This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
Get to know other countries and cultures by enjoying different fruits from your local specialty markets. These fruits that start with I are a great start, featuring exotic finds from South Asia to Central America!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
1. Ice Cream Bean Fruit
The Ice cream bean fruit is native to South America and Central America. This intriguing fruit has a sweet flavor often described as reminiscent of vanilla ice cream.
You usually find this inside a large pod. To eat it, you must open the pod to get to the soft, white part that wraps around a black seed.
Still haven’t tasted this, but I really think it’s one of the most delicious fruits that start with I!
2. Indian Mango
There’s nothing like the sweet taste and tropical flavors of Indian mangoes!
This variety is not only found in India but also thrives in different countries with suitable subtropical and tropical regions.
There are so many reasons to love this Asian fruit.
Like the African mango and other varieties, it offers a lot of health benefits. It’s a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber.
3. Indian Fig Fruit
This list of fruits that start with I is making me develop a deeper love for cacti! Oh, Opuntia ficus-indica looks like the prickly pear we have here at home.
Its fruit is pear-shaped with a spiny outer skin. The color of the skin can vary, including shades of green, yellow, or red.
Inside is juicy flesh that ranges in color from white to deep red or purple. Its sweet flesh also comes with a slightly tangy flavor.
4. Indian Almond Fruit
The Indian Almond tree thrives mainly in Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Its sweet fruit has a nutty, tart flavor, often likened to that of almond or cashew.
It’s like a flattened almond with white flesh. If you’re a fruit lover, you’ll enjoy feasting on tropical almond fruits and other exotic fruits that start with I!
5. Indian Jujube Fruit
The first time I saw a photo of the Indian jujubes, I really noticed their resemblance to apples!
These fruits are native to Central Asia and are now being cultivated as far as the Middle East and Africa.
They are actually known for their apple-like flavor. It develops a sweet and slightly tangy flavor when ripe, similar to that of an apple or date.
Add these fruits with I to your sweet dishes for a burst of flavor you’ve never experienced before!
6. Imbe Fruit
Imbe fruit is primarily found in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It is often described as sweet and tangy with a hint of tartness.
It has a delicate flavor profile that combines sweetness with a refreshing citrusy taste.
Just imagine incorporating tropical fruits like this into your healthy diet and occasionally using them to create decadent dessert recipes!
7. Indonesian Lime
Indonesian Lime, also called Kaffir Lime, is a citrus fruit that thrives in Southeast Asia.
It’s small, round, and green, with juicy pulp and a bumpy, textured skin. Like many citrus fruits, it’s brimming with intense, aromatic flavor!
And it’s not just a tasty treat. Indulging in these fruits that start with I has numerous health benefits.
It’s known for its high vitamin C content, with small amounts of calcium, iron, and thiamine.
8. Ice Apple
Fruits beginning with I include some of the rarest and most delicious finds in the tropical world!
Among them is the ice apple, found in Asian tropical and subtropical regions. This unusual fruit has a jelly-like, translucent flesh.
It is often enjoyed for its cooling effect, making it popular in hot climates. It’s mild and refreshing!
This is a one-of-a-kind Asian fruit, but I’m sure it can also be incorporated into various creations, even in American desserts and savoury dishes.
9. Indian Gooseberry
The Indian gooseberry is the first fruit beginning with I that I ever read about. I think these popular fruits look so regal with their glossy, smooth skin.
Despite their sour taste, people still enjoy them raw.
But when used in dishes or processed into products like jams, their sour, astringent flavor is often balanced with sugar, resulting in desirable sweetness and tanginess!
10. Inca Berry
Oh, Inca berries look like ground cherries! Inca berry, also known as Cape gooseberry, are little round fruits wrapped in a paper-like cover.
They are part of the berry family and have a slightly tangy, acidic taste.
The best things about them, of course, are the nutritional benefits they offer.
They are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin A, boosting our immunity and skin health.
11. Indian Strawberry
Indian strawberries, commonly referred to as False strawberries or Mock strawberries, resemble traditional strawberries in shape and appearance.
These are probably some of the most attractive fruits that start with I that I’ve ever seen!
This type of fruit may not be true berries in a botanical sense, but they have a unique appeal, especially for those who love their subtle flavor and ornamental qualities.
12. Icaco Fruit
Fruits starting with I are sweet, soft, and juicy, perfect as decadent dessert ingredients!
The Icaco, or Coco plum, may not be the most popular fruit, but it’s cherished for its delightful blend of flavors, similar to cherries and apricots.
They are about the size of a cherry or plum, oval-shaped, and range in color from yellow to reddish-purple, depending on their ripeness.
13. Illawarra Plum
The next time you try making muffins, consider adding the Illawarra plum fruit to the list of ingredients to make your sweet creations even more flavorful!
It has a dark purple to black skin when ripe and is known for its deep color.
