55 Popular Green Fruits Around the World
Green fruits are often overlooked in favor of their more colorful cousins. You might think there aren’t many green fruits out there or that they’re all pretty similar. I get it – I used to think the same way!
But here’s the thing: green fruits are actually super diverse and packed with flavor. In this post, I’ll open your eyes to the world of green fruits.
You’ll discover 55 popular green fruits from around the globe, each with its own unique taste and benefits.
Get ready to explore a rainbow of green, from familiar favorites to exotic collections you’ve never heard of before.
Let’s dive into this juicy adventure together!
List of Amazing Green Fruits to Explore
1. Granny Smith Apple
Granny Smith apples originated in Australia and are known for their bright green skin and tart flavor. They have a firm, crisp texture and are often used in baking due to their ability to retain shape.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Malus domestica |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Ideal for pies, salads, and sauces |
| Harvesting Season | Late autumn |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Granny Smith apples were discovered by Maria Ann Smith in 1868.
- They are one of the most popular apple varieties for making cider.
2. Green Grapes
Green grapes, believed to have originated in the Middle East, are small, round fruits with translucent green skin and a sweet, juicy flavor. They are often eaten fresh, dried as raisins, or used in winemaking.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vitis vinifera |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in vitamins C and K, and contain antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in salads, juices, and wines |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Green grapes have been cultivated for over 8,000 years.
- They are the primary grape variety used to make white wine.
3. Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit, originally from China, is known for its fuzzy brown skin and bright green flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. The fruit has a sweet-tart flavor with a soft, juicy texture.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Actinidia deliciosa |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in salads, desserts, and smoothies |
| Harvesting Season | Late autumn to early winter |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained, fertile soil |
Fun Facts:
- Kiwifruit was originally known as the “Chinese gooseberry.”
- New Zealand is one of the largest producers of kiwifruit.
4. Lime
Limes, likely originating in Southeast Asia, are small, round green fruits with a tart, acidic taste. They are commonly used for their juice and zest in culinary dishes and beverages.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Citrus aurantiifolia |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, it supports immune function |
| Culinary Uses | Used in drinks, marinades, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round, with peak season in summer |
| Growing Condition | Requires warm, tropical climates and well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- British sailors were given limes to prevent scurvy, leading to the nickname “limey.”
- Limes are essential in many global cuisines, including Mexican, Thai, and Indian.
5. Avocado
Avocados, originally from Central and South America, have green, bumpy skin and creamy, rich flesh ranging from green to yellow. The fruit has a mild, buttery flavor and is often used in savory dishes.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Persea americana |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins E and K |
| Culinary Uses | Used in salads, guacamole, smoothies, and spreads |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round, with peak seasons depending on the region |
| Growing Condition | Prefers tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Avocado is also known as “alligator pear” due to its shape and bumpy skin.
- It is one of the few fruits that contain healthy monounsaturated fats.
6. Green Mango
Green mangoes are unripe mangoes commonly found in South and Southeast Asia. They have a firm texture and a sour and tangy taste, and they are often used in salads, pickles, and chutneys.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mangifera indica |
| Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber |
| Culinary Uses | Used in salads, pickles, chutneys, and smoothies |
| Harvesting Season | Spring and summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Green mangoes are a popular street food in many Asian countries.
- In India, green mangoes are often eaten with salt and chili powder.
7. Green Pear
Green pears, such as the Bartlett variety, originated in Europe. They have smooth, green skin that turns yellow when ripe. They have a sweet, juicy flavor and a slightly grainy texture.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pyrus communis |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and potassium |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in desserts, salads, and preserves |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Pears are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, dating back to 5,000 B.C.
- The Bartlett pear is the most popular pear variety in the United States.
8. Gooseberry
Gooseberries, native to Europe, are small, round green fruits with a tart flavor. They have translucent skin and are often used in desserts, jams, and sauces.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ribes uva-crispa |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Used in pies, jams, sauces, and beverages |
| Harvesting Season | Mid-summer |
| Growing Condition | Grows well in temperate climates with moist, well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Gooseberries were once banned in the U.S. due to concerns about plant disease spreading.
- They are often used to make the traditional British dessert, gooseberry fool.
9. Green Fig
Green figs, believed to have originated in the Middle East, have a smooth, green skin and a sweet, honey-like flavor. They are often eaten fresh, dried, or used in desserts.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ficus carica |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, calcium, and potassium |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, dry climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Figs are one of the first fruits ever cultivated by humans, dating back to 9,000 B.C.
