The letter “E” might not come up often in the fruit world, but wait for the surprise as we reveal how many delicious and unique fruits begin with it. Elderberries and eggfruit are just the beginning, as the list goes long. This flavourful journey of E-letter fruits spans continents, cultures, and cuisines in surprising ways. Each fruit has its own unique story and contribution to our overall well-being, making them a delightful addition to any diet.
Check out whether these ‘E’ letter fruits are worth adding to your next grocery list.
1. Elderberry
Elderberries are small, deep purple fruits packed with antioxidants and nutrients. They grow in clusters on the elder tree, mainly in Europe, North America, Western Asia, and North Africa. The berries are harvested in late summer and enjoyed for their tart flavour. However, since most elderberries are too sour, they go well in syrups, jams, and even wine. Its boldness, when tempered with sweetness, brings the best flavors. Historically, elderberries have been a staple in traditional remedies.
2. Elephant Apple
The elephant apple is a large, green fruit native to Southeast Asia. It grows on trees that can reach towering heights. The fruit has a fibrous freshness, which is enjoyed both raw and ripped. Although it isn’t very appealing as raw, it goes well in chutneys and curries. Elephant apples are very popular in Indian and Thai cuisine for their bold taste that adds complexity to sauces and pickles.
3. Emu Apple
Coming from Australia, Emu Apples are quite different from apples we have seen or munched on. These tiny apples grow on shrubs or small-sized trees in the nation’s arid outback. This tiny, reddish-purple ball-like fruit bursts with antioxidants and tastes slightly tarty and tangy. The fruit is available in late summer and is used in making traditional Indigenous dishes. This fruit might be under the radar for many, but it is important in Australian culinary history.
4. Etrog
The etrog is a bright yellow citron fruit but not a lemon, although it may look like one. They are traditionally grown in Israel but are also found in other Mediterranean regions. The fruit is huge and fragrant with a thick, pitted rind that makes zest for marmalades and preserves. Its flesh isn’t very sweet or sour but may sometimes have almost no taste. Etrog also plays an important role in Jewish traditions, especially during the festival of Sukkot. It is also used in enhancing citrusy fragrances in cosmetics.
5. Eggfruit
Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy eggfruit, a tropical delicacy that mimics a nicely boiled eff yolk. The fruit isn’t an egg in shape, but its pulp/ flesh looks exactly like a nicely boiled yolk. Eggfruit is a native of Central America and its custard-like consistency makes it one of the more unusual fruits to try. Besides enjoying it as fresh, the fruit also goes well in smoothies, ice creams, or pies.
6. Entawak
Not every fruit is available in supermarkets or farmers markets, and Entawak is one of them. This odd, pumpkin-like fruit has a thick skin that holds soft, orange flesh. The fruit has a custard-like texture inside and its taste resembles a cross between pumpkin and sweet potato. It is grown in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, mainly Malaysia and Borneo. It isn’t the best tasting but can be enjoyed fresh or in a sweet dish for that exotic twist.
7. Eureka Lemon
Not all fruits are meant to be enjoyed raw, and eureka lemon is one of them. It is the most common variety of lemons found in grocery stores and comes straight from California. The fruit is available year-round and has an abundance of juice. This bright, zesty fruit has a tart flavor, which can add a fresh twist to anything from lemonade to savory dishes. Eureka lemon stands out for its thick, pitted skin, which makes it easy to zest.
8. Elderflower
Elderflowers, found in Europe and North America, bloom in late spring to early summer. They are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, promoting immune health and reducing inflammation. Elderflowers are used in syrups, teas, and desserts.
9. Evergreen Huckleberry
The evergreen huckleberry is a small, dark berry found mostly in North America. These berries grow on an evergreen shrub and are harvested in late summer. The berries taste somewhat similar to blueberries but are slightly deeper and earthier. Huckleberry is known for their rich purple hue. They are best used in jams, pies, and syrups, especially if you want to achieve a wild, forest-inspired flavor. These berries grow well in acidic, forested soils in the shadow of larger trees.
10. English Walnut
The English walnut, also known as the Persian walnut, is a variety from Persia and Eurasia (modern-day Iran). California is its major producer, thanks to the temperate climate there. Unlike its bitter relatives, the English walnut has a mild, buttery flavor and smooth texture. The fruit is available throughout the year as nuts. It is also used in baking, salads, and as a snack. The nut is a hard shell, but the fruit inside is worth trying.
11. Enterprise Apple
The Enterprise apple is a relatively newer variety of late-ripening apples. With excellent fruit quality, the Keepsake and Honeycrisp apples and thus has qualities of both. The fruit is harvested in the fall season, mainly in the United States. Since it has a firm and juicy flesh, it goes well in baked dishes like pies or crips and sauces. Enterprise apple has a long shelf life, and it often remains fresh for months if stored properly.
