Love fruits but feel stuck with your usual choices? You’re not alone.
Many of us tend to grab the same apples, bananas, and oranges every time we shop. But there’s a world of tasty fruits out there waiting to be discovered.
I’ve got good news for you. In this post, I’ll introduce you to 35 interesting fruits that start with the letter L. These fruits will add excitement to your palate and boost your nutrition.
Get ready to explore a variety of flavors, from sweet to tangy, and textures from creamy to crunchy.
Let’s dive into this fruity adventure together!
List of Fruits That Start with L to Enjoy
1. Lemon
Lemon is a citrus fruit from Asia. It is recognized for its bright yellow color and tangy, acidic taste. Lemons are widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Citrus limon |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Juices, dressings, marinades, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Requires warm, sunny climates |
Fun Facts
- Lemons float in water, while limes sink due to their density.
- During the Renaissance, lemons were a luxury item to prevent scurvy.
2. Lime
Lime is a small, green citrus fruit that also originates from Asia. It has a tart, tangy flavor and is used in both savory and sweet dishes.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Citrus aurantiifolia |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, it aids digestion |
| Culinary Uses | Beverages, salsas, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Limes were once fed to British sailors to prevent scurvy, giving them the nickname “Limeys.”
- Key limes are smaller and more acidic than Persian limes.
3. Lychee
Lychee is a tropical fruit native to southern China. It features a rough, red rind and sweet, juicy white flesh. The fruit has a floral, slightly tart flavor.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Litchi chinensis |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, low in calories |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in desserts, in cocktails |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Requires warm, humid climates |
Fun Facts
- Lychees have been cultivated for over 4,000 years.
- The fruit is a symbol of love and romance in China.
4. Longan
Longan, often called “Dragon’s Eye,” is a small, round fruit with translucent, juicy flesh and a sweet, musky flavor. It originates from Southeast Asia.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dimocarpus longan |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, dried, in soups and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Longan is often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
- The name “Dragon’s Eye” comes from the fruit resembling an eyeball when shelled.
5. Loquat
Loquat is a sweet, tangy fruit with a yellow-orange hue that originates from China. It has a pear-like flavor and is often eaten fresh or made into preserves.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eriobotrya japonica |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, Vitamin A |
| Culinary Uses | Jams, jellies, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late spring |
| Growing Condition | Prefers subtropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Loquat trees bloom in autumn, and fruit in late spring.
- Loquats are sometimes called “Japanese medlars.”
6. Lucuma
Lucuma is a fruit native to Peru. It is known for its sweet, maple-like flavor and yellow flesh. It is often used as a natural sweetener in desserts and smoothies.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pouteria lucuma |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in antioxidants, iron, fiber |
| Culinary Uses | Ice cream, smoothies, baking |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in subtropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Lucuma is sometimes referred to as the “Gold of the Incas.”
- It is often used in place of sugar in traditional Peruvian desserts.
7. Langsat
Langsat is a small, round fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its translucent, juicy flesh and sweet, slightly tart flavor.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lansium parasiticum |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in fruit salads, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | It prefers tropical, humid climates |
Fun Facts
- The fruit’s seeds are very bitter, so they are not usually eaten.
- The langsat tree is also valued for its hard, durable wood.
8. Lakoocha
Lakoocha, also known as monkey fruit, is native to India and Southeast Asia. It has a rough brown exterior and a tangy, sweet pulp that is often used in chutneys.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Artocarpus lakoocha |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, potassium |
| Culinary Uses | Chutneys, jams, pickles |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- The wood of the Lakoocha tree is used for making musical instruments.
- The fruit is often fermented to make a traditional alcoholic drink.
9. Lulo
Lulo, also known as naranjilla, is a citrus-flavored fruit with an orange exterior and green flesh, native to the Andes region of South America.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solanum quitoense |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, iron |
| Culinary Uses | Juices, sauces, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Prefers cool, humid climates |
Fun Facts
- Lulo is often described as having a flavor combination of pineapple, lemon, and rhubarb.
