D is for Delicious Fruits That Start with D

When we think of fruits, images of bananas, apples, and grapes pop up in our mind. The world of fruits can be as broad and different as the lands they grow from. Whether you are looking for the ordinary or the extraordinary, the fruits listed that start with the letter "D" are a tin of flavours, textures, and health benefits that many might not have yet experienced.

This article will let you explore known and unknown fruits that start with the letter D. Here, you will find some fruits that may be known to you and a few that you may have never heard of.

Fruit that Starts with D

  • Dates
  • Date (Plum)
  • Dragon Fruit
  • Davidson's Plum
  • Dewberries
  • Double Coconut
  • Dubai Fruit
  • Dead Man's Fingers
  • Damson Plum
  • Dekopon
  • Desert Lime
  • Duku
  • Discovery Apple
  • Dracontomelon
  • Decaisnea

1. Dates

Don't be misled by their size! Dates are a tasty and versatile fruit whose advent dates back to ancient times. These fruits are one of the world's oldest foods and are produced by the palm tree called date palms (Phoenix dactylifera). Dates are some of the richest and easiest-to-digest fruit.

It contains natural sugars, such as fructose and glucose, that give the body much better and quicker energy. Whether in terms of historical importance or high nutritional value, dates are a god-given fruit for humanity.

  • Scientific Name: Phoenix dactylifera
  • Alternate Names: Dayri, Barhi, or Medjool
Rich Nutritional
  • Vitamin B6: It is essential for energy metabolism as well as the function of the brain.
  • Magnesium: is necessary for muscle and nerve function; it might also aid in regulating blood sugar.
  • Iron: As much oxygen is in the body, it prevents anaemia.
  • Calcium: Maintains solid bones and teeth.
  • Antioxidants: Preventing cells from getting damaged can lessen the risk of chronic diseases.
Dates

2. Date (Plum)

Native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe, People loved them so much in ancient Greece that they even called them the "fruit of the gods".

This English name is probably derived from the Persian word "Khormaloo," which means "date plum." The taste of the fruit is very similar to the sweetness of dates combined with the tartness of plums.

In Pakistan, the date plum is referred to as "Amlok" and is mainly consumed in a dried form.

  • Scientific Name: Diospyros lotus
  • Alternate Names: Chinese Date Plum, Lotus Fruit, or Japanese Persimmon
  • Rich in Fiber: Finished date plums, also known as Dried Prunes, are a source of fibre that helps constipation and other digestive problems.
  • Natural Sweetener: Unlike refined sugars, their natural sweetness makes them an excellent source of healthy alternatives.
  • Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: They contain vitamins and minerals such as potassium, which is vital for maintaining normal blood pressure, and vitamin A, which is essential for good vision.

3. Dragon Fruit

Dragon and (pitaya, pitahaya, or even strawberry pear) are only some of the names used for it. The regular one is prevalent, typically having skin styled in a bright red tone, sometimes offering green scales that justify the name "dragon".

A dragon fruit you can savour is a fruit with a marvellous hot rose lined beautifully inside, which happens when you crack the fruit open.

What amazes me most is the fact that there is an exotic-looking yellow dragon fruit with yellow skin and white flesh!

Although these alien fruits appear very weird in your eyes, their taste is very well-known for being similar to the delightful taste of neither-this-nor-that; that is, its taste is something that between these two you never thought possible but has reality when it comes to fruits (or your imagination).

It's a mix of kiwi and pear in a slightly sweet flavour, which makes it a pleasing and fun-to-experience smoothie experience.

  • Scientific Name: Hylocereus undatus (white-fleshed variety) (check name)
  • Alternate Names: Pitahaya, Pitaya
Dragon Fruit

4. Davidson's Plum

Have you known any plums that are not true plums at all? This is the Davidson Plum, the native Australian fruit.While it look similar to European plum with its round shape and colorful skin, the Davidson plum is diffrent.

  • Scientific Name: Davidsonia jerseyana
  • Alternate Names: Mullumbimby Plum, Gayan, Munyeroo, or Davidsonia Plum Bush

The rainforest trees produce beautiful fruits – deep blue-purple on the outside and a vibrant reddish-pink inside. Unlike the plums you're used to, Davidson plums are incredibly tart. There are three Davidson plum varieties, all native to Australia. These slender trees can grow up to 12 meters tall, making them a majestic sight in the rainforest.

