30 Healthy Orange Fruits (With Photos!)

From the obvious (like oranges) to the more obscure (like honeynut squash), we are covering 30 orange fruits in this helpful guide to orange fruits from around the world!

 

Orange you glad I didn’t say banana? I would be too because our list of orange fruits include some of my absolute favorite fruits and I’ve never really been a fan of bananas. Orange fruits like boast a vibrant color and are often touted as good for fighting off colds.

While, I can’t confirm if they will help fight the common cold, thanks to my nutritionist background, I can tell you what they can do. Thanks to the same carotenoids that provide yellow vegetables their vibrant color, orange fruits produce antioxidants that protect us from free radicals. In addition to that, orange fruits will provide a great base for many recipes, sweet and savory.

Why Are Orange Fruits Healthy?

Orange fruits are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber at generally a pretty low calorie count. They aren’t all the same though. For some their super power is their Vitamin C content, for others Vitamin A. This is why dietitians tell us to eat a variety of fruits and veggies. In fact the most recent advice is to eat the colors of the rainbow. The idea is to eat a variety of colored fruits and veggies to take advantage of their differing nutritional contents.

Orange Fruits

1. Acorn Squash
2. Apricots
3. Butternut Squash
4. Calamansi
5. Cantaloupe
6. Cape Gooseberry
7. Clementine
8. Dalandan
9. Gấc
10. Grandilla
11. Hala Fruit
12. Honeynut Squash
13. Kinnow
14. Kiwano
15. Kumquat
16. Mandarin
17. Mango
18. Marian Plum
19. Orange
20. Orange Bell Pepper
21. Orange Cherry Tomato
22. Orange Thai Peppers
23. Orange Tomatoes
24. Orange Watermelon
25. Peach
26. Persimmon
27. Pumpkin
28. Red Kuri Squash
29. Tangelo
30. Tangerine

Acorn Squash

Origin: We start right off with what is “culinarily” considered a vegetable, but is in fact a fruit. The acorn squash is believed to have originated in Central America as did just about all squash. Today they are widely grown in North America, particularly in the United States and Mexico.

Flavor & Uses: This winter squash has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, with a tender and creamy flesh when cooked. Unlike most winter squash, the skin on acorn squash is perfectly edible as it is softer than other winter squash. This is a good thing as their shape makes them a bit difficult to peel but excellent for stuffed acorn squash. Acorn squash is commonly roasted, baked, or steamed. It can be used as a side dish, stuffed with various fillings, or added to soups and stews. 

Apricots

Origin: Apricots originated in China. Today the world’s largest producer is Turkey, and they are an important crop across much of Western Turkey. They are also grown extensively in Europe, Asia, the USA, and Iran.

Flavor & Uses: Apricots have a delicate and sweet-tart flavor with a juicy and soft texture. Apricots are often enjoyed fresh, but they can also be dried to make popular dried apricots. They are used in both sweet and savory dishes, including jams, pastries, salads, and sauces.

Butternut Squash

Origin: Butternut squash originated in the Americas, likely in Central and South America.They are commonly grown in the United States and other parts of North America.

Flavor & Uses: Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. This winter squash is often roasted, pureed into soups, used in casseroles, and a more butternut squash recipes. It can also be used as a healthier alternative to pasta in dishes like butternut squash noodles. Trust us on the last one, it works!

Calamansi

Origin: The calamansi is native to Southeast Asia, and is today grown mostly in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.

Flavor & Uses: Calamansi is a small citrus fruit with a sour and tangy flavor, similar to a combination of lime and mandarin orange. Its juice is commonly used in Filipino cuisine as a flavoring agent in marinades, sauces, and beverages. The juice can also be used in cocktails, salad dressings, and desserts. The fruit is quite versatile and used in both culinary and non-culinary applications.

Cantaloupe

Origin: Cantaloupes are believed to have originated in India or Africa. They have been cultivated for thousands of years and are now grown in various parts of the world to include major cultivation in the United States, Mexico, China, Turkey, and Spain. 75% of cantaloupes grown in the US come from California, but China is by far the leading producer growing over half the world’s total. 

