40 Fruits That Starts With The Letter C

Today we will be sharing with you some known and lesser-known fruits that starts with the letter C. This category encompasses a variety of fruits from around the globe, ranging from everyday favorites to exotic rarities.

You'll explore the nutritional values, unique flavors, and fun facts about each fruit, broadening your culinary knowledge and maybe even inspiring your next fruit adventure. Whether you're a food enthusiast or just curious, prepare to be intrigued by what the world of fruits has to offer.

See also: More Fruits That Start With

Fruit Trivia Question

What fruit starting with "C" is known as the "Chocolate Pudding Fruit" due to its creamy, chocolate-like texture? (Answer at the end of the article!)

Cherry

Cherries are small, round fruits with a pit in the center, known for their vibrant red color and juicy, sweet taste. Originating from regions in Europe and Asia, cherries offer a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They contribute to heart health, reduce inflammation, and can improve sleep quality. Varieties include sweet and tart cherries, but some people may experience allergies, mainly oral allergy syndrome. Cherries shine in pies, jams, and as fresh snacks.

Coconut

The coconut is a large, versatile fruit encased in a tough, hairy shell, recognized for its sweet, water-filled center and rich, creamy flesh. Native to tropical regions, the coconut is packed with fiber, vitamins C and E, and minerals like iron and potassium. It boosts hydration, supports heart health, and can aid in weight management. Allergies are rare. Coconuts are used in a wide range of culinary applications, from coconut milk and oil to desiccated coconut for baking.

Cranberry

Cranberries are small, tart berries with a vibrant red hue, primarily grown in North America. Rich in vitamins C and E, cranberries are known for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections and support overall cardiovascular health. While there are several varieties, common and white cranberries are most prevalent. Cranberries work well in sauces, juices, and dried snacks but watch out for sugars in some cranberry products.

Clementine

Clementines are a type of mandarin orange, small and easy to peel, with sweet and tangy flesh. Originating from Algeria, these fruits are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. They promote skin health and immune function. There are few known allergies. Clementines are perfect for snacking, in salads, or as a sweet juice.

Cherimoya

Cherimoya, or custard apple, is a green, heart-shaped fruit with creamy, sweet, flesh that tastes like a blend of banana, pineapple, and strawberry. Native to South America, cherimoya is rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, and dietary fiber, offering benefits like improved digestion and reduced inflammation. While allergies are rare, it's vital to avoid the seeds, as they are toxic. Enjoy cherimoya fresh or in smoothies for a tropical treat.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are large, round fruits with a netted, tan rind and juicy, orange flesh. They originated in Iran and are loaded with vitamins A and C, promoting eye health and immune function. Cantaloupe allergies are uncommon. This melon is delightful in fruit salads, as a refreshing snack, or blended into smoothies.

Currant

Currants, both black and red varieties, are tiny, tangy berries that grow in clusters. With origins stretching back to parts of Europe and Asia, currants are a powerhouse of vitamins C and K. They aid in blood clotting and antioxidant protection. Currant allergies are uncommon. These berries are excellent in jams, jellies, and baked goods.

Calamondin

Calamondin is a small, tart citrus fruit resembling a miniature tangerine. Rooted in the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia, it offers a modest vitamin C boost. Calamondin shines as a souring agent in dishes, in marmalades, and as a zesty garnish.

Custard Apple

Custard apple, similar to cherimoya, boasts a creamy texture and sweet flavor. This heart-shaped fruit is native to the Americas and parts of Asia, offering nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. Custard apples are ideal eaten fresh or used in desserts.

Cloudberry

Cloudberries are rare, amber-colored berries found in arctic and alpine regions. They are rich in vitamin C and can support immune health. Eaten fresh, in jams, or in desserts, cloudberries are a Nordic delicacy with no known allergies.

"Let food be thy medicine, and let thy medicine be food."

Cape Gooseberry

Cape gooseberries are small, round fruits encased in a paper-like husk, offering a sweet-tart flavor. Native to South America, they contain vitamins A, C, and B-complex. Cape gooseberries are versatile in both sweet and savory dishes.

