18+ Fruits that Start with I that No One Knows!

Hey there, fruit enthusiasts and flavor adventurers! 

Get ready to embark on an irresistible journey into the world of fruits that kick off with the intriguing and inventive letter ‘I’! 

So, grab your fruit basket and let’s dive into this delicious adventure where ‘I’ stands for innovative and irresistibly tasty!

Interesting Fruits That Start With I

Imagine a world where your taste buds are tickled by the tangy zest of an Indian Fig or invigorated by the juicy crunch of an Ice Cream Bean. 

These ‘I’ fruits are like the undercover agents of the orchard, each bringing its own unique twist to the fruit bowl. 

It’s time to ignite your taste buds with the incredible variety and ingenuity of ‘I’ fruits. 

Iboga

Scientific Name: Tabernanthe iboga

Classification: Family: Apocynaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Iboga, a fascinating dicotyledonous shrub native to Central Africa, is characterized by glossy leaves and small flowers. Of profound cultural and spiritual significance, this plant is renowned for its psychoactive root bark containing ibogaine, which has spurred research into potential addiction treatment applications.

Origin: Indigenous to the lush rainforests of Gabon and Congo.

Types: Within the Tabernanthe genus, various species exhibit unique growing conditions and alkaloid content.

Flavor: The root bark imparts a distinct bitter taste attributed to the presence of ibogaine.

Nutrition: While not a significant nutritional source, the plant’s alkaloids, particularly ibogaine, hold therapeutic promise.

Benefits: Iboga has a rich history in traditional spiritual ceremonies and is under investigation for its potential in addiction treatment.

Top Producing Country: Gabon stands as the primary producer of Iboga.

Fun Fact: Iboga’s psychoactive properties, notably ibogaine, have garnered attention for their potential to disrupt patterns associated with addiction.

Icacina

Scientific Name: Icacina oliviformis

Classification: Family: Icacinaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Icacina, an intriguing dicotyledonous herbaceous plant indigenous to West Africa, is recognized by its distinctive olive-shaped tubers. These tubers, a dietary staple, contribute a mild, starchy taste and hold cultural significance.

Origin: Native to the vibrant landscapes of West Africa.

Types: Diverse varieties within the Icacina genus exhibit adaptability to specific environmental conditions.

Flavor: The tubers offer a pleasing mildness with a notable starchy undertone.

Nutrition: Rich in starch, the tubers serve as a valuable energy source in local diets.

Benefits: Beyond sustenance, Icacina tubers are a vital component of local diets, providing both sustenance and cultural significance.

Top Producing Country: West African nations, particularly those with tropical climates, are the primary producers of Icacina.

Fun Fact: Icacina’s tubers not only sustain communities but also hold cultural significance in traditional culinary practices.

Icaco

Scientific Name: Chrysobalanus icaco

Classification: Family: Chrysobalanaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Icaco, a dicot shrub, is recognized for its evergreen foliage and small, round fruits. The fruits, varying in color, offer a sweet and tart flavor and are commonly used in jams and beverages.

Origin: Native to coastal areas of the Americas.

Types: Different varieties of Icaco exist, with variations in fruit color and size.

Flavor: Icaco fruits have a delightful sweet and tart taste.

Nutrition: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Icaco fruits contribute to a nutritious diet.

Benefits: Icaco is valued for its antioxidant properties and versatility in culinary applications.

Top Producing Country: Southern Florida and the Caribbean are significant regions for Icaco cultivation.

Fun Fact: Icaco is also known as “Cocoplum,” and its fruits are used not only for consumption but also in landscaping due to their ornamental appeal.

Ice Apple

Scientific Name: Syzygium aqueum

Classification: Family: Myrtaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Ice Apple, a dicot tree native to Southeast Asia, is known for its bell-shaped fruits with a translucent, jelly-like texture. The fruits are enjoyed fresh and are a popular addition to salads and desserts.

Origin: Indigenous to Southeast Asia.

Types: Different varieties of Syzygium aqueum, each with unique fruit characteristics.

Flavor: The translucent, crisp flesh of Ice Apples offers a mildly sweet and refreshing taste.

Nutrition: Low in calories and rich in water content, Ice Apples contribute to hydration and add a touch of sweetness to dishes.

Benefits: The fruits are a good source of hydration and add a unique texture to culinary creations.

Top Producing Country: Various Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, are prominent Ice Apple producers.

Fun Fact: Ice Apples are not only delicious but are also used in traditional medicine for their cooling properties.

