Let’s go on an adventure together! I’m about to show you 21 fabulous fruits that start with “I.” We’ll find out where they come from, what they taste like, and how they look.
Fruits are like nature’s candy – sweet, tangy, and sometimes creamy. But have you ever wondered what magic lies beyond the usual apples and bananas in the fruit world?
Let’s zoom in on a particular letter – “I.” It’s not just a letter. It’s the start of an incredible, edible adventure. We will explore them all, from the popular ones you might already love to some you’ve probably never heard of.
So, are you in for a tasty trip around the globe? Let’s get going and shortlist some yummy fruits that start with “I!”
Jump to:
- 21 Fruits Starting With I
- 1. Iboga
- 2. Icacina
- 3. Icaco
- 4. Ice Apple
- 5. Ice Cream Bean Fruit
- 6. Ichigo
- 7. Ilama Fruit
- 8. Illawarra Plum
- 9. Imbe
- 10. Incaberry
- 11. Indian Almond Fruit
- 12. Indian Fig Fruit
- 13. Indian Gooseberry
- 14. Indian Jujube Fruit
- 15. Indian Persimmon
- 16. Indian Plum
- 17. Indian Prune
- 18. Indian Sherbet Berry
- 19. Indonesian Lime
- 20. Ita Palm Berry
- 21. Ivory Coast Almond
- Final Thoughts
- More Fruits From A to Z!
- Resources
21 Fruits Starting With I
Imagine biting into a fruit, thinking it’s sweet and juicy but rather tangy; it doesn’t sit well with your taste buds. That’s the kind of situation I want to save you from.
Instead of fruits starting with “I” being a total surprise for you, I am about to explain what they taste like so you can begin your adventure accordingly. So let’s jump in and discover the fantastic fruits that start with “I” together.
1. Iboga
Iboga fruit is a green powerhouse, dangling from the branches of the Tabernanthe Iboga, a modest yet mighty shrub that calls Central West Africa its home. More than a tasty fruit, it’s a capsule of ancient wisdom, thriving in Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo. The leaves of the Iboga plant are a vibrant green, starkly contrasting with the mystical oval fruits it bears. These aren’t your typical berries or citrus; they’re more like gems filled with a magical substance known as ibogaine, among other alkaloids, which can whisk you away on a mystical adventure. The real treasure, however, lies buried in its roots. Cultures have revered these roots for ages, believing they can cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. It’s so unique that Gabon’s government has hailed the Iboga as a national treasure.
2. Icacina
The Icacina genus, a member of the Icacinaceae family, is found across a broad region from Cape Verde through tropical Africa to South Sudan and Angola. This plant is notable for its bright red fruit, which is highly sought after for its sweet pulp, a favorite among children due to its sweet and slightly tangy taste. Beyond the appealing fruit, Icacina seeds can be roasted or ground into nutritious flour. This flour, high in starch and containing around 10 percent protein, is an essential dietary supplement. It can be used to prepare pastes or porridges, offering a source of nutrition.
3. Icaco
The icaco is a small oval fruit in shades of pale pink to deep purple. It’s native to the coastal areas of the Americas and the Caribbean. Bite into an icaco, and you’ll find its flesh sweet yet subtly tart, with a juicy and slightly crunchy texture, thanks to its tiny, edible seeds. People enjoy eating icaco fresh, but it’s also used to make jams and jellies.
4. Ice Apple
Ice apple is a treasure from the tropical parts of Asia, specifically India, a fruit as refreshing as a sip of cold water on a hot day. It’s a hidden gem resembling a translucent jelly sitting inside a brownish husk, almost like a natural, sweet water pouch. When you bite into it, it’s a burst of mildly sweet flavor with a texture that crosses between a lychee and watermelon – thirst-quenching. Grown on tall palm trees, it’s a treat to your taste buds and a cool respite from the heat. Perfect for those sunny days when you crave a healthy snack.
5. Ice Cream Bean Fruit
Oh, let me take you on a tiny tropical adventure with the Ice Cream Bean, a delightful treat straight from the heart of Central and South America. This “I” fruit is unique; it looks like a big, chubby green bean, but when you crack it open, it’s a cottony, sweet surprise. The inside is fluffy and white, almost like a cloud, and tastes just like vanilla ice cream – hence the name. It’s a natural sweet treat that grows on large trees, and locals love it for its taste and the joy of eating something that feels like dessert straight from a tree.
