52 Fruits That Start With I

I’ve collected the ultimate list of fruits that start with ‘I’— all the way from the Incaberry to the Ice Apple to the Ilama.

Fruits are delicious! How many have you tried? Below is a compiled list of 52 fruits that begin with the letter I, along with a short description of each one. 

Let’s get started with my list of fruits that start with I!

Looking for a list of fruits that start with I? You’ve come to the right place!

What are fruits?

Fruits are edible parts of plants such as apples, bananas, and grapes. Botanically, foods like tomatoes, cucumbers, and almonds are actually fruits because they contain seeds and develop from the ovary of a flower.

1. Ilama

I figured that I would start my list of ‘I’ fruits with the ilama. This fruit has a creamy texture, sweet flavor, greenish skin, and round shape. I like it fresh or blended into smoothies. This fruit comes from Mexico and Central America. It tastes like yogurt and is honestly delicious– green ilamas are sweet, while pink ilamas are tart.

2. Ice Apple

Ice apple is a translucent, jelly-like fruit with a soft, refreshing texture. It has a mild, sweet flavor like coconut water and aloe vera, making it a cooling treat. They’re a summer favorite in South Asia.

3. Indian Mango

The Indian mango bursts with sweet, rich flavor and sports a bright yellow-orange skin. Its flesh is smooth and juicy-almost melts away as you eat it. I eat mangos fresh or blend them in a smoothie. Some 1500 mango varieties grow in India.

4. Ivy Gourd

Did you know? Scientifically speaking–gourds and cucumbers contain seeds and are botanically considered fruits. Ivy gourd is a small, oval fruit about 1 to 2.5 inches long. The skin is bright green and smooth, turning red as it gets ripe. Inside, the pulp is soft and watery with a mild, slightly sweet taste. It’s crunchy when raw and gets tender when cooked.

5. Indian Fig Fruit (Prickly Pear)

Prickly pear is about the size of a large kiwi and has thick, spiny skin that you need to peel off carefully. Inside, the juicy pulp is soft and full of tiny edible seeds. The sweet, watery flesh is great to eat fresh by scooping it out with a spoon, or in jams and desserts.

6. Indian Jujube

Indian jujube is about the size of a golf ball, with smooth skin that turns reddish-brown when ripe. The inside is crisp and tart when it’s young, but as it ripens, it becomes chewy and sweet, kind of like a date. You can eat it fresh with the skin and seeds or dry it for a chewy snack.

7. Indian Almond

Indian almond is a nut inside a hard shell about 1 to 1.5 inches long. Almonds are botanically a stone fruit called a drupe. This fruit type is similar to peaches, plums, cherries, and apricots. The almond fruit consists of an outer hull and a hard shell surrounding the seed, which is the edible almond “nut”.

8. Imbu (Brazil Plum)

Imbu is about the size of a ping-pong ball, with thin skin that turns yellow or orange when it’s ripe. The juicy pulp inside is soft and has a fresh mix of sweet and sour flavors. The single seed inside isn’t eaten.

9. Indonesian Snake Fruit (Salak)

Indonesian snake fruit has reddish-brown, scaly skin that looks like snake scales. The fruit is about the size of a fig. Inside, the crunchy flesh is sweet and tangy, with flavors like apple and pineapple. You peel off the skin and eat the segments fresh, or use them in desserts and preserves.

10. Incaberry

Incaberries are small, bright orange fruits wrapped in a thin, papery husk. Once peeled, the juicy berry has a sweet and sour taste, similar to pineapple and citrus. They’re great fresh, dried, or added to salads and desserts.

11. Ita Palm

Ita palm produces small, oval, orange fruits with thin skin. The sweet, juicy pulp inside has a texture like dates. You peel the fruit and eat the soft flesh around the large seed, or blend it into smoothies and desserts. It’s popular in tropical South America.

12. Inga (Ice Cream Bean)

Inga pods are long and green, about a foot long. Inside, fluffy white pulp covers large black seeds. The pulp is soft and sweet, tasting like vanilla ice cream or cotton candy. You eat the pulp fresh by pulling it off the seeds, making it a fun, natural treat.

