33 Purple Fruits & Vegetables
If you’re looking to add some color to your plate, look no further than the vibrant hues of purple fruits and vegetables.
Not only are these foods visually stunning, but they’re also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that are good for your body and taste buds.
From purple potatoes to purple cauliflower, these purple fruits & vegetables are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
From sweet to savory, these purple fruits & vegetables will have you feeling like royalty in no time.
Purple Fruits & Vegetables
Here are healthy purple foods you have to try!
1. Purple Mangosteen
A tropical evergreen tree with edible fruit native to tropical lands surrounding the Indian Ocean.
The purple mangosteen is an exotic fruit that is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world. The fruit is native to tropical lands surrounding the Indian Ocean.
The fruit is high in antioxidants and has many health benefits. The mangosteen is also a good source of vitamins C and E, as well as potassium and magnesium.
Recent scientific studies suggest that mangosteen possesses strong antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-microbial, and anti-malarial properties.
Looking for blue foods? Try my 30 Blue Food Items: A List of Naturally Blue Foods.
2. Purple Kale
Purple kale is a variety kale. Along with powerful antioxidants, it’s also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, carbohydrates and dietary fiber. It is cultivated from a dwarf variety of Scotch kale and looks like a giant ruffled flower.
Purple kale has a slightly sweeter taste than other types of kale and can be enjoyed cooked or raw. When shopping for purple kale, look for leaves that are deep in color and free from brown spots or wilting.
3. Royal Burgundy Green Beans
Royal Burgundy green beans are a beautiful purple color and easy to spot while picking, but then turn green when cooked.
The Royal Burgundy Green Bean is a healthy and delicious purple food that is perfect for any meal. This bean is packed with nutrients and has a variety of health benefits. Royal Burgundy Green Beans are an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber and protein. Royal Burgundy Green Beans can also help boost cognitive function and memory.
4. Purple Star Apple
The purple star apple is a variety of apple that is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. This type of apple has been shown to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and protect against cancer.
This purple star apple’s skin has a super sweet, white, juicy flesh on the inside, and when cut in half resembles the shape of a star!
5. Purple Garlic
Purple garlic is a large bulbed, full flavored garlic grown in Youghiogheny River Valley in Pennsylvania. Purple garlic has been shown to lower cholesterol, improve heart health, and boost the immune system. It can also help to detoxify the body and protect against cancer.
6. Purple Passion Fruit
Purple passionfruit is highly aromatic and has a tropical and floral, sweet-tart flavor with musky undertones reminiscent of guava.
This super fruit is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Passionfruit is a great source of Vitamin C, which is important for immunity, skin health, and collagen production.
7. Purple Carrots
Purple carrots are especially rich in powerful antioxidants known to fight inflammation.
Purple carrots are a healthy, nutrient-rich food. Purple carrots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your health in a variety of ways. They are also a good source of Vitamin A.
8. Purple Cauliflower
Purple cauliflower is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers many health benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, and a good source of folate and fiber. Purple cauliflower also contains antioxidants that may help protect against some chronic diseases. The purple color in cauliflower is caused by the presence of anthocyanin, which is water-soluble pigment in the vegetable.
9. Purple Grapes
The skins of purple grapes contain a polyphenolic compound called resveratrol. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Grapes come in many colors, including green, red, black, yellow, pink, and purple. “White” grapes are actually green.
10. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Butterfly pea flower tea, is a caffeine-free herbal tea. Adding lemon juice turns this deep blue tea a deeper shade of purple the more lemon juice is added. This tea is perfect for people who are looking for a natural way to improve their health and well-being.
11. Purple Corn
Purple corn is a staple of Mexican and American Southwest cuisine and is a totally natural purple food. It is often used to make tortillas and corn chips. It can also be made into flour for use in baking.
Purple corn is high in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals, and they have been linked to a reduced risk of some chronic diseases.
Did you know? Botanically speaking, corn is considered a fruit. Read 30 Native North American Fruits.
12. Purple Potatoes
They have a blue-purple to almost black outer skin and an inner flesh that’s brilliant purple, even after cooking. Some common varieties include Purple Peruvian, Purple Majesty, All Blue, Congo, Adirondack Blue, Purple Fiesta, and Vitelotte.
If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your plate, then purple potatoes are the way to go! These spuds are not only beautiful, but they’re also packed with nutrients. Purple potatoes contain high levels of anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants.
Whether you roast them, mash them, or simply boil them, purple potatoes make a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
Related: 60+ Black Food Names: A List of Naturally Black Foods
13. Canadian Purple Wheat
Canadian purple wheat is a special purpose wheat. This wheat contains high antioxidants similar to the purple pigments found in blueberries, called anthocyanins. This nutritious grain is also high in fiber and protein. Purple wheat can be used to make bread, pasta, and cereal.
14. Purple Kingsessing Bean
These dry beans have a delicious flavor and are used for stews and baking into bread. Six foot vines yield an abundance of purple pods filled with dark purple seeds.
This variety of bean is packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage. They’re also a good source of fiber, which can promote digestive health. Additionally, the purple Kingsessing bean contains important vitamins and minerals like iron and potassium.
15. Purple Tomatoes
Purple tomatoes, also known as purple or Indigo Rose tomatoes, are grown to be high in anthocyanins. Purple tomatoes also contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant. Naturally purple foods also tend to be high in fiber, which can help promote a healthy digestive system.
16. Purple Cabbage
The red cabbage is a kind of cabbage with dark red/purple leaves. However, the plant changes its color according to the pH value of the soil, due to a pigment belonging to anthocyanins. Purple cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Including purple cabbage in your diet is a great way to increase your intake of healthy nutrients!
