Here’s a list of Fruits you should know about. The highlighted ones in red are readily available in Nigeria. Without further ado, view the list below.
A
- Apple: A widely cultivated fruit known for its crisp texture and sweet or tart flavor. Apples come in various colors such as red, green, and yellow, with numerous varieties offering different taste profiles. Types; Rose apples, Mountain apples
Red Apple
Green Apple
- Apricot: A small, orange-colored fruit with smooth skin and a sweet, tangy flavor. Apricots are closely related to peaches and plums and are often enjoyed fresh or dried.
- Avocado: A unique fruit with a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor. Avocados are prized for their high nutrient content, including healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are commonly used in salads, sandwiches, dips (such as guacamole), and smoothies.
- Ackee: Also known as Blighia sapida is a tropical fruit native to West Africa but is also widely cultivated in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, where it is the national fruit. Ackee is pear-shaped and bright red when ripe, and its flesh is creamy-white. The edible portion is the arils or seeds inside the fruit’s pods. It is commonly used in Caribbean cuisine, often cooked and served with saltfish (codfish) to make a dish called “ackee and saltfish.” However, it’s important to note that ackee must be properly harvested and prepared, as consuming unripe or improperly prepared ackee fruit can be toxic.
- African Almond Fruit: African almond” or “African almond tree” is the fruit of the tree Terminalia catappa. It’s also known as Elebobo, tropical almond, Indian almond, or sea almond. The fruit of the Terminalia catappa tree is not a true almond; rather, it’s a drupe, similar to a peach or cherry. The fruit contains a hard shell that surrounds the seed. The outer husk is green when young and turns brown as it matures. Inside the shell is the edible seed, which has a mild, almond-like flavor. These seeds can be eaten raw or roasted and are sometimes used in traditional medicine.
- African star Apple: Yes, the African star apple, also known as Agbalumo in Nigeria and Udara in other parts of West Africa, is a fruit. Botanically known as Chrysophyllum albidum, it is native to tropical West Africa. The fruit is round, typically green when unripe, and turns orange or yellow when ripe. It has a tough skin and a juicy, sweet-sour pulp surrounding seeds. The African star apple is commonly eaten fresh, and it’s also used to make juices, jams, and desserts. See more Here
B
- Banana: A long, curved fruit with yellow skin and soft, creamy flesh. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and dietary fiber. They are commonly eaten raw but can also be used in baking, smoothies, and desserts.
- Blueberry: Small, round berries with a dark blue-purple color and a sweet-tart flavor. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a popular choice for snacking, baking, and adding to breakfast dishes like yogurt and oatmeal.
- Blackberry: A dark-colored, juicy berry with a sweet-tart flavor. Blackberries grow on thorny bushes and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can be enjoyed fresh, used in baking, or incorporated into jams, jellies, and desserts.
- Boysenberry: A hybrid berry created from a cross between blackberries, raspberries, and loganberries. Boysenberries have a sweet-tart flavor and are similar in appearance to blackberries. They are often used in jams, pies, and desserts.
- Bilberry: Small, dark blue-purple berries similar to blueberries but with a slightly more tart flavor. Bilberries are known for their high antioxidant content and are sometimes used in traditional medicine for various health benefits. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking and baking.
- Barbados Cherry: Also known as Acerola, this small, cherry-like fruit is bright red to orange in color and has a tangy-sweet flavor. Barbados cherries are one of the richest sources of vitamin C among fruits and are often used in juices, smoothies, and jams.
- Breadfruit: A large, starchy fruit with green or yellow skin and a texture similar to that of bread when cooked. Breadfruit is a staple food in many tropical regions and can be boiled, baked, fried, or roasted. It is often used as a carbohydrate source in savory dishes.
-
Black tamarind: also known as velvet tamarind or Dialium indum, is indeed a fruit. It belongs to the genus Dialium and is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The fruit has a brownish-black, velvety skin and contains a sweet and tangy pulp surrounding a large seed. Black tamarind is commonly eaten fresh or used to make jams, beverages, and traditional remedies.
C.
- Cherry: A small, round fruit with a bright red or dark red skin and a sweet or tart flavor. Cherries are commonly eaten fresh, but they can also be used in pies, jams, and desserts.