12.Early Gold Mango
The Early Gold Mango is an early-season fruit variety weighing less than a pound. The fruit stands out for its sweet, rich flavor and golden-yellow skin. The fruit harvests earlier in the season than other varieties, its called ‘Early’ Gold. This mango variety is medium to large, with smooth, juicy flesh that is less fibrous than other mango types.
13. Early Girl
The Early Girl is a popular variety of red, meaty tomato fruit known for its quick-growing nature. It is, in fact, one of the earliest varieties to be harvested, often ready just 50 to 60 days after planting. The fruit is native to the U.S. and is available in a medium, round shape with a smooth exterior when fully ripe. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor in salads, sandwiches, and salsas.
14. Eriobotrya
Eriobotrya, commonly known as loquat, is a small, round fruit with smooth, yellow to orange skin. It is native to China but is also grown in parts of Japan, India, the Mediterranean, and the U.S. The fruit is popular as Loquat in parts of Asia and has a sweet, tangy flavor. It’s soft, juicy flesh and slightly floral taste is enjoyable. Loquat ripes during late winter to early spring when most fruits aren’t in the season.
15. Etawaka
Etawaka is a tropical fruit from Southeast Asia. It is available during the summer months. High in vitamins and antioxidants, it boosts immune health and promotes digestion. Etawaka is often used in juices, salads, and desserts.
16. European Plum
European plums originate from Europe and Western Asia. Varieties include the Damson and Mirabelle. They are in season from late summer to early fall. High in fiber and vitamins, they promote digestive health and reduce inflammation. Plums are used in jams, pies, and fresh snacks.
17. Emblica
Emblic or Emblica is the scientific name for Amla, the famous Indian gooseberry. Although a variety of berries, it isn’t very sweet but extremely sour and very unlikely for a fruit. In India, people either eat it raw (for medicinal benefits) or use it in salads, pickles, jams, chutneys, syrups, etc. Enjoy emblic raw with a pinch of pink salt.
18. East Indian Walnut
The East Indian walnut, scientifically known as chebulic myrobalan, is a native South Asian fruit. Unlike walnuts, it generally grows in a pod containing 6 to 12 seeds. The fruit has a slightly bitter taste when raw and is thus rarely enjoyed as a fruit. The fruit is typically used as dried and used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines or in cooking for its flavor.
19.. Elephant Ear Fig
Elephant ear figs, from the Mediterranean and Middle East, are available from late summer to early fall. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting digestive health and boosting immunity. These figs are eaten fresh, dried, or used in desserts and salads.
20. Entada
Entada, from tropical Africa and Asia, is available year-round. High in vitamins and minerals, it supports overall health and boosts immunity. Entada is used in traditional medicine and culinary dishes.
21. Escobillo
Escobillo, native to Central and South America, is in season from summer to fall. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, promoting heart health and boosting immunity. Escobillo is often used in juices, sauces, and traditional dishes.
22. Eugenia Fruit
Eugenia fruits come from tropical regions worldwide. They are available year-round. High in vitamins and antioxidants, they support immune health and reduce inflammation. Eugenia fruits are used in jams, sauces, and desserts.
23. Emperor Grapes
Emperor grapes, from the Mediterranean and Asia, are in season from late summer to early fall. They are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and hydration. Emperor grapes are eaten fresh, in salads, and in desserts.
24. East Indian Almond
East Indian almonds, native to Southeast Asia, are available year-round. High in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, they promote heart health and energy. These almonds are used in snacks, desserts, and traditional dishes.
25. Elandsberry
Elandsberries, from South Africa, are in season during the summer. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, boosting immunity and promoting overall health. Elandsberries are used in jams, sauces, and traditional dishes.
26. Eggplant
Eggplants, originating from South Asia, have varieties like Italian, Chinese, and Japanese eggplants. They are in season from late summer to early fall. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, eggplants promote heart health and digestion. They are used in dishes like ratatouille, baba ghanoush, and moussaka.
27. Elaeagnus
Elaeagnus, also known as silverberry, comes from Europe and Asia. It is in season from late summer to early fall. High in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, it supports immune health and digestion. Elaeagnus is used in jams, sauces, and traditional dishes.
28. Euphoria Longana
Euphoria longana, also known as longan, is native to Southeast Asia. It is in season from late summer to early fall. Rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, it promotes overall health and boosts immunity. Longan is eaten fresh, dried, or used in desserts and traditional dishes.
29. Edible Honeysuckle
Edible honeysuckle, native to the Northern Hemisphere, is in season during the late spring and early summer. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation. Edible honeysuckle is used in jams, sauces, and desserts.
