This is a delicious and juicy list of red fruits, perfect for summer snacking! Learn about the different red fruits and the health benefits they offer.
There's something about red fruits that just make them so much more appealing than any other fruit out there. Maybe it's the vibrant color, the sweetness, or the fact that they're so darn good for you. Whatever the reason, red fruits are definitely a favorite among fruit lovers.
These red fruits are not limited to just apples and cherries but also include raspberries, strawberries, watermelons, and more. And while they're all delicious in their own way, each red fruit has its own unique set of nutrients and health benefits. This article will take a closer look at some of the most popular red fruits and explore their significance.
However, before we go on listing the red fruits, let's get the fundamentals out of the way.
What Makes Red Fruits Red?
Have you ever wondered what gives red fruits their color? It's actually a pigment called lycopene that's responsible for that characteristic red hue. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant linked to several health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. So the red color is not just for show - it has some pretty impressive health benefits!
In addition to lycopene, red fruits are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. For example, watermelons are a great source of hydration, while strawberries are a good source of vitamin C. So, not only are red fruits delicious but they're also packed with nutrients that are good for you.
Now that we know a bit more about red fruits, let's take a closer look at some of the most popular ones.
Popular Red Fruits
This segment is going to be all about the various red fruits out there and what sets them apart from each other. So, without further ado, let's get started!
Red Cherry
Scientific name: Prunus avium
The red cherry is a type of stone fruit that's often used in desserts, jams, and pies. They are small, round, and have a juicy texture. These are small fruits that taste sweet or sour, and they have different varieties. The most popular type of red cherry is the sweet cherry, which is dark red or crimson. On the other hand, sour cherries reflect different shades varying from light red to dark red.
Cherries have vitamins A and C in abundance, and they have antioxidants. They also contain fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Furthermore, tart cherries have melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This makes them a great snack to have before bedtime. They have a great aesthetic appeal as they can fill the garden with beautiful pinkish-white flowers having a sweet floral aroma.
Red Grape
Scientific name: Vitis vinifera L.
Red grapes are small, round fruits that grow in bunches on grapevines. They belong to the Vitis genus and are related to berries; in fact, they are classified as true berries. Red Grapes have smooth, thin skin that is somewhat translucent and can be eaten along with the flesh. The dark-colored red grapes have deep red to purple skin and dark red flesh.
Their health benefits are numerous, as red grapes contain vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain antioxidants, flavonoids, and resveratrol. Resveratrol is a compound that has been linked to several health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and preventing cell damage. They have several other uses, such as making red wine, raisins, and jam.
Strawberry
Scientific name: Fragaria x ananassa
The strawberry is a popular red fruit that many love for its sweetness and juicy texture. This delicate fruit is actually a member of the rose family and is closely related to the raspberry. Even though they are called a berry, they are a type of aggregate fruit, meaning that each fruit is made up of small drupelets.
Nutrition-wise, strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. They also contain a good amount of fiber, folic acid, and potassium. In addition, strawberries are a good source of antioxidants, including anthocyanins and ellagitannins. These juicy, sweet treats are widely used in summer desserts, smoothies, pies, and salads.
Watermelon
Scientific name: Citrullus lanatus
Watermelon is a type of melon that's often eaten as a refreshing summer snack. This huge green-skinned fruit has juicy red flesh and about 90% water. Their skin is thick and hard, but the flesh is soft and sweet. Watermelons are round or oval and weigh anywhere between 5 to 30 kg (11 to 66 lbs). You may not know this, but they are actually a type of berry known as a pepo.
Watermelons have high water content and are an excellent source of vitamins A, B5, and C. They also have a good amount of lycopene, an antioxidant that gives watermelons their red color. Additionally, watermelons are a decent source of potassium, a mineral that's important for heart health.
Red Apple
Scientific name: Malus domestica
The red apple is a popular fruit that's enjoyed by many people all over the world. They are crunchy and most commonly found in temperate climates. They come in different varieties, and they can have dark red mottled skin and yellow flesh. Its size varies from 5 to 10 cm (1.9" to 3.9"). The most popular varieties of red apples are envy, pink lady, honeycrisp, and red delicious.