Carambola

Carambola, or star fruit, is a tropical fruit with an oblong shape and a waxy, edible skin. Originating in Southeast Asia, it's rich in vitamin C and fiber. Carambola is great in salads, juices, or as a decorative garnish, but individuals with kidney problems should avoid it due to its oxalic acid content.

Chokeberry

Chokeberries are small, dark berries known for their astringent taste and antioxidant properties. Native to North America, they support heart health and inflammation reduction. Chokeberries are best enjoyed in juices or smoothies.

Chokecherry

Chokecherry trees produce small, tart fruits that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Native to North America, the berries can improve immune health but must be processed to avoid toxicity from their seeds.

Citron

The citron is a large, fragrant citrus fruit with a thick rind, originally from India. Nutritionally, it's low in calories but rich in vitamin C, fiber, and plant compounds, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Rarely, citron can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. In the culinary world, its rind is often candied or used to flavor dishes and beverages.

Cucamelon

Cucamelons are small fruits that resemble miniature watermelons but taste like cucumbers with a hint of lime. Native to Central America and Mexico, they are low in calories and provide a decent amount of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. They're known for their high antioxidant content. Cucamelons can be eaten raw, pickled, or used in salads and salsas.

Canistel

Canistel, also known as egg fruit, originates from Central America and southern Mexico. It's rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, promoting eye health and boosting the immune system. Canistel is generally safe to eat, but some people might be allergic. It's often eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies due to its custard-like texture.

Camu Camu

Camu Camu is a small, sour berry from the Amazon rainforest. It boasts an incredibly high vitamin C content, along with other antioxidants. It's beneficial for immune support, reducing inflammation, and protecting against chronic diseases. Rarely, it may cause digestive disturbances in high amounts. Mostly consumed in powder form, it's added to smoothies, desserts, and juices.

Cashew Apple

The cashew apple is the fleshy part attached to the cashew nut, originating from Brazil. It's rich in vitamin C, fibers, and antioxidants. The fruit supports immune health, aids digestion, and improves heart health. Note that the raw cashew nut can cause allergies due to urushiol. The cashew apple is often eaten fresh, juiced, or made into a liqueur.

Crowberry

Crowberries are small, black berries found in cold, temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They're low in calories but a good source of vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, promoting heart health and aiding digestion. Crowberries are typically consumed raw, juiced, or used in traditional indigenous dishes.

Cupuacu

Cupuacu is a tropical rainforest fruit from the Amazon basin, related to cacao. It's rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins B1, B2, and B3, supporting skin health and providing an energy boost. Cupuacu butter, made from its seeds, is used in cosmetics. The fruit's creamy pulp is used in desserts, juices, and sweets.

Carissa

Carissa, also known as Natal plum, is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa. Its fruits are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, offering immune and digestive benefits. While the fruit is edible and nutritious, other parts of the plant are toxic. Carissa is consumed fresh, in jams, or as a flavoring in dishes.

"Fruits are nature's candy."

Ceylon Gooseberry

Ceylon gooseberry, from the Physalis family, is native to Sri Lanka and parts of India. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting immune function and reducing inflammation. The fruit is generally safe, but the leaves of the plant can be toxic if ingested. It's used in traditional desserts, jams, and sauces.

Chinese Quince

The Chinese quince is a large, fragrant fruit native to East Asia. It's packed with vitamins C and E, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation. While no specific allergies are associated with Chinese quince, its hard flesh is usually cooked rather than eaten raw. It's commonly used in jams, jellies, and syrups.

Crab Apple

Crab apples are small, tart fruits from various species of Malus, native to cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They're a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, offering anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Some people might experience mild allergic reactions. Crab apples are often used in making jellies, jams, and cider due to their high pectin content.

Cactus Pear

Cactus pear, or prickly pear, is the fruit of the Opuntia cactus, native to the Americas. It's rich in vitamins C and B, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. It's generally safe to eat, though some may be allergic. Cactus pear is consumed fresh, in juices, or in desserts.

Chocolate Pudding Fruit

Chocolate pudding fruit, also known as black sapote, is native to Central and South America. It's rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, beneficial for heart health and digestion. Rarely, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Its pudding-like texture makes it popular in desserts, smoothies, and baked goods.

