. Indian Jujube Fruit
The Indian Jujube is a small, sweet fruit that hails from South Asia. Also known as “ber” or “bor,” it may be unfamiliar to many Americans. The fruit has a unique flavor profile, combining sweetness with hints of tanginess.
Indian Jujubes are commonly enjoyed fresh, but they can also be used in desserts and preserves like jams and jellies.
13. Indian Prune
Indian Prune, also known as black plum or jamun fruit, is a sweet and tart fruit that originates from India.
Packed with nutrients like vitamin C and iron, this small dark purple fruit offers various nutritional benefits.
14. Indian Sherbet Berry
The Indian Sherbet Berry is also known as the Itachi fruit. Native to India and Southeast Asia, this small round fruit is packed with flavor and health benefits.
The Sherbet Berry gets its name from its citrusy taste, reminiscent of a refreshing sherbet. It is commonly used in traditional Indian cuisine to add a burst of flavor to dishes and desserts.
15. Indian Gooseberry
Indian Gooseberry, also known as Amla, is a small, round fruit with a vibrant green color. Indigenous to India, the Indian
Indian Gooseberry is known for its sour taste, making it a popular ingredient in chutneys and pickles.
16. Indian Fig Fruit
It’s also known as barbary fig, cactus pear, or prickly pear. This spiky fruit is oval or pear-shaped and has a vibrant red to purple color.
It is covered in small spines which give it its prickly appearance. The whole fruit is popularly eaten fresh when fully ripe, but Indian fig fruit can also be used to make jellies and desserts.
It has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes.
17. Indian Mango
They have a vibrant yellow-orange color and a juicy, tender flesh that is incredibly aromatic. Indian mangoes are usually larger in size compared to other varieties, with a unique shape and texture.
Indian mango is a type of mango that is popular in India and is considered to be one of the best varieties of mango in the world. Known for its sweet and rich flavor.
Indian mangoes are used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, desserts, smoothies, and chutneys. Overall, Indian mangoes are a true delight for mango lovers worldwide.
18. Indian Hog Plum
Indian Plum, also known as brown plum pine or Ambarella is a tropical fruit native to India and Sri Lanka.
It belongs to the cashew family and has a unique flavor that is a combination of sweet and sour.The fruit is usually round in shape, with green or yellowish skin, and has juicy and fibrous flesh.
The taste of Indian Hog Plum is often described as a cross between mango and pineapple, with a hint of sweet flavor. It is commonly used in various culinary dishes, including chutneys, jams, and curries.
19. Indian Almond Fruit
Indian almond fruit, also known as sea almond, beach almond, Malabar almond, or Terminalia catappa, is a tropical almond tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent but can now be found in many tropical regions around the world.
It is a small, oval-shaped edible fruit that is often referred to as a nut due to its hard outer shell. Its unique taste is both sweet and slightly sour, making it a popular choice for snacking.
20. Indonesian Lime
Indonesian lime, also known as jeruk purut or kaffir lime, is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated in Indonesia and used extensively in Indonesian cuisine.
The fruit is small with a knobby green skin, resembling a combination of a lime and a wrinkled orange.
The distinct aroma and tangy flavor of Indonesian lime are essential in many traditional dishes, such as rendang, soto, and nasi goreng.
TO Sum Up
In conclusion, exploring fruits starts with opening up a world of unique and lesser-known options. So why not step outside your fruit comfort zone and give these intriguing “I” fruits a try?
FAQS
Some are the Indian fig, also known as a prickly pear cactus fruit, and the Indian jujube, a small tropical fruit.
Yes, there are a few, such as the ilama, an exotic fruit native to Central America and Mexico.
These fruits may not be commonly found in regular grocery stores but can sometimes be found at specialty markets or international food stores. They may also be available online through various vendors.
The taste of these “i” fruits varies. The Indian fig has a mild sweetness similar to watermelon, while the Indian jujube is often described as having an apple-like flavor that ranges from sweet to slightly tart. The ilama has been likened to a mix of banana, pineapple, and strawberry flavors.
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