Fruits are foods rich in nutrients and substances that contribute to health.
Considered as a natural source of several medicinal properties, fruits become an excellent option for the body.
Each fruit has characteristics that act in disease prevention and health maintenance.
Fruit List
Check below a list of 50 fruits and their characteristics and health benefits.
- Avocado ( Persea americana)
Avocado
Originally from Central America, avocado has vitamins A, B, C, D, E, proteins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. Brazil is probably the only place in the world that consumes it as a dessert, using sugar and milk. In other countries, it is used as a food seasoned with salt and oil.
- Pineapple ( Ananas comosus)
Pineapple
Originally found throughout tropical South America, pineapple is rich in vitamin C and contributes to the functioning of the immune system. It also assists in weight loss and relief from muscle pain.
- Acai ( Euterpe oleracea)
Açaí
One of the best known Brazilian fruits around the world and typical of the Amazon. Açaí is a highly energetic food, rich in calcium, mineral salts, phosphorus and iron. It can be consumed from the preparation of its wine or juice and also associated with granola, honey and other fruits, or even in savory dishes.
- Acerola ( Malpighia emarginata)
Acerola
Originating from Central America, acerola is a source of vitamin C and helps in the fight against respiratory diseases. It is consumed natural or as juice, sweets, jellies and ice cream.
- Blackberry ( Morus alba)
Blackberry
Blackberry is a fruit rich in vitamins A, C and K and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps fight anemia and aging. Its consumption can be in natura or even used in the preparation of desserts or juices.
- Araticum ( Annona coriacea)
Araticum
Araticum is a typical fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado. It has iron, potassium, calcium, vitamins C, A, B1 and B2 and has an average weight of 2 kg. Araticum also has antioxidants that help prevent degenerative diseases. It has a strong aroma, sweet and yellowish pulp, and is consumed fresh or in the form of sweets, juices, yogurt, jellies and ice cream.
- Bacaba ( Oenocarpus bacaba)
bababa
Native to the Amazon, this fruit is used to make wine that can be consumed with cassava flour and sugar. Bacaba oil is also widely used on the skin, especially as it nourishes and revitalizes. It is a fruit rich in proteins and carbohydrates, being recommended for athletes.
- Banana ( Musa sp.)
Banana
Rich in minerals and vitamins that support the immune system, bananas can be eaten fresh, cooked, fried, baked or dried. It is important to remember that there is a wide variety of bananas in the world, in Brazil the best known are: dwarf, gold, apple, silver and earth.
- Biribá ( Rollinia mucous)
Tootles
Typical of the Amazon, biribá is a fruit with a mild and sweet taste, and is widely consumed in its natural state. It is also used to prepare juices and ice cream. The consumption of biribá helps in intestinal functioning and strengthens the immune system. It is rich in vitamin C and potassium, in addition to having proteins, lipids, fibers and mineral salts.
- Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao)
Cocoa
Of Brazilian origin, from the Amazon region, cocoa is the raw material of chocolate. This fruit is rich in fiber and minerals such as iron, phosphorus and calcium. It can also be consumed as juice.
- Cajá ( Spondias mombin)
cashew
Cajá is a fruit rich in mineral salts. With a bittersweet taste and a juicy pulp, it helps with mental fatigue, stress, insomnia and throat inflammations. It is rich in fibers that help in the functioning of the intestine, in vitamins C and minerals that strengthen the bones.
- Persimmon ( Diospyros kaki)
Khaki
Originally from China, persimmon has vitamins A, B1, B2 and E, in addition to calcium, iron and protein. This fruit looks very similar to a tomato. It can be consumed in natura, or even in dessert preparations, jellies and ice cream.
- Carambola ( Averrhoa carambola)
Star fruit
Originally from Southeast Asia, carambola contains vitamins A, B and C. It assists the immune system in defending the body and helps reduce the rate of glucose in the blood. It has a bittersweet flavor and can be used in sweet preparations and in the composition of salads.
- Cherry ( Prunus avium)
Subtitle
Originally from Asia, the cherry is a fruit rich in vitamins A, B and C, calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamins. It contributes to the reduction of rheumatism, gout, arthritis and muscle pain. Its consumption can be in natura or in the preparation of compounds.
- Citron ( Citrus medica)
Cider
Cider resembles a giant lemon without a regular shape and can weigh up to 5 kg. It has vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 and C, as well as iron, phosphorus and calcium. It is a fruit that contains a high concentration of citric acid. It is often used for sweet jams.
- Coconut ( Cocos nucifera L.)
Green coconut and dry coconut
Coconut is a fruit rich in good fats, mineral salts and fibers. Its pulp is white and the inside with water. It can be consumed when green or ripe. The coconut has two edible parts, the fruit and the water. When the coconut is green, its pulp has a soft consistency, being consumed with a spoon. When it is ripe (dry) it is possible to consume it in pieces or use it for extracting milk and oil.
