28 Nourishing Fruits That Start With N (with pictures & facts)

Do you get bored eating the same fruits repeatedly? This list of fruits that start with N can help you introduce some variety into your diet.

As a kid, I was sceptical about eating anything that would be good for me. My personal “do not eat” list included fruits in particular until I tried a special sweet fruit that changed my mind.

I was immediately taken in by this gem’s sugary, juicy, and distinctive taste. Guess what it was?

Here’s a hint: it’s #12 on this list of fruit!

So let me take you on a journey to the land of fruits beginning with the letter N, where we just could find some surprises.

Let’s dive into the full list of fruits that start with N!

Naartjie

Naartjie, commonly known as tangerine or mandarin orange, is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia but produced worldwide, including South Africa. The little, easy-to-peel fruit is popular as a snack or in salads.

Naartjies are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants and taste like oranges but are more fragrant and subtle. They’re popular in winter gift baskets and pastries since they are in season.

Naartjie fruit is scientifically known as Citrus reticulata.

Nagami kumquat

The oval fruit has a thin, edible orange-yellow peel and a tangy, delicious interior. The flavor is sweet and sour, like a lemon-orange mix.

Nagami kumquats are used in pastries, preserves, and cocktail garnishes. The fruit is full of vitamin C and other antioxidants, making it a healthy and tasty ingredient.

Nagami kumquats are scientifically known as Fortunella margarita.

Nam Dok Mai

Nam Dok Mai mangoes are popular in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The Thai term for this fruit, “Nam Dok Mai,” means “flower water” because of its excellent aroma and flavor.

Nam Dok Mai mangoes are oval with thin skin that is yellow-green when unripe and golden yellow when ripe. Because of its luscious, juicy, and silky flesh, this fruit is often used in desserts and smoothies.

Mangifera indica is the scientific name for Nam Dok Mai mangoes.

Nance

Central and South American tropical fruit nance has thin, tough skin and delicious pulp. It also has a sweet, tangy, somewhat acidic taste like a sour cherry or cranberry.

Nance is utilized in traditional medicine as well as in cooking. It’s used in smoothies, cocktails, jams, and jellies.

The botanical name of this fruit is Byrsonima crassifolia.

Nannyberry

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America, especially the eastern and central US and Canada.

The Nannyberry plant produces clusters of tiny, white blooms in spring and dark blue to black, delicious berries in late summer or early fall. Jams, jellies, and baked items employ the sweet, luscious fruit. Nannyberry leaves can be used in drinks and cookery too.

A scientific name is Viburnum lentago.

Naranjilla

South America, notably the Andes, grows naranjilla, a tropical fruit. It’s tiny, spherical, and green when mature, with a tomato-like texture.

Naranjilla fruit, which tastes like pineapple and lime, is utilized in beverages, juices, and sweets. The plant is attractive and its leaves are used to flavor tea.

Naranjilla goes by the scientific name Solanum quitoense.

Naseberry

Sapodilla, also known as naseberry, grows on trees in southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The dark, fuzzy fruit has delicious, juicy flesh that tastes like caramel.

Naseberry is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and iron. It’s good fresh or in jams, jellies, and other treats.

The tree’s latex sap can also be processed into chewing gum.

The nesberry tree’s scientific name is Manilkara zapota.

Nashi pear

East Asian nashi pear, also known as Asian pear, apple pear, and sand pear, is now grown worldwide. The fruit is spherical and crisp like an apple yet tastes and smells like a pear.

The delicious, sweet meat has yellow or green skin with a mild russeting. Nashi pears are consumed raw in salads and can be cooked in a variety of dishes.

Nashi pears are scientifically known as Pyrus pyrifolia.

Natal plum

Natal plum, also known as Carissa macrocarpa, is a southern African fruit-bearing shrub. It yields sweet-tart, spherical, red to purplish-black fruits. The vitamin C-rich fruit is used to produce jams, jellies, and other preserves.

Due to its thick leaves and fragrant, star-shaped white blooms, the shrub is valued for landscaping. The natal plum is drought-tolerant and can grow in many soil types.