6. Ichigo
Let’s talk about Ichigo, which means “strawberry” in Japanese. Think of biting into a sweet, juicy morsel, bursting with the perfect sugar balance and a slight hint of acidity—that’s the Ichigo experience. These little red gems are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, with their bright red skin dotted with tiny seeds crowned with a leafy green cap. Originating in Southeast Asia, strawberries have been cherished around the globe, not just for their taste but also for their versatility in desserts, drinks, and even savory dishes. Whether enjoyed fresh, in a smoothie, or as a decadent topping on a cake, ichigos are a treat that brings a smile to faces worldwide.
7. Ilama Fruit
The Ilama is a tropical fruit from Central America. It looks like an egg and has green skin that’s a bit tough. When you open it, you’ll find a creamy flesh that can be white or pink. It tastes sweet and slightly tart, similar to cherimoya and pear. People enjoy eating it fresh and sometimes use it to make drinks or desserts.
8. Illawarra Plum
The Illawarra plum is a treasured fruit from Australia, mainly found in New South Wales and Queensland coastal regions. This fruit is striking, with a deep purple, almost black skin and a bright purple flesh inside. It’s about the size of a grape and comes with a hard seed. Its taste is sweet and tart, somewhat similar to a plum but with a distinct flavor, often described as having a berry-like taste. People enjoy it fresh and in cooked dishes, adding a burst of color and a unique flavor.
9. Imbe
The Imbe is a small, tropical fruit from Africa, cherished for its bright orange-yellow skin and juicy, translucent flesh. It’s about the size of a small plum or large cherry, and you’ll know it’s ripe and ready when it feels slightly soft to the touch. Biting into an Imbe, you’re met with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, somewhat reminiscent of a mix between a mango and a citrus fruit, but with a twist. It’s mostly eaten fresh, enjoyed as a quick, tasty snack that satisfies your sweet tooth and also gives you a good dose of vitamins. Just be mindful of the pit inside.
10. Incaberry
The Incaberry, originating from the high altitudes of South America, is a small but mighty fruit. Its appearance is distinctive, with a golden-yellow color encased in a papery husk, similar to a tomatillo. This fruit is a golden berry, cape gooseberry, and Peruvian ground cherry. When you pop one in your mouth, you’re greeted with a sweet and tangy flavor, combining hints of pineapple and mango with a subtle, peppery finish. This burst of flavor makes Inca berries a great addition to salads, desserts, or simply as a nutritious snack. They’re delicious and packed with vitamins A, C, and B12, antioxidants, and essential amino acids, making them a superfood worth trying.
11. Indian Almond Fruit
The Indian Almond comes from the tropical Terminalia catappa tree, found along the coasts of India, Asia, and Australia. The fruit has a green, leathery outer shell that houses a fibrous husk, inside which you’ll find the edible almond. Unlike the standard almond, the Indian Almond tastes more woody and slightly bitter. It’s often eaten raw or roasted, adding a unique flavor to dishes. Besides its taste, the Indian Almond is also valued for its high oil content and nutritional benefits. It is a favorite in local diets and traditional medicine.
12. Indian Fig Fruit
The Indian fig fruit, also known as the prickly pear or cactus pear, is a unique and flavorful fruit. It grows on the prickly pear cactus. It is native to the Americas but is also widely cultivated in regions with arid and semi-arid climates. The fruit is oval or pear-shaped and varies in color from green to yellow to deep red, depending on the variety and ripeness.
13. Indian Gooseberry
The Indian Gooseberry, also known as Amla, is a vibrant green fruit from India. It’s small, round, and has a hard, slightly ribbed surface. Also, don’t let its size fool you because this fruit packs a punch. It’s incredibly sour and astringent, making your mouth pucker at the first taste, but it has a sweet aftertaste that keeps you coming back for more. Amla is a powerhouse of nutrients, especially rich in Vitamin C, and it’s used in everything from traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine to delicious chutneys and candies. Eating it fresh can boost your immunity, but it’s also popular in dried, pickled, and curry forms.
14. Indian Jujube Fruit
The Indian Jujube, or Ber as it’s commonly known in India, is a small fruit that’s a real treat. It looks like a small, round apple with a smooth, shiny green surface that turns yellow to brown as it ripens. When you bite into one, you’re met with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor, a texture that mixes an apple and a pear. Found across the Indian subcontinent, this fruit is often eaten fresh, dried, or used in delicious sweet and savory dishes.
