Welcome to a colorful and flavorful journey through the alphabet, where vibrant hues meet tantalizing tastes. Today, we’re embarking on an adventure that begins with the very first letter of the alphabet: ‘A’. This isn’t just any ordinary exploration; it’s a discovery of the delicious and diverse world of fruits. From the commonplace to the exotic, our curated list of fruits starting with ‘A’ promises to delight your senses and perhaps introduce you to some delectable new favorites. Whether you’re a fruit aficionado or just someone who enjoys a sweet and healthy treat, there’s something here for everyone to savor.
And now the list with a few common, but mostly uncommon fruits that start with a.
Fruits That Start with A:
Apples
Apples are among the most popular fruits globally, known for their crisp texture and a mix of sweet and tart flavors. They come in various colors, including red, green, and yellow, packed with vital nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. An apple a day doesn’t just keep the doctor away; it provides a versatile culinary component, from fresh, raw snacks to baked desserts and savory accompaniments.
- Seasons Available: Year-round with peak season during the fall
Almonds
Technically a fruit, almonds are enclosed in a hard shell and harvested from the almond tree. They’re not only a crunchy, nutritious snack but also a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, almonds are a boon for heart health.
- Seasons Available: Late summer to early fall
Acerola Cherries
Acerola cherries are small, bright red fruits that are incredibly rich in vitamin C, even more so than oranges. They have a distinct, tart taste and can be eaten fresh or used in beverages, and are also popular for their immune-boosting properties.
- Seasons Available: Summer through early fall
African Horned Cucumber
Also known as Kiwano or horned melon, this African native fruit features horn-like spikes and bright orange skin. Its vibrant green, jelly-like interior has a refreshing, mildly sweet and tart taste, with a banana-lime flavor. It’s rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber.
- Seasons Available: Late summer to fall
Ambarella
Ambarella, also known as the hog plum, is a tropical fruit with a fibrous pit. It has a crunchy texture and a flavor that mirrors a blend of pineapple and mango. This fruit is typically eaten raw with salt, or used in chutneys and pickles.
- Seasons Available: Varies by region, typically peak during the summer
American Persimmon
The American persimmon is a sweet fruit native to the eastern United States. It has a rich, honey-like flavor when ripe and is commonly used in desserts. This fruit is a good source of vitamin C and fiber, and its sweetness intensifies upon frost.
- Seasons Available: Fall through early winter
Asian Pears
Asian pears, also known as apple pears, offer a crispy, juicy texture. These round fruits are similar in shape to apples and provide a sweet, refreshing flavor. They’re rich in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, making them a healthful choice for snacking or adding to salads.
- Seasons Available: Late summer through early winter
Ata Fruit
Ata fruit, or African custard apple, belongs to the same family as soursop and cherimoya. It has a creamy texture and sweet taste with flavors that suggest banana, pineapple, and papaya. This fruit is commonly used in desserts and smoothies.
- Seasons Available: Mainly summer, but can vary depending on the climate
Ackee
Ackee is a unique fruit native to West Africa but is also considered the national fruit of Jamaica. When ripe, it reveals bright red lobes of fruit that are cooked and enjoyed in savory dishes. Ackee must be eaten when fully ripe and prepared correctly, as it can be toxic otherwise.
- Seasons Available: It bears fruit twice a year – once early in the year and again in late summer to early fall
Amra
Amra, or hog plum, is a tropical fruit with a unique flavor profile that combines sour and sweet. Commonly enjoyed in the cuisines of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, the fruit is consumed raw or used as a flavor enhancer in a range of culinary creations.
- Seasons Available: Summer
Annona
The Annona genus includes fruits like cherimoya, soursop, and sugar-apple, all of which are known for their creamy texture and sweet, tropical taste. These fruits are packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, and dietary fiber.
- Seasons Available: Varies by specific type, generally late summer to fall
Apple Berries
Apple berries, native to Australia, are small purple fruits resembling blueberries in appearance. They have a sweet yet tart apple-like flavor and can be enjoyed fresh or in cooked dishes. These berries offer a variety of nutrients including antioxidants.
Seasons Available: Late summer to early fall
Apricot Plum
Apricot Plum, also known as Plumcot, is a hybrid fruit that combines the best traits of apricots and plums. The result is a juicy, sweet fruit with a smooth skin. It provides a good source of vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber.
- Seasons Available: Summer
Aprium
Aprium is another apricot and plum hybrid, with a higher apricot percentage which leads to a sweeter flavor and denser flesh. Like its relatives, the Aprium is high in vitamins and dietary fiber, making it a great choice for a healthy snack.
- Seasons Available: Late spring to early summer
Arhat Fruit
Arhat Fruit, also known as monk fruit or Luo Han Guo, is a sweet melon indigenous to Southeast Asia. It’s notably used as a natural sweetener and for medicinal purposes, as it contains compounds that are several times sweeter than sugar but with no calories, making it diabetes-friendly.
- Seasons Available: Autumn