Ranging from sour, plain, bitter, to sweet, we have compiled a list of fruits and vegetables that begin with F. You have probably never heard of most of them before, so don’t be too surprised.
After all, we learn new things and grow every day. While you are grabbing your device to search for them on your browser, we have summarized their uses, health benefits, and where you can get them.
Below are the fruits and vegetables you should know about. Their names, shapes, colors, and appearance might look just like the already common ones you know, but trust me. They are absolutely different.
Fruits that start with F (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)
If you’re making a list of fruits, you’ll probably be wondering why the fruits with the F letter are barely prominent. This article helps you learn about fruits that start with F and will make you understand the different kinds of fruits and their different properties ( sweet, bitter, sour, etc.), even though the list is very long. Below are some of them.
Fairchild tangerine (Citrus tangerine)
The Fairchild tangerine is a very common fruit eaten by Americans. It is rich in citrus and offers a very delicious flavor when compared to other fruits in the citrus family. Its skin is orange in color. The name Fairchild Tangerine was derived from Tangier, which is a place in Morocco.
Fairchild tangerine has a lot of vitamin C, which has multiple benefits for the health like lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, improving the skin texture, and it is very good for people that suffer from cataracts in the eyes.
It is refined in some countries and used commercially to make beverages, juices, sweets, and other things. However, it is not used as a quick snack. This is because it is difficult to peel with your hands. You can order Fairchild tangerines from Instacart or buy them from any fruit market or grocery store.
False mastic fruit
Scientifically, false mastic fruit is known as Sideroxylon foetidissimum. Another name it bears is yellow mastic. It is a tiny, round-shaped fruit that is harvested from an evergreen tree that bears fruit all year round. It is a white-fleshed fruit covered with a yellowish orange skin.
The false mastic fruit has a bitter but juicy taste which many people tend to enjoy. When chewed, it has a gummy sap. The fluid from the fruit is very sticky, and the residue on your lip can make it stick together. It can also be used as glue.
Nevertheless, false mastic fruit has antifungal properties, can be used to reverse anemia, is a very rich source of sodium, a good body, bone, and muscle building fruit, and is one of the best to take for people suffering from diarrhea. Most licensed grocery stores will sell false mastic fruit. You can also buy it from Walmart or any other preferred online store.
Feijoa
Feijoa is also known as Brazilian guava, guavasteen or pineapple guava. However, the botanical name is Acca sellowiana, belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It is native to most of the countries in the mountain region, like Colombia, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Feijoa is currently surrounded by South Americans. It is the size and oval shape of an egg. It is covered by a green-colored skin and grows on a tree that is about 14 feet tall. Feijoa’s aroma and taste are very sharp, juicy, and tangy. It is quite difficult to know what it actually tastes like because it takes on the flavors of strawberries, quince, and mint.
After consuming Feijoa, you get to enjoy the cool taste that the methyl benzoate in it has to offer. It is very rich in fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients, including fiber. It is used commercially to make vodka, smoothies, and baked goods. It has helped to reduce so many health-related issues like diabetes ( type 2), cancer, and even heart-related issues. You can get feijoa from Amazon, Etsy, or any roadside fruit stand.
Fig
The fig was first cultivated in Middle Eastern countries such as India (the northern part) and Turkey (the western part). However, it can easily be grown and found anywhere around the world, especially in the Mediterranean countries. Fig trees can be mistaken for bushes. The fruit has a soft and squishy texture.
The fig fruit is very juicy and has a natural sweet taste, even sweeter than most fruits. It has a sweetness that is almost as close to that of honey and berries. The fruit will not do well in an environment that is lower than 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be dried or eaten fresh. In both cases, it has a short lifespan after harvesting and must be consumed.
Mulberry and fig are both from the same family. Figs have a scientific name, which is Ficus carica. You can purchase it from roadside fruit sellers or markets in America. It is used in making bread and other snacks. Consuming figs daily will provide your body with potassium and calcium. These minerals work together to improve your bone strength and prevent ailments like osteoporosis and bone turnover.
Finger lime fruit
The Finger lime fruit originated from Australia, which gave it the scientific name Citrus australasica. It is now common in California. It got its common name from the tube-like, elongated, thin 3 inch shape it has. It can be in different colors, like pink and green. To consume the finger lime fruit, you have to squeeze it to release its jelly or cut one end of the fruit and press the jelly out. It has a refreshing citrus flavor.
It can be a perfect substitute for common lemon and lime. and can be used as an ingredient in making sauces, jams, butter, or beverages.
The fruit has antioxidant and antifungal properties. It also helps in relieving stomach aches and treating skin problems. It is used to cook seafood because of its flavor and is a great addition to snacks like pastries, cakes, and ice cream. You can purchase finger lime fruit from Melissa’s produce, Etsy, and grocery outlets.
