Fruits are a delicious part of our diet, but we often stick to the same few types. You might feel that you are missing out on some tasty and healthy options.
Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll introduce you to 27 exciting fruits that start with the letter D.
These fruits will add variety to your meals and boost your nutrition. I’ll share details about their taste, texture, and health benefits.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a list of new fruits to try and impress your friends with your fruit knowledge.
Let’s explore these lesser-known but equally yummy D-named fruits together!
List of Fruit That Starts with D
1. Dates
Dates originate from the Middle East and are characterized by wrinkled, brownish-red skin. They have a sweet, caramel-like taste and a chewy texture.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Commonly used in desserts, smoothies, and as a natural sweetener |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Requires hot, dry climates with full sun |
Fun Facts
- Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world.
- There are over 200 varieties of dates.
2. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, native to Central America, has vibrant pink or yellow skin and white or red flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. Its mildly sweet flavor is often compared to a mix of kiwi and pear.
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in smoothies, or added to salads |
| Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Requires warm temperatures and well-drained soil |
Fun Facts
- Dragon fruit is also known as “pitaya.”
- The plant that produces dragon fruit is a type of cactus.
3. Durian
Durian is a tropical fruit from Southeast Asia, known for its spiky exterior and strong odor. Despite the smell, the creamy flesh inside is loved by many for its rich, custard-like flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in calories, healthy fats, and vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in desserts, or blended into smoothies |
| Harvesting Season | Late spring to early summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical, humid environments |
Fun Facts
- Durian is often called the “king of fruits.”
- Some countries have banned durian in public places due to its strong smell.
4. Damson Plum
Damson plums originate from the Mediterranean region. They have dark purple skin and a tart flavor, making them ideal for preserves and jams.
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Commonly used in jams, jellies, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates and well-drained soil |
Fun Facts
- Damson plums are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world.
- They are known for their intense flavor and are often used in traditional British recipes.
5. Davidson’s Plum
Davidson’s plum is native to Australia. It has dark purple skin and a tart, tangy flavor similar to rhubarb.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in sauces, jams, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Winter to early spring |
| Growing Condition | Grows in subtropical rainforests |
Fun Facts
- Davidson’s plum is considered a bushfood, traditionally used by Indigenous Australians.
- It has a high antioxidant content, making it a popular superfood.
6. Desert Lime
Desert lime is a native Australian fruit with small, green fruits and a tart, lemony flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, calcium, and folate |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in marmalades, sauces, and beverages |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions |
Fun Facts
- Desert lime is extremely drought-resistant.
- It is often used in bush tucker cuisine.
7. Dabai
Dabai, also known as the “black olive,” originates from Malaysia and has dark, purplish-black skin with a rich, creamy taste.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fat, protein, and calcium |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, boiled, or added to rice dishes |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Grows in tropical, humid environments |
Fun Facts
- Dabai is often eaten as a snack in Malaysia, sometimes with soy sauce.
- The fruit is also used to make traditional Malaysian dishes.
8. Dekopon
Dekopon is a Japanese citrus fruit known for its large size, sweet taste, and easy-to-peel skin.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in desserts, or juiced |
| Harvesting Season | Winter to early spring |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts
- Dekopon is a hybrid between a mandarin and an orange.
- It is considered one of the sweetest citrus fruits in the world.
9. Duku
Duku is a small, round fruit native to Southeast Asia. Its skin is yellowish-brown, and the flesh is sweet and juicy, similar to that of a lychee.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and iron |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh or used in desserts and salads |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Grows in tropical, humid environments |
Fun Facts
- Duku is often mistaken for its close relative, the langsat.
- The seeds of the duku are bitter and should not be eaten.
10. Dead Man’s Fingers
Dead Man’s Fingers is an elongated, blue fruit from the UK with a cucumber-like taste.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in water content and low in calories |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh or added to salads |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers cool, temperate climates with moist soil |
Fun Facts
- The fruit is named after its eerie, finger-like appearance.
- It is considered a rare and unusual fruit in the UK.
11. Dangleberry
Dangleberry is a North American fruit related to the blueberry. Its small, dark blue berries have a sweet-tart flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in jams, pies, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | It prefers acidic soil and partial shade |
Fun Facts
- Dangleberries are a favorite food of black bears.
- They are also known as “blue huckleberries.”
12. Desert Quandong
Desert Quandong is an Australian native fruit with a bright red color and a tart, tangy flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and iron |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in sauces, jams, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in arid, desert-like conditions |
Fun Facts
- Desert Quandong trees can survive for up to 150 years.
- Indigenous Australians have used the fruit for thousands of years.
13. Double Coconut
Double Coconut, also known as the “Coco de Mer,” is native to the Seychelles and produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The fruit is known for its size and unique shape.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in healthy fats and minerals |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | The fruit’s kernel is edible and often used in local dishes |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Grows in tropical, coastal environments |
Fun Facts
- The Double Coconut can weigh up to 66 pounds.
- It is often referred to as the “sea coconut.”
14. Dodder Laurel
Dodder Laurel is a parasitic plant found in tropical regions. It produces small, round fruits with a sweet, mild taste.
| Nutritional Benefits | Contains vitamins and minerals, low in calories |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh or used in traditional medicines |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Grows on host plants in tropical environments |
Fun Facts
- Dodder Laurel is also known as “love vine” due to its parasitic nature.