Flavor & Uses: Cantaloupe has a sweet and juicy flavor with a hint of musky undertones.Cantaloupes are commonly enjoyed fresh, either on their own or in fruit salads. They are typically sliced, balled, or simply cut in half and eaten out of their hard skin. They can also be blended into smoothies, used in desserts, or paired with savory items like prosciutto for a sweet and salty contrast. This Vegetarian Curried Melon Salad is an excellent use of cantaloupe!

Cape Gooseberry

Origin: Cape gooseberries, also known as physalis, golden berries, or ground cherries, are native to South America. Today they are mostly grown in South Africa, New Zealand, Colombia, and parts of Europe.

Flavor & Uses: Cape gooseberries have a unique flavor, often described as a blend of sweet and tart with tropical notes.These berries are often enjoyed as a fresh snack. They can also be used in jams, pies, tarts, and desserts. Their distinctive flavor can add a twist to both sweet and savory dishes.

Clementine

Origin: Clementines are a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange. They were first discovered in Algeria in the early 20th century. Today, clementines are grown in various countries with suitable climates, including Spain, Morocco, the United States (primarily California and Florida), and Turkey.

Flavor & Uses: Clementines have a sweet and citrusy flavor with a pleasant balance of tartness. Clementines are commonly eaten fresh as a convenient and portable snack due to their easy-to-peel nature and small size. They are also used in salads, desserts, and as a flavoring in various dishes. They also make great freshly squeezed  juice though it does take quite a few to produce a single glass.

Dalandan

Origin: Dalandan, also known as the “Philippine orange,” is a type of citrus fruit that is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines. The Philippines remains the main producer, but it is also cultivated in other tropical nations such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

Flavor & Uses: Dalandan has a tangy and sweet flavor, similar to that of oranges. It is less acidic than some other citrus fruits and is often enjoyed for its refreshing taste consumed as a fresh fruit, either peeled and eaten directly or used to make fresh juices and beverages. Its juice is a popular choice for breakfast and snacks. Additionally, dalandan zest is used to flavor many regional dishes and desserts.

Nutritional Content: Dalandan is known for its rich vitamin C content, making it a popular choice for boosting immunity. In Filipino culture, dalandan is often associated with folklore and is sometimes used in traditional medicine for its supposed health benefits.

Gấc

Origin: Gấc, also known as “spiny bitter gourd” or “baby jackfruit,” originated in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and parts of Thailand where it is mostly cultivated today.

Flavor & Uses: Gấc has a mild and slightly sweet flavor. The flesh of the fruit is often described as a somewhat bitter combination of sweet potato and butternut squash. It is often used to make traditional dishes, especially in Vietnamese cuisine. Gấc is also used to make a nutritious rice dish called “xôi gấc,” which is often served during special occasions.

The fruit is not typically consumed as a standalone fruit due to its mildly bitter taste and tough outer rind, but its flesh is used in various culinary creations and dietary supplements for its potential health benefits.

Grandilla

Origin: Grandillas are a hybrid of Grand & Godzilla. Well, they’re not, but that is a great name! The grandila is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. The leading producers today are Brazil, Columbia, and Peru. Granadillas are also called Sugar Fruits as they are like an extra sweet passionfruit with a taste similar to papaya.

Flavor & Uses: Grandillas have a unique flavor described as a combination of tangy and sweet with a slight floral under tone. Granadillas can range from green to yellow and orange, and have a jelly-like pulp filled with small seeds. They are usually eaten fresh.

They are available in the USA, but are quite pricey. There is a lot you can do with a hyper-sweet passion fruit! How about a Passion Fruit Smoothie?

Hala Fruit

Origin: Hala Fruit are also known as pandanus fruit, and are native to the Pacific Islands such as Hawaii, Fiji, and Samoa. Today they also grow in SE Asia and Florida.

Flavor & Uses: Their flavor is described as mild, slightly sweet, and reminiscent of pineapple or banana. The fruit have a unique cylindrical shape and spiky exterior, but when the fruit is ripe the segments can be pulled apart easily. On the Pacific Islands the fruit appears to be used decoratively more than culinarily. You may be able to find these at a good international market. 

Honeynut Squash

Origin: Honeynut squash is a relatively new variety of winter squash that was developed by plant breeder Michael Mazourek in the 2000s. It’s a smaller, sweeter version of the butternut squash because it was developed as a response to the bland taste of some winter squash. It has gained popularity for its concentrated sweetness and vibrant orange flesh. Honeynut squash is primarily grown in the United States, especially in states like New York and Vermont.

