30 Fruits That Starts With The Letter D

Today we will be sharing with you some amazing fruits that starts with the letter D. From delicious, sweet flavors to unique textures, these D-named fruits are sure to intrigue and tempt your taste buds.

You can expect to discover a variety of fruits that begin with the letter D, along with fascinating facts about each. Whether you're a fruit connoisseur or just curious, you'll find something new and enticing to add to your fruit basket.

See also: More Fruits That Start With

Fruit Trivia Question

What fruit beginning with 'D' is often referred to as the 'king of fruits' and has a strong aroma that divides opinion? (Answer at the end of the article!)

Date

Dates are sweet fruits from the date palm tree, originating from the Middle East. They're packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, offering health perks like improved digestion and heart health. While some people might experience fruit sugar allergies, dates generally are safe and add sweetness to a variety of dishes.

Durian

Durian is the 'king of fruits' and is native to Southeast Asia. It's well-known for its pungent smell, but under that lies a creamy, custard-like fruit rich in vitamins C and B, potassium, and dietary fiber. Its benefits include anti-inflammatory properties and improved digestion. Due to its strong smell, it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it's often used in sweets and savory dishes in Asia.

Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit, or pitaya, is a vibrant fruit with a mild, sweet taste, similar to kiwi or pear. Originating from the Americas, it's now grown in tropical regions worldwide. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, dragon fruit supports a healthy gut and boosts the immune system. It's hypoallergenic and makes a colorful addition to salads, smoothies, and desserts.

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." - Hippocrates

Damson

Damsons are small, purple fruits related to plums, originating from Europe. High in vitamin C and antioxidants, they support immune health and have anti-inflammatory effects. Damsons are often transformed into preserves, jams, or distilled into liqueurs due to their tart flavor.

Dewberry

Dewberries are closely related to blackberries and are native to the Northern Hemisphere. They're rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation. Allergic reactions are rare. Dewberries are perfect for jams, pies, and fresh eating.

Desert Lime

Native to Australia, the desert lime is a small, sour fruit thriving in arid climates. It's a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants. Its health benefits include boosting the immune system and promoting skin health. Desert lime is versatile in culinary uses, from marmalades to savory dishes.

Dekopon

Dekopon is a seedless citrus fruit, a hybrid between mandarins and oranges, originating from Japan. It's exceptionally sweet and juicy, with high vitamin C content and antioxidants. Dekopon supports immune function and skin health. It's excellent eaten fresh or used in desserts and beverages.

Double Coconut

The double coconut is one of the largest seeds in the plant kingdom, native to the Seychelles. Although not widely available due to its scarcity, it's rich in dietary fiber and healthy fats. It's primarily used for its nutritional oil and as a rare treat in its native land.

Davidson's Plum

Davidson's plum is a unique Australian fruit, offering a tart flavor and deep purple flesh. It's high in antioxidants, vitamin E, and zinc, making it great for overall health and skin. It's often used in sauces, jams, and desserts for its distinctive taste and health benefits.

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but if the doctor is cute, forget the fruit!"

Decaisnea Fargesii

Decaisnea Fargesii, commonly known as dead man's fingers, is a unique fruit native to China and Nepal. The fruit is notable for its striking blue or green sausage-shaped pods. It's not well-studied for nutritional value but is eaten mainly for its sweet, jelly-like pulp. While specific health benefits are not widely documented, it adds diversity to the diet. Allergies to Decaisnea Fargesii have not been prominently reported. Culinary uses include eating the pulp fresh or using it in desserts for its unusual appearance and texture.

Duku

Duku, or Lansium domesticum, is a tropical fruit from the mahogany family, widespread in Southeast Asia. Duku is rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to improved eye health, immune function, and digestion. Rarely causing allergies, Duku is enjoyed fresh or in fruit salads. It's also used in traditional medicines to treat various ailments, including fevers and skin conditions.

Dabai

Dabai, also known as the Sibu olive, is native to Malaysia and Borneo. It is not widely known outside of these areas. Nutritionally, Dabai is high in fat, similar to olives, and also contains vitamin E and antioxidants. It supports heart health and helps in maintaining healthy skin. Dabai can cause allergies to those sensitive to similar fruits. Culinary uses include eating it fresh, often after a brief soaking in warm water, or cooked in traditional dishes.

Desert Fig

Desert Fig, Opuntia ficus-indica, is a type of cactus native to Mexico but now found in many arid and semi-arid regions around the world. It’s rich in vitamins C and B, minerals, and fiber, offering benefits like improved digestion and blood sugar regulation. Rarely causing allergies, its fruit is eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies, and drinks. The pads of the cactus are also edible and used in many culinary dishes, particularly in Mexican cuisine.

Desert Banana

Desert banana, or bumpy banana, is not your typical banana. Native to Australia, it's dense in nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. It supports heart health and digestion. Used traditionally by indigenous Australians, it's now found in gourmet dishes and desserts.

"Fruit is nature's candy."

Dodder Laurel

Dodder Laurel (Cassytha filiformis) is a parasitic plant, its 'fruit' technically referring to the seed it produces. Originating in tropical and subtropical regions, it doesn't have conventional nutritional values like typical fruits. Its health benefits are more aligned with traditional medicine than modern dietary use, including treatments for inflammations and skin conditions. There are no well-documented allergies to Dodder Laurel. In culinary uses, it's not commonly used due to its parasitic nature and the lack of edible parts.

Dangleberry

Dangleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa) is native to Eastern North America. This fruit is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C and K, supporting immune health and blood clotting. Dangleberries can be important in diets for their antioxidant properties, though they are not commonly associated with allergies. Culinary uses include making jams, jellies, and pies, similar to blueberries, to which they are related and resemble in taste.

