28 Popular Yellow Fruits Around the World
Yellow fruits are a treat for the eyes and taste buds. They’re not just pretty to look at but also packed with nutrients.
Many of us know bananas and lemons, but there’s a whole world of yellow fruits out there waiting to be discovered.
I’ve traveled far and wide, tasting yellow fruits from different corners of the globe. In this post, I’ll take you on a colorful journey through 28 popular yellow fruits worldwide.
You’ll learn about their unique flavors, where they grow, and how to enjoy them.
Get ready to expand your fruity horizons!
List of Yellow Fruits to Explore
1. Yellow Apple
Originating from Asia, the yellow apple is known for its bright golden skin and crisp texture. Its balanced sweet-tart flavor makes it a refreshing choice for snacking.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Malus domestica |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eat raw, in salads, or used in desserts and sauces. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers well-drained soil with full sunlight. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow apples are often used in cider production due to their balanced sweetness.
- They are one of the few apple varieties that are naturally yellow without any crossbreeding.
2. Yellow Watermelon
This variety of watermelon, originally from Africa, has a bright yellow flesh that’s sweeter than the red variety. It is juicy and refreshing, perfect for summer.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Citrullus lanatus |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and hydrating water content. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in salads, or as a juice ingredient. |
Harvesting Season | Summer. |
Growing Condition | Requires warm temperatures and well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow watermelon is naturally sweeter due to its higher sugar content.
- It was originally cultivated in Africa before spreading to other parts of the world.
3. Yellow Dragon Fruit
Native to Central America, yellow dragon fruit has a spiky yellow skin with a white, sweet, and mildly tangy flesh. It’s less common but highly prized for its unique appearance and flavor.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Hylocereus megalanthus |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in smoothies, or as a garnish. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Thrives in arid or semi-arid regions with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- The yellow dragon fruit is considered sweeter and more flavorful than the red variety.
- Its seeds are edible and add a crunchy texture to the fruit.
4. Golden Berries
Golden berries, also known as Cape gooseberries, originate from South America. These small, round fruits are encased in a papery husk and have a sweet-tart taste.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Physalis peruviana |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Used in salads, jams, or as a garnish for desserts. |
Harvesting Season | Summer to early autumn. |
Growing Condition | Prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. |
Fun Facts:
- Golden berries are often compared to tomatillos due to their similar husk.
- They were once a staple in the diet of the Incas.
5. Yellow Passion Fruit
Yellow passion fruit, originating from South America, is known for its bright yellow skin and tangy, aromatic pulp filled with edible seeds. Its flavor is a mix of sweetness and acidity.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and beta carotene. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in juices, desserts, or as a flavoring agent. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early winter. |
Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- The yellow passion fruit is more commonly used in juice production compared to the purple variety.
- It’s often used in tropical drinks for its refreshing flavor.
6. Yellow Plum
Yellow plums, native to Europe and Asia, have a smooth, golden-yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. They are often used in desserts and jams for their rich flavor.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Prunus domestica |
Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and potassium. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in preserves, or baked in desserts. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow plums are often used in traditional European plum wines.
- They have been cultivated since ancient times, particularly in the Mediterranean region.
7. Yellow Pear
Yellow pears, originally from Europe and Asia, have a smooth, yellow skin and a juicy, sweet flavor. They are often enjoyed fresh or in various culinary dishes.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Pyrus communis |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in salads, desserts, or poached. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Thrives in temperate climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow pears are often used in traditional pear cider production.
- They have been a staple fruit in European cuisine for centuries.
8. Yellow Fig
Native to the Middle East and western Asia, yellow figs are known for their golden skin and sweet, honey-like taste. They are often dried or eaten fresh.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Ficus carica |
Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, calcium, and potassium. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, dried, in jams, or baked goods. |
Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers warm climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Figs were one of the first fruits to be cultivated by humans, dating back to ancient times.
- The fig tree is considered sacred in many cultures, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
9. Yellow Starfruit
Yellow starfruit, or carambola, is a fruit from Southeast Asia known for its distinctive star shape when sliced. It has a mild, sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Averrhoa carambola |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in salads, juices, or as a garnish. |
Harvesting Season | Summer to winter, depending on the region. |
Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- The starfruit gets its name from the star-like shape it forms when cut crosswise.
- It’s often used as a decorative fruit due to its unique shape and color.
10. Yellow Guava
Yellow guava, originating from Central America, has a bright yellow skin and sweet, aromatic flesh. It’s often eaten fresh or used in various tropical dishes.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Psidium guajava |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and folic acid. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in juices, jams, or desserts. |
Harvesting Season | Year-round, with peak seasons in summer and fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers tropical and subtropical climates with rich soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Guavas are often called “superfruits” due to their high nutrient content.
- The leaves of the guava tree are used in traditional medicine for their antibacterial properties.
11. Yellow Cherry Tomato
Originally from South America, yellow cherry tomatoes are small, round, and have a sweet, juicy flavor. They add a pop of color and flavor to salads and other dishes.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten raw, in salads, roasted, or as a snack. |
Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow cherry tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic than red tomatoes.
- They are often used in gourmet dishes for their vibrant color and mild flavor.
12. Yellow Papaya
Originating from Central America, yellow papayas have a golden skin and soft, sweet flesh. Their flavor is tropical, slightly musky, and very refreshing.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Carica papaya |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, folate, and fiber. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in smoothies, salads, or cooked in stews. |
Harvesting Season | Year-round in tropical climates. |
Growing Condition | Prefers warm, tropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- The seeds of the yellow papaya are edible and have a peppery flavor.
- Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which aids in digestion.
13. Yellow Sapote
Native to Central America, yellow sapote is a small, round fruit with a rich, custard-like texture and sweet flavor, often compared to a mix of pumpkin and mango.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Pouteria campechiana |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber. |
Culinary Uses | Eat fresh in smoothies, desserts, or as a flavoring. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early winter. |
Growing Condition | Prefers tropical climates with rich, well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- The yellow sapote is also known as “eggfruit” due to its texture.
- It’s a popular fruit in Mexican and Central American cuisine.
14. Yellow Kiwi
From China, yellow kiwi has smooth, golden-brown skin and a sweet, less tangy taste than its green counterpart. The flesh is a vibrant yellow.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Actinidia chinensis |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in salads, desserts, or smoothies. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early winter. |
Growing Condition | Prefers cool, temperate climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow kiwi is often marketed as “golden kiwi” in many countries.
- It was selectively bred to reduce the tanginess of traditional kiwi.
15. Canary Melon
Canary melon, named after the Canary Islands, has bright yellow skin and sweet, pale flesh. Its taste is similar to that of a cantaloupe but slightly tangier.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Cucumis melo |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in salads, or as a dessert. |
Harvesting Season | Summer. |
Growing Condition | Prefers warm climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- In some regions, Canary melons are also called “Juan Canary” melons.
- They are popular in Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.
16. Yellow Mangosteen
Native to Southeast Asia, yellow mangosteen has a thick, yellow rind and sweet, tangy flesh. It’s less common than the purple variety but equally delicious.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Garcinia xanthochymus |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in desserts, or as a juice ingredient. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers tropical climates with rich, moist soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow mangosteen is sometimes called “false mangosteen” because it is less known than its purple counterpart.
- It has been used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia.
17. Yellow Zucchini
Yellow zucchini, also known as golden zucchini, originated in the Americas. It has a smooth, golden skin and a mild, slightly sweet flavor, and it is often used in a variety of dishes.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Cucurbita pepo |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. |
Culinary Uses | Grilled, sautéed, or baked in casseroles and breads. |
Harvesting Season | Summer. |
Growing Condition | Prefers warm weather with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow zucchini is often used as a colorful substitute for green zucchini in recipes.
- The flower of the zucchini plant is also edible and is often stuffed or fried.
18. Yellow Plumcot
A hybrid of a plum and an apricot, the yellow plumcot has smooth yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It combines the best flavors of both parent fruits.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Prunus domestica x armeniaca |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, in jams, or baked in desserts. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer. |
Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Plumcots are part of a group of fruits known as interspecifics, which are hybrids of plums and apricots.
- The yellow plumcot has a higher sugar content than most traditional plums.
19. Yellow Tamarillo
Native to the Andes, yellow tamarillo is an oval-shaped fruit with a smooth yellow skin and tangy, slightly sweet flesh. It’s often used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Solanum betaceum |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium. |
Culinary Uses | Used in salads, sauces, or as a dessert topping. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early winter. |
Growing Condition | Prefers cool, subtropical climates with rich soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Tamarillos are also known as tree tomatoes.
- The yellow variety is generally sweeter and less acidic than the red variety.
20. Yellow Elderberry
Yellow elderberries are native to the Americas and produce clusters of small, bright yellow berries. The berries are mildly sweet and often used in syrups and jams.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Sambucus canadensis |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and flavonoids. |
Culinary Uses | Used in syrups, jams, and herbal teas. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers moist, well-drained soil with full sunlight. |
Fun Facts:
- Elderberries have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for treating colds and flu.
