Fruits And Vegetables That Start With R (Uses, Health Benefits, And Where To Buy Them)

Almost every doctor will tell his or her patient to eat more fruits and vegetables because they are healthy, natural, and unprocessed.

Nature has blessed us with very fast and convenient food. So why do you always worry about what you should cook? You have more than 10,000 fruits and vegetables to pick from. You might want to be picky, so I made a list just for you.

Read on to know the fruits and vegetables that start with the letter “R.”

Fruits that start with R (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)

Fruit is a healthy option. Even though some of them have high sugar content, most fruits are rich in nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and minerals. However, do not overeat them, whether dried or fresh.

This article gives you a list of healthy fruits that start with R. You should definitely add them to your basket when you next go grocery shopping.

1. Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)

The rambutan fruit is mainly cultivated by Malaysians. It has a creamy, almost white center with a furry red skin. It is not really a popular fruit as it has just recently started spreading around the world. In the US, it is a big deal for most grocery stores, markets, and food stores to sell it. This is because it is very much appreciated because of its special look and delicious taste.

It is rich in potassium. This mineral keeps your heart, kidneys, and muscles in check. It also contains vitamins and antioxidants and can offer you important nutritional benefits. The vitamin (folic acid) needed for your cells’ and DNA division is also found in rambutan. It is highly recommended for women who want to get pregnant to eat about 300 mg of folate every day to avoid complications and defects.

The size of the fruit can be compared to a cherry. It can be consumed raw or added to salads, desserts, cocktails, or smoothies.

2. Rangpur lime fruit (Citrus x limonia)

Rangpur lime fruit was gotten from oranges and lemons through the process of hybridization. It is also called lemandarin. Due to its very acidic and sweet sour taste, it is normally diluted before consumed. The fruit was cultivated in Bangladesh in a place called Rangpur. I guess you know where the name is from now. The Rangpur lime fruit can also serve as a good replacement for other common limes.

Just like any other lime, Rangpur lime fruit offers so many health benefits. They include

1. The soluble fiber ( pectin ) that it contains stabilizes the blood sugar level and aids digestion.
2. Vitamin C lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and reduces tension.
3. D-limonene in this citrus fruit prevents cancerous cells from growing.
4. Citric acid in Rangpur may reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.

The fruit takes on a yellow or deep orange color. The fruit ranges from medium to small in size. It is sold in boxes in some grocery markets and stores. You can easily be confused into thinking that it is tangerine.

Most dermatologists recommend applying serums and body lotions that contain vitamin C. Guess what? Lime is a rich source of this vitamin. It will boost your collagen.

You can purchase limes from Walmart supercenter, Hidden Brand Lime and Fertilizer, Target, Amazon, and any fruit store or stand around you.

3. Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)

Have you ever used raspberries in your salad or meal? What was the color like? I’m very sure it was attractive. It gives a very lively pop and makes low-budget meals look very expensive and special. This fruit is small, sweet, and comes in different colors, ranging from black, purple, gold, and red. However, we are most familiar with the red raspberry.

From June to early December, you will see fresh raspberries around, while dried or frozen raspberries are always available all year round.

Aside from the sweetness and appearance, just one raspberry is rich in minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. These fibers reduce cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood. The antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging the cells of the body and causing arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.

Your skin will always glow when you consume raspberries frequently. This is because of the vitamin C it contains. It can be used in your pancakes, cereal, oatmeal, and waffles. Do not panic; the fresh, dried, and frozen raspberries all contain the same amount of nutrients.

You can purchase raspberries from Brecknock orchard, Spooner farms, Amazon, or order from Instacart.

4. Redcurrant ( Ribes rubrum )

Red currants are highly nutritious. It is a good source of vitamins. It should be eaten fresh and when ripe so you can fully benefit from it. It contains flavonoids, which protect the tissues in the body and prevent arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and apoplexy.

The small fruit is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. This is because it helps develop the child’s new bones and acts as a stimulant for improving the immune and respiratory systems of the child.

Red currant has diuretic properties which prevent hypertension, gastrointestinal infection, and cold. It can be bought at Walmart supercenters, Central Market, CurrantC, and Amazon.

5. Red Banana ( Musa acuminata ‘Red Dacca’ )

The red banana is also known as the Dacca banana. Don’t feel left out if you have never heard of these bananas before. It is rare and only known by a few people. It is a sweeter variety when compared to the common yellow banana.

Bananas are one of the most common fruits in the world. It is very nutritious and rich in fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It contains antioxidants that cleanse your blood. The red banana is rich in the three natural sugars ( sucrose, fructose, and glucose). They provide energy to the body.

You can purchase red bananas from Amazon, Miami Fruits, and order them from Instacart.