30. Egg Currant
Egg currants, from Europe and Asia, are in season from late summer to early fall. High in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, they support immune health and digestion. These currants are used in jams, pies, and fresh desserts.
25. Eclaire
Eclaire is a tropical fruit from the Caribbean. It is available year-round. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it supports overall health and boosts immunity. Eclaire is often used in juices, salads, and desserts.
26. Eastern Mayhaw
Eastern mayhaws, native to the southeastern United States, are in season during the spring. They are high in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting heart health and overall wellness. Mayhaws are used in jellies, syrups, and traditional dishes.
27. Egg Gooseberry
Egg gooseberries, from Europe and North America, are in season from late summer to early fall. They are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and immunity. Egg gooseberries are used in jams, pies, and fresh desserts.
28. Etah Fruit
Etah fruit, native to Africa, is available year-round. High in vitamins and minerals, it supports overall health and boosts immunity. Etah fruit is used in traditional remedies and culinary dishes.
29. Ethiopian Banana
Ethiopian bananas, also known as enset, are native to Ethiopia. They are in season from late summer to early fall. Rich in vitamins, fiber, and minerals, they promote digestive health and energy. Ethiopian bananas are used in traditional dishes and desserts.
30. English Mulberry
English mulberries, from Europe and Asia, are in season from late spring to early summer. They are high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting heart health and digestion. English mulberries are eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams and desserts.
31. Elephant Heart Plum
Elephant heart plums, native to the United States, are in season from late summer to early fall. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and overall wellness. These plums are eaten fresh or used in pies, jams, and desserts.
32. Eribotrya
Eribotrya, also known as loquat, is native to China. It is in season from late winter to early spring. High in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, it supports immune health and digestion. Loquats are eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
33. Egyptian Plum
Egyptian plums, from North Africa, are in season from late summer to early fall. They are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting overall health and digestion. These plums are eaten fresh, dried, or used in traditional dishes.
34. Elmond
Elmonds, native to Southeast Asia, are available year-round. They are high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting heart health and digestion. Elmonds are used in traditional dishes, snacks, and desserts.
35. Elephant Apple Berry
Elephant apple berries, from South Asia, are in season during the summer. They are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting overall health and immunity. These berries are eaten fresh or used in jams and traditional dishes.
36. Elderflower Berry
Elderflower berries, native to Europe and North America, bloom in late spring to early summer. They are high in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. Elderflower berries are used in syrups, teas, and desserts.
37. Emberiza
Emberiza, native to Southeast Asia, is available year-round. It is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting overall health and digestion. Emberiza is used in traditional remedies and culinary dishes.
38. Earthnut
Earthnuts, also known as peanuts, originate from South America. They are harvested in the fall. High in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, earthnuts support heart health and energy. They are used in snacks, butters, and traditional dishes.
39. Eggplant Berry
Eggplant berries, from South Asia, are in season from late summer to early fall. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and digestion. Eggplant berries are used in dishes like ratatouille, baba ghanoush, and curries.
40. Emu Berry
Emu berries, native to Australia, are in season during the summer. They are high in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. Emu berries are eaten fresh or used in jams and desserts.
41. Eastern Redbud
Eastern redbuds, native to North America, bloom in early spring. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting overall health and wellness. Redbud flowers are used in salads, teas, and traditional dishes.
42. Elder
Elders, from Europe and North America, are in season from late summer to early fall. They are high in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. Elderberries are used in syrups, wines, and desserts.
43. Ensete
Ensete, also known as false banana, is native to Africa. It is available year-round. Rich in vitamins and fiber, ensete promotes digestive health and energy. It is used in traditional African dishes and as a staple food.
44. East Indian Gooseberry
East Indian gooseberries, or amla, are native to India. They are in season from autumn to winter. High in vitamin C and antioxidants, they boost immune health and digestion. Amla is used in pickles, chutneys, and traditional remedies.
45. Etawah
Etawah, from Southeast Asia, is available year-round. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting overall health and immunity. Etawah is used in juices, salads, and traditional dishes.
46. English Hawthorn
English hawthorns, native to Europe, are in season from late summer to early fall. They are high in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. Hawthorns are used in jams, jellies, and traditional remedies.
47. Elephant Trunk Fruit
Elephant trunk fruit, from Southeast Asia, is in season during the summer. It is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting overall health and digestion. Elephant trunk fruit is used in traditional dishes and desserts.
48. Euryale
Euryale, also known as fox nut or makhana, is native to Asia. It is harvested in the fall. High in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, euryale supports heart health and energy. It is used in snacks, desserts, and traditional Asian dishes.
49. Ephedra
Ephedra, native to Asia and Europe, is available year-round. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, promoting overall health and reducing inflammation. Ephedra is used in traditional medicine and culinary dishes.