Florida Cherry
The Florida cherry has a scientific name, which is Eugenics uniform, and another common name is Surinam cherry. It is a round, tiny red fruit that can be orange sometimes. It takes the shape of a pumpkin and has a glossy, smooth appearance. It has a sour but delicious tangy taste. The Florida cherry tree is visually appealing and will enhance the beauty of your garden.
Florida strangler fig
The botanical name of the Florida strangler fig is Ficus carolina. It is commonly called “golden fig” because of its color. It turns from green to yellow after ripening. Its sweet flavor ranges from a caramel nut to a buttery aftertaste. It has been known by Americans for a very long time.
The fruit is packed with several nutrients, including iron and calcium, which are very good for the bones. It is used for different meals, like desserts, salads, and even cocktails. You can purchase it from any grocery store, market, or fruit stand.
Fox grape
Vitis labrusca is the botanical name of the fox grape. It is also commonly known as the slipskin grape. This is because the skin can be easily detached from the flesh. It has a purple color, almost black. You can find it abundantly in Europe and America (mainly the northern part ).
Fox grapes are useful in making commercial jam, juice, and wine. It can also be consumed raw or cooked. However, it has a sour but enjoyable taste. The most common use of fox grapes is in wine making.
It is believed to reduce the tendency to have some kinds of health challenges like heart failure, cancer, and diabetes when consumed regularly. It can be found in almost any grocery store or supermarket in America in its fresh and refined form.
Fuji apples (Malus pumila)
Scientifically, the Fuji apple is called Malus pumila. It’s one of the most common fruits you get to see almost everywhere. Taking just one bite of this apple gives a sweet, juicy, and crunchy taste. Many people prefer peeling the greenish-red skin, even though it can be eaten.
The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in preparing special dishes like pies and salads. It was first cultivated in Fujisaki. However, Americans consume it more than the Japanese. The name given to the fruit was given by its original cultivators.
Consuming the Fuji apple offers you a lot of health benefits, such as providing the body with antioxidants, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fukushu kumquat
Fukushu kumquat is a citrus with the botanical name Citrus obovata. It is a tiny but richly juicy fruit that almost has the sharp taste of a tangerine. All the parts of the fruit are edible, including the seeds, but it is optional.
It has a bit of a floral taste and can be used in making jellies and serums used in salads. It is commonly purchased from grocery stores, markets, Walmart supercenters, or any other preferred online store.
Many of the fruits listed above are used and refined commercially. Instead of using the refined form, to get the full effect of each of them, you have to buy them fresh and make sure you always seek medical advice if you have any health issues before consuming any new fruit.
Vegetables that start with F (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)
We have quite numerous vegetables that begin with the letter F, but we’ll be looking at a few of them below.
1. Fava beans
Also known as broad beans, these green legumes come in pods. They have an earthy flavor and mild sweetness, are consumed by people all over the world, and may also be farmed as a cover crop. Vicia faba is a variety of vetch belonging to the pea and bean family fabaceae.
They are available at the Central Market, Whole Foods Market, your online store, etc.
Uses of Fava beans.
- In their dried form, they may be used to prepare soups, falafel, stews, etc.
- They may be used as a recipe for raw salad.
The health benefits of fava beans
- They are very nutritious and a great source of soluble fiber, protein, folate, manganese, copper, etc.
- Fava beans are a rich source of L-dopa, which the body converts to dopamine, which makes them helpful with Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
- The presence of folate in fava beans makes them helpful in preventing birth defects.
- Fava beans have an abundant level of manganese and copper nutrients, which are good for bone health.
- Regular intake aids the increments of blood iron level, hence improving anemia symptoms caused by inadequate iron intake.
2. Fennel
The fennel is a green and white plant in the carrot family, having yellow flowers and feathery leaves. The flavor of the crunchy bulb and seed is mild and like licorice.
Healthy fennel bulbs can be purchased at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods Market, and online stores.
uses of fennel.
- Fennel may be used as a flavoring agent.
- It may be used to stimulate milk flow for breastfeeding and induce menstruation.
- They may be used as insect repellents.
Health Benefits of Fennel
- Fennel contains a variety of nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and potassium.
- All parts of the fennel plant are rich in antioxidants, which are good for the body. These antioxidants include chlorogenic acid, limonene, and quercetin.
- The presence of certain minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and fiber makes it good for a healthy heart.
- Research in test tubes and on animals has proven that fennel has cancer-fighting characteristics, although it may not be the same for humans.
- It may be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers.
- This vegetable may have antibacterial properties.
- Powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C and quercetin help reduce inflammation.
Despite the benefits of fennel, it also has its downsides, like sun poisoning, skin reactions, seizures, and hallucinations from fennel oil. It may also cause prematurely developed breasts in young females.
