Think fruits starting with “C” are all citrus? Think again. No, they are all not citrus; the list is bigger than expected. From the juicy sweet cherries to the tangy bursting calamansi, C letter fruits cover every flavor profile imaginable. The list consists of tropical like coconut (Yes, it’s a fruit) and exotic like cupuaçu; you will find a “C” fruit for every palate. Some are zesty and refreshing, while others are smooth and creamy, proving this letter’s lineup is anything but ordinary.
Check out our list of some mouthwatering fruits that begin with the letter C.
1. Cherry
Cherries are a classic summer fruit available from the late spring through mid-summer. These small, round, flavourful C-letter fruits come from regions of Asia and Europe and are mainly used in desserts like pies, tarts, and jams. Cherries have a juicy, sweet, and slightly tart flavor that also goes well with savory dishes or as a garnish.
2. Clementine
Clementines, often mistaken for Oranges, are believed to have originated in North Africa or Algeria. These citrus fruits are a hybrid between mandarins and sweet oranges. But unlike their parent fruits, Clementines are seedless and easy to peel. They are in abundance during winter and have a refreshingly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. Mainly enjoyed fresh, they are also used in juice, salads, and desserts.
Fun Fact: Clementines are named after a French monk, Father Clément, who may have discovered this variety.
3. Cranberry
Cranberries are a shrub fruit known for their adaptability in both sweet and savory dishes. These small, bright red berries come around autumn and turn beloved during Thanksgiving. The berries have a sharp, tart flavor that balances well with sugar in juices, sauces, jams, and baked goods. This shrub fruit is mainly grown in flooded bogs, and their unique buoyancy makes harvesting a sight to behold.
4. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is a true melon available during summer. Its netted rind and vibrant orange flesh differentiate it from other melon varieties. The fruit originally came from Persia but was later spread to Europe and gained popularity in Italy and France. Its sweet, musky aroma, juicy texture, and sugary flavor make it perfect for hot summer days. Cantaloupe is, in fact, a refreshing appetizer in Mediterranean cuisines.
5. Coconut
Coconuts, the tropical staple are a native of Southeast Asia and Melanesia. These hard-shelled, bulky fruits are available year-round. Coconuts come in two forms: green (young coconuts for water) and brown (mature coconuts for hard flesh). The water has a sweet, refreshing taste, whereas the flesh has a creamy, nutty taste. Their hard shells are famously challenging to crack, but every part of the coconut is used, from milk to husk.Fun fact: the coconut is technically a drupe, not a nut
6.Current (red, black, or white varieties)
Native to Europe and Asia, Currants are small, translucent berries available in red, black, and white. The red ones have a tart, mildly sweet taste, whereas the black ones are strong and earth in flavor. The white ones are refreshing and tarty, and each variety is available in mid-summer. The tiny berries are commonly used in making cassis, a liqueur along with jams, jellies, syrups etc. However, they are banned in the U.S. due to concerns over tree diseases.
7. Carambola (Starfruit)
Carambola, or the tropical Starfruit, comes abundantly during the late summer throughout early winter. Originating from Southeast Asia, this star-like cross-section isn’t just visually appealing but delicious, too. The flavor ranges from mildly sweet to tart, depending upon the ripeness of the fruit. Carambola is mainly enjoyed fresh or sliced into salads, desserts or as a garnish for drinks. Surprisingly, even its waxy skin is completely edible.
8. Cashew Apple
Cashew Apple is a red, yellowish fruit native to Brazil. This tropical C-letter fruit has a sweet yet lightly astringent taste. It ripes in late summer and early fall, and the fibrous flesh is enjoyed fresh or to make juices, jams, and even fermented into alcohol in many regions. Cashew Apple is the same fruit that grows cashew nuts at its tips.
9. Cherimoya
Cherimoya, or the famous Custard Apple, comes from the Andes Mountains of South America. Known for its creamy, custard-like texture, Cherimoya tastes similar to banana, pineapple, and mango. The fruit has a green, scaly exterior that hides soft, fragrant flesh inside, along with inedible seeds. It comes mainly around late winter through early summer and is enjoyed fresh with a spoon.
