There’s something oddly satisfying about thinking about fruits that start with different letters of the alphabet. With over 2,000 different fruits in the world, we could go on and on for what seems like forever listing fruit that begins with certain letters.
However, some letters aren’t that easy. For example, if we told you to think of fruits that begin with the letter B, you’d probably be able to think of a lot more than if we told you to name fruits that start with Z.
One letter that gets the cogs in our brains churning is the letter I. There are a lot of fruits that start with the letter I but they don’t always come to mind straight away. Today, we want to change that.
In this post, you’ll find a list of 15 fruits starting with the letter I. If you want to learn more, stick around!
1. Imbe
We’ll kick start the list with imbe. Imbe, otherwise known as the African mangosteen, is a small, super sweet fruit that grows in Africa. They are typically found in Somalia, all the way down to South Africa.
Unlike other varieties of mangosteen, imbe is bright orange in color. They only grow between 1 to 4 cm in diameter. Interestingly, the orange color of the imbe is well known for staining. Eaten fresh from the tree, this fruit is also highly nutritious.
2. Iboga
Iboga might just be the best-named fruit on this list. Iboga is another fruit that grows in Africa. Like the Imbe, it is small and bright orange in color.
Sometimes referred to as the eboka, iboga isn’t the tastiest of fruits. In fact, it’s the opposite. Iboga is a sticky, tasteless fruit.
However, it has been known to aid the symptoms of withdrawal from opioids. Apart from that, it has no use and is actually illegal in the United States.
3. Indian Fig Fruit
Next, we have the Indian fig fruit. Commonly referred to as the prickly pear, barbary fig, or cactus pear, this fruit has an interesting backstory.
The Indian fig comes from a cactus that produces both vegetables and fruit. This may seem impossible but it is true. The fruit that grows on the cactus comes in green and dark red. It is also covered in spiky thorns.
High in antioxidants and vitamin C, the fig fruit can be peeled and eaten raw. Sometimes people use it to make jam too.
4. Indian Mango
There’s a good chance you’ve tried this fruit before. If not, you’ve had something very similar. Over half the world’s mangoes come from India. The mango is actually the national fruit of India.
India has several different varieties of mango but the Indian mango is the most popular. Vibrant yellowy-orange in color and super sweet, this mango can be eaten raw, used in cooking, or turned into a tasty mango chutney.
5. Indian Jujube Fruit
Another Indian fruit is the Indian jujube fruit. You might have heard this fruit called by another name as it is also called the Chinese apple and Chinese date. Commonly eaten raw, this fruit is very nutritious. It is high in vitamin C.
In terms of appearance, they look a little bit like an apple. However, the center of the fruit looks more like a stone. Aside from being eaten raw, this fruit is also pickled, juiced, or candied. They are known for being very sweet.
6. Ice Apple
The next fruit on our list is also native to India. They are also found in Southeast Asia. This fruit has one of the most interesting appearances we’ve ever seen.
It gets the name ice apple from its unique flesh that looks just like ice. Incredibly the fruit is also transparent, just like ice is. In India, the fruit is used as a remedy for digestive issues and stomach aches. In Southeast Asia, it is seen as a healthy beverage.
7. Ilama Fruit
Ilamas, not to be mistaken for Llamas, is a tropical fruit native to Central America. They are extremely large, weighing up to 2 lbs. Depending on the variety, the fruit can be green or pink in color.
Pink Ilamas are usually rose-gold inside, whilst green Ilamas are white inside. Despite their vibrant color, the pink variety of this fruit isn’t as sweet as its green cousin. More often than not, the Ilama fruit is eaten raw.
8. Indian Gooseberry
Packing a punch, Indian gooseberries are a great sweet, tangy treat that come with a wide range of benefits. This fruit has a ton of medicinal uses as it is believed to aid diabetes, intestinal issues, cancer, and so on.
This makes them a superfood. In fact, they are believed to contain more antioxidants than any other whole food in the world. When it comes to appearance, they look like green grapes.