6. Red Grapefruit ( Citrus × paradisi )

One of the tropical citrus fruits that can be eaten as breakfast is the red grapefruit. It is native to America and is noted as the only citrus fruit native to the country. More than 20 types of grapefruit are grown in the US. It can be frozen and used to make smoothies. It is also used in salad dressing and the production of wine.

Health benefits of red Grapefruit

1. Vitamin C in red grapefruit boosts the immune system.
2. Citric acid breaks down excess calcium in the body.
3. Dietary fiber in red grapefruit helps with weight control by making you feel satisfied easily and reducing the urge to eat excessively.
4. It is a good source of vitamin A, iron, and antioxidants.

7. Red Mulberry ( Morus rubra )

Red mulberries, figs, and breadfruit are all related. The mulberry tree is actually grown in most traditions (in Asia and North America) for the leaves. The trees produce beautiful berries that are used in producing tea, jam, juice, wine, pastries, and canned food. It can be consumed fresh, dried or as a snack.

Health benefits of red mulberries.

1. Fresh mulberries are rich in glucose, fructose, fiber, and water.
2. It has low calories.
3. Red mulberries are rich sources of vitamin C, k1, and E. Others are potassium, iron, anthocyanins, rutin, chlorogenic acid, marinating, and cyanide.
4. They help to reduce the cholesterol levels in the body.

Red mulberries are currently popular around the world for their sweetness, nutritional content, and health benefits.

8. Ribbery ( Syzygium luehmannii )

For so many years, people who live in the rainforest, hinterland, and East Coast areas have depended on ribbery as a major source of food. Women and children would gather it for their family. The children ate it for its sweetness, while the adults consumed it for its medicinal purposes. It was discovered in Australia by the Europeans. It was one of the first fruits used in the production of jellies and jams.

Health benefits of Ribbery

1. Folate in ribbery is essential for the healthy development of the fetus.
2. It is a good source of calcium and magnesium.
3. It contains antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help the body fight against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart failure.

Sauces, jams, salad dressings, desserts, and ice cream can all be made with ribbery. It blends properly with pastries, cheese, and cocktails.

9. Rollinia Fruit ( Rollinia mucosa )

Rollinia is a tropical fruit. It is a yellow fruit that is beloved in Hawaii. It is a very delicious fruit. You can eat 5 to 8 a day. It has a high level of protein when compared to most fruits.

The Rollinia fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and calcium.

Health benefits of Rollinia Fruit

1. The vitamin A in this fruit boosts our immune system.
2. Frequently consuming Rollinia keeps your teeth, cells, tissue, and bones healthy.
3. It is also a good source of vitamin B that helps in food processing.

You can purchase Rollinia from Miami Fruits, Etsy, eBay, Everglades, Amazon, and Fruit Hunters.

Vegetables that start with R (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)

There aren’t that many vegetables that start with the letter R, but we’ll take an intensive look at the available ones we could find. They include

1. Radish (Raphanus sativus)

This vegetable belongs to the family Brassicaceae, which is native to Asia. They are root vegetables and are edible. They are consumed all over the world, often in their raw state in salads, with a characteristic pungent flavor and somewhat bitter taste.

Radishes come in a variety of colors, including white, red, purple, and black, and can be round, long, or cylindrical in shape. The most commonly eaten parts of the radish plant are the leaves, flowers, pods, and seeds.

Uses of radishes

1. There are many uses for radish, but the most common usage is in salads. When using radish, do not dispose of the green part as it is healthy.

Health Benefits of Radish

1. Isothiocyanate helps in removing cancer-causing properties and preventing tumor development. They are commonly present in cruciferous vegetables like radish, making them beneficial to our health.
2. Radish contains fiber, which adds regularity to bowel movements and sometimes gets rid of constipation.
3. The vegetables may have diuretic properties, meaning they may aid urine production.
4. Juice extract from radish may reduce inflammation and take care of the burning sensation during urination.
5. RsAFP2 is present in radish. It is a common antifungal protein that may induce the death of Candida albicans cells. When in excess of growth, Candida albicans may cause vaginal yeast infection, oral yeast infection, and invasive candidiasis.

2. Radicchio (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum)

This vegetable is sometimes termed “Italian chicory” and is a perennial. It is cultivated as a leaf, possessing a colorful, white-veined red leaf that makes up the head. The vegetable has a characteristic bitter and spicy taste, which is suppressed when roasted. Radicchio di Chioggia is the most widely used cultivar in the United States.

Uses of radicchio

1. This vegetable is most commonly used in Italian cuisine, eaten grilled with olive oil or combined into risotto dishes.
2. It may also be served with pasta, or introduced into strudel, as poultry stuffing, or as an additive to tapenade.
3. When roasted or grinded, radicchio root may be used as a coffee substitute or additive.

Radicchio has numerous health advantages.