10. Chokeberry
Chokeberry, or the famously known Aronia berries, are small, dark berries native to North America. These fruits are available in late summer and fall. Their tart, dry flavor often ‘choke’ the unprepared palate, and that’s how the fruit got its unique name. Chokeberry is commonly used in syrups, jams, baked goods, or savory sauces, as having them raw is not for all. Their deep color also makes them popular as natural food dyes.
11. Cape Gooseberry
Originally from South America, particularly Peru and Chile, Cape Gooseberries are in season from summer to autumn. These golden-yellow fruits are hidden inside papery husks. They have a tart, slightly sweet flavor, just like that of tomato and pineapple. Cape Gooseberries are enjoyed fresh or in jams, savory dishes, and desserts.
12. Calamansi
Calamansi is another citrus hybrid mistaken for orange. These small, green-to-orange fruits are native to the Philippines and are available year-round in tropical regions. The fruit has an intense, tangy juice with a similar taste of lime, lemon, and orange mixed. Often used as a condiment, its juice is either mixed with drinks or sprinkled over seafood and meat. It is even grown as an ornamental and culinary plant in home gardens.
13. Cupuacu
Cupuaçu is a tropical treasure from Brazil and the Amazon Rainforest. It is a cacao relative that looks like a kiwi from the outside but with a very different inside. The fruit is harvested during the rainy season (January to April). Its large, oblong pods contain creamy, aromatic pulp, which tastes similar to a blend of chocolate and tropical fruits like banana and pineapple. It is widely used in Brazilian sweets.
14. Cornelian Cherry
Cornelian Cherry is native to Europe and Western Asia, and you may know it as Cornel. This tiny ted fruit grows on a type of dogwood tree and ripens in late summer to early autumn. Cornelian has a tart, cranberry-like flavor and is often used in a tart, cranberry-like flavor.
15. Canistel
Canistel, which is also known as Eggfruit (due to its dense, yolk-like texture), completes our list of C-letter fruits. Originating from Central America and Mexico, Canistel is harvested in tropical climates from late fall to winter. The fruit has a bright yellow exterior and a sweet, yolk-like interior with a medium-sized seed within. It has a sweet, custard-like flavor that can be enjoyed fresh or in smoothies, milkshakes, and desserts.
16. Cacao
Cacao, originating from Central and South America, is the source of chocolate. There are several types, including Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario. It’s in season year-round in tropical climates. Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, cacao is used in chocolate making, beverages, and desserts.
17. Calabash Fruit
Calabash fruit, from Africa and South America, comes in various sizes. It is typically in season during summer. Known for its medicinal properties, it is used in traditional remedies and soups.
18. Camu Camu
Camu Camu, from the Amazon rainforest, is rich in vitamin C. It is harvested in the rainy season. Known for its antioxidant properties, it is used in supplements, juices, and smoothies.
19. Canary Melon
Canary melon, originating from Asia, has a bright yellow skin. It is in season during the summer. High in vitamins A and C, it is used in fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts.
20. Cantaloupe Melon
Cantaloupe melon, another term for cantaloupe, is similar in origin and use. It is consumed fresh, in fruit salads, and as a refreshing summer treat.
21. Cape York Lilly Pilly
Cape York Lilly Pilly, from Australia, bears small red fruits. It is harvested in summer. High in antioxidants, it is used in sauces, jams, and fresh consumption.
22. Cardamom Fruit
Cardamom fruit, native to India, is known for its aromatic seeds. It is harvested in late summer. Used in spices and medicinal remedies, it adds flavor to teas, desserts, and savory dishes.
23. Cassabanana
Cassabanana, from Central America, has a cucumber-like shape. It is harvested in summer. Known for its sweet taste, it is used in desserts, preserves, and eaten fresh.
24. Cedar Bay Cherry
Cedar Bay cherry, native to Australia, is a small red fruit. It is in season during summer. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it is used in jams, sauces, and desserts.
25. Ceylon Gooseberry
Ceylon gooseberry, from Sri Lanka, is a small, tart fruit. It is in season in late summer. High in vitamins and antioxidants, it is used in jams, sauces, and traditional medicine.
