Top 17 Purple Fruits and Vegetables That You Can’t Miss Out!

When it comes to purple vegetables and fruits, not only are they visually appealing but they are also a nutritional powerhouse. Forget the monotony of greens and reds, let your taste buds dance with the captivating allure of purple foods.

But this isn’t just a visual feast; it’s a nutritional extravaganza. We will also unveil the hidden powerhouses within each purple bite!

So, prepare your senses for a vibrant journey.  Let’s begin!

What gives purple fruits and vegetables its color?

Purple fruits and vegetables get their vibrant color from natural plant pigments called anthocyanins. Aside from their vibrant color, they also offer a wide range of health benefits. 

Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments found in plant foods and have been linked to lots of benefits.

The Top 17 Purple Vegetables and Fruits

Here’s the list of purple fruits and vegetables and their health advantages. 

1. Blackberry

Blackberries are dark purple berries that are small, sweet, and tart fruits that grow on thorny bushes. The fruit is typically made up of many small drupelets, each containing a tiny seed. 

You may enjoy them fresh as a healthy snack, toss them into yogurt and granola bowls, or blend them into smoothies and juices for a refreshing kick.

Their tartness pairs beautifully with creamy desserts like pies, cobblers, and ice cream, or adds a juicy twist to savory dishes like salads and sauces.

With blackberry, you can make homemade jam or jelly, or experiment with blackberry-infused cocktails and mocktails.  

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are small, round, and plump berries that typically have smooth and slightly waxy skin with soft, juicy flesh inside. Blueberries have a sweet and tart flavor with a subtle hint of floral aroma. 

They are often eaten fresh or used in various dishes such as pies, muffins, and smoothies. Blueberries are low in calories and fat, but high in fiber, vitamin C, and a galaxy of antioxidants, which can be good to promote your overall well-being.

3. Elderberry

Elderberry is a dark purple fruit that grows in clusters on the elder tree. It is commonly used in foods, drinks, and herbal remedies due to its rich flavor and potential health benefits.

This fruit is often made into jams, syrups, and tinctures, and is also used in teas and supplements. However, it is important to note that eating raw elderberries can be toxic, so they should be cooked or processed before consumption. 

4. Purple Mangosteen

Purple mangosteen is a fruit that has dark purple skin. It is known for its sweet and tangy flavor, and soft, juicy flesh. The outer shell of the fruit is thick and leathery, while the inside contains segments of juicy, white flesh. 

Its flavor is a symphony of sweet and tangy and the juicy white flesh offers a creamy richness that is sure to melt in your mouth. The fruit has a floral aroma and a delicate, slightly acidic taste.

5. Plum 

Plums are small, round fruits with smooth, shiny skin that can range in color from deep purple to red, yellow, or green. The flesh of the plum can be either juicy or firm, depending on the variety, and is usually sweet and tart in flavor.

Plums have a single, smooth, oblong pit at the center. It can be enjoyed in various ways, such as eating them fresh, dried, or even cooked into jams, pies, and other desserts.

They add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor to dishes and are often used in both sweet and savory recipes.

6. Purple Star Apple 

Purple caimito or purple star apple fruit in English, is a tropical fruit that is rich in color and unique in taste. Its color makes it stand out among other fruits and adds a vibrant pop of color to various dishes and fruit salads. 

The purple star apple fruit is round and has smooth, glossy purple skin. When cut open, the fruit has a creamy white flesh that is juicy and sweet, with a mild flavor that is similar to a mix of pear and grape.

7. Acai Berries

Acai berries are small, deep purple fruits that grow on the acai palm tree in the rainforests of Central and South America. They are known for their rich, dark color and are about the size of a blueberry but with a  tart and slightly sweet flavor.

The vibrant and nutritious acai berries also add visual appeal to dishes and beverages such as acai bowls. They are often used in smoothies, drinks, and desserts.

8. Red Dragon Fruit 

Red dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a type of cactus fruit that is native to Central and South America. It has bright red, spiky skin and is often compared to a large, oval-shaped raspberry. 

Although it is commonly referred to as red dragon fruit, the flesh of the fruit is a vibrant purple color.

In addition to its vibrant color, red dragon fruit is also known for its subtly sweet flavor and crunchy texture, making it a popular ingredient in smoothie bowls, fruit salads, and desserts. 

