22 Fruits That Start With N [2024‘s Exotic Picks]

I was sauntering through my local farmers’ market recently when I reached an epiphany. Why not embark on a flavorful journey around the world, right from my kitchen? The world is positively brimming with exotic, flavorful, and nutritious fruits. Some are familiar and considered staples in our diet, while others seem to hail from an alien world with their peculiar textures, colors, and tastes. It’s like a secret fruit language that nature keeps for herself, and today, we will delve into the lexicon, learning the names starting with the letter N.

Yes, you heard me right: “Fruits that start with N”. From Nam Dok Mai to Neem, we’ll explore an exciting array of fruits that will make your taste buds dance and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. So, get ready to broaden your fruit horizons and tantalize your pallet with these N-starters you might not have even heard of, let alone tasted. Shall we begin our flavorful adventure?

Also Read: Fruits That Start With E

22 Fruits That Start With N (2024)

In our world, there exists an incredibly diverse range of fruits. Yet, we often find ourselves reaching for the familiar options: apples, oranges, bananas, and the like. However, the sheer abundance and diversity of fruits that the earth has to offer are astounding. This section dives headfirst into the fascinating array of fruits that start with the letter “N”. From sweet to sour, known to unknown, let’s embark on this delectable journey together.

1. Nam Dok Mai

The Nam Dok Mai is considered a jewel in the world of tropical fruits. Hailing from Thailand, this exquisite mango has endeared itself to fruit lovers due to its golden color, silky texture, and sweet, aromatic pulp. Its natural sweetness makes it an ideal addition to both desserts and savory dishes. Interestingly, the Nam Dok Mai mango is consumed both ripe and unripe.

While the ripe fruit offers a rich, honeyed taste, its unripe version offers a contrasting sour note that elevates many Thai salads. High in vitamins A and C, Nam Dok Mai helps promote good vision and a healthy immune system. So, while you are enjoying this luscious fruit, your body is also reaping significant benefits.

2. Nashi Pear

Perhaps it’s a pear, or maybe an apple? The Nashi Pear, also known as the Asian pear, intriguingly finds itself comfortably in between. Known for its round shape similar to an apple, it retains the familiar pear flavor we all know and love. The crunch it offers when bitten into and its sweet juice that follows certainly makes it a unique tasting experience. Did you know Nashi Pear is high in fiber, low in calories, and a good source of vitamin C and K? Incorporate this fruit into your diet for a delicious way to keep fit and healthy.

3. Nectarines

With their smooth skin and vibrant hues of red, pink, and yellow, nectarines are certainly visually appealing fruits. Don’t be fooled by their resemblance to peaches; nectarines have a distinct taste and texture. They have a sweeter, more refreshing flavor compared to their fuzzy siblings. Nectarines can be baked, grilled, or poached, yet they are still fantastic when eaten fresh. Apart from their taste, nectarines are famous for their endless health benefits. They contain a good amount of antioxidants and vitamin C, which may boost your immunity and skin health.

4. Northern Spy Apple

Meet an old American favorite, the Northern Spy apple. Recognized for its slightly tart flavor, it’s perfect for creating appetizing pies, juices, ciders, and even stuffing for your roast. Despite the sour kick, it is still sweet enough to be enjoyed fresh, exhibiting a beautifully balanced taste. Nutritionally, Northern Spy Apples contain a variety of antioxidants and fiber, making them a healthy choice. Get creative with this versatile fruit in your kitchen and explore its exciting culinary potential.

5. Nungu

Continuing our journey, we encounter an unusual tree-borne fruit, the Nungu. This fruit, also known as Ice Apple, is a species of palm native to South Asia. The fruit is translucent, jelly-like, and refreshingly sweet, a perfect snack for a hot, sunny day. Although mostly consumed as is, it can also be used in desserts or refreshing fruit salads. Given its high water content, Nungu is a hydrating snack, and it’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. If you ever get a chance to try this exotic fruit, don’t hesitate!

6. Natal Plum

Let’s go on a taste adventure to South Africa with the Natal Plum—also known as Carissa Macrocarpa. This fruit resembles a cranberry in terms of its rich, deep red color and a similar tart, yet sweet flavor profile. Less known beyond its native lands, the Natal Plum is a great addition to jellies, jams, desserts, or simply eating raw. Loaded with antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin C, they tend to provide a substantial boost to your overall health. I’m pretty sure you won’t regret trying this African treasure.