15. Indian Persimmon
The Indian Persimmon is a unique fruit native to India, known locally as ‘Tendu.’ Unlike its more famous relatives, this persimmon is smaller and has a round shape. It has a smooth, orange-to-yellow skin when ripe. The flesh inside is soft, jelly-like, sweet, and slightly tangy, often compared to apricots. Some find it astringent if not fully ripe. It’s eaten fresh but is also popular in jams, desserts, and traditional Indian dishes.
16. Indian Plum
The Indian Hog Plum, or Oso berry, is a North American native, flourishing on the west coast from California to British Columbia. This slender, deciduous shrub heralds the arrival of spring. Its early blooms offer a glimpse of warmth with its tiny white flowers. The fruit is elongated, resembling a miniature plum. It transitions from a green to a deep purple or nearly black hue as it ripens under the summer sun. When you taste it, expect a mix of mildly sweet and tart flavors. It is reminiscent of slightly underripe cherries, making it a unique find for foragers. It’s often enjoyed fresh off the bush. The subtle sweetness is versatile in jellies, jams, and pies.
17. Indian Prune
The Indian Prune is an intriguing fruit not widely known outside its local context. This pulpy and chewy fruit offers a sensory experience akin to biting into a larger, slightly softer cranberry. Its initial taste profile balances the fine line between tartness and sweetness. It makes it a delightful treat for those who appreciate complex flavors in their fruit. As it ripens, the Indian Prune undergoes a remarkable transformation. Its skin turns from a lighter shade to a deep, inviting blue, signaling its readiness to be enjoyed.
18. Indian Sherbet Berry
The Indian Sherbet Berry, known locally as Phalsa, is a small, vibrant fruit cherished in the hot summers of India. Resembling tiny grapes, these berries start green, gradually turning to a deep purple or almost black when ripe. The magic of Phalsa lies in its taste—a perfect balance of sweet and sour, with a refreshing tartness that’s revitalizing on a warm day. This unique flavor makes them ideal for making sherbets and cool drinks, beloved for their cooling effects. Fresh off the branch, they’re a delightful snack, though their season is fleeting, making them a much-awaited treat. Beyond their sweet taste, Phalsa berries contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering health benefits like aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
19. Indonesian Lime
The Indonesian Lime is a zesty treasure from the vast archipelago of Indonesia, a country known for its rich diversity of fruits. Smaller than the limes you might be used to, this lime packs a punch with its intense citrus flavor and a notable tang that can brighten up any dish. Its skin is thin and smooth, with a deep green color that turns yellow as it ripens, hinting at the juicy burst of flavor inside. Indonesian limes are often used in local cuisine to add a splash of acidity to balance Indonesian dishes’ rich, spicy flavors. The Indonesian Lime is indispensable whether squeezed over grilled seafood, mixed into sambals (spicy condiments), or infused into refreshing beverages.
20. Ita Palm Berry
The Ita Palm Berry, also known as the Mauritia flexuosa or Aguaje is a remarkable fruit from the Amazon regions of South America. Imagine a small, oval-shaped berry with a reddish-brown, scaly exterior resembling a miniature coconut. When you bite into it, you’re greeted with a soft, oily flesh that’s sweet and slightly tangy, often compared to the taste of carrots or cheese. This unique flavor profile makes it a versatile fruit, consumed raw by locals or used to prepare juices, jams, ice creams, and even savory dishes. Beyond its taste, Ita Palm Berry is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, contributing to its reputation as a superfood.
21. Ivory Coast Almond
The Ivory Coast Almond, often not talked about in the mainstream nut world, is a hidden gem from the diverse landscapes of the Ivory Coast in West Africa. Unlike the standard almond, this variety grows within the fruit of the Terminalia catappa tree, widely known as the tropical almond tree. The outer fruit is green and fibrous, enclosing the hard, edible nut. Cracking open the shell reveals a slightly sweeter and creamier kernel than its more famous relative, with a crunchy and satisfying texture. Locally, they’re enjoyed as a snack and an ingredient in traditional dishes.
Final Thoughts
This “I” fruit adventure has been incredible. I’ve been amazed by nature’s variety and richness, and it’s opened up a whole new world of tastes for me.
Whether it’s the sweet, the tangy, or the utterly unique, there’s something magical about discovering these flavors for the first time.
I hope this journey inspires you to step out of your usual picks and explore new options. I’m curious about your experiences and which ones become your new favorites.
Share your discoveries with me; I’m always excited to hear about your taste adventures!
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