9. Eggplant 

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a fruit that is used as a vegetable in cooking. It has smooth, glossy, dark purple skin and creamy, pale flesh inside. The shape can vary from round to elongated, and the size can range from small to large.

In terms of taste and texture, eggplants have a slightly bitter flavor and a firm, meaty texture when cooked. 

It is commonly used in dishes such as ratatouille, moussaka, and baba ghanoush. It can be baked, roasted, grilled, or fried, and can be added to pasta, salads, curries, and stir-fries.

10. Purple Grapes 

Purple grapes are small, round fruits with a deep purple color. They are typically sweet and juicy, with a slightly tart flavor.

The skin is smooth and thin, while the flesh is translucent. They are not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any balanced diet.

The grapes grow in clusters on vines and are known for their use in making wine, as well as for being a popular snacking fruit.

Just like other berries and other fruits, they are also often used in salads, desserts, and as a garnish. You also choose to eat it fresh to enjoy its sweet and savory taste. 

11. Purple Carrots

The vibrant color of this purple variety is due to the presence of natural pigments such as anthocyanins, which are also found in other purple fruits and vegetables like blueberries and red cabbage.

In terms of taste, purple carrots are similar in flavor to their orange counterparts, with a slightly earthy and sweet flavor.

They can be enjoyed raw as a colorful addition to salads or vegetable platters, or they can be cooked in various dishes such as soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.

12. Purple Cauliflower

Purple cauliflower is a unique variant of traditional white cauliflower. In terms of taste and texture, purple cauliflower is very similar to white cauliflower but it has a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor, and its texture is firm and slightly crunchy when cooked.

Like white cauliflower, it is a versatile vegetable that can be roasted, steamed, sautéed, or eaten raw.

13. Purple Cabbage 

Purple cabbage, also known as red cabbage or red kraut, is a leafy vegetable with dense, tightly packed leaves that form a round head, similar to green cabbage.

Purple cabbage has a slightly peppery flavor and a crunchy texture, making it a popular ingredient in salads and coleslaw.

It can also be cooked and used in a variety of recipes such as stir-fries, soups, and stews. When cooked, its color can change to blue, which is unique and adds to the visual appeal of the dish.

4. Purple Yam 

Purple yam, also known as ube, is a starchy tuber that is commonly found in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

It is a type of yam that has a vibrant purple color on both the inside and outside, and it is often used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

In terms of flavor, purple yam has a slightly sweet and nutty taste, with a creamy and smooth texture when cooked.

It is often used in desserts such as ube halaya, a popular Filipino sweet spread, as well as in ice creams, cakes, baked goods, and savory dishes such as ube congee, and soups, and even as a natural food coloring for various dishes.

Purple yams can be boiled, steamed, mashed, or even made into flour for baking. 

15. Purple Corn 

The anthocyanin-rich purple corn, also known as purple maize, is a unique variety of corn with a deep purple color.

The deep purple hue of purple corn makes it visually appealing and adds a pop of color to various dishes and food products. This makes it popular for use in food products such as tortilla chips, beverages, and desserts. 

16. Purple Potatoes

Purple potatoes are a type of potato that has vibrant purple-colored skin and flesh. These potatoes are native to South America and are commonly found in the Andes region.

In terms of taste, purple potatoes are similar to other potato varieties, with a slightly nutty and earthy flavor.

However, they are also known for their rich and creamy texture, making them a popular choice for mashing, roasting, or boiling.

17. Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is a tropical fruit native to South America and is round or oval in shape with a tough outer rind. The inside of the fruit is filled with juicy pulp and edible seeds.

The pulp has a sweet, tangy, and slightly sour flavor that is often likened to guava, mango, and citrus. 

You may enjoy them scooped straight from the shell, blend them into vibrant desserts and juices, or add them to yogurt, ice cream, and mousses for a tangy punch.

For baking, passion fruit works wonders in cakes, jams, tarts, and curds. And the good news is, it is packed with several health benefits!

Final Thoughts

The kaleidoscope of nutrients and benefits offered by purple fruits and vegetables is truly remarkable. These colorful edibles deserve a prime place on our daily plates to tantalize our taste buds and nurture our well-being.

So, the next time you reach for a snack or plan your meals, consider adding a splash of purple!