7. Nectacotum

Here we enter the fascinating world of hybrid fruits with the Nectacotum, a seamless blend of apricots, peaches, and plums. Yes, you read it right, three fruits in one! This delightful fruit first made an appearance in the markets of Australia, and since then, it’s been winning the hearts of fruit lovers globally. It’s sweet, juicy, and perfectly sized for a snack. Its nutrition profile is as impressive as its origin, high in fiber and vitamins, especially beneficial for digestion and immune health.

8. Nopales

Nopales or Prickly Pear cactus could be a strange addition to this fruit list, yet in Mexican cuisine, these are popular. They’re actually the pad of the cacti that’s consumed either raw or cooked, offering a flavor somewhat similar to green beans. They are low in calories yet high in fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium. So, if you’re looking for some culinary adventure, then including Nopales in your diet could be an interesting experience.

9. Nuts

You might be surprised to see nuts on our fruit list. Yes, indeed! Technically, nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts are considered fruits. A part of our everyday snacking, baking, or cooking, nuts are powerhouses of nutrition. They are packed with essential fats, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals that deliver numerous health benefits. Whether you munch on them raw, toast them for a flavorful twist, or sprinkle on your salads, nuts make a worthwhile contribution to a balanced diet.

10. Nutmeg

Looking up on our list, we find nutmeg– a fragrant spice derived from the seed of the fruit produced by the Myristica fragrans tree. Nutmeg has an extraordinary aroma and taste that adds a warm note of flavor to dishes, desserts, and beverages. Beyond its culinary use, nutmeg comes loaded with antioxidants, is known to enhance digestion, and even perk up skin health. So, the next time you see this spice in your kitchen, remember, it’s actually a fruit!

11. Nagami Kumquat

Now let’s meet a little citrus star – the Nagami Kumquat. This tiny, olive-shaped fruit is native to China and packs a big punch of flavor. The sweet, tender skin contrasts with the sour juicy pulp, leading to a fascinating taste adventure. You can eat it whole, skin and all! Packed with high levels of Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, kumquats contribute to boosting immunity, improving digestion, and enhancing overall wellbeing.

12. Naval Orange

We can’t discuss fruits starting with N without mentioning the Naval Orange. Easy to peel and segment, they are beloved for their sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy taste. They are a common feature in fruit salads, juices, and desserts. Naval oranges are also abundant in Vitamin C, fiber and potassium, boosting your immunity and promoting good heart health. So, whether you’re enjoying a fresh slice or squeezing it into juice, know that you’re making a healthful choice.

13. Nageia Nagi

The Nageia Nagi might not be known to all, but it’s decidedly a fruit that starts with an N. The plant is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to Eastern Asia and produces seeds enclosed in fleshy, edible coverings. The seeds have a mild and slightly sweet flavor, and are commonly roasted before consumption. Not only are they a tasty treat, they’re also full of nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and heart-healthy fats.

14. Naartjie

Straight from the lands of South Africa comes the Naartjie – a variety of mandarin which is sweet, juicy, and delightfully easy to peel. Its segments are tender and filled with a sweet, bright citrus flavor that refreshes one instantly. Apart from their taste, Naartjies offer a load of nutrients, including Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants – a worthy addition to any balanced diet.

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15. Nere

Continuing our journey, we land in Senegal, where the Nere fruit is popular. Known as ‘Dawadawa’ in some parts of Africa, this fruit has seeds that possess a unique sweet-sour taste. The pulp around the seeds can be dried and ground into a seasoning used in several local dishes. The seeds are packed with protein and lipids, providing essential nutrients to the local populace.

16. Nepali Hog Plum

The Nepali Hog Plum, or lappsii in the local language, is a tart Himalayan fruit often used in pickles and beverages in Nepal. Its green, plum-like fruits contain a smooth pit surrounded by juicy flesh. Rich in Vitamin C and iron, consuming this fruit can enhance the immune system and promote healthy blood cells, making it a valuable addition to any diet.

17. Nonda Plum

Our next stop lands us in Australia, with our focus centering on the Nonda Plum. This fruit, relished by indigenous communities, is a traditional bush food with a flaky yellow flesh and slightly sweet taste. Though it may be unfamiliar to many, it’s certainly worth exploring for its unique taste and its nutritional value, containing high levels of Vitamin C and dietary fiber.

18. Nance

The Nance is a small, yellow fruit native to the tropical regions of the Americas. The taste of the nance is unique, with a sweet and acidic flavor, often used to make jellies, syrup, and beverages. Rich in vitamins A, B, and C, and loaded with antioxidants, this lesser-known fruit is another healthful snack to familiarize yourself with.