Ice Cream Bean

Scientific Name: Inga edulis

Classification: Family: Fabaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Ice Cream Bean, a dicot tree native to South America, produces large pods containing sweet, cottony pulp. The pulp has a flavor reminiscent of vanilla ice cream.

Origin: Indigenous to the rainforests of South America.

Types: Different varieties within the Inga genus, each with variations in pod size and flavor.

Flavor: The sweet, cottony pulp of Ice Cream Beans resembles the taste of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition: Rich in vitamins and minerals, Ice Cream Beans offer a nutritious and tasty treat.

Benefits: Besides being a delightful tropical treat, Ice Cream Beans provide essential nutrients.

Top Producing Country: South American countries like Brazil and Peru are major producers of Ice Cream Beans.

Fun Fact: The pulp of Ice Cream Beans has a fluffy texture, earning it the nickname “Pacay” or “Guama,” and is enjoyed both fresh and in culinary preparations.

Ichigo

Scientific Name: Fragaria x ananassa

Classification: Family: Rosaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Ichigo, a dicotyledonous plant, is renowned for its succulent berries. The berries, with a sweet and slightly tart flavor, are widely cultivated for fresh consumption, desserts, and jams.

Origin: Cultivated varieties originated in Europe, with the modern strawberry being a hybrid species.

Types: Various cultivars within the Fragaria x ananassa species, each with specific characteristics.

Flavor: Ichigo berries offer a delightful combination of sweetness and tartness.

Nutrition: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, Ichigo contributes to a healthful diet.

Benefits: Ichigo is valued for its delicious taste, nutritional content, and versatility in culinary applications.

Top Producing Country: The United States, particularly California, is a major global producer of Ichigo.

Fun Fact: Despite its name, the strawberry is not a true berry but an aggregate accessory fruit, with each seed representing an individual ovary.

Ilama

Scientific Name: Annona diversifolia

Classification: Family: Annonaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Ilama, a dicot tree native to Central America, bears large, green fruits with a spiky exterior. The creamy, sweet flesh inside is enjoyed fresh or in various culinary applications.

Origin: Indigenous to Central American tropical regions.

Types: Different varieties within the Annona genus, each exhibiting variations in fruit size and flavor.

Flavor: Ilama’s flesh is characterized by a rich, sweet taste with tropical undertones.

Nutrition: A good source of vitamins and minerals, Ilama contributes to a balanced diet.

Benefits: Ilama is valued for its delicious flavor and nutritional content.

Top Producing Country: Mexico is a significant producer of Ilama.

Fun Fact: Ilama has a unique appearance with its spiky, green exterior, contrasting with the creamy, flavorful interior.

Illawarra Plum

Scientific Name: Podocarpus elatus

Classification: Family: Podocarpaceae; Gymnosperm (cone-bearing plant)

Description: The Illawarra Plum, a gymnospermous tree native to Australia, produces dark purple, plum-like fruits. These tart fruits are used in jams, desserts, and traditional Indigenous Australian cuisine.

Origin: Indigenous to the rainforests of southeastern Australia.

Types: Different varieties within the Podocarpus genus, each with unique fruit characteristics.

Flavor: Illawarra Plums offer a distinctive tartness, contributing a unique flavor to culinary creations.

Nutrition: Rich in antioxidants, Illawarra Plums are considered a nutrient-dense food source.

Benefits: Apart from culinary uses, the fruits provide health benefits due to their antioxidant content.

Top Producing Country: Australia, especially in the Illawarra region, is a primary producer of Illawarra Plums.

Fun Fact: Illawarra Plums have cultural significance in Indigenous Australian traditions, and 

their use in contemporary cuisine highlights their versatility.

Imbe

Scientific Name: Garcinia livingstonei

Classification: Family: Clusiaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Imbe, a dicot tree native to southern Africa, produces small, yellow fruits with a sweet and tangy flavor. The fruits are enjoyed fresh or processed into jams and beverages.

Origin: Indigenous to the subtropical regions of southern Africa.

Types: Different varieties within the Garcinia genus, each with variations in fruit size and taste.

Flavor: Imbe fruits are known for their sweet and tangy taste, making them a popular choice for fresh consumption and culinary uses.

Nutrition: Imbe is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet.

Benefits: Besides its delightful taste, Imbe offers nutritional benefits due to its antioxidant content.

Top Producing Country: Southern African countries, such as South Africa, are major producers of Imbe.

Fun Fact: Imbe trees are valued not only for their fruits but also for their ornamental qualities, enhancing landscapes with their evergreen foliage.

Incaberry

Scientific Name: Physalis peruviana

Classification: Family: Solanaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: The Incaberry, a dicot plant native to South America, produces small golden berries encased in papery husks. These sweet and tart berries are consumed fresh or used in various culinary applications.