- The fig tree symbolizes abundance, fertility, and sweetness in many cultures.
10. Honeydew Melon
Honeydew melons, which originate from West Africa, have smooth, pale green skin and sweet, juicy flesh. They are commonly eaten fresh or added to fruit salads.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cucumis melo |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, potassium, and low in calories |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in fruit salads, or blended into smoothies |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Honeydew is a type of muskmelon related to cantaloupe.
- The flesh of honeydew melons continues to sweeten after harvesting if kept at room temperature.
11. Guava
Guava, native to Central America, has light green skin and a pink or white interior. Its sweet, tropical flavor makes it often eaten fresh or used in juices, jams, and desserts.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psidium guajava |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh in juices, jams, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Summer to early autumn |
| Growing Condition | Prefers tropical climates with well-drained, fertile soil |
Fun Facts:
- Guava leaves are used in traditional medicine for their antibacterial properties.
- In some cultures, guava is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels.
12. Cucumber
Cucumbers, originating from South Asia, are cylindrical green fruits with a mild, crisp taste. They are widely used in salads, pickles, and beverages for their refreshing flavor.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cucumis sativus |
| Nutritional Benefits | Low in calories, high in water content, and Vitamin K |
| Culinary Uses | Used in salads, pickles, sandwiches, and beverages |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm climates with plenty of water and well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Cucumbers are technically a fruit, though they are commonly treated as a vegetable in cooking.
- “cool as a cucumber” refers to its ability to maintain a cooler temperature than its surroundings.
13. Green Banana
Green bananas, native to Southeast Asia, are unripe bananas with a firm texture and a starchy, slightly bitter taste. They are often used in cooking, especially in savory dishes.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Musa acuminata |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fiber, Vitamin B6, and resistant starch |
| Culinary Uses | Used in savory dishes, fried, boiled, or baked |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Prefers tropical climates with rich, well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Green bananas are a staple food in many tropical countries.
- They are often used to make banana chips, a popular snack in many cultures.
14. Green Papaya
Green papayas are unripe papayas with a crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor. Native to Central America, they are commonly used in salads, especially in Southeast Asian cuisine.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Carica papaya |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fiber, Vitamin C, and digestive enzymes |
| Culinary Uses | Used in salads, pickles, and stews |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Green papayas are a key ingredient in the Thai salad “som tam.”
- The enzymes in green papaya are often used as a natural meat tenderizer.
15. Green Plum
Green plums, commonly found in the Mediterranean region, are small, round fruits with a tart flavor. They are often eaten fresh, pickled, or used in sauces and jams.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Prunus domestica |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, pickled, or used in sauces and jams |
| Harvesting Season | Late spring to early summer |
| Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Green plums are often pickled in salt in Asian cuisines.
- They are one of the first fruits to ripen in the spring season.
16. Chayote
Chayote, also known as vegetable pear, is native to Mexico and Central America. It has a pale green, wrinkled skin and a mild, crisp flavor, often used in savory dishes.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sechium edule |
| Nutritional Benefits | Low in calories, high in fiber, and Vitamin C |
| Culinary Uses | Used in stews, salads, soups, and stir-fries |
| Harvesting Season | Autumn |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm climates with rich, well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Chayote was a staple food of the Aztecs and Mayans.
- In some cultures, the entire plant, including the leaves and roots, is edible.
17. Green Bell Pepper
Green bell peppers, native to Central and South America, are large, blocky fruits with a crunchy texture and mild, slightly bitter flavor. They are commonly used in salads, stir-fries, and pizza toppings.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Capsicum annuum |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber |
| Culinary Uses | Used in salads, stir-fries, stuffed peppers, and pizzas |
| Harvesting Season | Summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Green bell peppers are the unripe version of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers.
- Despite being a fruit, bell peppers are often considered vegetables in culinary contexts.
18. Green Tomato
Green tomatoes, found in gardens worldwide, are unripe tomatoes with a firm texture and tart flavor. They are often used in cooking, especially fried green tomatoes and relishes.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solanum lycopersicum |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Used in fried dishes, relishes, and chutneys |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm climates with rich, well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Fried green tomatoes are a popular dish in Southern American cuisine.
- Green tomatoes contain a toxin called solanine, which decreases as they ripen.
19. Green Star Fruit
Green star fruit, also known as carambola, originates from Southeast Asia. When sliced, it has a distinctive star shape and a crisp, juicy texture with a tart flavor.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Averrhoa carambola |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in salads, juices, and garnishes |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round |
| Growing Condition | Prefers tropical climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- The entire star fruit is edible, including the skin.