26. Ceylon Olive
Ceylon olive, native to Sri Lanka, is used for its oil and fruit. It is harvested in summer. Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, it is used in cooking, salads, and medicinal preparations.
27. Charichuelo
Charichuelo, from South America, resembles a mangosteen. It is in season in late summer. Known for its sweet taste, it is eaten fresh, in desserts, and beverages.
28. Chayote
Chayote, originating from Central America, comes in various types. It is harvested in summer. High in vitamins and fiber, it is used in salads, stews, and stir-fries.
29. Chayote Squash
Chayote squash, another term for chayote, is similar in origin and use. It is enjoyed in soups, salads, and sautéed dishes.
30. Chilean Guava
Chilean guava, from Chile, is a small red fruit. It is harvested in late summer. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it is used in jams, sauces, and fresh consumption.
31. Chinese Bayberry
Chinese bayberry, native to China, has a tart-sweet flavor. It is in season in summer. High in vitamins and antioxidants, it is used in juices, wines, and desserts.
32. Chinese Hawthorn
Chinese hawthorn, from China, is known for its medicinal properties. It is harvested in late summer. Rich in antioxidants, it is used in teas, candies, and traditional medicine.
33. Chinese Quince
Chinese quince, native to East Asia, is used for its aromatic fruit. It is in season in autumn. High in vitamins and fiber, it is used in jams, jellies, and medicinal syrups.
34. Chinotto
Chinotto, from Italy, is a small citrus fruit. It is in season in winter. Known for its bitter taste, it is used in beverages, candies, and marmalades.
35. Chirimoya
Chirimoya, another term for cherimoya, is similar in origin and use. It is enjoyed fresh, in desserts, and beverages.
36. Chocolate Vine
Chocolate vine, native to Asia, bears sweet, edible pods. It is harvested in late summer. High in vitamins and antioxidants, it is used in fresh consumption and desserts.
37. Chokecherry
Chokecherries, native to North America, have a tart flavor. They are in season in late summer. High in vitamins and antioxidants, they are used in jams, syrups, and traditional dishes.
38. Citron
Citron, from Southeast Asia, is known for its thick rind. It is harvested in winter. High in vitamin C, it is used in candies, marmalades, and traditional remedies.
39. Cloudberry
Cloudberries, from Northern Europe and North America, are in season in summer. High in vitamins and antioxidants, they are used in jams, desserts, and traditional dishes.
40. Clove Currant
Clove currants, native to North America, are in season in summer. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Clove currants are used in jams, sauces, and fresh consumption.
41. Coco Plum
Coco plums, from tropical America, are in season in summer. They are high in vitamins and antioxidants. Coco plums are used in jams, sauces, and eaten fresh.
42. Cocoa Fruit
Cocoa fruit, another term for cacao, is used in chocolate production. It is enjoyed as a fresh fruit, in beverages, and desserts.
43. Coffee Berry
Coffee berries, native to Ethiopia, are in season in late summer. They are known for their caffeine content. Coffee berries are used in beverages and as a superfood supplement.
44. Common Medlar
Common medlars, from Europe and Asia, are in season in late autumn. They are high in fiber and vitamins. Common medlars are used in jellies, desserts, and traditional remedies.
45. Coriander Berry
Coriander berries, from the Mediterranean, are in season in summer. They are used as a spice and in medicinal preparations. Coriander berries are used in cooking and traditional remedies.
46. Crabapple
Crabapples, native to North America, have many varieties. They are in season in autumn. High in pectin and vitamins, crabapples are used in jellies, sauces, and fresh consumption.
47. Crowberry
Crowberries, native to the Arctic and subarctic regions, are in season in summer. They are high in antioxidants. Crowberries are used in jams, desserts, and traditional remedies.
48. Cucumber
Cucumbers, from South Asia, are in season in summer. They are high in water content and vitamins. Cucumbers are used in salads, pickles, and refreshing beverages.
49. Cucumber Melon
Cucumber melons, another term for Armenian cucumbers, are similar in origin and use. They are enjoyed in salads, pickles, and as a refreshing snack.
50. Custard Apple
Last but not the least, Custard apples, from South America, are in season in autumn. They are high in vitamins and fiber. Custard apples are eaten fresh, in desserts, and smoothies.
