Discover the 20 Fruits That Start With Z

Finding names, foods, and animals that start with the letter Z is a challenge. Quick, think of a word that starts with Z! Was it zebra or zucchini?Believe it or not, there are 20 fruits that start with Z (and yes, zucchini is one of them). In this article, we’ll cover the surprising list of Z fruits, their origins, and interesting facts about them.

Let’s dig in!

Zabergau Reinette Apples

The Zabergau Reinette apple is a large species of russet apple hailing from Germany. It has gold-hued skin, a firm bite, and a tart taste. Its density makes it ideal for baked goods as it will hold its form, and its sharp taste makes it a great addition to fresh salads and side dishes. The Zestar apple also starts with Z. This sweet and tart apple was cultivated in Minnesota, US.

Zâlzâlak

Don’t let the name fool you; you’ve likely encountered zâlzâlak in the wild. This name comes from Iran for the berry fruit harvested from certain species of hawthorn and mayflowers! Iranians harvest the berries and turn them into zâlzâlak jam or eat them raw. The size and flavor are comparable to crabapples — dense and tart. If you live in North America, you may know this fruit as “haws” or “hawberries.

Zante Currant

If you eat raisins and dried fruit, you may have unknowingly sampled a zante currant. Also known as black currants, these dried berries are named after their origin in Zakynthos, Greece — which is also known among travelers for its famous shipwreck beach. While these currants originate from Greece, most of those available in North America are from California and sold under the famous Sun-Maid brand.

Zapote

These small, peculiar fruits have a green-brown, firm exterior with a thick stem at the top. The drab appearance disappears when you cut open the fruit and see a bright, orange, mango-esque interior. This is a fruit of many names. It also goes by Sapote, Chico Zapote, Sapodilla, and Chicle and originates from Central America and Mexico. Zapote has a mild, sweet flavor comparable to squash or avocado. It’s excellent when eaten raw or incorporated into dessert dishes.

Zarzamora

Another of the well-known fruits that start with Z, you’ve likely encountered this one as a wild blackberry. Zarzamora fruit is the Spanish name for these berries originating from Europe and Africa. They’ve since been naturalized in North America. This juicy berry is jammy and tart with a sweetness, depending on when it’s harvested. Eat them raw for a healthy snack, add them to baked goods, or incorporate them into yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast.

Zawngtah

Known colloquially as the stink bean and scientifically as Parkia speciosa, you can find this peculiar fruit throughout Asia. While its legume-like appearance sparks the age-old fruit vs. vegetable debate, the National Park Service of Singapore has it listed as a simple fruit. If you can get past the smell, the bold, nutty flavor of Zawngtah goes great in stir-fry dishes.

Zebra Eggplant

Also known as the graffiti eggplant, several countries claim credit for this unsuspecting fruit. Some seed sellers claim the fruit originates in Africa, while its third nickname — the Sicilian eggplant — indicates otherwise. Asia also has a claim to this cultivar. In all likelihood, there are regional variants of the species. Zebra eggplants are named for their striped appearance and boast a slightly sweeter taste than their single-colored counterparts. Add them to stir-fry dishes or roast and puree for some delicious baba ganoush.

Zebra Melon

There are a few types of zebra melons. Zebra watermelon with light green flesh and deep green stripes, and a variety of canteloupe with a striped exterior. Both boast a sweet flavor similar to their planer counterparts.

Zebra Tomato

Zebra tomatoes have the same vibrant, sweet, and acidic taste as most heirloom varieties. However, these beauties become a richer gold tone rather than reddening as they ripen. While technically a fruit, tomatoes go well with savory dishes and salads. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”

Zill Mango

The Zill mango was created and cultivated in Florida. It has achieved notoriety for its sweet taste and notes of pineapple flavor. Unfortunately, the Zill has a short lifespan, making it rare as an export. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a Zill, eat it fresh or dish it up with Greek Yogurt or ice cream.

Zinfandel Grapes

Zinfandel is one of the most common grapes in California vineyards. However, this delectable fruit that starts with Z is originally from Croatia. These grapes are bursting with flavor and taste more like a wildberry than a traditional grape. You can eat them raw. However, this fruit is best served fermented in a glass with meat dishes and bold cheeses. Zweigelt grapes also get an honorable mention. These grapes are the most popular red wine grape in Austria.

Ziziphus jujuba

Colloquially known as the jujube fruit, Ziziphus jujuba is a stone fruit with a sweet and sour taste similar to an apple. It’s often sold dried under the name of Chinese dates. This Asian fruit isn’t for everyone, as it can interact with certain medications in high doses. Take the time to talk to a medical practitioner and do your due diligence before sampling this fruity treat. You may also stumble upon Ziziphus mauritiana — sometimes called Indian jujube — which has a green exterior and similar flavor.

Zucchini

Another one of the fruits that starts with Z and often gets grouped with vegetables is the zucchini. This quick-growing plant is a favorite among gardeners for its nutrient content, high yield, and low-maintenance nature. Zucchini has a mild taste, making it ideal for stir-fries and sauteed as a side dish. You can also spiralize it or use a mandolin to replace pasta noodles. With a high moisture content, you can grind this fruit and add it to chocolate muffins for a delicious treat with sneaky nutrients.

Zwetschge

If you’ve tried prune plums, blue plums, or sugar plums, you’ve likely had a Zwetschge. This German term refers to fruit from the Prunus domestica subsp. domestica tree. You may also know them as the European plum. These sweet, fruity treats are great fresh, added to desserts, or dried into prunes.

Zea mays

Zea mays, more commonly known as corn, is one of those rare substances classified not only as a fruit and a vegetable but also as a grain. However, corn is genetically a fruit. Corn has many different varieties, but the types humans eat typically have a sweet flavor and juicy bite. It’s great on its own with butter or added to salads and side dishes.

20 Fruits That Start With Z: A Summary

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