13. Illawarra Plum

The Illawarra plum is a small, dark purple fruit about the size of a large grape. Its smooth skin hides soft, juicy flesh with a sweet and tangy flavor that has a slight pine-like note. The large seed is attached outside the flesh and twists off easily. Native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, it’s a favorite in Indigenous recipes.

14. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Indian gooseberry, or amla, is a small, round green fruit about the size of a marble. It has smooth, shiny skin and crisp, very sour flesh with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It’s often eaten raw, pickled, or made into chutneys.

15. Iyokan (Japanese Citrus)

Iyokan is a medium-sized citrus fruit, about the size of a baseball, with thick, bright orange skin that peels easily. Inside, the juicy segments are sweet with a mild tang and a fresh citrus aroma. Mostly seedless, it’s a popular winter fruit in Japan.

16. Ingrid Marie Apple

Ingrid Marie apples are medium-sized with red and green skin. Their flesh is crisp, juicy, and sweet with a slight tartness. They’re perfect for eating raw or baking in pies and desserts. This apple variety is harvested in late summer and is popular in Denmark.

17. Indian Persimmon

Indian persimmon has smooth, bright orange skin and soft, juicy flesh when ripe. The flavor is sweet and mellow with a creamy texture. This persimmon is enjoyed across Asia.

18. Indian Prune

Indian prunes are small, dark purple fruits with chewy, sweet flesh and a rich flavor. They’re often dried and eaten as a snack or used in baking and cooking. These prunes are appreciated for their sweetness.

19. Indian Sherbet Berry

Indian Sherbet Berry is a small, round berry about 1–2 cm in diameter with thin, delicate purplish skin that’s eaten along with the juicy, tangy-sweet pulp inside. The fruit contains a single seed, which is removed when making drinks or jams, but the whole berry is often eaten fresh or used to make sherbets.

20. Indonesian Lime

Indonesian lime is a small, round fruit about 1.5 to 2.5 inches wide, with a thick, bright green, bumpy rind that’s not typically eaten due to its bitterness. The zest and the aromatic double-lobed leaves are prized for cooking, adding a sharp, citrusy, and floral note to Southeast Asian dishes like curries and soups. This lime’s flavor is more like a spice than a juice.

21. Ivory Mango

Ivory mangoes are large and weigh 0.5 to 1 pound, with smooth, pale yellow skin that’s thin and easy to peel. The flesh is creamy, fiberless, and juicy, offering a rich, sweet flavor with a subtle tang and a fragrant aroma. They’re native to Thailand and Vietnam.

22. Icaco (Coco Plum)

Icaco is a small, round fruit about 1 to 1.5 inches wide with thin, smooth skin that ripens from pale yellow or white to dark purple. The soft flesh is mildly sweet to almost tasteless and juicy, surrounding a large stone with an edible seed inside that has a nutty flavor. The seeds can be roasted for a snack. Icaco is native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

23. Ichekú (Black Velvet Tamarind)

Ichekú, or black velvet tamarind, is a small, round West African fruit about 2 centimeters wide, with a thin, brittle black shell that cracks open easily. It has a dry, orange pulp with a sweet-tart, tangy flavor and a powdery texture, which you suck off the shiny seed before discarding the seed and shell. It’s popular among children in Nigeria and neighboring countries.

24. Icacina

Icacina is a lesser-known fruit with sweet flesh and a starchy texture. It can be eaten raw or cooked and is used in various local dishes. The flavor is mild and slightly sweet. This fruit is native to parts of Africa and appears in tropical cooking.

25. Ignacio Avocado

Ignacio avocado is a large, creamy fruit with dark green skin and smooth, buttery flesh. The flavor is rich and nutty. It’s usually sliced or mashed for salads, spreads, and sandwiches. This avocado grows in tropical climates and is prized for its creamy texture. Ignacio avocados are native to Central and South America.

26. Idalia

dalia is a medium-sized tropical fruit, roughly 3 to 4 inches long, with smooth, thin skin that ranges from pale yellow to light green. The flesh is soft, juicy, and mildly sweet with a delicate aroma. The skin is edible, and the seeds are removed before eating.

