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

Starting with a dish of diverse and distinct fruits and vegetables is one awesome way to start your day. Did I just mention distinct? Let’s explore the different fruits and vegetables that begin with the letter “X.” You probably know only a few of them because they are common fruits.

If you have been searching for the names of X fruits, thankfully, you can take a minute to go through them. We have compiled the uses, health benefits, and where you can buy them.

Some fruits and vegetables that start with “X”, including

• Xigua
• Xoconostle
• Ximenia Caffra
• Xarel-lo
• Ximenia Americana
• Xylocarpus granatum Fruit
• Xinomavro
• Xà Lách (Vietnamese)
• Xoong (Vietnamese)
• Xi Lan Hua (Chinese)
• Xi Yang Cai (Mandarin Chinese)

Read on to gain knowledge of these rare fruits and vegetables.

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

There are actually barely any fruits starting with the letter ” X” in the English language. The ones listed below are mostly the names that the Vietnamese and Chinese call them.

1. Xanthium fruit ( Xanthium sibiricum fruit )

The xanthium fruit is common in China. The Chinese call it Cang Er Zi. It is mostly used for its medicinal purposes. They are mostly stir-fried after removal from the shell or bur. This is to minimize the high level of carboxyatractyloside they contain.

Even though the xanthium fruit has the reputation of a fruit, it is mostly referred to as an ” herb.” The xanthium fruit is a flowering plant that is also called cocklebur and is mainly used by Asians, Chinese and Americans.

Uses of xanthium fruits

1. It is used as a main ingredient in some tinctures, decoctions, and teas.
2. The xanthium fruit can be dehydrated and ground into powder form. The powder is used to make capsules.

Benefits of xanthium fruits

1. It is used medicinally to ease pain, nasal blockage, and colds.
2. Consumption of the xanthium fruit aids sinus and respiratory health.
3. Capsules made with xanthium fruit are recommended for people suffering from headaches, scabies, eczema, leprosy, and rheumatism.

Where can you buy the xanthium fruit?

The xanthium fruit can be purchased from Walmart supercenters, Amazon, Etsy, and Indiamart.

2. Xarel-lo ( vitis vinifera )

Xarel-lo is pronounced as zuh-RELL-oh in English, shah-RELL-lo by the Catalans, and hah-RELL-lo in Castilian. It can also be spelt as xarello. It is from Catalunya in Barcelona. It is a white grape, popularly called “pansa blanca.”

Uses of xarel-lo

• The xerallo fruit is mostly used as an ingredient in making different classes of wines because of its consistent flavor. It tastes just like any other regular grape.

Health benefits of xarel-lo

1. Antioxidants found in the skin are important for cardiovascular health.
2. Polyphenols in it lower the risk of dementia and improve memory.
3. The xarel-lo fruit is rich in dietary fiber, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.
4. The vitamin C it contains gets rid of toxins in the body.
5. Dietary fiber aids digestion.
6. May positively alter metabolic activities in the body.
7. Reduces the cholesterol level of the body.

Where can you buy the xerollo fruit?

You can buy the xerallo fruit from beefruitandnutty, massgeneral, Walmart supercenter, or order from Instacart.

3. Xiang jiao (Musa esculenta) fruit

The xiang jiao fruit is pronounced by the Chinese as shiang jeow. It is commonly known as “banana” in America. They are mostly cultivated by the Indians. But the ones found around the world are from the south and central America.

They are considered ripe for consumption when bright yellow and overripe when brown. The harvesters mostly distribute them in their unripe state.

Uses of xiang jiao

1. The ripe fruit is used in making smoothies or pastries.
2. The flavors are extracted and used in juices, baking, and yogurt.

The health benefits of xiang jiao

1. Aids digestion
2. it is rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber
3. It is a good source of potassium and vitamin C. These nutrients are important for skin, respiration, and cardiovascular health.

Where can you buy the xerollo fruit?

You can buy xiang jiao at any grocery store, Walmart supercenter, Amazon, or fruit stand on the side of the road.

4. Xing Zi

Xing Zi is the Chinese name for apricot. They are native to China, but are currently cultivated all over the world. It has a sweet-sour taste, especially when ripe. It can be eaten raw or refined as juice.

Health benefits of xing zi

It offers nutritional and therapeutic properties. It is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamin A and minerals.

1. Apricots, or Xing zi, contain dietary fiber which aids digestion.
2. Vitamin A enhances vision.
3. Potassium and vitamin C improve cardiovascular health.
4. The fruit can be used as an energy booster.
5. Apricot oil extract is very effective in treating skin-related problems and relieving earaches.
6. It fights free radicals by providing the body with antioxidants.

Where can you buy the xerollo fruit?

You can buy fresh apricots or the oil that comes from them at Walmart, Whole Foods, Amazon, or Instacart.

5. Xoài

Xoài is another name for mango in Vietnam. The scientific name is Mangifera indica. It comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. When ripe, it is one of the sweet fruits that can be eaten raw.

Uses of xoai fruit

1. Xoài can be incorporated into smoothies, desserts, and pastries.

Health benefits of xoài

1. The antioxidants ( mangiferin ) found in Xing Zi get rid of free radicals responsible for cancer.
2. Vitamin A protects the body from infections.
3. Vitamin C boosts the immune system.
4. Dietary fiber aids digestion and bowel movements.
5. The zeaxanthin and lutein found in bananas improve eyesight by acting as sunscreens for the retina.
6. Vitamin A protects the skin from the sun and provides sebum to the hair for moisture.

Where can you buy the xerollo fruit?

You can purchase xoài from Whole Foods Market, Amazon, or any other preferred grocery store.

6. Xoay

The scientific name for xoay is Dialium cochinchinense. It is also known as “velvet tamarin” by the Vietnamese. It is sour and sweet ( it has a complex taste). It is usually consumed raw.

Uses of xoay fruit.

1. The juice can be extracted and used in drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, jams, and syrup.

Health benefits of xoay fruit.

1. The black velvet tamarind is rich in many vitamins, which include thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

7. Xoconostle cactus fruit

It is also known as the pear cactus. It is scientifically known as opuntia joconostle. It is native to Mexico. Although, it is said to have been in existence in the world for so many years. It has a sour taste with an acidic aftertaste.

Uses of xoconostle cactus fruit

1. It is used in many dishes, including salads.
2. It is a component in the production of jams, chutneys, and jellies.
3. The flesh of the Xoconostle fruit can be used to make smoothies and juice.

Health benefits of xoconostle cactus fruit.

1. Frequent consumption of the fruit provides the body with fiber, calcium, and vitamin C.
2. It is also a good source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which include betalains. Vitamin C helps to boost the collagen found in the skin and reduces acne, wrinkles, and other skin-related problems.

8. Xylocarpus granatum

We have listed Xylocarpus granatum as the last fruit starting with the letter X. The fruit has a cheese taste and it is commonly used in the preparation of soups because of its sour taste. It can be broken into four parts when ripe and each part contains about 20 brown seeds. These seeds can grow to a length of 5 cm.

The health benefits of xylocarpus granatum

1. The Indians used the Xylocarpus granatum fruit to cure elephantiasis and swollen breaststroke.
2. It is also used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and some other stomach-related issues. The seeds can be burnt and mixed with coconut oil and sulfur. This mixture is rubbed on the skin and used to stop itchiness on the skin.

Conclusions

Now that you know some of the X fruits, Let’s begin with the ones we haven’t tried before. The health benefits are amazing, just like with other common fruits you know.

However, always seek medical advice before consuming strange fruits, especially if you have any chronic health conditions.

Vegetables that start with the letter X

When talking about fruits and vegetables that start with the letter X, they actually do not really exist. Well, the only vegetables that do start with the X letter are derived by transcription from English to either the Vietnamese or Chinese language.

There are not very many of them. Some of these vegetables include Xi Lan Hua, Xa Lach, Xa Lach Xoong, and Xi Yang Cai.

Let’s dive down into what these names actually are and take a look at their uses and health benefits.

1. Xa Lach

Lettuce is what the Vietnamese refer to as Xa Lach, a leafy vegetable with green coloration. The lettuce belongs to the Asteraceae family, and apart from being a leafy vegetable, it may also be grown for its seeds and stem.

The leaves of lettuce are majorly the green and red variation with a height and spread of 15 to 30cm. They have textures and shapes ranging from iceberg type, dense heads, to notched, scalloped, ruffled leaves of the leaf variety.

Uses of Xa Lach

1. This annual plant has several uses, especially in cuisines. It may be used for salad as well as grilled.
2. It may also be used for other foods like soups, sandwiches, etc. The celtuce variety ( asparagus lettuce) may be cultivated for its stems, which may either be eaten raw or cooked.

Health benefits

Lettuce has several health benefits to the body, some of them includes

1. There is vitamin K present in Xa Lach, making it good for strong and healthy bones.
2. Raw Xa Lach contains 95% water, which means it helps keep the body hydrated.
3. An extract from Xa Lach has been linked to promoting sleep.
4. Vitamin A is present in Xa Lach, which is good for vision improvement.
5. All varieties of Xa Lach contain vitamin A in a significant amount. Also, vitamin C and iron are present.

2. XiI Yang Cai

Time’s literal translation for this is “western vegetable,” watercress, a well-known leafy vegetable in China’s Pearl River delta area. Huang Dong and Hong Kong are located in this area. Watercress is a water/aquatic plant, belonging to the cabbage family Brassicaceae.

Uses of Xi Yang Cai

1. They are used for several Chinese cuisine varieties, especially stir fries for soups.
2. This vegetable also has a lot of medicinal uses, like treatments for swollen breathing passages in the lungs, coughs, baldness, bronchitis, flu, and swine flu.

Health Benefits of Xi Yang Cai

1. They are packed with antioxidants, which is beneficial for the prevention of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
2. Xi Yang Cai contains isothiocyanate, which has proven to keep several cancers at bay.
3. Consumption of Xi Yang Cai may be beneficial for heart health as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
4. These vegetables also contain several nutrients that are necessary for healthy bones, including more than 100% of the RDI for vitamin K.

3. Xi Lang Hua

This is what the Chinese call broccoli. The green plant is a member of the cabbage family, and its large flowering heads, stalks, and small leaves are eaten as vegetables. This vegetable resembles a miniature tree and belongs to the Brassica oleracea plant species.

Uses of Xi Lang Hua

1. These vegetables are a good addition to our diet, whether cooked or eaten raw. This is also an excellent choice to add to stir fries.

Health Benefits of Xi Lang Hua

1. This green vegetable is rich in minerals, vitamins, and fiber,
2. They also have multiple active antioxidants, necessarily required for healthy cells and tissue all over the body.
3. Research proves that Xi Lang Hua and other cruciferous vegetables may have cancer prevention effects on the body.
4. Regular consumption of Xi Lang Hua may reduce blood sugar and increase diabetes control due to its fiber and antioxidant content.
5. Studies also show that Xi Lang Hua consumption may help reduce the risk of heart disease and aid in the prevention of damaged tissues.
6. When we take Xi Lang Hua, it aids the improvement of healthy digestion and reduces the risk of constipation.

4. Xanthosoma sagittifolium,

This is also referred to as the arrow leaf elephant ear, malanga or American taro, and is a variety of tropical flowering plants belonging to the genus Xanthosoma. They produce an edible starchy corm.

Uses of Xanthosoma sagittifolium

1. The tubers of this vegetable are edible and may be used as a whole meal.
2. The plant and corm are referred to as yautia in Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine. The uses of Xanthosoma sagittifolium can only be limited by your imagination.

Health benefits of Xanthosoma sagittifolium

These vegetables have several nutrient components as they are rich in copper, vitamin B6, carbohydrates, potassium, and iron.

Some of its health benefits include

1. It is considered to be a very low allergenic food, making it good for people with several allergies.
2. It promotes energy and regulates blood sugar.
3. Xanthosoma sagittifolium aids in the maintenance of the gut and blood pressure.
4. The vegetable is also good for the proper functioning of the brain, kidney, and heart.
5. There is the presence of iron, making it beneficial for pregnant women as iron deficiency causes premature birth.

5. Xanthosoma Brasiliense

This is a perennial plant with large leaves borne on long petioles. This plant is now grown all around the world in tropical regions. It was domesticated in the Amazon. Also known as Tahitan spinach, this variety of flowering plant belongs to the araceae family. Other names include Tahitian spinach, tannier spinach, belembe and callaloo,celery stem Taro, Tannier Spinach, etc.

Uses of Xanthosoma Brasiliense

1. The leaves and stems of this plant are usually cooked and eaten as vegetables.
2. They are often cooked to expel calcium oxalate, which is present in the leaves of aroids. Their corms are not eaten because they are underdeveloped.
3. It is also one of the various leafy vegetables often utilized for the preparation of callaloo.

Health benefits of Xanthosoma Brasiliense

1. This vegetable is a good source of fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals that are absent in many American diets.
2. Xanthosoma brasiliense root has fiber and is resistant to starch, which slows digestion and reduces the spike in blood sugar levels after meals.
3. The aforementioned also helps to lower cholesterol levels, hence reducing the risk of heart disease.
4. Polyphenol and antioxidants are present in Tahitian spinach, which help to reduce the growth of cancerous cells and oxidative stress.
5. They are high in fiber and starch-resistant content, so when taken in, they give fullness, thereby reducing total calorie intake and increasing the burning of fat.

6. Ximenia americana

Commonly referred to as the “yellow plum”, it is a perennial tree grown mostly in the tropical climate regions of the world.

The plants are used for several medicinal purposes. For example, their leaves may be used as laxatives. They may also be used for the treatment of fever and colds. The infusion may also be used as mouthwash to get rid of toothaches.

Health benefits of Ximenia americana

1. This fruit is packed with powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which are good for proper body functioning. They help improve vision, boost immunity, and aid weight loss.

7. Ximenia caffra

This is commonly known as sour plum belongs to the oleaceae and they have a characteristic thin branch as a small tree or shrub native throughout tropical regions

This plant has a lot of local and medicinal uses. It may be used as ornamental and as fences. Both the tree and fruit, seeds, and roots are all useful.

Health benefits

1. They help to relieve constipation.
2. This plant aids the promotion of a healthy heart and improves osteoporosis.
3. They are packed with antioxidants, which aid vision and healthy body function.

In summary

Over 15 fruits and vegetables have been listed with their numerous health benefits. It does not hurt to try out new things. Your skin, lifestyle, and health will forever be grateful when you consume them frequently.

However, because of the high glycemic index of some of the fruits listed, It is advised to take them in reasonable quantities. This is to avoid igniting other health challenges while trying to be fit.

Since you have read up to this point, do not limit your diet options. You can also move on to the next alphabet to gain the advantages it has for you.