Flavor & Uses: Honeynut squash has a rich, sweet, and nutty flavor with a creamy texture when cooked. Its sweetness intensifies during roasting, and this squash is perfect for roasting, which enhances its natural sweetness. And, given their thin skin, you don’t have to peel them before roasting.  It can also be used in soups, stews, and purees. The small size makes it great for individual servings.  Use them in any butternut recipe for which you want a sweeter flavor. This Mashed Butternut Squash Recipe would be the ideal recipe for the sweeter taste and to showcase the bright orange color.

Kinnow

Origin: Kinnows are a hybrid citrus fruit, developed by crossing mandarin oranges and sweet oranges. They were first cultivated in India, and are primarily grown in India and neighboring Pakistan.

Flavor & Uses: Kinnows have a tangy and sweet flavor, similar to other mandarin oranges. They are easy to peel and are usually seedless. Kinnows are often consumed fresh, as their juicy segments are refreshing. They can also be used to make juices, marmalades, and even added to salads. You may be able to find these at a larger international market.

Kiwano

Origin: Kiwano, also known as horned melon, is native to Africa, specifically in the Kalahari Desert region. They still grow mostly in Africa, but are now cultivated in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States as well.

Flavor & Uses: The kiwano’s taste is often described as a mix between a cucumber and a kiwifruit, with a hint of banana. The flesh has a jelly-like texture. Kiwano is commonly used as a decorative element in dishes due to its unique appearance. It can also be eaten fresh, or the pulp can be scooped out and added to fruit salads and desserts. Kiwano are a bit of a novelty due to the appearance of their spiky orange exterior.

Kumquat

Origin: Kumquats originated in China and Southeast Asia, but are now grown in the United States, Japan, and Mediterranean countries as well as others. The name “kumquat” is derived from a Chinese word that means “golden orange.”

Flavor & Uses: Kumquats are unique because their peel is sweet while the flesh is tart. When eaten whole, the combination provides a balance of flavors. Understandably, unlike most citrus fruits, kumquats are typically eaten with the peel intact. Kumquats are often consumed whole, or used in culinary applications like preserves, marmalades, and baked goods.

Mandarin

Origin: Mandarins are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in China and northern India. Today they are grown in many parts of the world, including China, Japan, Spain, and the United States (California, Florida).

Flavor & Uses: Mandarins have a sweet and tangy flavor with a distinct citrus aroma. They are often enjoyed fresh due to their easy-to-peel skin and juicy segments. They can also be used in salads, desserts, and even as a flavoring in beverages and sauces.

Mango

Origin: Mangoes are originally from South Asia, but they made their way across the tropics and into America around 1880. Mangoes are now one of the most commonly eaten fruits in the world with over 40 million metric tons grown each year. India is the leading producer, but not a huge exporter as their 1.4 billion citizens eat most of what they grow. The Mango is a stone fruit, meaning it has one hard seed surrounded by fruit. Peaches, cherries, and plums are all stone fruits as well. There are hundreds of mango varieties, varying in size, color, and taste.

Flavor & Uses: Mangoes have a sweet and tropical flavor with a mix of citrus and peach-like notes. Mangoes are often eaten fresh, but they can also be used in smoothies, salads, salsas, chutneys, and desserts like mango sticky rice. They are even used in some savory dishes. The large flat pit (stone) in mangoes can make them a bit difficult to cut, so we produced a short tutorial video with tips.

Marian Plum

Origin: The Marian plum, also known as governor’s plum or Madagascar plum, is native to the Caribbean region, Central, and South America.  It is mainly grown in tropical areas, including countries like Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, and parts of Central and South America. It also grows in Florida where it is often considered invasive.

Flavor & Uses: These small fruits have a yellow pulp with a sweet yet acidic, perhaps tangy, flavor, similar to a combination of plums and apricots. They can be eaten fresh, and they are suitable for jams, jellies, and beverages. They are also used in traditional medicine in some cultures.