27. Igualama

Igualama, also known as ilama, is a large, heart-shaped or oval fruit from Central America, usually about 6 inches long with a thick, leathery rind that can be pale green or deep pink. The flesh is soft and custard-like with many hard brown seeds that aren’t eaten. The fruit is halved and the flesh is scooped out with a spoon, often served chilled or with a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

28. Italian Sweet Plum

Italian sweet plums are oval, 2–3 inches long, with thin, edible dark purple skin. The golden-yellow flesh is juicy and sweet with a touch of tartness; the pit is removed before eating. They’re eaten fresh by biting or slicing, with a crisp texture that softens when cooked.

29. Independence Nectarine

Independence nectarines are round, about 2–3 inches across, with smooth, reddish-yellow skin that’s eaten along with the fruit. This nectarine was developed in California and has flesh that is golden, juicy, and very sweet, with no fibers and a central pit that’s not eaten. I enjoy them fresh by biting in or slicing.

30. Infinity Chili Pepper

Infinity chili peppers were bred in the UK and are small, about 1–2 inches long, with wrinkled, bright red skin that’s not usually eaten whole due to extreme heat. The flesh is thin and delivers an intense, fiery burn with a hint of fruity flavor; seeds are often removed before use. Use tiny slices or a pinch in sauces or curries to add serious heat.

31. Inharé (Amazonian Red Mulberry)

Inharé berries are small, about 1 inch long, bright red, and soft, with tender skin you can eat. The inside is juicy, sweet, and slightly tart, with tiny edible seeds. Eat them fresh by the handful or sprinkle over yogurt for a taste of the Amazon.

32. Ixora

Ixora is native to tropical Asia and produces clusters of tiny, bright red flowers, each about the size of a pea, with soft, edible petals. The taste is mildly sweet and floral, and the petals are sometimes scattered over salads or desserts for color and a gentle flavor. Mostly grown as a tropical ornamental, the flowers are the edible part.

33. Indian Summer Raspberry

Indian Summer Raspberries were developed in New York and produce large, cone-shaped berries about 3.2 grams each with dull red skin and a sweet, mild flavor. The fruit has a soft, juicy texture with small seeds that are edible but often discarded.

34. Interdonato Lemon

Interdonato lemons are large, 3–4 inches long, with thick, bumpy yellow skin that’s usually not eaten. Inside, the pale yellow flesh is juicy and very sour, with a few seeds. This lemon variety is popular in southern Italy.

35. Isolda Pear

Isolda pears are cultivated in Europe and are medium-sized, about 3 inches long, with smooth yellow-green skin that’s eaten with the fruit. The flesh is soft, juicy, and sweet, with a mild flavor and a few small seeds at the core. Eat them fresh by slicing or biting in, especially in the fall.

36. Imbé (African Mangosteen)

Imbé fruits are small, round, about 2 inches across, with tough orange skin that’s peeled away to reveal firm, bright orange flesh. The taste is sweet with a tangy edge, and the flesh is eaten fresh, leaving behind the large seed. Common in Africa, they’re enjoyed straight from the shell.

37. Indian Cucumber

Indian cucumbers are long and slender, usually 6–8 inches, with smooth green skin that’s often eaten. The white flesh is crisp, mild, and refreshing, with tiny edible seeds. Slice them raw for salads or eat whole as a cooling snack.

38. Italian Sweet Pepper

Italian sweet peppers are large, 5–7 inches long, with shiny red, yellow, or green skin that’s eaten. The flesh is thick, juicy, and sweet, with a hollow center and small edible seeds. Eat them raw in strips, roast whole, or stuff and bake for a classic Mediterranean dish.

39. Inaja

South American Inaja fruit is round, about 2–3 inches wide, with tough brown skin that’s peeled to reveal sweet, fibrous, yellow-orange flesh. The taste is rich and sugary, and the flesh is eaten fresh, sometimes chewed off the large seed. It’s a tropical treat found in South American forests.

40. Irsai Oliver Grape

Hungarian Irsai Oliver grapes are small, round, and pale green, about the size of a marble, with thin edible skin. The flesh is juicy, sweet, and slightly musky, and the tiny seeds are usually swallowed or spit out. Eat them fresh by the bunch or use in white wine production.

41. Indigo Rose Tomato

Indigo Rose tomatoes are round and about 2 inches wide. This tomato variety has a striking dark purple-black skin that’s thin and edible. The flesh is firm and juicy with a balanced, mildly sweet and tangy flavor, and the small seeds inside are eaten along with the fruit. Developed in Oregon, they’re best enjoyed fresh by slicing or eating whole.