17. Blueberry Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is made by brewing the purple buds of the Lavandula angustifolia plant. The Republic of Tea brand adds blueberry for a beautiful, purple colored cup of tea. This fragrant tea is not only refreshing, but it’s also packed with antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds.
To make this tea, simply steep dried lavender in hot water for 5 minutes. Then add fresh or frozen blueberries and let the mixture cool. Serve over ice for a refreshing summer beverage. You can also sweeten the tea with honey or agave if desired.
18. Eggplant
Eggplant is a dark purple fruit. Although some think of it as a vegetable. The spongy, absorbent fruit is used in several cuisines.
Eggplant is a nutrient-dense food that provides numerous health benefits. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it contains phytonutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, eggplant can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.
19. Purple Asparagus
Purple asparagus is a type of asparagus that is deep purple in color. Purple asparagus was developed in Italy. Purple asparagus is slightly sweeter and more tender than green asparagus. When you cut it or bit into it it has a beautiful green color, just like traditional green asparagus.
There are several ways to prepare purple asparagus. It can be steamed, grilled, or roasted. It can also be eaten raw in salads.
20. Purple Mushrooms
Purple mushrooms are not only a striking addition to any dish, but they are also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can boost your health. The high fiber content of purple mushrooms helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, making them an excellent addition to any weight loss plan.
Purple mushrooms are also known as violet webcap or violet cort. The edible caps are up to 6 inches across.
21. Purple Barley
Purple prairie barley is an heirloom grain that originated in Tibet. High in protein, the grain has the chewy texture of regular barley but with a dark purple hue. While you may not have heard of purple barley, this unique grain is packed with health benefits. Purple barley contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. Purple barley is also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
22. Singaporean Purple Bread
It looks insane but it could be a new superfood. Singaporean scientists have invented a purple bread that has 3X more antioxidants than white bread.
Purple bread is digested 20% slower than normal white bread. It’s also lower on the glycemic index. This helps people reduce their risk of diabetes and heart disease.
23. Purple Starflowers
Purple starflowers are a beautiful and healthy addition to any garden. They are rich in antioxidants and have many health benefits. Borage seed oil is extracted from its seeds and used in herbal medicine. This herb is native to Europe and grown in gardens for its edible leaves.
24. Blackberries
A fruity classic: Blackberries are among the most well-known purple fruits. These juicy deep-purple berries are packed with nutrition and potent anthocyanin pigments.
25. Saskatoon Berries
Saskatoon berries have a sweet, earthy flavor with a rich almond/marzipan undertone due to the flavor of the seeds. Because they’re not too sweet, they offer a unique taste that’s just right for baking. They’re most often used in desserts like pies.
The berries have a sweet, earthy flavor with a rich almond/marzipan undertone due to the flavor of the seeds. Saskatoon berries are rich in iron and vitamin C with antioxidant properties comparable to blueberries.
26. Ube Yam
Ube is also often called the purple yam or the Filipino purple yam. This root vegetable is often used in desserts. It’s also packed with nutrients like fiber, and potassium. You can even make ube ice cream, a Filipino ice cream flavor prepared using this purple food as the main ingredient.
27. Hawaiian Sweet Potato
Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes, are a part of the native menu in Hawaii. They have a beige outer skin and a deep, purple-blueish flesh. With a mildly sweet flavor, and a very dry, starchy texture.
While they may look different from your typical orange-fleshed sweet potato, Hawaiian sweet potatoes pack the same nutritional punch. They’re an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
28. Purple Rosemary
Purple Rosemary is a good choice for the edible herb garden in small amount. It is also well-suited for use in cooking. This herb is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help boost your immune system.
29. Ulluco Tuber
Ulluco is a tuber that is native to the Andes Mountains. It is a member of the potato family and has a similar appearance to a small, red potato. The skin of ulluco is thin and delicate, and the flesh is firm and starchy. Ulluco tastes earthy, musky, and nutty like a potato combined with beetroot. Ulluco is an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamins C and B6. It also contains potassium, magnesium, and iron.
30. Forbidden Rice
Forbidden rice (aka “black rice”) is a nutritious and versatile purple colored grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. Though it is often considered a luxury item, Forbidden rice is actually quite healthy, and is a good source of fiber, iron, and antioxidants.
While forbidden rice does have more calories than other types of rice, it is also more filling and satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, the nutrient-rich nature of purple forbidden rice means that it can help to boost energy levels and improve overall health.
Whether you use it as a main dish or as a side, forbidden rice is a delicious and healthy way to add some variety to your diet.
31. Damson Plums
It’s no secret that eating a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to maintain good health. Damsons are purple-blue plums that are often processed into jams and jellies. They can also be dried to make prunes.
32. Acai Berries
A fruity superfood: Acai berries are a great source of fiber and are jam-packed with Vitamin C! The berries are bright purple at peak ripeness. Acai berries may also improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and help with weight loss.
33. Purple Bamboo Salt
Korean purple bamboo salt is the world’s most expensive salt. This salt which is roasted nine times can cost almost $100 for an 8.5-ounce jar. This type of salt is made by roasting purple bamboo shoots over an open fire, which gives it its unique color and flavor.
Purple Foods FAQs
Are purple foods healthy?
Purple and blue foods are perhaps the most potent antioxidant-laden food group. Their purple pigment comes from anthocyanins, an antioxidant that contains naturally occurring polyphenols.
Why are so few foods purple?
Anthocyanins are chemically less stable than other pigments and are usually dominated by them. In order for the blue hue to predominate in the mix, it must have a slight shift in its chemical makeup. This is a rare occurrence. In the case of concord grapes, the mixture of anthocyanin pigments and the chemistry favors the purple hue. In other words, the purple pigment is there, the chemistry is right and you get a predominantly purple hue.
What are some purple seafoods?
Purple seafoods include purple lobsters and purple sea urchins, and purple shore crab.