1. The distinctive color In radicchio, it is as a result of anthocyanin, an antioxidant which also acts as a benefit to intestinal health and repairs cell damage as a result of oxidative stress.
2. Radicchio and other plant foods with the same similarity contain compounds that lower the risk of heart disease.
3. Compounds that combat infection are present in radicchio, making it antiparasitic.
4. They help regulate blood sugar.

3. Ramp ( Allium tricoccum )

This vegetable is kind of a wild onion, having a similarity to a spring onion or scallion. They appear briefly during the spring season and must be foraged. They have a characteristic bulb and a tall stalk with flat green leaves on top.

Use of ramp.

1. Well, it’s a vegetable, used for preparing dishes. They may be served grilled or sautéed, or even infused into pasta meals.

Health benefits

1. They aid in the reduction of body inflammation and promote healthy body function.
2. Ramps are very rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and sulphur compounds.
3. These vegetables also contain fiber and water, which reduce hunger, thereby reducing food intake and causing weight loss.
4. Allicin is present in the ramp. Allicin is a sulphur compound that provides anti-cancer properties.

4. Rapini (Brassica ruvo)

This is a cruciferous vegetable with a characteristic green coloration. Literally all parts of this plant are edible, from the leaves, buds, and stem. Rapini bulbs are similar to broccoli bulbs, but the head is smaller. Rapini has a distinct taste and is mostly introduced in many Mediterranean cuisines from where it originated.

Uses of rapini

1. The major use of rapini is for preparing delicacies, especially in the Mediterranean region of the world .
2. Its leaves may also be utilized for cooling purposes due to their similarity to turnip tops or greens.

Health benefits of rapini

1. Regular intake of brassicas has been proven to reduce the chances of cancer.
2. Calcium and vitamin k are present in rapini, which are essential for healthy bones.
3. Lack of folate in pregnant women can cause a severe effect on brain development in an unborn child. Folate is present in rapini, hence its benefits for expectant mothers.
4. Rapini also aids weight loss, vision,and promotes the production of collagen.

5. Red Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

The leafy vegetables are members of the daisy family. It takes its resemblance to the romaine lettuce apart from its red or purple-tinged tip. The leaves of the red leaf lettuce are crisp and have a spacey attachment to the stalk, unlike those of the romaine lettuce. Their only difference with the green leaf lettuce is the red tint.

Uses of red leaf lettuce

1. They are mostly added to our meals because of their taste or flavor.

Health benefits

1. Red lettuce has vitamin A, which helps to improve vision.
2. There is the presence of a considerable amount of vitamin K, which has proven to be very effective in reducing the risk of stomach, prostate, colon, and oral cancers.
3. Vitamin C helps in lowering the risk of gout. Vitamin C is present in red leaf lettuce.
4. It also helps with anemia treatment.

6. Runner Bean ( Phaseolus coccineus )

The vegetables may also be referred to as scarlet runner beans and have a conspicuous red flower. The runner bean has many cultivars, such as the scarlet emperor, white giant, hestia, tender star, etc.

They are open-pollinated beans and belong to the legume family. One of the species in the family that are grown for their edible pods is grown both as a food plant and as a vegetable. The runner bean is a perennial plant with a tuberous root.

Uses of runner beans

1. Premature seedpods of runner beans can be consumed raw or cooked.
2. They may also be used for preparing soups, salads, and stews.
3. Their seeds, when ground into powder, may be added to flour to increase the protein content of bread.
4. Their flowers may also be eaten when used to make salads.

Health benefits of runner beans.

1. They are naturally fat-free, hence they are recommended for weight loss.
2. They are a rich source of vitamin K, which is ideal for healthy bones.
3. Runner beans also contain powerful antioxidants, which makes them essential for bone health.
4. This vegetable is also necessary for cardiovascular health.
5. Tea extract from runner beans is helpful for infection treatment and urinary tract problems.

7. Rutabaga ( Brassica napus )

The rutabaga is a root vegetable with names such as Swedish turnip, rwdens/rwdins, and turnip, although the name is often used to refer to the white turnip . Brassica napus is originally a hybrid between the cabbage and turnip. It is round with a brownish white color and has a similarity with the turnip.

Health benefits and uses of rutabaga

1. These are very rich sources of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. They are also a reliable source of folate and tend to supply selenium and phosphorus in small amounts.
2. They are also packed with vitamin C, which protects the skin from UV damage and promotes the synthesis of collagen.
3. Rutabaga is also an excellent source of fiber, which aids bowel movements. This fiber also helps to reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer, heart diseases, and type 2 diabetes.

Final thoughts

If you are on any medication or have any serious medical issues, always consult your doctor before consuming any strange fruit. Most fruits can negatively interact with some medications.

Most fruits have a relatively high glycemic index and can affect patients with high cholesterol, blood sugar levels, anxiety, and heart failure. However, it doesn’t mean you should totally avoid them and pick them out of your meal when someone offers them. One or two will not affect you.