It's not preferable to eat this fruit as fresh directly. Because of their intense tartness, it's best used for making Jams, stews, wine, and other recipes. Davidson's Plum has more antioxidants than blueberries, which are already known for their health benefits. Davidson plums can be used as a natural food coloring.

Davidson's Plum

5. Dewberries

  • Scientific Name: Rubus spp.
  • Alternate Names: Wild Blackberries, Thimble Berry, Loganberry, Boysenberry
Dewberries

6. Double Coconut

  • Scientific Name: Lodoicea maldivica
  • Alternate Names: Coco de Mer or Sea Coconut
Double Coconut

7. Dead Man's Fingers

  • Scientific Name: Xylaria polymorpha
  • Alternate Names: Blue bean plant, or Blue Sausage Fruit

8. Damson Plum

  • Scientific Name: Prunus domestica subsp. institia
  • Alternate Names: Blackthorn Plum or Damascene Plum
Damson Plum

9. Dekopon

  • Scientific Name: Citrus reticulata × sinensis
  • Alternate Names: Sumo Citrus or Citrus Unshiu
Dekopon

10. Desert Lime

Dessert lime originated from Southeast Asia, and likely brought to the Americas by Spanish colonists centuries ago. Dessert limes also known as Mexican limes. Their smaller size and sweeter, floral-tinged flavor than regular limes make them ideal for desserts – hence the name. Thse lime are source of vitamin C, andantioxidants that may offer digestive benefits. They add a refreshing twist to pies, curds, sorbets, and cocktails. Their seasonality (spring-early summer) and limited availability might require regular limes (with some sugar adjustments) in a pinch.

  • Scientific Name: Citrus glauca
  • Alternate Names: Wild lime or Desert kumquat
Desert Lime

11.  Duku

Duku, also known as langsat or lanzones, boasts a wealthy Southeast Asian history. Duku likely originated in western Southeast Asia and was cultivated for centuries as part of the Meliaceae or mahogany family.

Duku offers a delightful combination of taste and health benefits. The juicy flesh is packed with vitamin C, acting as an antioxidant to fight free radicals in your body. Enjoy duke fresh by peeling the brown rind and savoring the translucent white segments. These segments can also be incorporated into salads or desserts for sweetness and a unique textural contrast.

  • Scientific Name: Lansium parasiticum
  • Alternate Names: Langsat, Langsat Hutan
Duku

12.  Discovery Apple

Discovery Apple has a list of interesting backgrounds. A gift of nature (of course!) discovered by a fruit picker in the 1940s in England. They quickly became famous for being an early-blooming variety with a unique taste. They taste the most delicious when freshly sliced and added to salads or eaten alone for an instant flavour injection.

  • Scientific Name: Malus domestica 'Discovery' (D)
  • Alternate Names: Thurston August and Dummer's Pippin apples
Discovery Apple

13.  Dracontomelon

The name "dracontomelon" originally came from the Greek word for "dragon" and "melon".

The shape of the dracontomelon fruits can be either round or slightly flattened. Their colours range from light green to brown and, in the end, deep red-brown, all perfect and ready for picking. Whether raw, slightly green, or fully mature, you can eat them as you wish!

Dracontomelon duperreanum or Indochina Dragonplum and Cambodian Sour Plum (Cambodian species) are most well-known in Vietnam, Cambodia and China, where their use is not limited to savoury food but extends to dessert dishes.

  • Scientific Name: Dracontomelon dao
  • Alternate Names: Pacific walnut, Papuan walnut, New Guinea walnut, Paldao or Simply Dao
Dracontomelon dao

14.  Decaisnea

Decaisnea, sometimes known as the "Ugly Duckling plant", is from western China. Decaisnea can be difficult to find, especially as it is not a common fruit. You can shop at specialty plant nurseries or botanical gardens. They have a sweet and slightly sour taste, which is very similar to that of tamarind fruit. In addition, they are versatile for making jams, jellies, chutneys and sauces.

  • Scientific Name: Decaisnea insignis
  • Alternate Names: Yellow Ball Tree or Tasmanian Laburnum
Decaisnea

If you've just had a good taste from the 'D' piece of fruit and would like to have more or add to your daily ration of good food, be sure to have it for your best. The smartest thing is to remember that moderation and different varieties are part of any balanced diet. Get to taste all these new fruits and then tell your friends and relatives about what you experienced.