Regarding nutrition, red apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. They also contain a decent amount of antioxidants, including quercetin and catechins. Additionally, apples contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber beneficial for gut health.
Lychee
Scientific name: Litchi chinensis
Lychees are small, red fruits that grow on an evergreen tree. They have thin, red skin with white flesh and a small, black seed in the center. Lychees are native to China but are now grown in many parts of the world. These exotic fruits have a sweet and slightly sour flavor. This red heart-shaped fruit measures about 3 to 4 cm (1.18" to 1.57").
Lychees are often used in desserts and salads. They are a great source to get vitamins C and B. They also contain antioxidants that play a role in protecting the body against cell damage. Eating lychees can help protect against diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. You can eat them fresh, dry or use them in various recipes.
Red Plum
Scientific name: Prunus americana
Red plum is a type of stone fruit closely related to the peach and nectarine. They have a similar appearance to these two fruits but are smaller in size. Red plums are medium-sized fruits measuring 2 to 7 cm (0.79" to 2.76") in diameter. These are round or oval-shaped fruits with smooth, red skin and a juicy, fleshy interior enveloping a large stone. Sometimes they have a waxy surface giving them a cloudy appearance.
The taste of red plums can vary depending on the variety. However, they are generally tart and acidic with a hint of sweetness. In terms of nutrition, red plums are a good source of vitamins C and K. They have generous amounts of fiber and antioxidants. Additionally, they contain a decent amount of minerals like copper, calcium, and potassium.
Red Banana
Scientific name: Musa acuminata
Red bananas are a type of banana that is native to Southeast Asia. Unlike the yellow varieties, red bananas have a dark reddish or reddish-purple skin. They are shorter and plumper than yellow bananas and have a slightly sweeter flavor. To put a finger on it, their taste will remind you of raspberries. Their flesh is pinkish-white in color and contains small, black seeds.
Red bananas carry an immense amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These include vitamins C, B6, and A. They also contain fiber, potassium, and magnesium. All these nutrients help to keep your heart healthy. Red bananas also help to boost immunity, improve digestion, and aid in weight loss. They are often used in desserts and smoothies as they have a sweet flavor.
Raspberry
Scientific name: Rubus idaeus
Raspberries are another popular type of red fruit that's often used in desserts and baking. Like strawberries, they are also a member of the rose family and are an aggregate fruit type. These small, adorable red fruits taste sweet and sweet-tart, with a slightly acidic flavor. Typically, they are bright red to dark red, but they come in other colors, such as pink, yellow, purple, and black.
Raspberries come in two main varieties - summer-bearing and ever-bearing. As the name suggests, summer-bearing raspberries produce fruit during summer, while ever-bearing raspberries produce fruit throughout the year. Regarding nutrition, raspberries are a brilliant source of fiber and vitamins C and K. They also contain a good amount of manganese, a mineral essential for bone health.
Red Mango Fruit
Scientific name: Mangifera indica "Irwin"
The Irwin mangoes are a variety of mango that is native to Florida. They are also grown in other parts of the world, such as Japan, Australia, Taiwan, etc. These mangoes have a leathery, deep red-yellow skin with yellow or orange flesh. They are small to medium-sized fruit with an oval to an egg shape. The taste of the Irwin mangoes is sweet with a hint of tartness.
Red mangoes are a source of vitamins A and C and they also contain fiber, which improves digestion. You can consume them fresh, use them in recipes, or make a smoothie with them. These fruits are a brilliant means to get antioxidants, boost immunity, and improve heart health. You can also include the other varieties of red mangoes, such as Kent, Palmer, and Osteen.
Red Grapefruit
Scientific name: Citrus x paradisi
The red grapefruit is a type of citrus fruit closely related to the orange as they both belong to the same family. These fruits are large, round, and have thick yellow-orange skin. The flesh is dark, tangy red, and juicy with a sour to semi-sweet taste. These are oval to round fruits that grow in clusters on small trees.