- The fruit is very sensitive to frost and requires careful cultivation.
10. Loganberry
Loganberry is a hybrid fruit that combines the qualities of raspberries and blackberries. It is deep red and tart, and it was first cultivated in California.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rubus × loganobaccus |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Jams, jellies, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Mid to late summer |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates |
Fun Facts
- The loganberry was accidentally created by a horticulturist in the late 19th century.
- Loganberries are often used in pies and jams due to their rich flavor.
11. Lifesaver Fruit
The Lifesaver fruit, named for its shape, is a small, circular fruit with a sweet and tangy taste, commonly found in tropical regions.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | N/A (common name used for various fruits) |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, low in calories |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in fruit salads, snacks |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm, tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- The fruit is often a favorite among children due to its fun shape and taste.
- It is called the “Lifesaver” because its shape resembles the popular candy.
12. Limau Purut (Kaffir Lime)
Limau Purut, or Kaffir Lime, is a small, dark green citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves and zest are commonly used in cooking, especially in Thai cuisine.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Citrus hystrix |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, essential oils |
| Culinary Uses | Curries, soups, teas |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- The leaves of the Kaffir lime tree are often used in traditional medicine.
- The fruit is not typically eaten fresh due to its strong, bitter taste.
13. Lardizabala (Chilean Wineberry)
Lardizabala, also known as Chilean Wineberry, is a purple, grape-like fruit native to Chile. It has a sweet, juicy flavor and is often eaten fresh or used in wines.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lardizabala biternata |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in antioxidants, Vitamin C |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, wines, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates |
Fun Facts
- The Chilean Wineberry is related to the kiwi fruit.
- The fruit is considered a delicacy in its native region.
14. Lanzones
Lanzones, also known as langsat, is a small, round fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a translucent, sweet, and slightly tart flesh, similar to lychee.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lansium parasiticum |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in fruit salads, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- The bark of the lanzones tree is used in traditional medicine.
- Lanzones is celebrated in the Philippines during the Lanzones Festival.
15. Lapsi
Lapsi is a small, greenish-yellow fruit native to Nepal. Its tangy, sour taste makes it often used to make pickles, chutneys, and traditional Nepalese sweets.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Choerospondias axillaris |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Pickles, chutneys, sweets |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers subtropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Lapsi is considered a sacred fruit in some regions of Nepal.
- It is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for its health benefits.
16. Laranja (Brazilian Orange)
Laranja is the Portuguese word for orange, and it refers specifically to the sweet, juicy oranges grown in Brazil, one of the largest orange producers in the world.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Citrus sinensis |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, potassium |
| Culinary Uses | Juices, desserts, snacks |
| Harvesting Season | Winter to spring |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, subtropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Brazil is the leading exporter of orange juice worldwide.
- The orange blossom is the state flower of Florida, USA, due to the influence of Brazilian oranges.
17. Lucerne Apple
The Lucerne Apple is a variety of apples known for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. It is commonly grown in Europe, particularly in Switzerland.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Malus domestica |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fiber, Vitamin C |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in pies, in salads |
| Harvesting Season | Fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates |
Fun Facts
- The Lucerne Apple is often used in Swiss pastries.
- It is known for its long shelf life, making it popular for storage.
18. Lemon Aspen
Lemon Aspen is a small, yellow-green fruit native to Australia with a sharp, lemony flavor. It is commonly used in sauces, dressings, and desserts.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acronychia acidula |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Sauces, dressings, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Lemon Aspen is often used in bush tucker, the traditional diet of Indigenous Australians.
- The fruit is also known for its antibacterial properties.
19. Lilly Pilly (Riberry)
Lilly Pilly, also known as Riberry, is a small, red fruit native to Australia. It has a tart, cranberry-like flavor and is often used in sauces and jams.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Syzygium luehmannii |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Sauces, jams, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Winter |
| Growing Condition | Prefers subtropical and temperate climates |
Fun Facts
- Lilly Pilly trees are often used as ornamental plants due to their glossy leaves and attractive fruit.