Orange

Origin: Oranges are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, likely in the region of modern-day China and India. Today, however, they are grown in warm climates across the globe. There are over 400 different types of oranges worldwide, and many of these were developed in just the last 100 years. Oranges are actually a hybrid of the Pomelo and Mandarin, and are sometimes referred to as the Sweet Orange. Today sweet oranges makeup about 70% of all citrus produced worldwide, and are the most cultivated tree in the world! Kudos to the humble orange. 

Flavor & Uses: Oranges have a sweet and tangy flavor with varying degrees of juiciness. Oranges are commonly eaten fresh, juiced, in fruit salad, or used in various culinary dishes, desserts, and beverages.

Orange Bell Pepper

Origin: Also known as paprika or sweet peppers, they are most commonly green, yellow, orange, or red, but can also be found in purple, white, brown, and striped. Peppers are native to Mexico as well as Central & South America. Peppers were brought to Europe from the “New World” in 1493, but the bell pepper cultivar didn’t come around until the 1920s. The world’s largest producer of bell peppers today is China. 

Flavor & Uses: Bell peppers have a Schiller Heat Unit score of Zero. This means that among the Numerous varieties of peppers, they are one of the few with no spicy heat. This makes them great cut into salads, on veggie trays or in one of Our Favorite Bell Pepper Recipes.

Orange Cherry Tomato

Origin: Cherry tomatoes are thought to have originated in South America, specifically in Peru and Ecuador, but are now grown worldwide in various climates, both in open fields and greenhouses.

Flavor & Uses: Orange cherry tomatoes tend to be sweet, tangy, and almost bursting with a refreshing flavor. They are great for snacking, adding to salads, or as colorful garnishes due to their small size and vibrant hue. They also have extra health benefits due to their high levels of beta-carotene, which gives them their distinctive orange color. They are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Orange Thai Peppers

Origin: As the name suggests, Orange Thai Peppers trace their origin to Thailand (formerly Siam) and are a staple in Thai cuisine. These peppers are grown not only in Thailand but also in various parts of Asia and around the world, wherever there is a suitable climate.

Flavor: They look very much like an orange version of the classic chili pepper, and they pack a punch.  On the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale they rate 50,000 to 100,000. If you aren’t familiar with the SHU scale, jalapeno peppers average about 5,000 so imagine 10-20 times hotter than that.

Uses: Due to their spiciness, orange Thai peppers are used to add heat to a wide range of dishes, including curries, stir-fries, sauces, and salsas. They can also be dried and ground into chili flakes. Thai cuisine places a strong emphasis on balancing flavors, and these peppers contribute both heat and a unique fruity taste to dishes. They are often used green as well as orange, and they’re known by various names in Thai, such as “Prik Kee Noo.”

Orange Tomatoes

Origin: Tomato cultivation originated in the Andes region of South America, and orange tomato varieties likely come from there as well. Orange tomatoes typically have a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a tangy undertone. Orange tomatoes are often referred to as “heirloom” varieties, which means they are traditional open-pollinated types that have been passed down through generations. This is counter to what one might assume, ie that orange tomatoes were just a hybrid developed by humans.

Flavor & Uses: You can use orange tomatoes like you would any other sweet tomato variety.They are great in salads for a color contrast, salsa, sauces, and various dishes where the vibrant color can add visual appeal.

Orange Watermelon

Origin: Orange watermelons are a relatively recent development in the world of watermelon varieties. The exact origin is not definitively known, but they are very likely to have been developed through crossbreeding and selective breeding. They are not naturally occurring in the wild and are a product of agricultural innovation. Understandably their production is not as widespread as that of traditional red or pink watermelons. They can be found in countries with significant watermelon cultivation, such as the United States, Japan, China, and some parts of Europe. The majority of orange watermelons, however, are grown in the United States, particularly in Texas, Florida, and California.

Flavor: The rind looks much like any watermelon, but the flesh is an aesthetic orange color. Orange watermelons generally have a sweeter and more tropical flavor compared to traditional red or pink watermelons. They often have a distinct aroma and a slightly different taste profile, with hints of citrus and tropical fruit notes.

Uses: Orange watermelons can be used like other watermelons. They are often enjoyed fresh and chilled, sliced into wedges or cubes. Their vibrant color and unique flavor make them an attractive addition to fruit salads, green salads, smoothies, and desserts. They can also be blended into refreshing beverages or used as a base for fruit sorbets and ice creams.