- Cupuaçu ( Theobroma grandiflorum)
cupuaçu
Typical of the Amazon, its most common use is in the form of creams, ice creams and juices. From its seeds it is possible to manufacture chocolate and sweets. The consumption of cupuaçu is indicated as a source of energy. It has fatty acids that help lower cholesterol, in addition to vitamin A and C, vitamins B1, B2 and B3, fiber and mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus and selenium.
- Fig ( Ficus carica L.)
purple fig
The fig is a fruit that has a high index of sugar, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Rich in fiber, it helps reduce blood cholesterol. It also fights respiratory infections and inflammations due to its properties. It is usually consumed fresh or in jams and jellies.
- Raspberry ( Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry
Originally from Europe and part of Asia, raspberries are a source of vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and iron. This fruit acts against cell aging and prevents some diseases. It can be consumed in natura, in the form of tea and juices.
- Guava ( Psidium guayava)
red guava
Native to Central America, guava is a fruit that is widely cultivated and appreciated in Brazil. Rich in vitamin C, it has vitamins A, E and almost all of the B complex, in addition to minerals, in smaller quantities. Guava is widely used in the manufacture of sweets, the best known being guava paste.
- Gooseberry ( Ribes rubrum)
Gooseberry
Native to Europe and Asia, currants are rich in vitamin C and potassium. It also has calcium, phosphorus, iron, sulfur, magnesium and proteins. The fruit acts in the prevention against cancer, aging, inflammation and neurological diseases. Blackcurrant is used to make juices.
- Ingá ( Inga edulis)
inga
Originally from the Amazon, the pulp of the fruit surrounds the seed and is consumed in its natural state. Ingá has a white, sweet pulp and is rich in mineral salts. It can also be used as a healing tea and as a syrup in the treatment of bronchitis.
- Jabuticaba ( Myrciaria cauliflora)
Jabuticaba
Jabuticaba is a fruit with a dark purple or black skin and a white interior. With a juicy pulp, it is rich in B complex vitamins. The use of jabuticaba peel is very common in teas, which help to reduce and combat inflammation and skin aging. It can be consumed in natura, ice cream, jellies and liqueurs.
- Jackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Jackfruit
Native to Asia, jackfruit has calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins A, B and C. This fruit can weigh up to 15 kg. Its consumption helps to combat high blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases. The high amount of fiber favors digestion and helps with digestive disorders.
- Jambo ( Syzygium jambos)
Jambo
Originally from Asia, jambo has iron, phosphorus, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamin A, B1 and B2. It has low caloric value and strengthens the immune system. With a refreshing taste, it is consumed naturally.
- Jenipapo ( Genipa americana L.)
Jenipapo
Genipapo is a fruit that has a high concentration of iron and calcium. It features a strong colored juice, which was used by the Indians to paint the body. It has juicy pulp, with a strong aroma and acidic and sweet flavor. The fruit is indicated for intestinal inflammations, anemia and asthma.
- Kiwi ( Actinidia delicacy)
Kiwi
Kiwi is a fruit rich in fiber and vitamins. Considered an important food against cancer and DNA protection, its bark can also be consumed.
- Orange ( Citrus sinensis)
Orange
Rich in vitamin C, orange is a fruit rich in citric acid. Indicated to prevent cancer, it strengthens the immune system, reduces cholesterol and protects the heart. The orange is consumed in natura, in the form of juices and in the preparation of desserts.
- Lemon ( Citrus limon)
Lemon
Originally from Asia, lemon is a source of vitamin C and minerals. It contributes to improving digestion, strengthens the immune system, helps maintain weight and prevents premature aging. It is consumed as a seasoning for savory dishes and also in the preparation of juices and desserts.
- Apple ( Malus domestica)
Different types of apple
Originating in Asia and Europe, the apple is a fruit that helps in the prevention of diseases. It has vitamins A, B1, B2, C and K, iron and phosphorus. It presents substances and nutrients that help in the immune system.
- Papaya ( Carica papaya)
Papaya
Papaya is a fruit rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and E, calcium, phosphorus, iron. It helps digestion and fights constipation, as well as improving the appearance of the skin. The most common types in Brazil are formosa and papaya.
- Mango ( Mangifera indica)
Mango
Native to India, mango has significant amounts of sugar, vitamins and minerals. She is indicated to fight anemia due to her high concentration of iron.
- Mangaba ( Hancornia speciosa)
sleeve
The mangaba is a typical fruit of the Cerrado, it has low calories and vitamins A, C, B1 and B2, in addition to proteins, iron, calcium and phosphorus. It assists in controlling blood pressure and the immune system. It can be consumed in natura or in the form of sweets, juices and ice cream.