- The fruit has been a staple in the diet of Indigenous Australians for centuries.
20. Lingonberry
Lingonberry is a small, red fruit native to the boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere. It has a tart flavor and is commonly used in jams and sauces.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vaccinium vitis-idaea |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in antioxidants, Vitamin C |
| Culinary Uses | Jams, sauces, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in cold, temperate climates |
Fun Facts
- Lingonberry is a staple in Scandinavian cuisine.
- The fruit is often served with meat dishes in Northern Europe.
21. Lord Lambourne Apple
Lord Lambourne is a traditional English apple variety known for its crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor. It is popular in the UK for fresh eating and cider-making.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Malus domestica |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fiber, Vitamin C |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in cider, in desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates |
Fun Facts
- The Lord Lambourne Apple was introduced in 1907 and has since become a favorite among English apple varieties.
- It is known for its excellent storage capabilities, retaining flavor and texture for months.
22. Lychee Tomato
Lychee Tomato is a small, red fruit that resembles both a lychee and a tomato in appearance. It has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor and is native to South America.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solanum sisymbriifolium |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in salads, in preserves |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm, sunny climates |
Fun Facts
- Lychee Tomato is also known as the “sticky nightshade” due to its prickly leaves.
- The fruit is often grown as an ornamental plant for its unusual appearance.
23. Limber Pine Nut
Limber Pine Nut comes from the Limber Pine tree, native to the Rocky Mountains in North America. The seeds are small, oval-shaped, and have a rich, buttery flavor.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pinus flexilis |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in protein, healthy fats |
| Culinary Uses | Snacking, in baking, in salads |
| Harvesting Season | Fall |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in cold, mountainous climates |
Fun Facts
- Limber Pine Nuts were a staple food for Native American tribes in the Rocky Mountain region.
- The trees are named “limber” due to their highly flexible branches.
24. Lady Finger Banana
Lady Finger Banana, also known as Sugar Banana, is a small, sweet variety of banana native to Southeast Asia. It has a creamy texture and a rich flavor.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Musa acuminata |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in potassium, Vitamin B6 |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in desserts, in smoothies |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Lady Finger Bananas are often used in baby food due to their mild flavor and smooth texture.
- They are known to have a longer shelf life compared to other banana varieties.
25. Lablab Bean
Lablab Bean, also known as Hyacinth Bean, is a legume native to Africa. It has glossy purple pods and can be eaten both fresh and dried.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lablab purpureus |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in protein, fiber |
| Culinary Uses | Stews, curries, salads |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Lablab Beans are often grown as ornamental plants due to their striking purple flowers and pods.
- The beans are a staple food in many African and Indian cuisines.
26. Lulo de Monte (Wild Lulo)
Lulo de Monte is a wild variety of the Lulo fruit, native to the mountainous regions of Colombia. It has a tangy, citrusy flavor and is often used in juices.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solanum quitoense |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Juices, sauces, desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Prefers cool, humid climates |
Fun Facts
- Wild Lulo is often foraged in the wild rather than cultivated.
- The fruit is known for its vibrant orange color and is a popular ingredient in Colombian cuisine.
27. Lemato (Lemon-Tomato Hybrid)
Lemato is a hybrid fruit that combines the tanginess of lemon with the juiciness of tomato. It was developed through cross-breeding and is used in salads and sauces.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | N/A (hybrid species) |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, lycopene |
| Culinary Uses | Salads, sauces, juices |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, sunny climates |
Fun Facts
- Lemato is a relatively new fruit, developed through modern agricultural techniques.
- The fruit is gaining popularity in gourmet cuisine for its unique flavor profile.
28. Limoncillo
Limoncillo, also known as Spanish Lime, is a small, green fruit native to the Caribbean and Central America. It has a tart, tangy flavor and is often eaten fresh.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melicoccus bijugatus |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, iron |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in juices, in desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer |
| Growing Condition | Prefers tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Limoncillo is often sold by street vendors in the Caribbean.
- The fruit is typically eaten by biting the rind and sucking out the juicy pulp.
29. Love Apple (Tomato)
Love Apple is an old name for tomato, reflecting its original classification as a fruit. It has a sweet-tart flavor and is native to South America.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solanum lycopersicum |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in lycopene, Vitamin C |
| Culinary Uses | Salads, sauces, soups |
| Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, sunny climates |
Fun Facts
- Tomatoes were once thought to be poisonous in Europe due to their relation to nightshade plants.
- The fruit was called “Love Apple” in the 16th century because it was believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
30. Licania Fruit
Licania Fruit is a small, brownish fruit native to the Amazon rainforest. It has a sweet and nutty flavor and is often eaten fresh or used in traditional Amazonian dishes.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Licania tomentosa |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fiber, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in traditional dishes, in desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers humid, tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- The fruit is often used in traditional Amazonian medicine.
- Licania trees are also known for their hard, durable wood.
31. Little Gooseberry
Little Gooseberry, also known as Indian Gooseberry or Amla, is a small, green fruit with a tart flavor. It is native to India and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phyllanthus emblica |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber |
| Culinary Uses | Juices, pickles, dried snacks |
| Harvesting Season | Fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers tropical and subtropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Amla is considered a sacred tree in India and is often associated with the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.
- The fruit is used in a variety of hair and skincare products due to its antioxidant properties.
32. Lowbush Blueberry
Lowbush Blueberry is a small, sweet berry native to North America. It grows close to the ground and is known for its intense flavor and high antioxidant content.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vaccinium angustifolium |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in antioxidants, Vitamin C |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in pies, in jams |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Prefers acidic, well-drained soils |
Fun Facts
- Lowbush Blueberries are often harvested using a special rake to avoid damaging the plants.
- They are the primary blueberry variety used in wild blueberry products.
33. Lakota Squash
Lakota Squash is a winter squash variety native to the United States. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and is often used in soups, pies, and roasted dishes.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cucurbita maxima |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fiber, Vitamin A |
| Culinary Uses | Soups, pies, roasted dishes |
| Harvesting Season | Fall |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, sunny climates |
Fun Facts
- Lakota Squash was originally cultivated by the Lakota Sioux tribe.
- The squash has a striking orange and green skin, making it a popular ornamental gourd.
34. Lychee Plum
Lychee Plum is a hybrid fruit that combines the sweet flavor of lychee with the tartness of plum. It was developed through selective breeding and is popular in gourmet cuisine.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | N/A (hybrid species) |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh, in salads, in desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, sunny climates |
Fun Facts
- Lychee Plum is a relatively new fruit, and its popularity is growing in high-end restaurants.
- The fruit is often used as a garnish due to its attractive appearance and unique flavor.
35. Lantana Berry
Lantana Berry is a small, colorful berry produced by the Lantana plant, which is native to tropical regions. The berries are toxic when green but turn sweet and edible when fully ripe.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lantana camara |
| Nutritional Benefits | N/A (berries are not widely consumed) |
| Culinary Uses | N/A (rarely used in culinary applications) |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, tropical climates |
Fun Facts
- Lantana plants are often grown for their ornamental flowers rather than their berries.
- The berries change color from green to dark purple as they ripen.
Conclusion
To wrap up our fruity journey, let’s recap the main takeaway: there’s a whole alphabet of delicious fruits out there, and we’ve just explored 35 that start with L!
From the familiar lemon to the exotic longan, each fruit offers unique flavors and health benefits.
So, what’s next? I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try at least one new fruit from this list. You might discover a new favorite or find an exciting ingredient for your next recipe.
Remember, eating a variety of fruits isn’t just about taste – it’s a great way to boost your nutrition and support your overall health.
Why not share your experiences in the comments? I’d love to hear which L-fruit you tried and what you thought of it!
Happy Fruit Exploring!