19. Newtown Pippin Apple

Regarded as one of America’s first apples, the Newtown Pippin Apple has a long history that dates back to the 18th century. This versatile green apple, also known as ‘Albemarle Pippin,’ has a crisp, juicy texture with a unique, refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors. It is perfect for baking pies, making cider, or just munching on as is. Moreover, recreating the tastes of colonial America in your modern kitchen isn’t its only merit. Apples, including the Newtown Pippin variety, are packed with immune-boosting Vitamin C and dietary fiber, making them a smart choice for a healthy snack.

20. Nocera

Over in Italy, the Nocera grape continues to shine. It’s a hidden treasure mainly grown in the regions of Calabria and Sicily, celebrated for the scrumptious wines it produces. The small, round fruits are also enjoyed fresh off the vine, with a sweet-tart flavor that’s truly refreshing. While grapes are known for providing various nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamin K, and vitamin C, they also contain a powerful plant compound called resveratrol, which may offer heart health benefits.

21. Naranjilla

Hailing from South America, Naranjilla is a unique fruit. Its name translates to ‘little orange,’ but its flavor isn’t as straightforward. With a taste combination of lime and rhubarb, it’s differentiated by its green pulp and exterior fuzz, quite like a kiwi. The tart-sweet fruit can be juiced, used to flavor ice creams, or enjoyed raw. Naranjilla is noted for being a goods source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and some B-Vitamins, contributing to a healthier skin, stronger immune system, and enhanced energy metabolism respectively.

22. Neem

Last but not least, we turn to the subcontinent of India. As one of the most potent medicinal trees, Neem has numerous health benefits. Although its bitter fruit isn’t devoured traditionally, it holds a pivotal spot in natural medicine, and its extracts can be found in numerous health and hygiene products. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its role in diabetes management and skin health, the benefits of neem are rife and well-documented. However, given its strong flavor and power, neem should be used judiciously and under professional guidance for internal uses.

The Health Benefits of the Interesting Fruits that Start with N

Fruits are nature’s candy, providing a delightful sweet taste coupled with a nurturing treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. Those starting with ‘N’ are no exception. They not only intrigue us with their flavors but also grace us with surprisingly varied health benefits.

Nuts

Nuts, firstly, are a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats. Not to mention, they also provide a high fiber content, which aids digestion, and are chock-full of antioxidants. Whether you prefer to munch on almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts, these nutritious snacks also contribute to reducing heart disease.

Nam Dok Mai

The delightful Nam Dok Mai, a Thai mango variant, is another nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamin A and C, it gives your immune system a little extra boost- perfect for cold and flu season!

Naval Orange

The juicy Naval Orange is another champion of Vitamin C, keeping your skin glowing and your immune system robust. The flavonoids present in naval oranges have potential anti-inflammatory qualities which are beneficial for heart health.

Nageia Nagi

The Nageia Nagi, an Asian evergreen species producing round and yellow edible seeds, is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.

Reasons to Add Fruits that Start with ‘N’ in Your Diet

Starting to add the letter ‘N’ to your fruit bowl can be an inspiring culinary journey. Let’s examine why these fruits deserve a spot in your diet.

Nutritional Powerhouses

For one, these fruits are nutritional powerhouses! From vitamin C in navel oranges to protein in nuts, ‘N’ fruits offer a diverse array of essential nutrients.

Unique Flavors

Secondly, these fruits come in a variety of flavors. From the sweet-tartness of the naranjilla to the refreshing nungu, your palate will be titillated with new sensations.

Versatility in your Kitchen

Not only are these fruits beneficial health-wise and assorted in flavors, but they also add versatility to your kitchen. With these fruits in your cooking arsenal, you can create anything from salads and smoothies to condiments and desserts. Does nashi pear salad, nectacotum smoothie, or nance jam sound interesting to you? I bet they do!

So next time you’re at the grocery store, stretch your food horizons just a little, and explore the ‘N’ section of the fruit aisle. This quest for ‘N’ fruits is not only beneficial for your health but also satisfies your adventurous side. What’s not to love?

Conclusion

After this vivid journey through fruits that start with N, it’s clear that Mother Nature is an artist, a health guru, and a culinary genius all in one. We’ve savored the sweet, the sour, and the wonderful mysteries of the world’s lesser-known fruits. And perhaps, we’ve even challenged our taste buds a little. By embracing this realm of the fruit kingdom, we have widened our horizons and even stumbled upon new ways to enhance our health and daily diet.

Now, armed with this newfound knowledge, perhaps during your next trip to the market or a specialty food store, you could spot and try some of these N-starters. It’s a small yet exciting way to add a sprinkle of adventure to your daily life. After all, isn’t life too short to not taste all the fruits on the tree?