There are several varieties of red grapefruit, the most popular ones being ruby red, rio red, ruby-sweet, and redblush. The red grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C and A. It also has a good amount of fiber, lycopene, and antioxidants. Additionally, red grapefruit is a decent source of minerals like potassium and copper.
Blood Orange
Scientific name: Citrus x sinensis
In the line of citrus fruits, blood orange is rather unusual as it lacks the large quantities of anthocyanins found in other red fruits. These fruits are small to medium-sized with smooth, red-orange skin. However, when you cut through, it reveals a dark red flesh that's juicy and sweet-tart. Their taste is another unusual aspect as they have a raspberry-like taste with a citrusy flavor.
Blood oranges are widespread for their abundance of vitamins A and C. They also have a decent amount of fiber, flavonoids, and antioxidants. Plus, blood oranges can fulfill the need for potassium and copper. They are used for several cuisines as their rather unique taste is a great addition to many dishes.
Red Chokecherry
Scientific name: Prunus virginiana
As the name suggests, red chokecherry is a type of stone fruit closely related to the cherry. They grow on small trees or shrubs arranged in clusters and have a sour to bitter taste. The small fruits are dark red or black berry-like drupes measuring between 0.6 to 1.4 cm (0.23" to 0.55") in diameter. Red chokecherries have high levels of anthocyanins, which gives them the dark red to black color as they ripen.
These fruits are a good source of vitamins A and C. They also have antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which support the immune system. Additionally, red chokecherries have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Rambutan
Scientific name: Nephelium lappaceum
These are weird-looking fruits that grow in large drooping clusters on rambutan trees. Rambutan is a type of tropical fruit that's closely related to lychees and longans. They have a hairy, red-orange exterior with a small green leaf on top. Underneath the hairy exterior is a white or translucent flesh that's sweet and juicy. Their taste resembles that of grapes.
These drupe-like red fruits measure about 3 to 6 cm long (1.1" to 2.3") and have a single large oval seed in the center. Rambutans are an ideal source of vitamins C and B. They hold an ample amount of antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Additionally, they can be great for your heart health as they have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Red Pear
Scientific name: Pyrus
The red pear is a type of fruit that's related to apples and quinces. They are typically larger than apples and have a round or oval shape. Red pears have smooth, red skin and a fleshy interior that's cream to bluish-pink. These fruits are often used in desserts, jams, and pies. The most common variety of red pear is the Anjou pear. Other popular varieties include the Bosc pear, the Red Bartlett pear, and the Forelle pear.
Talking about nutrition, red pears are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K. They also have antioxidants and a decent amount of minerals like copper and potassium. Furthermore, pears are low in calories and have high water content. This makes them an excellent fruit for people trying to lose weight.
Pomegranate
Scientific name: Punica granatum
Pomegranates are red, spherical fruits that grow on small bushes. They have a hard, reddish-brown outer shell with a thick, white fleshy interior. A red, juicy pulp surrounds the edible seeds of the pomegranate. These seeds are known as arils, and they have a sweet-tart flavor. Pomegranates are one of the oldest fruits in the world and have been mentioned in many ancient texts.
Pomegranates offer a bunch of health benefits as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They help boost immunity, improve heart health, and aid digestion. The antioxidants present in pomegranates also help to protect the body against cell damage. You can eat pomegranates fresh or use their juice, seeds, or peel for various purposes.
Red Durian
Scientific name: Durio zibethinus
Durian is a type of fruit often nicknamed the king of fruits. It has a spiky, tough exterior that's yellow-brown with a red hue. Once you crack open the hard shell, you'll find soft, creamy flesh that's white with a red hue. This fruit has a rather pungent smell, which is often compared to that of rotting flesh. However, despite the smell, Durians are a delicacy in many Asian countries.
With spikes and casting, these fruits are unique looking and have an oblong to elliptic shape. Red durians are an excellent source of vitamins C and B6. They are filled with natural antioxidants, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. Durians can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. You may have trouble finding this one in local stores as it's a wild species.
Cranberry
Scientific name: Vaccinium macrocarpon
Cranberries are small, tart berries that grow on low-lying, creeping shrubs. They have a dark red color with a sour taste. Cranberries are often used in sauces, jams, and pies. The fruits have smooth skin with four air pockets inside that make them float. Cranberries grow in clusters, and these oval fruits measure 1.27 cm (0.5").