Origin: Indigenous to the Andean regions of South America.

Types: Different varieties within the Physalis genus, each with unique fruit characteristics.

Flavor: Incaberries are known for their sweet and tart taste, resembling a blend of tropical flavors.

Nutrition: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, Incaberries contribute to a healthful diet.

Benefits: Incaberries are valued for their nutritional content and are considered a superfood.

Top Producing Country: Peru is a major global producer of Incaberries.

Fun Fact: Incaberries are often referred to as “Goldenberries” and are gaining popularity as a nutritious snack and ingredient in various culinary dishes.

Indian Almond

Scientific Name: Terminalia catappa

Classification: Family: Combretaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Indian Almond, a dicot tree native to tropical regions, is recognized for its large leaves and elongated, woody fruits containing edible seeds. The nuts, with a mild, almond-like flavor, are consumed fresh or used in traditional medicines.

Origin: Indigenous to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.

Types: Different varieties within the Terminalia genus, each with unique growth habits and leaf characteristics.

Flavor: Indian Almond nuts offer a mild, nutty taste reminiscent of almonds.

Nutrition: Rich in healthy fats and nutrients, Indian Almond nuts contribute to a balanced diet.

Benefits: Apart from culinary uses, Indian Almond nuts are utilized in traditional medicine for various health benefits.

Top Producing Country: India and Southeast Asian nations are significant producers of Indian Almond.

Fun Fact: The large, attractive leaves of Indian Almond trees make them popular choices for landscaping in tropical regions.

Indian Gooseberry

Scientific Name: Phyllanthus emblica

Classification: Family: Phyllanthaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Indian Gooseberry, a deciduous dicot tree native to India, produces small, greenish-yellow fruits known for their sour taste. Rich in vitamin C, these fruits are used in culinary dishes, Ayurvedic medicine, and hair care products.

Origin: Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.

Types: Different varieties within the Phyllanthus genus, each with variations in fruit size and taste.

Flavor: Indian Gooseberries offer a tangy and sour flavor, contributing a unique taste to various dishes.

Nutrition: Extremely high in vitamin C and antioxidants, Indian Gooseberries are prized for their health-promoting properties.

Benefits: Indian Gooseberries are used in traditional medicine for their diverse health benefits, including immune system support.

Top Producing Country: India is the primary producer of Indian Gooseberries.

Fun Fact: Indian Gooseberries are a key ingredient in the traditional Ayurvedic preparation known as “Chyawanprash,” a health-promoting herbal jam.

Indian Jujube

Scientific Name: Ziziphus mauritiana

Classification: Family: Rhamnaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Indian Jujube, a deciduous dicot tree native to South Asia, produces small, round fruits with a sweet and crisp flesh. These fruits, known as “ber” or “bor,” are enjoyed fresh, dried, or in culinary preparations.

Origin: Indigenous to South Asia, including India.

Types: Different varieties within the Ziziphus genus, each with variations in fruit size and taste.

Flavor: Indian Jujubes offer a delightful sweet taste with a hint of tartness, making them popular for fresh consumption and snacks.

Nutrition: Rich in vitamins and minerals, Indian Jujubes contribute to a nutritious diet.

Benefits: Indian Jujubes are not only delicious but are also valued for their nutritional content and potential health benefits.

Top Producing Country: India is a major global producer of Indian Jujubes.

Fun Fact: Indian Jujubes have cultural significance and are often associated with festive celebrations, where they are exchanged as symbols of sweetness and good wishes.

Indian Persimmon

Scientific Name: Diospyros lotus

Classification: Family: Ebenaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Indian Persimmon, a deciduous dicot tree native to Asia, bears orange, 

tomato-shaped fruits with a sweet and mildly astringent taste. These fruits, also known as “Date Plums,” are enjoyed fresh or used in culinary preparations.

Origin: Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Types: Different varieties within the Diospyros genus, each with variations in fruit size and taste.

Flavor: Indian Persimmons offer a delightful blend of sweetness and mild astringency.

Nutrition: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Indian Persimmons contribute to a healthful diet.

Benefits: Indian Persimmons are valued for their nutritional content and pleasant flavor.

Top Producing Country: India is a significant producer of Indian Persimmons.

Fun Fact: Indian Persimmons have cultural importance in traditional medicine and are used in various regional culinary specialties.

Indian Plum

Scientific Name: Flacourtia jangomas

Classification: Family: Salicaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Indian Plum, a deciduous dicot tree native to South Asia, produces small, purple to black, plum-like fruits. These fruits are known for their sweet and tangy flavor and are utilized in culinary dishes and traditional medicine.