- Passion fruit ( Passiflora edulis)
Passion fruit
Widely found in tropical regions, passion fruit is well known for its calming power. It has vitamins A, C and complex B, in addition to iron, sodium, calcium and phosphorus. It has an acidic flavor and can be consumed fresh and in the preparation of desserts and juices.
- Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus)
Watermelon
Originally from Africa, watermelon is rich in water, which makes it very refreshing. It has sugar, calcium, phosphorus and iron and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Melon ( Cucumis melo)
yellow melon
Originally from Africa, melon is a fruit rich in water and has significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus and iron. It is rich in vitamin A and C, which help in collagen production and aging prevention.
- Strawberry ( Fragaria vesca)
Strawberry
Originally from Europe, strawberry has vitamins C, A, E, B5 and B6, in addition to calcium, potassium, iron, selenium and magnesium. This fruit is indicated to strengthen the immune system and healing processes. It has a sweet and acidic flavor, and can be consumed fresh, in juices and in the preparation of desserts.
- Pequi ( Caryocar brasiliense)
pequi
Fruit of the native plant symbol of the Cerrado, the pequi tree. Pequi is rich in vitamin A and C, and is highly appreciated in food, both in savory and sweet dishes, as well as liqueurs.
- Pear ( Pyrus communis)
Pear
The pear is a fruit rich in sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium. It helps to improve constipation, lose weight and control diabetes. In addition, it contributes to the functioning of the immune system.
- Peach ( Prunus persica)
Peach
Peach is a fruit rich in antioxidants. It has the minerals phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iodine and iron, in addition to vitamins A, C and complex B. It has a smooth and sweet taste, being consumed in its natural form or in jam.
- Pitanga ( Eugenia uniflora)
Pitanga
Pitanga is a red fruit with a sweet and acidic taste. Its main nutrients are potassium, mineral salts and vitamin C. It is indicated for arthritis, diarrhea, fever, gout and rheumatism.
- Pitaya ( Hylocereus guatemalensis)
white pitaya
Exotic fruit native to Tropical America, pitaya has a pulp that can be white or purple. Rich in protein, vitamin C, iron and calcium, it has digestive properties. It is consumed in natura, juices, jellies and sweets.
- Peach palm ( Bactris gasipaes)
peach palm
Typical of the Amazon, peach palm is a fruit rich in proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. It also has a high vitamin A content. Its nutrients help strengthen the immune system. Its fruits are cooked with salt before being consumed.
- Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.)
Pomegranate
Of Asian origin, the pomegranate is a red fruit with an interior full of seeds. With an acidic taste, its bark is used in the preparation of tea, helping in the treatment of oral and throat inflammations. The seeds can be eaten raw.
- Siriguela ( Spondias purpurea)
Siriguela
Source of vitamins A, B and C, the siriguela has a rich amount of calcium, phosphorus and iron. It has a sweet flavor and when ripe it has a reddish color. This fruit is used in the treatment of anemia and helps the immune system.
- Date ( Phoenix dactylifera)
Date
The date originates from the Persian Gulf, being a fruit with a bittersweet taste. With a reddish color, it is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, iron and calcium. It assists in lowering blood pressure, bone health and relieving constipation.
- Tamarind ( Tamarindus indica)
Tamarind
Tamarind is a brown fruit with a sweet and sour taste. It is considered a natural laxative and is widely used in constipation. The leaves, flowers and seeds can be consumed.
- Tangerine ( Citrus reticulata)
Tangerine
Tangerine is a source of vitamins A and C, in addition to mineral salts, such as calcium and phosphorus. Contributes to prevent heart problems, high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension. Its flavor is acidic and sweet, being used frequently in the production of jellies.
- Tucumã ( Astrocaryum aculeatum)
Tucumã
Of Amazonian origin, tucumã has a high content of vitamin A, vitamin B1 and vitamin C. It is consumed in its natural state and is also used to prepare liquor and ice cream.
- Green grape ( Vitis sp.)
Green grape and red grape
The green grape has vitamin C and complex B, being a fruit rich in iron, calcium and potassium. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effect and acts in cancer prevention.
Importance and benefits of fruits
The consumption of fruits provides vitamins, fibers and other substances capable of fighting diseases, preventing aging and regulating the functioning of the body.
Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the daily consumption of three to five servings of fruit, depending on the person’s needs. A diet rich in fruits is a source of health and well-being.
The diversity of fruits that we have available is enormous. We have the native ones, which are those originating in Brazil. Exotic fruits, which are not easily found by the population. But, in addition to them, we have fruits that are grown in Brazil and are part of the Brazilian diet.
Curiosity: difference between fruit and fruit
Fruit is a botanical term used to designate the matured ovary of an angiosperm flower .
Fruit is a popular term given to the edible parts, usually juicy and sweet, that originate from the flower.
These characteristics differentiate fruits and fruits, as fruits do not always develop from the ovary. Thus, not every fruit is a true fruit.