The flesh inside is dark, juicy, with a sweet and tart taste. It’s one of the best fruits to spice up your baking adventures!
14. Indian Sherbet Berry
Next on this list of fruits that start with I is the Indian Sherbet Berry.
It’s native to South Asia, including countries like India and Bangladesh.
It’s often described as a cross between blueberries and grapes, offering a refreshing, tangy, sweet flavor perfect for making summer beverages.
This I fruit is a great blueberry alternative for those of us who live in Asia!
15. Indian Prune
The Indian prune is another wonderful fruit from South Asia, featuring an oval shape, sweet flavor, and juicy, pulpy flesh.
Whenever I think about India and its surrounding countries, spices are the first things that come to mind. Well, not anymore!
It seems like many fruits that start with I dominate their local cuisine, so that’s something we should try when we visit!
16. Ita Palm Fruit
The Ita Palm fruit is native to various countries in South America, where it thrives in plenty of humidity and rainfall.
It comes with a sweet, tropical flavor with a citrusy twist. Experiencing the flavors of this fruit is a memorable experience!
It has been a traditional food source for indigenous communities in South America for centuries and plays a significant role in local cuisine.
17. Ilama Fruit
Berries are awesome additions to breakfast smoothies, but if you want something new, trust me, you must look way beyond them for an exotic experience.
The Ilama fruit from the Annonaceae family has a flavor profile similar to strawberry, pineapple, and citrus.
This fruit is similar to my favorite Guyabano – both have creamy, juicy flesh and can be used in beverages and desserts.
Explore more fruits that start with I to make your meals more delicious!
18. Imbu Fruit
Imbu fruits are sweet-tart tropical fruits that thrive in Brazil. They are round or oval, with soft and succulent flesh inside.
They have smooth green skin when unripe, which turns yellow or orange when ripe.
At first, I thought they were similar to grapes, but they are entirely different! Grapes don’t have the remarkable tropical taste of these extraordinary fruits.
19. Italian Prunes
Italian prunes are commonly cultivated and enjoyed in Italy and other European countries.
When ripe, they have deep purple to blue-black skin. These plums are well-known for their use in making prunes, which are dried and often consumed as a healthy snack or used in baking.
I believe these are some of the varieties we enjoy as prunes here in the Philippines.
20. Indigo Rose Black Tomato
Indigo Rose Black tomatoes are a unique and visually striking variety of tomatoes.
Aside from their dark, purplish-black skin, they are known for their complex, rich flavors – a combination of fruity taste and subtle tartness.
These fruits that start with I are readily available in the U.S., so you can use them to create visually stunning dishes on various occasions.
21. Indian River Grapefruit
Indian River grapefruit is a variety of grapefruit grown in the Indian River region of Florida.
It’s widely available during the citrus season, typically from late fall to early spring.
I’ve never tasted any grapefruit variety before, so I’m always drawn to this fruit’s brightly colored skin!
I’ve read that the flesh inside is usually pink to deep red, though there are also white-fleshed varieties. Be prepared to enjoy the most vibrant fruits that start with I!
22. Indian Mulberry
The taste of Indian mulberry, or Noni fruit, is quite unique and not to everyone’s liking. It’s been described as having a sharp, cheese-like flavor, somewhat tangy and bitter.
The smell, especially when overripe, can be strong and somewhat unpleasant, earning it nicknames such as cheese fruit or vomit fruit.
Even so, it’s one of the most unique fruits that start with I that you can explore whenever you can. Many people still enjoy this in juice form.
23. Idared Apple
The Idared apple was developed in the U.S. in 1942. This variety is known for its pleasant tartness.
It offers a crisp and juicy bite with a slightly sweet undertone. Ready to use these apples for your favorite apple recipes?
One of the standout features of the Idared apple is its versatility. It’s excellent for fresh eating, but it also retains its flavor and shape well when cooked!
FAQs on Fruits That Start with I
Is Indian Fig edible?
Yes, the Indian fig fruit is edible and safe for consumption.
What is the difference between the green and pink Ilama fruit?
Pink and green Ilamas are two varieties of the Ilama fruit with distinct flavors. Green Ilamas are sweet, while pink Ilamas have a tart taste.
Are Amla and Indian gooseberry the same?
Yes, Amla and Indian gooseberry refer to the same fruit.
What is a tropical fruit that starts with I?
The Imbu fruit is just one of the many tropical fruits that start with I.
Final Thoughts on Fruits That Start with I
I bet this list of fruits that start with I has surprised you with some incredible finds. But guess what? There’s so much more to explore! These fruits are just the beginning.
Now that you’ve uncovered these fascinating fruits, consider incorporating them into your favorite recipes!
I hope you found this post helpful. For more fruit ideas and suggestions, check out the complete List of Fruits from A to Z series. Here are a few suggestions for you: