Fruits That Start With P

There are plenty of fruits that start with P, but if I asked you to name more than 5 in quick succession, how would you fare? It’s certainly more challenging than you think. Luckily I’ve assembled a list here with some old favorites, not to mention one or two that might be new to you. Let us know if you have you tried anyone of them?

13 Fruits That Start With The Letter P

1. Papaya

Here’s one that you might have heard of, or maybe not? A Papaya is a fruit with a golden deep orange color that originates from South America. The flavor of the flesh isn’t particularly strong, but it is very sweet. Just like Pineapple (below… we didn’t miss it), Papaya contains a natural enzyme that breaks down protein chains. It is great for tenderizing meat (and if you eat too much of it, it will give you a very sore mouth… seriously)

2. Paw Paw

What do you get if you cross a banana and a mango? Well, from a flavor point of view, you are probably thinking of a Paw Paw. These tubular green shaped fruits have to be cut open to get to the delicious yellow flesh beneath. While you may think that this is a tropical fruit, the Paw Paw actually calls the USA its home. Paw Paw grows naturally and originates in the States! 

3. Pear

Ok, so this one is obvious, but we had to include it on our list. Pears actually come in many different varieties, from the sweet and powdery store-bought version to the drier and crunchy perry pear. If you are looking for variety in the fruit, you would be spoiled for choice as there are over 250 different varieties. Pears are robust and excellent when cooked since they hold their shape well. We love pears so much on this site, we’ve even compiled a list of pear desserts you can make at home

4. Plum

Speaking of variety, plums sit high on the list. The best time to eat plums is towards the end of the summer when they have had the chance to ripen, and their flesh is juicy and sweet. They come in many sizes and varieties. The European version has deep orange flesh, but catch them too early, and they can be dry and really bitter. Oh, and watch your teeth. They have a really substantial stone in the middle!

5. Persimmon

Persimmon is a little bit of an enigma. They look similar to peppers (which are also fruit), but the taste is sweet and delicate. Persimmon keeps well and seems to last a while. They are particularly nice when cooked down into jams and preserves.

6. Pineapple

Back in the day, pineapples were so rare that they used to be rented and displayed on tables as a sign of wealth. They are perfect for a whole range of dishes as they complement both sweet and savory well. Keep your eye out for snacking pineapples. With a little bit of encouragement, you can rip chunks away. No cutlery or prep required!

7. Peach

We couldn’t make a list of fruits that start with P without including the peach. This might be one of our favorite fruits. Amber and red colored fruit with a slightly downy exterior. They even feel nice! The flesh of a peach is very similar to a plum. Catch them at the right time of year, and they are the fruit of the gods, juicy, ripe, and succulent. Peaches are absolutely packed with vitamins, so if you feel under the weather, a peach a day will definitely keep the doctor away!

8. Pitaya

Ok, so we might have cheated a bit. The alternative name for Pitaya is ‘dragon fruit’. This fruit originates in Asia and looks fierce (hence the name). The outer skin is inedible but break through, and you’ll be rewarded with white flesh that is pitted with edible seeds. They are an excellent source of fiber and, depending on the variety you eat, can taste similar to apples. Pitaya is another fruit that is absolutely loaded with vitamins and minerals.

9. Plantain

Whatever you do, don’t mistake plantain for a banana. While they look very similar, they are quite different in flavor. Plantain is used extensively in Caribbean cooking. Due to its higher starch content, it tends to withstand the rigors of heat well. It isn’t anywhere near as sweet as a banana. If you keep your eyes out, you might be able to find a bag of plantain chips, perfect for a healthy snack!

10. Pomegranate

Pomegranates can be found extensively in Mediterranean and middle eastern cooking. This bright red fruit is absolutely loaded with tiny jewel-like red seeds that are bursting with flavor. You can eat them a seed at a time with a blunt pin or toothpick, alternatively, slice the fruit across its equator and pang the back of the fruit with a wooden spoon to get all of the tasty seeds out quickly!

11. Pomelo

Is it a melon? Is it a grapefruit? No, it’s a Pomelo. Ok, Pomelo’s look similar to both. It is, in fact, a large citrus fruit. It is similar in taste to a grapefruit, but for those who don’t like how bitter grapefruit can be, this is a great alternative. It tastes similar but is actually naturally much much sweeter. Pomelo juice is a great source of vitamin C.

12. Prunes

Ok, so we might have cheated again as prunes are dried plums. They taste like giant raisins and actually work really well on savory pizzas. However, be careful not to eat too many prunes can make you really regular and have been traditionally used as a natural cure for constipation!

13. Passion fruit

Passion fruit tastes so full of goodness. The outer casing is entirely inedible. However, once you get through to the center, you’ll find a cup of crunchy and milky seeds. They don’t look much, but they taste amazing, really tangy, and really sweet all in one handheld mouthful.

Conclusion

There you have it. A list of fruits that start with P. How many have you tried? A few might be a little seasonal, but you might be able to find them in one form or another. Can you think of any more for our list? Let us know in the comments.