9. Ita Palm Fruit
Native to South America, the ita palm fruit is a circular fruit with a tough rind and a soft core. Also called the Moriche palm or Aquaje, the skin of the fruit is scaly and brown. The fibers of the skin can actually be used to make thread.
Inside, you’ll find a very nutritious fruit that is locally known as the “Miracle Fruit For Women” as it is believed to increase fertility and promote menopausal symptom relief. This has never been proven though.
10. Imbu Fruit
Known locally as umbu or the Brazilian plum, the imbu fruit is native to Brazil. It primarily grows in Northeast Brazil. This fruit varies in size, some being as small as a cherry and others as big as a lemon. However, they never grow very big.
Most commonly used as a food source, this sweet fruit is important to the people of Brazil. It is typically eaten raw or turned into a jam. Imbu fruit compote is also popular.
11. Ichigo
The next fruit on our list is Ichigo. When translated, Ichigo means ‘strawberry’. That’s exactly what Ichigo is. More specifically, Ichigo fruits are a variety of light, cherry blossom-pink strawberries native to Japan. They taste amazing and smell divine.
They’re also very high in vitamins A, C, E, and K. Aside from their color, they look exactly the same as the strawberries we’re already used to eating.
12. Indian Persimmon
The Indian persimmon is a tropical fruit native to India and Southeast Asia. The tree the fruit grows on is actually grown for its beautiful timber. The fruit is simply a by-product that comes with it.
These persimmons aren’t that different from other varieties of persimmon you’ll have tried before. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. They have a sweet flavor that goes nicely in cakes, cookies, curries, pies, and puddings.
13. Illawarra Plum
The illawarra plum is a lot smaller than your typical plum. They look more like small berries. This variety of sweet, tangy plum can be found in abundance across Australia, Queensland, and Wales.
They have a deep blue-purple color and can be eaten raw by twisting off the outer seed. The rest of the seed sits inside the fruit.
Their sweetness and juiciness make them a great snack or dessert ingredient. Some people also like to include this plum in alcoholic beverages.
14. Ice Cream Bean Fruit
The penultimate fruit on our list that begins with the letter I is the Ice cream bean fruit. Native to South America, this fruit was given the name ice cream bean fruit because it has a unique flavor that can be compared to vanilla ice cream.
As a result of the fruit’s juicy, ice cream-flavored pulp the fruit is most commonly used in desserts. Interestingly, it has also been used in traditional medicine. Due to its fast expiration, the fruit is difficult to export.
15. Icaco
The final fruit on our list is the icaco. Icacos are native to the West Indies and Florida, typically growing near the sea. Bizarrely, the closer to the sea the plant is, the sweeter the fruit tastes.
In many places, the icaco is seen as an invasive species. They are sometimes referred to as the cocoplum.
The fruits grow in white, pink, and deep purple and contain seeds that are usually ground up and used as a spice. The flesh of the fruit can also be eaten raw.
What Are Some Fruits Starting With The Letter I That Can Be Used as Fajita Toppings?
If you’re looking for unique fajita topping ideas for flavorful dinners, consider including some fruits starting with the letter I. One delicious option is the irresistible pineapple. Its tangy and sweet flavor perfectly complements the savory fajita fillings. Another choice is the juicy and refreshing watermelon, which adds a burst of freshness to your fajitas.
Final Thoughts
How many of the fruits on our list did you know before we told you? If you already knew these 15 fruits that start with the letter I we’d be very impressed.
The fruits on our list are all very unique, each one offering something different. Some are grown for their sweet flavors and versatility. Some are grown for their medicinal value, whilst others aren’t grown for any reason at all.
Now you have this list at your fingertips, you should be better prepared for the next trivia night that wants you to name specific fruits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular fruit that starts with the letter I is the Indian mango. This fruit is sold all over the world because half of the world’s mangoes come from India.
Some of the most common vegetables that start with the letter I include iceberg lettuce, Italian sweet pepper, ivy gourd, Italian red onion, and Indian pea.
Yes, ice apples are good for babies. They are delicious and healthy snacks that can help improve a baby’s health.
Yes, ice apples are good for babies. They are delicious and healthy snacks that can help improve a baby’s health.
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