You can get ample vitamins and minerals from cranberries. These fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of manganese, copper, and fiber. Cranberries are also filled with antioxidants and have been shown to have several health benefits. Apart from the health benefits, cranberries are also used in various cuisines. People usually consume them as sauces, juices, jams, or pies.
Redcurrent
Scientific name: Ribes rubrum
Redcurrants are small, tart berries that grow on the branches of small bushes. They have a deep red color and a sour taste. Redcurrants belong to the Ribes genus and are related to gooseberries and blackcurrants. The fruits are small and round and measure about 1 cm (0.4") in diameter. They are loved for their tart flavor and Ribes rubrum, including pies, jams, jellies, sweet preservatives, and sauces.
Redcurrants are known for their abundance of vitamin C. In fact, they have more vitamin C than oranges. These berries are also a good fiber, manganese, and copper source. In addition to their nutritional value, redcurrants also boast several health benefits. They are known to boost immunity, improve heart health, and aid in digestion.
Red Passion Fruit
Scientific name: Passiflora
Native to Brazil, red passion fruit is a type of berry that grows on a vine. It has a thin, red skin and a soft, fleshy interior with edible black seeds. The fruit is oval or round in shape and measures about 9 cm (3.5") in diameter. It has a sweet and tart flavor with a slightly musky aroma. This reddish-purple variety is smaller than the yellow variety of passion fruit.
Popular for their sweet flavor, red passion fruits are often used in desserts, jams, and juices. These fruits are an incredible vitamin A and C source. The antioxidants present in these berries help to protect the body against cell damage. They also have several other health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and aiding digestion.
Red Prickly Pear
Scientific name: Opuntia humifusa
With an unusual appearance, red prickly pears grow on the pads of cactus plants. Also known as red cactus pears, they are oval or pear-shaped and have reddish-pink bumpy skin. The young fruits are green, and they mature into a deep rosy red color. The flesh of the red prickly pear is vibrant magenta, and they cover several dark edible seeds. These unique red fruits measure about 5 to 10 cm (2" to 4") long and 3 to 6 cm (1.2" to 2.4") wide.
They have a sweet, juicy flesh with a slightly tart flavor. Red prickly pears are often used in salads, smoothies, and juices. Apart from their food implication, they are a preferred source of vitamins A and C. They also contain fiber, calcium, and iron. You can reap the health benefits like boosting immunity and reducing inflammation by including them in your diet. They can also aid in your weight loss journey as they are low in calories.
Red Tamarillo
Scientific name: Solanum betaceum
Also known as the tree tomato, red tamarillo is an egg-shaped fruit that grows on a small tree. It is widespread by several other names, such as blood fruit and Dutch eggplant. This exotic fruit is rare and is not found in many parts of the world. It has a thin, dark red or purple skin with edible flesh and seeds. The flesh of the tamarillo is orange or red and has a tart, tangy flavor.
Red tamarillos are often used in jams, sauces, and desserts. They have several health benefits as they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. These reddish fruits help to boost energy levels, improve heart health, and improve vision. You can eat them fresh or use them in various recipes.
Red Dragon Fruit
Scientific name: Hylocereus undatus
Red dragon fruit is a type of cactus that is native to Central and South America. The fruit is commonly known as pitaya or strawberry pear. This exotic fruit has bright red skin with green scales. Inside, it has a vibrant red flesh with black seeds. The taste of red dragon fruit is often compared to kiwi or watermelon.
Red dragon fruits are a great source of antioxidants. These nutrients help to protect the body against cell damage and boost immunity. They also provide fiber, which brilliantly helps with digestion. Red dragon fruits are often used in smoothies, desserts, and salads. Their vivid red flesh and sweet flavor make them a popular choice for many people. You can consume them fresh or try various recipes that use this fruit.
This brings us to the end of our list of red fruits. As you can see, there are many benefits to eating these foods. Not only do they improve your health, but they also add a pop of color to your plate. So go ahead and enjoy some red fruits today!