- Coconut: A large, brown fruit with a hard outer shell and white flesh inside. Coconuts are known for their versatility, as they can be consumed in various forms, including fresh coconut water, coconut milk, coconut oil, and shredded coconut.
- Clementine (Yellow Tangerine): A small, seedless citrus fruit with a thin, easy-to-peel skin and sweet, juicy flesh. Clementines are similar to mandarin oranges and are often enjoyed as a healthy snack or added to salads and desserts.
- Cranberry: Small, tart berries with a deep red color. Cranberries are commonly consumed in juice form or dried and are known for their potential health benefits, particularly for urinary tract health. They are also used in sauces, jams, and baked goods.
- Cantaloupe: A type of melon with a sweet, orange flesh and a ribbed, netted outer skin. Cantaloupes are often eaten fresh as a refreshing snack or added to fruit salads and smoothies.
- Carambola: Also known as starfruit, carambola is a tropical fruit with a distinctive star-shaped cross-section. It has a sweet and slightly tart flavor and is often eaten fresh or used as a garnish in salads and desserts.
- Currant: Small, round berries that come in various colors, including red, black, and white. Currants have a tart flavor and are commonly used in jams, jellies, syrups, and baked goods.
- Custard Apple: Also known as cherimoya or sugar apple, custard apple is a tropical fruit with a creamy, custard-like texture and a sweet flavor. It is often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies.
- Cocoa: The cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao) produces cocoa pods, which contain cocoa beans surrounded by a sweet, mucilaginous pulp. Cocoa beans are the primary ingredient used to make chocolate, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter. The pulp itself can also be eaten and has a slightly sweet taste. So, while cocoa beans are often associated with chocolate production, they originate from the fruit of the cocoa tree, making cocoa a fruit.
- Capsicums:
D
- Date: A sweet and chewy fruit that grows on date palm trees. Dates are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They are commonly eaten fresh or dried and are used in baking, cooking, and as a natural sweetener.
- Dragonfruit: Also known as pitaya, dragonfruit is a tropical fruit with vibrant pink or yellow skin and white or pink flesh speckled with black seeds. It has a mildly sweet flavor and is often eaten fresh or used in smoothies, salads, and desserts.
E
- Elderberry: Small, dark purple berries that grow in clusters on the elder tree. Elderberries are tart when raw but are often used in jams, syrups, and wine-making due to their rich flavor and high antioxidant content.
- Emu Apple: Also known as muntries, emu apples are small, greenish berries native to Australia. They have a tart flavor with hints of spice and are traditionally used by Indigenous Australians in cooking and medicine.
F
- Fig: Figs are sweet, teardrop-shaped fruits with a soft flesh and a slightly crunchy edible seeds. They come in various colors, including green, purple, and black. Figs are often eaten fresh or dried and are used in cooking, baking, and as a topping for salads and desserts.
- Feijoa: Also known as pineapple guava, feijoa is a tropical fruit with a green skin and a fragrant, sweet-tart flesh. It has a flavor reminiscent of a combination of pineapple, guava, and strawberry. Feijoas are commonly eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
G
- Grape: Grapes are small, round or oval-shaped fruits that grow in clusters on vines. They come in various colors, including green, red, and purple. Grapes are commonly eaten fresh as a snack, used in salads, or processed into juice, wine, raisins, and jelly.
Red Grape
- Grapefruit: Grapefruit is a citrus fruit known for its tangy flavor and slightly bitter taste. It comes in different varieties, such as white, pink, and red. Grapefruit is often eaten fresh, juiced, or added to salads and desserts. It’s also a popular breakfast fruit.
- Guava: Guava is a tropical fruit with a green or yellow skin and pink or white flesh containing small edible seeds. It has a sweet fragrance and a flavor ranging from sweet to slightly tart. Guavas can be eaten fresh, used in smoothies, salads, jams, jellies, and desserts.
- Garden egg (Solanum melongena): also known as eggplant or aubergine, is a fruit that belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is botanically classified as a berry. Garden egg comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from small and round to long and slender, and from white to purple or even striped varieties. It is commonly used in cooking and is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world, particularly in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines.