These melons have a nutritional advantage over other watermelons due to the Beta-Carotene that gives them their orange color. Beta-carotene is known for its potential health benefits, including supporting vision and immune system health.

Peach

Origin: Peaches are believed to have originated in China, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, peaches are grown in many countries around the world, including the United States, Italy, and Spain. Peaches are an American favorite and are super healthy. At about 11 calories an ounce they are certainly low calorie, and like most orange pulped fruits are high in vitamin A. and C. 

Flavor & Uses: Peaches have a sweet and juicy flavor, with a delicate balance of tartness in some varieties. They can be eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, used in desserts like pies and cobblers, preserved as jams, featured in drinks, or canned. The uses for peaches, both yellow/orange and white peaches, are endless, but if you want to try something different and decadent check out this Grilled Peach Caprese. 

Persimmon

Origin: Persimmons have ancient origins in East Asia, particularly China and Japan. Today they are commonly grown in countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, and the United States.

Flavor & Uses: The flavor of persimmons can vary depending on the variety. Some are sweet and mild, while others can be very astringent until fully ripe, with a flavor reminiscent of apricots or honey. Persimmons are usually eaten without preparation other than chilling, but they are also added to fruit and vegetable salads, ice cream, yogurt, and all manner of desserts and jams. 

Pumpkin

Origin: Pumpkins are believed to have originated in North America, and are today grown in many countries, with top producers including China, India, Russia, and the United States. Pumpkins are a type of squash. There are two types of squash: summer and winter squash. While summer squash (like zucchini) have thin skins, winter squash (like pumpkins) tend to have thicker rinds.

The American relationship with pumpkins is an odd one. We don’t often buy them to eat, but pumpkins are still one of the most popular crops grown in America (largely because of our desire to carve faces into them). Some traditions are just so odd when you think about them.

Flavor & Uses: Pumpkins have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, and their taste can be enhanced with various spices when cooked. Pumpkins are commonly used in cooking and baking. They are used to make pumpkin pies, soups, curry, stews, and even roasted pumpkin seeds. Just about every use of pumpkins starts with a puree which you can buy in cans, or make your own Homemade Pumpkin Puree. So, after Halloween don’t throw out those uncarved pumpkins. Take them to the kitchen and make healthy treats.

Red Kuri Squash

Origin: Red Kuri Squash, also known as Orange Hokkaido Squash, originated in Japan. Apart from Japan, red kuri squash is grown in various regions around the world, including North America and Europe.

Flavor & Uses: This onion shaped squash with a deep red-orange skin has a sweet, nutty flavor with a smooth and creamy texture. Its flavor is often described as a mix between chestnuts (“kuri” means chestnut in Japanese) and sweet potatoes. Red Kuri Squash is versatile and can be used in various dishes. It can be roasted, pureed into soups, used in stews, or even baked into pies and muffins. You can use this squash like most others, but its size and appearance make it an ideal substitute in Stuffed Acorn Squash.

Tangelo

Origin: The tangelo is a hybrid fruit, a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit or a pomelo. They are mainly grown in subtropical regions such as Florida, Southern California, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Tangelos are larger than tangerines and are easily recognizable by their bumpy, loose skin, and distinctive bump or nipple at the stem. They are known for being easy to peel and virtually seedless.

Flavor & Uses: Tangelos have a sweet and tangy flavor, with a hint of tartness from their citrus parentage. They are great for fresh consumption,  juiced, and can be used in various culinary applications like salads and desserts. Tangelo can be used in pretty much any application you would use a mandarin orange like these decadent Orange Creamsicle Popsicles!

Tangerine

Origin: Tangerines are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions around China. Today they are extensively cultivated in subtropical and tropical areas worldwide, including countries like China, Spain, and the United States.

Flavor & Uses: Tangerines have a sweet and tangy flavor, often sweeter than oranges, with a hint of citrusy aroma. They are commonly eaten fresh, added to salads, or used in desserts. Tangerine juice is also a popular choice. 

more colors of the rainbow (in fruit form)

Blue Fruits

Pink Fruits

Green Fruits

Yellow Fruits

Red Fruits

Tropical Fruits

Exotic Fruits

That concludes our look at orange fruit. We hope you found what you are looking for, and as always happy cooking!