Navel orange

Navel oranges are delicious oranges with a little, underdeveloped secondary fruit at the blossom end, like a navel. Brazil is where the naval orange originated, although it is currently grown in the US, Spain, and Israel.

Its bright orange, smooth skin is simple to peel while its juicy flesh is sweet and contains no seeds.

This citrus fruit is scientifically known as Citrus sinensis, a hybrid between sweet orange and pomelo.

Nectaplum

Nectaplums are hybrids of plums and nectarines. They were created in the early 20th century and now produced in many countries.

The firm, juicy, and delicious fruit has smooth crimson or purple skin. Some nectarine plum types taste more like nectarine than plum. The fruit is mostly eaten fresh or in jams, jellies, and various sweets.

Nectarine

Peach and nectarine are related stone fruit varieties. Nectarines resemble peaches but have smooth, red or yellow skin.

Nectarines are grown worldwide starting from their 2,000-year-old Chinese origins. Their luscious, sweet flesh has a subtle peach-plum taste.

They are consumed fresh, dried, or cooked in pies, jams, and other delicacies. Nectarines include vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients.

You can also use nectarine as a substitute for mango and an alternative to apricot in your favorite recipes.

Botanically, the nectarine is Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

Neem

Indian and Southeast Asian neem trees are called Azadirachta indica in scientific terms.

The “wonder tree” is known for its medical and environmental benefits. For instance, ayurvedic medicine treats skin diseases, fever, and inflammation with the tree’s leaves, bark, seeds, and oil.

The sweet pulp of the neem fruit is eaten fresh or dried and is also used to make juice.

Nepali hog plum

Nepali hog plum, also known as lapsi or lapsi fruit, is a sour and acidic fruit from South Asia. The little, spherical fruit has a hard shell that must be smashed open to expose its luscious content.

Nepali hog plum is used in South Asian chutneys, pickles, and sauces and as a snack or dessert. The fruit’s vitamins and minerals may help digestion and promote immunity.

The Nepali hog plum tree’s bark and leaves are also utilized in traditional medicine as well as cooking.

The tree goes by the scientific name Spondias pinnata.

Nespera fruit

Nespera fruit, often known as loquat, is a delicious, tiny Chinese fruit produced in various parts of the world. This orange-yellow, fuzzy fruit is luscious, sweet, and somewhat acidic.

Traditional medicine employs Nespera tree leaves to heal coughs, sore throats, and skin irritations, in addition to culinary purposes.

The botanical name of Nespera fruit is Eriobotrya japonica.

New Zealand cranberry

New Zealand and some portions of Australia are home to the karamu, or New Zealand cranberry. Despite its name, it’s an elderberry, not a cranberry.

Jams, jellies, and sauces employ the acidic, red fruit. It’s also used in traditional Maori medicine.

New Zealand cranberry is botanically called Aristotelia serrata.

Newtown Pippin apple

American classic Newtown Pippin apples have a rich history. It was found in Queens, New York in the 18th century and became famous owing to its unique flavor and good preservation.

Apple fans have now rediscovered this medium-sized, russeted greenish-yellow fruit, which fell out of favor in the early 20th century.

The apple’s crisp, juicy, somewhat acidic flesh has a rich, spicy or wine-like flavor. It’s an ideal choice for pies and cider.

Newtown Pippin apple is called Malus domestica in scientific language.

Niitaka pear

Japanese Niitaka pears are huge, sweet, and juicy. They have a sweet, somewhat tangy taste and soft, fragrant flesh.

The pears are eaten fresh and in salads, desserts, and other treats. They’re available from early summer until the end of autumn.

Niitaka pears are also known as Nijisseiki pears, their scientific name is Pyrus pyrifolia.

Nikita’s Gift persimmon

Nikita’s Gift persimmons are sweet and juicy. New Zealand invented it in the 1970s, and it’s now popular worldwide. The reddish-orange fruit is medium-sized and flattened. It’s usually eaten fresh or baked.

The Nikita’s Gift persimmon is named after former Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, who visited New Zealand in 1960.

This hybrid variety is a cross between the Japanese and American persimmon trees. The fruit’s scientific name is Diospyros kaki ‘Nikita’s Gift’.