- The yellow elderberry is less common than the black or blue varieties but is prized for its unique color.
21. Yellow Grapefruit
Yellow grapefruit, a hybrid fruit originally from Barbados, has a smooth yellow rind and juicy, slightly tart flesh. It’s a popular breakfast fruit and is often eaten fresh or juiced.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Citrus × paradisi |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eaten fresh, juiced, or used in salads and desserts. |
Harvesting Season | Winter to early spring. |
Growing Condition | Thrives in subtropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- The name “grapefruit” comes from the way the fruits grow in clusters, similar to grapes.
- Yellow grapefruit is often sweeter than its red or pink counterparts.
22. Yellow Strawberry Guava
Yellow strawberry guava, native to Brazil, is a small, round fruit with bright yellow skin and a sweet, tropical flavor. Its unique taste is often described as a mix of strawberry and passionfruit.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Psidium cattleyanum |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eat fresh, in jams, jellies, or desserts. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow strawberry guava is considered an invasive species in some regions due to its rapid growth.
- The fruit is commonly used in tropical regions to make guava jelly and other preserves.
23. Yellow Mirabelle Plum
Native to France, the yellow Mirabelle plum is a small, sweet fruit with golden-yellow skin. It has a honey-like flavor and is often used in jams and desserts.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca |
Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eat fresh, in jams, desserts, or as a compote. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer. |
Growing Condition | Prefers temperate climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Mirabelle plums are a specialty of the Lorraine region in France, where they are celebrated annually.
- The plums are often distilled into a traditional French eau de vie.
24. Yellow Horned Melon
Also known as kiwano, the yellow-horned melon is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It has spiky yellow-orange skin and bright green, jelly-like flesh with a refreshing, cucumber-like taste.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Cucumis metuliferus |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and magnesium. |
Culinary Uses | Eat fresh, in salads, or as a garnish. |
Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers warm climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- The horned melon is sometimes called “blowfish fruit” due to its spiky appearance.
- Its flesh is often compared to a cross between a cucumber and a banana.
25. Yellow Eggplant (Thai Eggplant)
Yellow eggplant, especially the Thai variety, is small, round, and has a bright yellow skin. It has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and is commonly used in Asian cuisine.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Solanum melongena |
Nutritional Benefits | High in dietary fiber, potassium, and Vitamin B6. |
Culinary Uses | Used in curries, stir-fries, and pickled. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers warm, tropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow eggplant is commonly used in Thai curries for its unique flavor.
- The plant is also ornamental in some regions due to its bright color.
26. Yellow Mombin
Yellow mombin, also known as hog plum, is native to tropical America. It has bright yellow skin and a sweet-tart flavor, and it is often used in beverages and jams.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Spondias mombin |
Nutritional Benefits | High in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Used in juices, jams, and sauces. |
Harvesting Season | Summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Thrives in tropical climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow mombin is often used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- The tree is also valued for the wood used in construction.
27. Yellow Cucumber
Yellow cucumbers are a rare variety primarily found in parts of India. They have bright yellow skin and a mild, refreshing taste, and they are often used in salads and pickles.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Cucumis sativus |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eat fresh, in salads, or pickled. |
Harvesting Season | Summer. |
Growing Condition | Prefers warm climates with well-drained soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow cucumbers are often used in traditional Indian dishes and for pickling.
- They are believed to have cooling properties, making them popular in hot climates.
28. Yellow Jaboticaba
Native to Brazil, the yellow jaboticaba is a rare fruit with thick yellow skin and sweet, gelatinous pulp. It grows directly on the tree’s trunk, making it unique.
Key Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Plinia cauliflora |
Nutritional Benefits | Rich in Vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants. |
Culinary Uses | Eat fresh, in jams, or fermented into wine. |
Harvesting Season | Late summer to early fall. |
Growing Condition | Prefers warm, humid climates with rich soil. |
Fun Facts:
- Yellow jaboticaba is often called the “Brazilian grape tree” due to how its fruits grow.
- The fruit is used to make a traditional Brazilian liquor called cachaça.
Conclusion
From sweet to tangy, each one offers a unique flavor and a boost of nutrition. I hope this journey has sparked your curiosity about trying new yellow fruits.
Remember, eating a variety of fruits is key to a healthy diet. Next time you’re at the grocery store or farmer’s market, why not pick up a yellow fruit you’ve never tried before? You might just find a new favorite!
I’d love to hear about your experiences with yellow fruits. Have you tried any from this list? Do you have a favorite that I didn’t mention? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Let’s continue the conversation and celebrate the delicious world of yellow fruits together!