Chayote

Chayote is a light green, squash-like fruit native to Mexico. It's low in calories but high in vitamins C and B, and fiber, aiding in digestion and maintaining a healthy heart. Chayote is generally hypoallergenic. It's versatile in the kitchen, used in salads, soups, and stews, both raw and cooked.

Citrange

Citrange is a citrus hybrid of the sweet orange and the trifoliate orange, bred mainly for resistance to cold. It's rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, promoting immune health and preventing oxidative stress. Citrange fruits are generally not eaten fresh due to their bitter taste but are used as rootstocks for other citrus varieties or occasionally in marmalades.

Cape Gooseberry

Cape gooseberry, or Physalis peruviana, is native to the Andes. It's rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting eye health, immune function, and digestion. While allergies are rare, they can occur. Cape gooseberries can be eaten raw or used in salads, desserts, and sauces.

Cornelian Cherry

Cornelian cherry is a small, sour fruit native to parts of Europe and Asia. It's high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, offering benefits for heart health and digestion. It is usually well tolerated, with no common allergies. The fruit is often processed into jams, jellies, syrups, and liqueurs due to its tart flavor.

Cherimoya

Cherimoya, native to the Andes, is noted for its creamy texture and sweet flavor, likened to a blend of banana, pineapple, and strawberry. It's rich in vitamins C and B, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and reducing inflammation. Cherimoya seeds are toxic if ingested. The fruit is typically eaten fresh or used in smoothies and desserts.

Calabash

The calabash, or bottle gourd, is native to Africa but is now grown in many parts of the world. It's low in calories but high in vitamin C and dietary fiber, supporting hydration and digestive health. It's generally safe to eat, though bitter specimens should be avoided as they may contain toxic compounds. Calabash is used in various dishes, commonly cooked as a vegetable.

Cempedak

Cempedak is a tropical fruit closely related to jackfruit, native to Southeast Asia. It's rich in nutrients like vitamins C and A, potassium, and dietary fiber, promoting heart health and aiding digestion. Allergy information is limited, but it's generally considered safe. Cempedak can be eaten fresh or fried, and its seeds are also edible when cooked.

"Eating a rainbow of fruits every day is a delicious path to good health."

Cocktail Avocado

The cocktail avocado is a small, seedless variety of avocado, developed from the Fuerte avocado variety. It's nutrient-rich, offering healthy fats, fiber, vitamins C and E, and potassium, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. It poses the same allergy risks as regular avocados. Due to its size and lack of pit, it's ideal for snacks, salads, or sushi.

Cluster Fig

Cluster fig, native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and India, is important in traditional medicine and as a food source. It's high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting digestive health and blood sugar control. While generally safe, it's best consumed in moderation. Cluster figs are eaten fresh, made into jams, or used in traditional dishes.

Coco Plum

Coco plum is native to coastal areas in the Caribbean, Central, and South America. It's rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting immune health and aiding digestion. No common allergies are reported. Coco plum can be consumed fresh, in jellies, or as a part of savory dishes.

Conkerberry

Conkerberry, or bush plum, is found in Australia, particularly valued by Indigenous Australians. It's a good source of antioxidants, fiber, and micronutrients like folate, supporting immune and digestive health. There are no well-documented cases of allergies. Conkerberry is often consumed raw or used in traditional Aboriginal foods and medicinal practices.

Cedar Bay Cherry

Cedar Bay Cherry, native to Australia and parts of Asia, is prized for its high vitamin C content, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, promoting immune health and aiding digestion. There are rare reports of allergies. It's commonly eaten fresh, in desserts, or made into jam.

Fruit Trivia Answer

"Chocolate Pudding Fruit" is known as black sapote.

Final Thoughts on Fruits That Starts With The Letter C

Exploring fruits that start with "C" offers a glimpse into the vast array of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits that nature provides. From the sweetness of cherries and the tang of cranberries to the exotic appeal of cherimoya and cempedak, each fruit holds a unique spot in the culinary and nutritional landscape.

Delving into this list not only broadens our understanding and appreciation of fruits but also encourages us to incorporate a wider variety into our diets. Whether enjoyed fresh, cooked, or as part of a larger dish, these fruits contribute to a healthier, more flavorful life.