- Honeydew: Honeydew is a type of melon with a smooth, pale green skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It has a high water content and is often enjoyed fresh as a refreshing snack or added to fruit salads and desserts.
- Huckleberry: Huckleberries are small, round berries that grow on bushes in North America. They come in various colors, including red, blue, and black, and have a tart, slightly sweet flavor. Huckleberries are commonly used in jams, pies, and desserts.
I
- Imbe: The imbe fruit is a small, round berry native to Africa. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with hints of citrus. Imbe fruits are often eaten fresh or used to make jams and preserves. They are also sometimes fermented to produce alcoholic beverages.
J
- Jackfruit: Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit with a spiky green or yellow skin and sweet, fibrous flesh. It has a flavor reminiscent of a combination of ba nana, pineapple, and mango. Jackfruit is often used in both savory and sweet dishes, including curries, stir-fries, desserts, and as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes.
- Jujube: Jujube, also known as red date or Chinese date, is a small, sweet fruit with a wrinkled skin and a crisp, apple-like texture. It is commonly eaten fresh or dried and is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its purported health benefits. Jujubes can also be used in cooking, baking, and making tea or syrup.
K
- Kiwi: Kiwi is a small, oval-shaped fruit with brown fuzzy skin and vibrant green flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with notes of tropical fruits like strawberries and bananas. Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s commonly eaten fresh, sliced, or used in salads, smoothies, and desserts.
- Kumquat: Kumquat is a small citrus fruit resembling an oval-shaped orange. Unlike most citrus fruits, the skin of kumquat is sweet and edible, while the flesh inside is tart. Kumquats are often eaten whole, including the peel, or used in cooking, baking, and making preserves.
L
- Lemon: Lemon is a citrus fruit known for its bright yellow skin and tart flavor. It’s commonly used for its juice, zest, and pulp in cooking, baking, beverages, and as a flavoring agent. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Lime: Lime is another citrus fruit with a round, greenish-yellow skin and a tangy flavor similar to lemons but slightly sweeter. Limes are widely used in cooking, baking, beverages (such as limeade and margaritas), and as a garnish. They’re also a good source of vitamin C.
- Lychee: Lychee is a tropical fruit with a rough, pinkish-red outer skin and sweet, translucent flesh. It has a floral fragrance and a flavor reminiscent of grapes and strawberries. Lychees are often eaten fresh, used in desserts, salads, and beverages, or preserved in syrup.
M
- Mango: Mango is a tropical fruit with a smooth, golden-yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It has a rich, tropical flavor with hints of peach and citrus. Mangoes are often eaten fresh, sliced, or used in smoothies, salads, salsas, desserts, and juices. – Bush mango (Seed is ogbono)
- Melon: Melon refers to various fruits belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, including cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. These fruits have juicy flesh and a high water content, making them refreshing and hydrating. Melons are commonly enjoyed fresh as a snack or added to fruit salads and desserts.
- Mandarin Orange: Mandarin orange is a citrus fruit similar to oranges but smaller and sweeter. It has a thin, easy-to-peel skin and juicy segments. Mandarin oranges are often eaten fresh, used in salads, or processed into juice and canned segments.
- Marrow: Baby Marrow
- Mulberry: Mulberry is a sweet and juicy berry that grows on mulberry trees. It comes in various colors, including black, red, and white. Mulberries can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, jellies, pies, and desserts.
- Monkey Kola:
- Maize (Corn)
N
- Nectarine: Nectarine is a smooth-skinned variety of peach with a sweet and juicy flesh. It is similar in taste and appearance to peaches but lacks the fuzzy skin. Nectarines are often eaten fresh, sliced, or used in salads, desserts, and preserves.
- Nashi Pear: Nashi pear, also known as Asian pear or apple pear, is a crisp and juicy fruit resembling a cross between an apple and a pear. It has a sweet and refreshing flavor with a texture similar to apples. Nashi pears are commonly eaten fresh, sliced, or used in salads and desserts.
O
- Orange: Oranges are citrus fruits known for their bright orange skin and juicy, sweet-tart flesh. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Oranges are commonly eaten fresh, juiced, or used in cooking, baking, and beverages.
