24 Surprising Fruits That Start With K: Not Just Kiwi!

 When it comes to fruits beginning with the letter ‘K’, many people might instantly think of kiwi. While kiwi is undoubtedly delicious and nutritious, there’s a whole world of lesser-known fruits waiting to be explored. From exotic tropical delights to lesser-known local specialties, let’s embark on a journey to discover 24 surprising fruits that start with K!

1. Kumquat: Starting off our list is the kumquat, a tiny citrus fruit with a sweet edible rind and tangy flesh. Despite its small size, kumquats pack a punch of flavor and are often eaten whole.
2. Kiwano: Also known as the African horned cucumber or melon, the kiwano is a spiky fruit with a vibrant orange skin and jelly-like green flesh. Its unique appearance and refreshing taste make it a standout addition to fruit salads.
3. Kohlrabi: Although technically a vegetable, kohlrabi belongs to the same family as cabbage and broccoli. Its bulbous stem can be eaten raw or cooked and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of broccoli stems.
4. Kiwiberry: Similar in taste and texture to kiwi but without the fuzzy skin, kiwiberries are small, bite-sized fruits that are perfect for snacking. They’re packed with vitamin C and make a delightful addition to fruit bowls and yogurt parfaits.
5. Kumquatquat: A cross between a kumquat and a lime, the kumquatquat combines the best of both worlds with its sweet-tart flavor and edible peel. It’s perfect for adding a zesty kick to cocktails and desserts.
6. Kaffir Lime: While the leaves of the kaffir lime tree are commonly used in Thai cuisine, the fruit itself is often overlooked. With its wrinkled skin and intense citrus aroma, kaffir limes are prized for their fragrant zest and juice.
7. Karanda: Native to Southeast Asia, karanda is a small, tart fruit that is often used in pickles, jams, and chutneys. Its vibrant red color adds a pop of brightness to any dish.
8. Kaki: Also known as persimmon, kaki is a sweet and juicy fruit with a vibrant orange color. It can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in baking to add natural sweetness to cakes and bread.
9. Kei Apple: Native to southern Africa, the kei apple is a small, round fruit with a tough, green skin and tart flesh. Despite its thorny exterior, the fruit is prized for its unique flavor and high vitamin C content.
10. Kundong: Found in the rainforests of Australia, the kundong is a small, sour fruit that is often used in jams and preserves. Its tangy flavor pairs well with sweet ingredients like sugar and honey.
11. Kumazasa: A type of wild bamboo grass native to Japan, kumazasa produces small, edible fruits that are prized for their medicinal properties. They’re often used in traditional herbal remedies and teas.
12. Kepel Fruit: Native to Indonesia, the kepel fruit is known for its sweet, floral aroma and custard-like flesh. It’s often used to flavor desserts and sweets.
13. Kalamansi: Commonly used in Filipino cuisine, kalamansi is a small citrus fruit with a tangy flavor similar to a cross between lime and tangerine. Its juice is often used to add acidity to dishes and beverages.
14. Keriberry: Also known as Australian tamarillo, the keriberry is a small, egg-shaped fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. It can be eaten fresh or used in jams and sauces.
15. Kakadu Plum: Native to Australia, the kakadu plum is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. It has a tart flavor and is often used in jams, sauces, and skincare products.
16. Kutjera: Also known as bush tomatoes, kutjera is a small, round fruit native to Australia. It has a sweet, caramel-like flavor when ripe and is often used in sauces and relishes.
17. Kandis: Native to Indonesia, kandis is a small, sour fruit that is often used to add acidity to dishes. It’s also used to make a type of sour tamarind soup called sayur asem.
18. Kokum: Commonly used in Indian cuisine, kokum is a small, purple fruit with a sour flavor. It’s often used as a souring agent in curries, soups, and chutneys.
19. Kiwifruit: While kiwifruit is well-known, it’s worth mentioning for its unique taste and nutritional benefits. Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, kiwifruit is a delicious and healthy addition to any diet.
20. Kundu Pear: Native to Papua New Guinea, the kundu pear is a small, pear-shaped fruit with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. It’s often eaten fresh or used to make jams and jellies.
21. Kandil Sinap: A variety of apple, kandil sinap is known for its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. It’s often used in baking and cider-making due to its high sugar content.
22. Kai Apple: Native to South Africa, the kai apple is a small, round fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. It’s often eaten fresh or used to make jams and jellies.
23. Kandy: Native to Sri Lanka, kandy is a small, round fruit with a sweet and slightly tart flavor. It’s often eaten fresh or used to make jams and preserves.
24. Karanda Plum: Also known as Bengal currant, karanda plum is a small, tart fruit native to India. It’s often used to make jams, jellies, and syrups.

Conclusion: From the familiar kiwi to the exotic kakadu plum, the world of fruits that start with ‘K’ is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these 24 fruits offer a tantalizing array of flavors and textures to explore.