Origin: Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.

Types: Different varieties within the Flacourtia genus, each with unique fruit characteristics.

Flavor: Indian Plums offer a sweet and tangy taste, making them versatile for various culinary applications.

Nutrition: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Indian Plums contribute to a balanced diet.

Benefits: Indian Plums are valued for their nutritional content and are used in traditional medicine.

Top Producing Country: India is a significant producer of Indian Plums.

Fun Fact: Indian Plum trees are appreciated not only for their fruits but also for their hard wood, which is used in various applications.

Indian Prune

Scientific Name: Flacourtia indica

Classification: Family: Salicaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Indian Prune, a deciduous dicot tree native to South Asia, bears small, dark purple, plum-like fruits. These fruits, with a sweet and tangy taste, are enjoyed fresh or used in culinary dishes and traditional medicine.

Origin: Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.

Types: Different varieties within the Flacourtia genus, each with variations in fruit size and taste.

Flavor: Indian Prunes offer a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess.

Nutrition: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Indian Prunes contribute to a nutritious diet.

Benefits: Indian Prunes are valued for their nutritional content and are used in traditional medicine.

Top Producing Country: India is a major producer of Indian Prunes.

Fun Fact: Indian Prunes are recognized for their versatility in both culinary and medicinal applications.

Indian Sherbet Berry

Scientific Name: Phalsa (Grewia asiatica)

Classification: Family: Malvaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Indian Sherbet Berry, a deciduous dicot shrub native to South Asia, produces small, purple to black berries with a sweet and tangy taste. These berries are used to make refreshing beverages and traditional sherbets.

Origin: Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.

Types: Different varieties within the Grewia genus, each with variations in fruit characteristics.

Flavor: Indian Sherbet Berries offer a sweet and tangy taste, ideal for making flavorful 

beverages.

Nutrition: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Indian Sherbet Berries are popular for their refreshing and healthful properties.

Benefits: Indian Sherbet Berries are valued for their use in traditional beverages and potential health benefits.

Top Producing Country: India is a significant producer of Indian Sherbet Berries.

Fun Fact: Indian Sherbet Berries are cherished for their role in traditional cooling beverages during the hot summer months.

Indonesian Lime

Scientific Name: Citrus hystrix

Classification: Family: Rutaceae; Dicotyledonous

Description: Indonesian Lime, a dicot tree native to Southeast Asia, produces small, green, and highly aromatic limes. The fruits are used in Indonesian cuisine to impart a distinctive citrusy flavor to dishes and beverages.

Origin: Indigenous to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

Types: Different varieties within the Citrus genus, each with variations in fruit size and aroma.

Flavor: Indonesian Limes offer a robust and zesty citrus flavor, enhancing the taste of various culinary creations.

Nutrition: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Indonesian Limes contribute to a healthful diet.

Benefits: Indonesian Limes are prized for their culinary versatility and nutritional content.

Top Producing Country: Indonesia is a major global producer of Indonesian Limes.

Fun Fact: Indonesian Limes are commonly used in Indonesian cuisine, particularly in traditional dishes like sambal and rendang, to add a burst of citrusy freshness.

Ita Palm

Scientific Name: Mauritia flexuosa

Classification: Family: Arecaceae; Monocotyledonous (Palm Family)

Description: Ita Palm, a monocot plant native to South America, is recognized for its tall stature and clusters of reddish-brown fruits. The fruits, often called aguaje or moriche palm fruit, have a scaly exterior and sweet, pulpy interior.

Origin: Indigenous to the Amazon rainforest in South America.

Types: Different varieties within the Mauritia genus, each adapted to specific environmental conditions.

Flavor: Ita Palm fruits offer a sweet and creamy taste, making them a popular snack and ingredient in various dishes.

Nutrition: Rich in vitamins and minerals, Ita Palm fruits contribute to a nutritious diet.

Benefits: Ita Palm fruits are valued for their nutritional content and are used in traditional medicine.

Top Producing Country: Countries in the Amazon basin, such as Brazil and Peru, are major producers of Ita Palm fruits.

Fun Fact: Ita Palm trees are not only a source of delicious fruits but also provide materials for thatching and construction in local communities.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my fruity comrades – our invigorating journey through the intriguing universe of ‘I’ fruits! 

Wasn’t it a treat savoring the exotic flavors of Indian Figs and the inventive crunch of Ice Cream Beans? 

Each fruit brought its own burst of flavor to our fruity feast. 

Happy snacking, my inventive and irresistible friends! 

More To Explore: