13 Delicious Fruits That Start With C : An Expert Guide (2024)

The most common fruits that start with the letter C include cherries, coconuts and cantaloupes. Other interesting C fruits are clementines, crabapples and custard apples.

As a fruit expert with over two decades of experience in horticulture and culinary arts, I’m excited to take you on a flavorful journey through the world of fruits that start with the letter C. Whether you’re a curious food lover, a health enthusiast, or simply looking to expand your culinary repertoire, this guide will introduce you to 13 diverse and delicious C fruits, their tastes, nutritional benefits and interesting facts.

Popular C Fruits

1. Cherry

Cherry is a darkly humorous, coming-of-age story about a young man whose transition from college to the Army takes a harrowing turn into addiction and crime Fruits

Cherries are small, round fruits that come in both sweet and tart varieties. They’re packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Fun fact: Tart cherries contain natural melatonin, which may help improve sleep quality.

2. Coconut

Coconut is a sweet and refreshing tropical fruit known for its versatile use in culinary dishes and its hydrating coconut water.

Often mistaken for a nut, coconuts are actually drupes. They’re rich in healthy fats, fiber and minerals like manganese and copper. Coconut water is a popular natural electrolyte drink.

3. Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a juicy, orange-fleshed melon with a sweet, aromatic flavor, perfect for refreshing summer snacks

This sweet, orange-fleshed melon is high in vitamins A and C. Its refreshing taste and high water content make it a perfect summer fruit. Cantaloupe pairs well with prosciutto in savory dishes.

Citrus C Fruits

4. Clementine

Clementine is a small, seedless citrus fruit with a bright, tangy sweetness and easy-to-peel skin, ideal for snacking.

A hybrid between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange, clementines are small, sweet and easy to peel. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C and make a perfect portable snack.

5. Citron

Citron is a large, yellow citrus fruit with a thick, bumpy rind and a tart, aromatic flavor, often used in preserves and flavoring.

One of the original citrus fruits, citrons are large and fragrant. Unlike other citrus fruits, they’re mainly used for their zest and candied peel in cooking and confectionery.

Exotic C Fruits

6. Cherimoya

Cherimoya is a creamy, tropical fruit with a sweet, custard-like flavor and a green, scaly skin, often enjoyed fresh or in desserts.

Mark Twain called it “the most delicious fruit known to men.” Cherimoyas have a creamy texture and a flavor reminiscent of banana, pineapple and strawberry. They’re rich in vitamin C and B6.

7. Cactus Fruit (Prickly Pear)

Cactus fruit, or prickly pear, is a vibrant, sweet-tart fruit with a slightly gritty texture and a striking, colorful flesh, commonly used in beverages and desserts.

Also known as prickly pear, this fruit has a sweet flavor and is rich in antioxidants. It’s commonly used in juices, jams and even as a natural food coloring.

8. Cupuaçu

Cupuaçu is a tropical fruit with a creamy, chocolatey flavor and a unique, fragrant aroma, often used in sweets and beverages in South American cuisine.

Native to the Amazon rainforest, cupuaçu has a unique tropical flavor often described as a mix of chocolate and pineapple. It’s high in antioxidants and used in various desserts and beverages in Brazil.

Lesser-Known C Fruits

9. Cornelian Cherry

Cornelian cherry is a tangy, red fruit with a firm texture and a distinctive sour-sweet flavor, often used in jams and traditional dishes.

Despite its name, this fruit is more closely related to dogwoods than cherries. It has a tart flavor and is often used in jams, syrups, and traditional medicines in parts of Europe and Asia.

10. Cloudberry

Cloudberry is a rare, amber-colored berry with a sweet, tangy flavor and a delicate texture, often enjoyed in jams and desserts.

These golden berries are found in northern temperate regions. They have a tart flavor and are rich in vitamin C. In Scandinavian countries, they’re considered a delicacy and are used in jams and liqueurs.

11. Calamansi

Calamansi is a small, sour citrus fruit with a tangy flavor and aromatic zest, commonly used in Filipino cuisine for its vibrant taste.

A citrus fruit native to the Philippines, calamansi has a sour taste and is often used as a flavoring in beverages and dishes. It’s rich in vitamin C and used in traditional medicine for its perceived health benefits.

12. Crabapple

Crabapple is a small, tart apple with a firm texture and vibrant color, often used in jams, jellies, and ornamental displays.

Smaller and tarter than regular apples, crabapples are excellent for making jellies and preserves. They’re high in pectin, which makes them ideal for jams.

13. Custard Apple

Custard apple is a tropical fruit with a creamy, sweet flesh and a textured, green skin, often enjoyed fresh or in desserts.

Also known as sugar apple or sweetsop, this fruit has a creamy texture and sweet flavor. It’s rich in vitamin C and B6 and is often eaten fresh or used in ice creams and smoothies.

Nutritional Benefits of C Fruits

Vitamin C Powerhouses

Many C fruits, particularly citrus varieties like clementines and calamansi, are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.

Antioxidant-Rich Options

Fruits like cherries, cactus fruit, and cloudberries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Fiber-Filled Choices

Fruits like coconuts and cherimoyas provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Culinary Uses of C Fruits

Baking with C Fruits

Many C fruits work well in baked goods. Cherry pies, coconut macaroons and crabapple tarts are just a few delicious examples.

Savory Applications

Don’t limit C fruits to sweet dishes. Cherries can be used in savory sauces, while coconut is a staple in many curry dishes. Cactus fruit is used in some Mexican savory recipes.

Beverages and Cocktails

From classic cherry cola to trendy coconut water, C fruits are popular in beverages. Calamansi juice is a refreshing drink in the Philippines, while cupuaçu is used in smoothies in Brazil.

Growing C Fruits at Home

Cherry Trees

Cherry trees can be grown in many temperate climates. They require full sun and well-draining soil. Both sweet and sour cherry varieties can be grown in home gardens.

Container Gardening

Dwarf citrus trees, including clementines and calamansi, can be grown in containers, making them accessible for those with limited space.

Indoor Options

Some C fruits, like certain varieties of calamansi and dwarf cherry trees, can be grown indoors with proper care and lighting.

Fruits that start with C offer a wide array of flavors, textures and nutritional benefits. From the familiar cherry to the exotic cupuaçu, there’s always something new to discover in the world of C fruits. Remember to choose ripe, high-quality fruits for the best flavor and nutritional value. Happy fruit exploring!

For more gardening tips and plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com.