Noiret grape

Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station produced the Noiret red wine grape in the early 2000s. It is a hybrid of NY65 and Steuben grapes.

The Noiret grape produces full-bodied red wines due to its rich red color, powerful taste, and spicy undertones.

Noiret wines are stored in oak barrels for months or years to improve taste and fragrance. The wine has a long, silky finish with a rich aroma of black fruits, spices, and earthy overtones.

This hybrid variety’s scientific name is Vitis vinifera ‘Noiret’.

Nonda plum

The small to medium-sized rainforest tree Nonda plum (Davidsonia jerseyana) is endemic to northern New South Wales and Queensland, Australia.

The nonda plum tree produces a cherry-sized, dark crimson to purple drupe. It contains antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and zinc and tastes tangy and sweet.

Noni fruit

Tropical noni fruit, also known as Indian mulberry, grows on a tiny evergreen tree in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The fruit smells and tastes strong, cheesy, or even unpleasant.

Noni fruit has several health advantages despite its strong flavor and smell. Traditional medicine uses it to treat arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Noni fruit comes from the Rubiaceae family of plants and is known as Morinda citrifolia in scientific language.

Nonpareil apple

US-grown Nonpareil apples are delicious and luscious. They’re well known for their greenish-yellow complexion, crimson flush, and white flesh.

During apple season, grocery shops and farmers’ markets sell it worldwide.

Nonpareil apples are best eaten fresh or cooked in pies, tarts, sauces, and preserves. The apple also has a unique aroma and flavor that pairs well with cheeses.

The Nonpareil apple tree belongs to the Malus genus of plants and goes by the scientific name Malus domestic.

North Star cherry

North Star cherry is a Minnesota-developed tart cherry (Prunus cerasus). The small to medium-sized deciduous tree yields brilliant red, delicious cherries for cooking.

When compared to other cherry types, the North Star cherry is much less sweet and more sour. Pies, jams, and preserves are just some of the many baked goods and dishes that benefit from their inclusion. Cherry juice and wine are common uses for the fruit.

Northern Spy apple

The Northern Spy apple originated in New York in the early 1800s. Its green-yellow skin is typically flushed crimson on one side.

Northern Spy apples have crisp, juicy, acidic, and somewhat sweet flesh. It is a good apple for eating fresh and for baking and cooking since it keeps its form.

Northern Spy apple is a cultivar of the Malus genus and is scientifically named Malus pumila ‘Northern Spy’.

Nungu fruit

Nungu fruit, also known as Ice Apple or Taal fruit, is a tropical fruit from South and Southeast Asia. It comes from the Palmyra palm tree (Borassus flabellifer).

Nungu fruit resembles a little apple or peach and is spherical or oblong. Cracking the fruit’s thin, rigid shell reveals its jelly-like core.

Nungu fruit flesh is transparent, white, and mildly sweet and refreshing. As a refreshing summer delicacy, it is eaten fresh in many places.

Nutmeg

The Myristica fragrans tree, endemic to various Southeast Asian islands, produces nutmeg. The tree provides nutmeg and mace, two spices.

Nutmeg is offered dry and powdered and is roughly the size of a plum. Nutmeg adds a warm, sweet, and somewhat spicy taste to baked products, pies, custards, meat dishes, and soups.

It’s also used in fragrances, liqueurs, and traditional medicine.

Keep in mind that nutmeg fruit can cause hallucinations and other health problems if taken in excess.

Its scientific name is Myristica fragrans.

Nuts

Nuts are “fruit with a hard, inedible outer shell containing the seed.” Their stiff, woody shell protects the seed.

Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and hazelnuts are nuts. They are abundant in protein, good fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy snack.

You may be left thinking, “Now that we’ve discovered the wonderful world of fruits beginning with N, what other hidden gems are out there?”

Well, vegetables and other foods that begin with the letter N are just as numerous as fruit varieties. Everything from tasty naan bread to nutrient-rich napa cabbage.

Trying new things is not only fun but also good for your health. If you haven’t tried nectarines, nance fruit, or navel oranges before, now is the time to do so. You might end up with a new favorite fruit.

The topic of vegetables beginning with the letter N could be on the agenda for our next meeting. In the meanwhile, eat heartily!