42. Idésia

Idésia produces small, round, red to purple berries, each about the size of a large pea, with thin, edible skin. The flesh is juicy and tart with a refreshing, citrusy kick, and the tiny seeds are usually swallowed. Native to East Asia, these berries are eaten fresh or dropped whole into drinks for a tangy twist.

43. Indian Strawberry (Mock Strawberry)

Indian strawberries are tiny, round, and bright red, about the size of a marble, with soft, edible skin and tiny seeds on the surface. The flesh is mildly sweet and juicy, though less flavorful than true strawberries, and they’re eaten whole.

44. Iboga

Iboga fruits are small, oval, and yellow-orange, about an inch long, with a thin, edible skin. The flesh is mildly sweet with a soft, slightly fibrous texture, and the seeds inside are not eaten. Native to Central Africa, they’re usually enjoyed whole.

45. Indian Blood Cling Peach

Indian blood cling peaches are medium-sized, with fuzzy red-blushed skin and striking deep red flesh that clings to the pit. The texture is juicy and firm, with a sweet-tart, berry-like flavor; the skin is eaten, but the pit is discarded. I enjoy them sliced fresh in the summer.

46. Intruder Bell Pepper

Intruder bell peppers are large and blocky, about 4–5 inches long, with glossy, thick skin in shades of green or red that’s eaten. The flesh is crisp and sweet, with a hollow interior and small edible seeds.

47. Irwin Mango

Irwin mangoes are oval, about 4–5 inches long, with smooth, bright yellow to red skin that’s peeled before eating. The flesh is vibrant orange, juicy, and sweet with a floral aroma, and the large central pit is not eaten. Originally bred in Florida, they’re best enjoyed sliced fresh or blended into tropical treats.

48. Ice Cream Mango

Ice Cream mangoes are small and oval, about 3–4 inches long, with thin yellow-green skin that’s peeled away. The flesh is creamy, fiberless, and intensely sweet, melting in your mouth; the single pit is discarded. Popular in tropical Asia, they’re eaten fresh or scooped straight from the skin.

49. Italia Grapes

Italia grapes are large, oval, and golden-green, about the size of a small olive, with thin, edible skin. The flesh is juicy, crisp, and very sweet, and the small seeds can be eaten or spit out. Originally from Italy, they’re enjoyed fresh in bunches or used for making wine.

50. Incrocio Manzoni Grapes

Incrocio Manzoni grapes are medium-sized, round, and pale green or yellow, with thin, edible skin and a slight crunch. The flesh is juicy, sweet, and aromatic, and the seeds are usually eaten with the grape. Bred in Italy, eaten fresh or used in winemaking.

51. Impact Cucumber

Impact cucumbers are long, slender, and dark green, about 6–8 inches, with thin edible skin. The flesh is crisp, mild, and refreshing, with tiny edible seeds. Eaten raw in slices or whole, they’re a favorite for salads and summer snacks.

52. Islander Bell Pepper

Islander bell peppers are medium to large, about 4 inches long, with smooth, thick skin that ripens from lavender to yellow, orange, and red, all of which are edible. The flesh is sweet, crisp, and juicy, with a hollow center and edible seeds. I like to slice this bell pepper for salads or stir fries.

Fruits That Start With I  FAQs

Are all fruits edible?

Some fruits can’t be eaten raw—or may be confused with a non-edible fruit. Please use caution when trying any new fruit.

What vegetables start with the letter I?

Iceberg lettuce, Irish moss, Italian parsley, Igname, Idaho potatoes, ice plant, iboga, and Italian red onion are all vegetables that start with I.

What is ibo fruit?

Ibo fruit is not a specific type of fruit, but rather a term used to refer to fruits that are commonly eaten by the Ibo people, an ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria. Some Ibo fruits are African breadfruit (ukwa), African star apple (udara), guava (gova), pawpaw (okwuru), and pineapple (akwuolo).

I thought it would be difficult to find fruits beginning with the letter I. Who knew there were this many–certainly not me! I really hope you enjoyed learning about them.

You could also check out my 48 Desserts That Start With A or 100+ Drinks That Start With W if you’d like to branch out.