3. Fenugreek
This herbal plant is similar to clover. The plant is originally from the Mediterranean, Europe, and Asia, and its seeds taste similar to maple syrup. You may get fenugreek at Amazon, from Instacart, etc.
Uses of fenugreek
- This plant herb is most commonly used to tackle diabetes, menstrual cramps, sexual issues, etc.
- It may also come in handy as a spice and a thickening agent in meals.
Health Benefits of fenugreek
- Recent studies have shown that fenugreek increases breast production in women.
- This plant may increase testosterone levels and the male’s sexual functionality.
- They help control diabetes and blood sugar levels.
- These vegetables contain anti-inflammatory compounds.
4. Flat bean
This may also be known as helda beans, Romano beans, or sem phali in some Indian states. They are a variety of Phaseolus coccineus, which may be referred to as runner beans. Their edible pod is characterized by a wide, flat shape. Normally, flat beans are prepared and served as a whole pod, the same as other green beans.
Health benefits and uses of flat beans.
- They are a very rich source of vitamins A, K, and C, protein, and folate.
- Flat beans are good for heart health as they boost heart health by reducing iron deficiency.
- The presence of vitamin C and its fullness in this vegetable is to promote blood cell development.
- The carotenoid content of this vegetable helps to prevent macular degeneration and other eye problems.
- Flat beans help to boost immunity.
5. French sorrel
This plant belongs to the buckwheat family and is often used as a culinary herb. It is a leafy green, grown in Europe, central Asia, a few regions in North America, New Zealand, and Australia. It is characterized by a sour and lemon-lime flavor and is mostly used in dishes.
Uses of french sorrel.
- Some varieties are used to prepare herbal teas, tinctures, and supplements.
- They may be used to add citrus flavor to soups and salads.
Health Benefits of French Sorrel
- French sorrel has low calorie content and is high in essential nutrients like fiber, magnesium, and vitamins C and A.
- It is also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, triterpenes, carotenoids, anthraquinones etc.
- They may help with heart health.
- They inhibit cancer cell growth.
- Side effects of sorrel
- Some people can tolerate sorrel, whereas others may be allergic. Sorrel contains oxalate, which may impair calcium absorption and aid the formation of kidney stones.
6. Fiddlehead fern
These greens are the furled fronds of a young fern often cultivated as vegetables. This perennial plant survives mostly in temperate climates and in properly drained soil.
They may be used as part of the diet in Asia, Northern France, and Native America.
Health benefit
- They contain vitamin A, an antioxidant that helps the maintenance of the mucous membranes.
- Increased immunity as a result of the presence of vitamin C.
- It contains vitamin A, which kills free radicals that damage the cells.
- Aid digestion
- They treat eye ailments.
7. French beans
These beans are the same as green beans and are scientifically known as phaseolus vulgaris. You can eat them along with their covering, unlike other beans.
Uses of French beans
- They may be used as foods, either in their frozen, canned or fresh form. But ensure you rinse them thoroughly before consumption.
The health benefits of French beans
- French beans aid weight loss.
- They help to regulate blood sugar levels because of their low glycemic index.
- These vegetables promote heart health due to their low fat and almost no cholesterol or sodium content.
- French beans aid in healthy bones.
- They are a rich source of vitamins and iron.
8. Frangipane
They come from the plumeria family of plants. They take their resemblance to the propellers you find under your boat and give it a slippery and delicate flavor.
Uses of frangipane
- They are generally used as filling for pastries to create a bit of variety on the table and also to add a splash of unobtrusive color.
Health Benefits of frangipane
- Essential oil in frangipane is used to promote skin health.
- Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the oil is good for healthy body functioning.
- This essential oil is helpful as it lowers headaches.
- Frangipane oil acts as a stimulant.
9. Frisee greens
They belong to the chicory family. They are a variation also known as the curly endive. It is a type of chicory exploded onto a gourmet plate.
They are mostly used in the kitchen to prepare meals. Ensure to cut the green part of the frisee off before using it, as it is extremely bitter.
Health benefit
- They have low calories and help with weight loss.
- The presence of vitamin K makes it good as it helps with blood coagulation and weight loss.
- They aid in regulating blood sugar levels and also prevent diabetes.
- It supports good bowel movements.
- Endive supplementation to promote a healthy pregnancy
10. Fluted pumpkin
Telfairia occidentalis is a tropical vine, prominent in West Africa as a leafy green vegetable, and has edible seeds.
Uses of a fluted pumpkin
- It is mostly used for meal preparation and consumption.
Health benefit
- They are good for a healthy heart.
- This green leaf helps to boost the immune system.
- Fluted pumpkin aid to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
- Pumpkin prevents premature aging.
- It stops constipation and promotes good dental health.
There are a lot of ideas when talking about vegan with the letter F. We hope you find the ones that are more common to you and your surroundings and pick out your favorite.