- Olives: Olives are small, oval-shaped fruits with a pit at the center. They have a unique flavor profile that can range from mild to intense, depending on the variety and curing method. Olives are commonly used to produce olive oil, and they can also be eaten whole, stuffed, or used in cooking, salads, and appetizers.
P
- Pear: Pears are sweet and juicy fruits with a distinctive bell-like shape and a thin skin. They come in various colors, including green, yellow, and red, and have a crisp texture when ripe. Pears are commonly eaten fresh, sliced, or used in salads, desserts, and preserves.
- Plum: Plums are small, round fruits with smooth skin and sweet or tart flesh. They come in various colors, including red, purple, yellow, and green. Plums are commonly eaten fresh, dried (known as prunes), or used in jams, jellies, pies, and desserts.
- Pineapple: Pineapple is a tropical fruit with a tough, spiky skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It has a tangy flavor with hints of citrus and tropical notes. Pineapples are commonly eaten fresh, sliced, or used in salads, smoothies, desserts, and savory dishes.
- Papaya (PawPaw): Papaya is a tropical fruit with a green or orange skin and orange or pinkish-red flesh containing black seeds. It has a sweet and musky flavor with a creamy texture. Papayas are commonly eaten fresh, sliced, or used in salads, smoothies, and desserts.
- Persimmon: Persimmons are sweet and flavorful fruits with a smooth, thin skin and soft, jelly-like flesh when ripe. They come in various varieties, including Fuyu and Hachiya, and have a sweet flavor reminiscent of dates and honey. Persimmons are commonly eaten fresh, sliced, or used in salads, desserts, and baking.
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Peppers: Specifically, when we refer to “pepper” in culinary terms, we’re often talking about the fruits of plants in the genus Capsicum, which includes varieties such as Scotch bonnets, bell peppers, chili peppers, jalapeños, and habaneros. These fruits are botanically classified as berries, and they contain seeds within their flesh. Peppers are commonly used as vegetables in cooking, but from a botanical perspective, they are fruits because they develop from the ovary of a flowering plant and contain seeds.
- Palm Fruit:
- Passion Fruit:
- Plantain:
Q
- Quince: Quince is a fragrant fruit resembling a cross between an apple and a pear. It has a tough, yellow skin and firm, tart flesh. Quinces are commonly used in cooking, baking, and making preserves, as they become tender and flavorful when cooked. They are often used to make jams, jellies, sauces, and desserts.
R
- Raspberry: Raspberries are small, delicate berries with a vibrant red color and a sweet-tart flavor. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Raspberries are commonly eaten fresh, added to salads, cereals, and desserts, or used in jams, jellies, and sauces.
- Redcurrant: Redcurrants are small, round berries with a bright red color and a tart flavor. They grow in clusters on deciduous shrubs and are commonly used in jams, jellies, sauces, and desserts. Redcurrants are also enjoyed fresh or used as a garnish.
- Rambutan: Rambutan is a tropical fruit with a hairy red or yellow skin and a sweet, juicy flesh surrounding a large seed. It has a flavor similar to lychee and longan. Rambutans are commonly eaten fresh, peeled, or used in salads, desserts, and beverages.
S
- Strawberry: Strawberries are sweet, juicy berries with a bright red color and small seeds on their surface. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Strawberries are commonly eaten fresh, used in salads, desserts, and smoothies, or made into jams and preserves.
- Starfruit: Starfruit, also known as carambola, is a tropical fruit with a unique star-shaped cross-section. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with a crisp texture. Starfruit is commonly eaten fresh, sliced, or used in salads, desserts, and beverages.
- Soursop: Soursop is a tropical fruit with a prickly green skin and soft, white, fibrous flesh containing black seeds. It has a sweet and tangy flavor reminiscent of a combination of pineapple and strawberry. Soursop is commonly eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in desserts and beverages.
- Satsuma: Satsuma is a type of mandarin orange with a thin, easy-to-peel skin and sweet, juicy segments. It has a slightly flattened shape and a rich flavor. Satsumas are commonly eaten fresh, peeled, or used in salads and desserts.