- The fruit is used in traditional medicine in some cultures.
15. Dovyalis
Dovyalis, also known as “Kei apple,” is a small, orange-yellow fruit from Africa with a tart, citrusy flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in jams, jellies, and sauces |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, dry climates |
Fun Facts
- Dovyalis can be eaten fresh but is often too tart for some palates.
- The plant is sometimes grown as a hedge due to its thorny branches.
16. Darling Plum
Darling Plum is a tropical fruit native to the Caribbean. It has dark purple skin and sweet, juicy flesh.
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in vitamins A and C and dietary fiber |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in jams, jellies, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm, coastal areas |
Fun Facts
- The fruit is a popular food source for birds in the Caribbean.
- It is often used in traditional Caribbean desserts.
17. Date Plum
Date Plum, also known as “Persimmon,” is native to Asia. It is bright orange in color and has a sweet, honey-like flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamins A and C and dietary fiber |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, dried, or used in desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late fall to early winter |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts
- Date plums have been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
- The fruit is often associated with autumn festivals in Asia.
18. Downy Myrtle
Downy Myrtle is a small, pinkish fruit native to Southeast Asia with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in jams, jellies, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Grows in tropical, humid environments |
Fun Facts
- Downy Myrtle is often used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine.
- The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental shrub.
19. Duku Langsat
Duku Langsat is a tropical fruit from Southeast Asia with small, round, yellowish-brown fruits that have a sweet, tangy flavor similar to lychee.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in desserts, or juiced |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, humid climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts
- Duku Langsat is often confused with langsat, but the two differ slightly.
- The fruit is considered a delicacy in many Southeast Asian countries.
20. Dapple Dandy Pluot
Dapple Dandy Pluot is a hybrid fruit, a cross between a plum and an apricot. It has mottled skin and sweet, juicy flesh.
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in vitamins A and C and dietary fiber |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in desserts, or made into jams |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts
- The Dapple Dandy Pluot is often called the “dinosaur egg” due to its mottled skin.
- It was developed in the 20th century by a fruit breeder in California.
21. Dapple Supreme
Dapple Supreme is another hybrid fruit, similar to the Dapple Dandy, with a sweet-tart flavor and juicy flesh.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in salads, or made into preserves |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer |
| Growing Condition | Requires warm, sunny climates and well-drained soil |
Fun Facts
- Dapple Supreme is known for its unique, speckled appearance.
- It is one of the many pluot varieties created by fruit breeders.
22. Dolgo Crabapple
Dolgo Crabapple is a small, red fruit with a tart flavor, often used in making cider or jelly.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in ciders, jellies, and sauces |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts
- Dolgo Crabapples are one of the most cold-hardy fruit trees.
- The fruit is often used in traditional Russian recipes.
23. Dabai
Dabai, also known as the “black olive,” is a fruit native to Malaysia with a creamy texture and rich flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in healthy fats, protein, and calcium |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, boiled, or added to rice dishes |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical, humid environments |
Fun Facts
- Dabai is a staple in Malaysian cuisine, often eaten with soy sauce.
- The fruit is sometimes fermented for a unique flavor.
24. Desert Fig
Desert Fig, also known as Ficus platypoda, is native to arid regions of Australia and produces small, sweet fruits.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, calcium, and iron |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, dried, or used in traditional dishes |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers arid, desert-like conditions |
Fun Facts
- Desert figs were an important food source for Indigenous Australians.
- The fruit is often dried and stored for use during the dry season.
25. Dewberry
Dewberry is a wild fruit similar to blackberry, with small, dark purple berries and a sweet-tart flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in pies, jams, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Grows in temperate climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts
- Dewberries are often found growing wild in North America.
- The plant is known for its trailing vines and thorny stems.
26. Dangleberry
Dangleberry is a small, dark blue fruit similar to blueberries found in North America. It has a sweet-tart flavor.
| Nutritional Benefits | High in antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Used in jams, pies, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers acidic soil and partial shade |
Fun Facts
- Dangleberries are a favorite food of black bears.
- They are also known as “blue huckleberries.”
27. Dodder Laurel
Dodder Laurel is a parasitic plant found in tropical regions, producing small, round fruits with a sweet, mild taste.
| Nutritional Benefits | It contains vitamins and minerals, low in calories |
|---|---|
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh or used in traditional medicines |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Grows on host plants in tropical environments |
Fun Facts
- Dodder Laurel is also known as the “love vine” due to its parasitic nature.
- The fruit is used in traditional medicine in some cultures.
Conclusion
We’ve explored 27 interesting fruits that start with D, from the familiar dates to the exotic durian. I hope this list has sparked your curiosity to try new flavors.
Why does this matter? Eating a variety of fruits can boost your health and expand your palate. It’s not just about nutrition; it’s about enjoying nature’s rich diversity.
What’s next? I challenge you to pick one fruit you’ve never tried from this list. Look for it next time at the grocery store or farmers market.
If you can’t find it locally, search for specialty stores or online retailers that might carry it.
Have you tried any of these fruits? Which one intrigues you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Let’s continue this fruity adventure together!
