The first thing that pops into our mind regarding fruits is their sweet edibility. Nonetheless, botanically speaking, fruits are categorized as such due to flowers along with seeds being present or forming in the flower.
Apples. Apple is one such fruit whose mythology and literary significance has few comparatives Apple has been the source of inspiration for so many over the years be it during the time of Goddess Eve or Sir Issac Newton. It is customary that an apple is difficult to grow, which is a truth and comes with it’s own tensions be it in the form of pests or diseases.
Apricot. Apricot are somewhere on the boundaries between a plum and a peach. They appeal to a lot of people due to their sweet tangy taste. Whether it is fresh apricot or dried, or even preserved, all are equally appealing. Apart from the traditional uses, apricot juice is also welcome, whether it be for dressing salad, or grilling meat.
Blueberries. Blueberry possess some of the greatest cancer fighting antioxidants there are. And not only this, they add to the flavor of the majority of foods ranging from cereal, smoothie, dessert or even meat! These plants do present a visual delight with their white flower and green leaves but as is the case with most good things, they have a catch, the soil has to be acidic for them to prosper.
Cantaloupe. Cantaloupe belong to the family of melons which are relatively easy to grow as opposed to watermelos and honeydews. With a thumb test, they can be harvested when they are poised to yield lightly alongside giving off a sweet smell Juice.
Cherries. Cherries can be classified into two categories sweet cherry and tart or pie cherry. As sweet cherries are bigger than the other type, they are mostly deep red in color, or orange or almost black. Tart cherries tend to be red, however they are not as sweet. They are often eaten cooked into pies or boiled jams.
Dewberry. Dewberries resemble raspberries and blackberries and can be found in the wild in most of North America. They grow on bushes unlike other berries which grow on vines. They are sweet in taste with a tangy after taste. They can either be embedded further in pies and jams or enjoyed fresh.
Elephant Fruit. This Indian Cooking fruit is found throughout Asia. It is a small brown fruit enclosed in a hard green husk.
Fig. One of the oldest cultivated figs revered in Middle East countries, are supportive fruits which can be gained fresh or dried was braised into fig powder and even served as a substitute of coffee. Remains of figs have been founded in caves which dates back to Neolithic period 5,000 B.C.
Grapes. The health benefits of eating grapes are plentiful, one of them being resveratrol, which comes from grapes and is known to lower heart diseases. Grapes can be cultivated at homes as they only need the right type to be suitable for the climate. You can either eat the grapes or turn them into juice for later consumption.
Honeydew. People tend to love the sugary coolness which honeydew brings, especially in the summer. Honeydew is recognized as ripe whenever the rind has a very soft fuzz all over it.
Horned Melon. Horned melons originate from Africa, however, this annual vine can be seen growing in South America, Asia and California. When ripe, the shell is yellowish-orange with horns. It has a light green hue along with it’s seeds, but tastes oddly similar to a bannana.
Jabuticaba. Jabuticaba is a fruit that can be found in Brazil. It has two different names, the Brazilian grape tree being one of them. Jabuticaba is unique because it only bears fruit on the trunk instead of the branches. The deep-purple fruits found on the trunk are edible as is, but can also be changed into wine.
Kiwi. Did you know that kiwi fruit came from china? It was then first brought to the US from New Zealand, hence the name of the fruit. The country of origin now grows it all over California.
Lychee. This newly cultivated subtropical frost resistant fruit can be found in some parts of California. It has a very particular reddish shell. It is best enjoyed in fresh or canned form.
Mammee Apple.This evergreen shrub is widespread in South America, Hawaii, Africa, and Asia and bears substantial orange fruit with a thick rind. The fruit is sweet in taste and is mostly eaten raw.
Mango. This fruit is detested by some due to its fibrous membranes and similar essence to pine. Others find it so delectable that they consume it fresh or incorporate it into smoothies, sauces, and sorbets.
Noni. This fruit has the ability to grow throughout Asia all round the year. Unfortunately, when this fruit ripens, it has a strong smell which is often compared to vomit or cheese, thus the alternative name vomit fruit or cheese fruit. Despite that, noni is known to be highly nutritious.
Olive. Olives are devoid of the sweetness and juiciness we often expect fruits to contain, and are preserved in salt, but olives are indeed a type of fruit. These small heart-healthy spheres are cultivated for centuries and are found in the Middle East, southern Europe, and some regions in California.
Peach. Few fruits capture summer as a freshly picked peach. Sweet and aromatic, peaches can be canned or made into sauce, ice cream, and baked goods. Unfortunately, peach trees are short-lived and rarely prodcuce fruit for more than 10-15 years.
Rambutan. With its bright magenta exoskeleton and protruding green tentacles, this Southeast Asian fruit has a wild appearance. The fruit within is white and has a sweet, mildly acidic flavor.
Quince. Though quince may look dull at first glance, the sugary fluffy exterior and dry flesh reveal its true charm when used in baked treats, jams, and jellies, during which the fruit develops a mellow apple-like taste.
Raspberry. Raspberries are sweet and juicy with a tinge of tartness. Raspberries are all the more delicious when you combine them with other ingredients. You may incorporate them in smoothies, pour them over ice cream, or make mouthwatering sauces and jam.
Strawberry. Strawberries may not be classified as berries in the botanical sense because their seeds are located on the exterior of the fruit. However, that does not matter if you are a fan of the fruits. American Indians turned strawberries into powder and mixed it with cornmeal and then later on, introduced strawberries to colonizers.
Tomatillo. While this fruit is most often used in Mexican dishes, it is, in fact, a fruit just like the tomato. Although tomatillos are expensive in stores, they are easy to grow in a personal garden. Just make sure to give them enough space and treat them like tomatoes.
Ugli fruit. This fruit that derives from two species of tangerine and grapefruit may not look pretty on the outside, but once you peel its skin, it reveals tender and sweet fruit.
Xylocarp. Coconuts are an example of a woody-fruited plant, which is called a xylocarp within the realm of botany.
Watermelon. How do you select a ripe watermelon? In the eyes of New Mexico State University, the ground spot, or the dent mark a watermelon leaves whilst laying, is said to reveal more information than the rest of the fruit.
Yali Pear. California is also home to this fruit which originates from China, which is a blend of organic pears coming from China. Just like the rest of the pears on the world, they are sweet and juicy.
Zucchini. Commonly referred to as a vegetable, Zucchini is actually a fruit because it originates from a flower and has seeds. It is one of the most prolific crops in home gardening as it is very simple to grow. It can be used in a variety of dishes including sautés and stir fries, soups and even breads.
For Further Reading about Types of Fruit:
Small Fruits in the Home Garden – Virginia Cooperative Extension
Fruit Cultivars for Home Plantings – University of Missouri Extension