- Sweet sop: Sweet sop, also known as custard apple or sugar apple, is a tropical fruit with a green, scaly skin and creamy, custard-like flesh containing black seeds. It has a sweet and aromatic flavor reminiscent of vanilla and pineapple. Sugar apples are commonly eaten fresh, scooped out of the skin, or used in desserts and beverages.
T
- Tomato: While commonly considered a vegetable in culinary contexts, tomatoes are botanically classified as fruits. They have a smooth, shiny skin and juicy flesh with numerous edible seeds. Tomatoes come in various colors, including red, yellow, and green, and have a sweet-tart flavor. They are versatile and used in a wide range of savory dishes, salads, sauces, and beverages.
- Tamarillo: Tamarillo, also known as tree tomato, is a tropical fruit with an egg-shaped or oval body and smooth, shiny skin ranging from red to orange or yellow. It has a tangy flavor and is often eaten fresh or used in cooking, salads, jams, and chutneys.
- Tangerine: Tangerine is a citrus fruit similar to mandarin orange but smaller and sweeter. It has a thin, easy-to-peel skin and juicy, segmented flesh. Tangerines are commonly eaten fresh, peeled, or used in salads, desserts, and juices.
- Tamarind: Tamarind is a tropical fruit with a hard, brown pod containing a sour pulp and seeds. The pulp is used in cooking to add a tangy flavor to various dishes, sauces, chutneys, and beverages. Tamarind is also used in candies and desserts.
- Tangelo: Tangelo is a hybrid citrus fruit derived from crossing tangerines and grapefruits or pomelos. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with a thick, bumpy skin. Tangelos are commonly eaten fresh, peeled, or used in salads and desserts.
U
- Ugli fruit: Ugli fruit is a hybrid citrus fruit, similar to a tangelo, with a wrinkled, greenish-yellow skin. It has a sweet and tangy flavor, resembling a combination of grapefruit, orange, and tangerine. Ugli fruit is commonly eaten fresh, peeled, or used in salads and desserts.
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Ube :Ube Okpoko/ Atili
V
- Vanilla Bean: Vanilla is a flavoring derived from the cured pods of the vanilla orchid. While not typically eaten as a fruit on its own, the vanilla bean is used to impart a sweet, aromatic flavor to various desserts, beverages, and dishes.
- Victoria Plum: The Victoria plum is a type of plum with a red or yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It has a distinctive flavor and is commonly eaten fresh or used in cooking, baking, jams, and preserves.
W
- Watermelon: Watermelon is a large, juicy fruit with a thick rind and sweet, watery flesh. It has a refreshing flavor and is commonly enjoyed fresh as a summertime snack or used in salads, smoothies, and beverages.
- Wax Jambu: Wax jambu, also known as rose apple, is a tropical fruit with a waxy, bell-shaped exterior and crisp, juicy flesh. It has a mildly sweet flavor with floral undertones. Wax jambu is commonly eaten fresh, sliced, or used in salads and desserts.
X
- Xigua: Xigua, also known as the watermelon, is a type of watermelon with a black rind and sweet, juicy flesh. It is similar to the common watermelon but typically smaller in size. Xigua is commonly enjoyed fresh as a snack or used in salads, smoothies, and desserts.
Y
- Yangmei: Yangmei, also known as Chinese bayberry or waxberry, is a small, round fruit with a rough, red or purple skin and sweet, juicy flesh surrounding a large seed. It has a tart and refreshing flavor with floral undertones. Yangmei is commonly eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and alcoholic beverages.
- Yellow Passion Fruit: Yellow passion fruit is a tropical fruit with a smooth, yellow skin and aromatic, flavorful pulp containing numerous seeds. It has a sweet-tart flavor with floral and tangy notes. Yellow passion fruit is commonly eaten fresh, juiced, or used in desserts, beverages, and sauces.
Z
- Zucchini: While technically classified as a fruit botanically, zucchini is commonly treated as a vegetable in culinary contexts. Zucchini is a type of squash with a smooth, green skin and tender flesh. It has a mild flavor and is commonly used in savory dishes such as stir-fries, soups, salads, and as a substitute for pasta in dishes like zucchini noodles.
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