- In some cultures, star fruit is used to treat headaches and hangovers.
20. Feijoa
Feijoa, also known as pineapple guava, is native to South America. It has a green, bumpy skin and a sweet, aromatic flavor, combining the taste of pineapple and guava.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Feijoa sellowiana |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in jams, jellies, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Autumn |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in temperate climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Feijoa is often called “pineapple guava” due to its flavor.
- The fruit is commonly used in New Zealand and Australian cuisines.
21. Green Olives
Green olives, originally from the Mediterranean region, are small, oval fruits with a firm texture and a bitter, tangy flavor. They are typically cured in brine and used in various culinary dishes.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Olea europaea |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in healthy fats, Vitamin E, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Used in salads, tapenades, pizzas, and as a garnish |
| Harvesting Season | Autumn |
| Growing Condition | Prefers warm, subtropical climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Green olives are harvested before they ripen to a black color.
- Olives are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, dating back over 6,000 years.
22. Durian
Durian, known as the “king of fruits,” originates from Southeast Asia. It has a spiky green shell and a strong odor with a creamy, custard-like flesh that has a sweet, slightly bitter taste.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Durio zibethinus |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in energy, fiber, and vitamins C and B6 |
| Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, used in desserts, ice creams, and shakes |
| Harvesting Season | Late spring to early autumn |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical climates with well-drained, fertile soil |
Fun Facts:
- Durian is banned in many public places in Southeast Asia due to its strong smell.
- Despite its odor, durian is considered a delicacy and is highly nutritious.
23. Soursop
Soursop, native to the Caribbean and Central America, has a spiky green skin and white, creamy flesh with a sweet-tart flavor. It is often used in beverages, desserts, and traditional medicine.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Annona muricata |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Used in juices, smoothies, ice creams, and desserts |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round, with peak season in autumn |
| Growing Condition | Prefers tropical climates with rich, well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Soursop is believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.
- The fruit is also known as “guanabana” in Spanish-speaking countries.
24. Breadfruit
Breadfruit, originally from the South Pacific, has green, spiky skin and starchy flesh that, when cooked, resembles bread. It is often used as a staple food in tropical regions.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Artocarpus altilis |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in fiber, carbohydrates, and potassium |
| Culinary Uses | Used in soups, stews, roasted, or fried as a starch |
| Harvesting Season | Year-round, with peak season in summer |
| Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Breadfruit can be eaten at all stages of ripeness, from starchy to sweet.
- Captain Bligh of the HMS Bounty brought the tree to the Caribbean.
25. Green Passionfruit
Green passionfruit, native to South America, has a smooth green skin and a tangy, aromatic pulp filled with edible seeds. It is often used in beverages, desserts, and sauces.
| Key Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Passiflora edulis |
| Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants |
| Culinary Uses | Used in juices, desserts, sauces, and cocktails |
| Harvesting Season | Late summer to early autumn |
| Growing Condition | Prefers tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soil |
Fun Facts:
- Passionfruit is named after the Passion of Christ, with its flower symbolizing various aspects of the crucifixion.
- The fruit’s seeds are crunchy and add texture to dishes and drinks.
List of Remaining Green Fruits to Explore
26. Pandanus
27. Ice Apple
28. Green Prickly Pear
29. Green Gooseberries
30. Green Jujube
31. Green Persimmon
32. Green Mulberry
33. Green Sapote
34. Green Melon (Galia)
35. Zucchini
36. Bitter Melon
37. Kiwano (Horned Melon)
38. Green Jackfruit
39. Green Pear Tomato
40. Nopal (Cactus Pear)
41. Green Passion Fruit
42. Green Kumquat
43. Green Raspberries
44. Green Apricot
45. Ugli Fruit (Green Variety)
46. Green Pineapple
47. Green Pomegranate
48. Green Almond
49. Green Lychee
50. Green Tangerine
51. Green Pluot
52. Green Gooseberry
53. Green Mirabelle
54. Green Paprika
55. Green Dragon Fruit
Conclusion
I hope this journey has opened your eyes to the amazing variety of green fruits out there.
Remember, these fruits aren’t just tasty – they’re packed with nutrients, too. Adding more green fruits to your diet can boost your health in many ways.
Why not challenge yourself to try a new green fruit each week? You might find a new favorite! And don’t forget to share your green fruit adventures with friends and family. They might be surprised by the diversity, too!
Have you tried any of these green fruits before? Which one are you most excited to taste?
Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear about your green fruit experiences!