Darwin's Barberry

Darwin's Barberry (Berberis darwinii), originating from South America, is notable for its high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutritional values make it excellent for boosting the immune system and preventing oxidative stress. Rarely causing allergies, it can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including jams, jellies, and juices, offering a tangy flavor that complements sweet and savory dishes.

Dovyalis

Dovyalis (Dovyalis caffra), also known as Kei apple, is native to southern Africa. It's rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting digestive health, immune support, and skin health. While not widely reported to cause allergies, its sharp acidity might not agree with everyone's digestion. Culinary uses include making jellies, jams, and sauces, as well as being eaten fresh, though its tartness might require sweetening.

Dawadawa Fruit

Dawadawa fruit comes from the African locust bean tree (Parkia biglobosa) native to Africa. It is high in protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a significant source of nutrients in regions it grows. Health benefits include promoting digestive health and providing essential nutrients. While not commonly associated with allergies, its strong, distinctive flavor limits its culinary use to traditional African dishes, often in fermented form as a seasoning agent.

Desert Quandong

Desert Quandong (Santalum acuminatum) is a native Australian fruit, high in vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, making it a powerful antioxidant source. Its nutritional profile can help improve skin health and boost the immune system. Rarely causing allergies, this fruit has a tangy flavor and is used in a wide range of culinary applications, from jams and pies to savory sauces, and even in cosmetic products due to its high nutritional values.

Dawson's Burrawang fruit

Dawson's Burrawang fruit comes from the Cycas megacarpa, found mainly in Australia. This fruit is not commonly consumed due to potential toxicity. It is primarily known for its decorative use rather than its nutritional value. However, indigenous methods may detoxify the seeds for consumption. It's essential to approach with caution due to potential toxicity.

Dianella Berry

Dianella Berry, from the Dianella plant found in Australia and New Zealand, is a small, blue-purple fruit. It contains vitamins and antioxidants, offering health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties. Though not widely known for causing allergies, it's always wise to consume in moderation. In culinary practices, it can be used in jams, jellies, or as a natural dye.

Dittany of Crete Berry

Dittany of Crete Berry originates from the Origanum dictamnus plant, native to Crete, Greece. While more renowned for its aromatic leaves, the berries also possess nutritional benefits, including antioxidants. It is traditionally used in local culinary dishes and has been appreciated for its potential medicinal properties, such as aiding in digestion and skin healing. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, as with any herbal product.

Desert Peach

Desert Peach is a fruit from the Santalum acuminatum, native to arid regions of Australia. It’s a good source of antioxidants and Vitamin C, contributing to immune health and skin care. Rarely causing allergies, it's savored by indigenous communities and increasingly in gourmet dishes. The fruit is used in desserts, sauces, and chutneys, bringing a unique flavor profile to culinary creations.

Dogwood Berry

Dogwood Berry, from the Cornus plant, varies in edibility depending on the species. Originating from various parts, including North America and Asia, some are nutritious, offering Vitamin C and antioxidants, with uses in traditional medicine for inflammation and fever. However, not all berries are edible; some can be toxic. Culinary uses of safe varieties include jams, jellies, and syrups.

Daktyla

Daktyla, often referring to the edible dates from the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), is native to the Middle East. Dates are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestive health, energy production, and heart health. Rarely causing allergies, they're a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, used in desserts, snacks, or even savory dishes for a natural sweetness.

"The secret to living well is to eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure." - Tibetan Proverb

Dzhami (Persian Wild Fruit)

Dzhami, or Persian Wild Fruit, refers to various wild fruits found in Iran’s diverse ecosystems. These fruits, such as wild pears or apples, are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fibers, offering health benefits from improved digestion to heart health. They play a role in traditional Persian medicine and are used in local culinary dishes, from stews to jams, though specifics vary by fruit. Allergies to these wild fruits are uncommon but can occur.

Dalby's Plum

Dalby's Plum is a lesser-known fruit native to a small region in Australia. Not widely researched, its nutritional values are presumed to be similar to other plums, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals beneficial for digestion and heart health. It's used locally in traditional dishes, potentially in desserts or jams. Allergies would be rare, aligning with reactions to more common plum varieties.

Desert Apricot

The Desert Apricot, from Prunus fremontii, is native to the southwestern United States. This wild fruit is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune function and potentially reducing inflammation. It is eaten fresh or used in traditional Native American cuisines, often in jams, pies, or dried as a snack. Allergies are rare, making it a safe option for many to explore in culinary uses.

Dwarf Quandong

The Dwarf Quandong (Santalum lanceolatum) is an Australian native fruit known for its high antioxidant content. These small, bright red fruits offer nutritional benefits like fiber and Vitamin C. They're integral to indigenous Australian diets and medicine, rarely causing allergies. Culinary uses include making jams, desserts, or savory sauces, contributing a unique, tangy flavor to dishes.

Fruit Trivia Answer

Durian

Final Thoughts on Fruits That Starts With The Letter D

We hope that you have learned about the diverse and fascinating world of fruits that start with the letter D. From the nutritionally rich Duku and Dabai, offering essential vitamins and antioxidants, to the unique and visually striking Decaisnea Fargesii, these fruits provide a wide array of health benefits and culinary uses. Their flavors and textures contribute to the dietary diversity and culinary richness across different cultures and regions.

As we explored less common fruits like the Desert Fig and the intriguing properties of the Desert Quandong, it's evident that nature offers an incredible variety of fruits, each with its unique benefits and culinary potentials. Whether it's incorporating these fruits into traditional dishes, discovering their health benefits, or simply enjoying their fresh flavors, there’s always something new to appreciate in the world of fruits that begin with "D".