Blue fruits are a true spectacle of nature, with their vibrant colors inviting us to indulge in their juicy goodness. Rich in antioxidants, full of fiber, and packed with vitamins, these fruits not only taste delicious but are also highly beneficial for our health.
In this article, we will explore the world of blue fruits (and a few other blue foods), learn what makes them blue, and delve into the unique characteristics of each fruit.
What Makes Blue Fruits Blue?
Fruits with a beautiful blue color owe it to their natural anthocyanin plant compounds, which act as potent antioxidants that shield them from free radical harm. Besides providing the fruit with its distinct purple-blue color, these compounds also promote our well-being when we include them in our diet. Studies link anthocyanins to several health benefits, such as boosting heart health and lowering the chances of chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Ultimate List of Blue Fruits
Blueberries
The first fruit that comes to mind when we think of blue fruits is undoubtedly the blueberry. This small, round fruit native to North America is a powerhouse of nutrients including Vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. Their versatility makes them perfect for a variety of dishes, from pies and jams to juices and ice cream. Blueberries are also easily frozen which makes them great for use in desserts and smoothies.
Damsons (Damson Plums)
Damsons, or Damson plums, are small, oval fruits with vibrant, dark blue skin. Originating from Europe, they are known for their tart flavor when fresh but turn wonderfully sweet when cooked. Damsons are often used in desserts like pies and jams.
Blue Java Banana
Known as the “ice cream banana”, the Blue Java banana has a blueish-silver skin when ripe, and a creamy, sweet flesh with a consistency and flavor reminiscent of vanilla ice cream. This variety thrives in tropical climates and is noted for its cold tolerance compared to other banana varieties.
Black Currants
Did you know that black currants, which are small and tart, originate from Europe and Asia? They are packed with vitamin C, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants, making them very nutritious. These fruits can be found in many recipes, including jellies, syrups, and even savory dishes.
Blackberry
Blackberries are a delicious fruit that is small in size and recognized for their deep blue-to-black color and sweet and sour taste. They are rich in vital nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them versatile and nutritious ingredients that can be used in several recipes or eaten as a snack directly from the vine.
Blue Agave
Blue agave is a plant with spiky, blue-gray leaves and a tall flower stalk, native to arid parts of Mexico, and is appreciated for its succulent nature. Its core holds a sweet sap known as aguamiel, which is fermented to create the world-renowned Mexican drink, tequila.
Concord Grapes
Renowned for their use in jams, jellies, and juices, Concord grapes are small, often seed-filled fruits with a distinctive flavor. Their thick, dark blue-purple skins are high in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, and resveratrol, which contribute to a healthy heart.
Blue Watermelon
It’s worth noting that despite the viral images floating around on the internet, a genuine blue watermelon doesn’t actually exist in nature. The so-called “blue watermelon” is simply a type of watermelon with a darker rind and vivid pink or red flesh, indistinguishable in taste from other typical watermelon varieties.
Huckleberries
Resembling blueberries, huckleberries are small, round fruits that are native to North America. They are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Their sweet-tart flavor makes them ideal for baking pies or making jams.
Elderberry
Elderberry refers to the dark purple berries produced by the Sambucus tree, which is native to many parts of the world and celebrated for its medicinal properties. The berries, characterized by their tart and slightly sweet flavor, are typically cooked and used in a variety of products, from immune-boosting syrups and teas to flavorful wines, jams, and pies.
Blue Dragon Fruit
Blue Dragon Fruit, more commonly known as Pitahaya or White Dragon Fruit, is a type of cactus fruit characterized by its vibrant, pinkish-red exterior and white, speckled flesh. It’s celebrated for its mildly flavor, akin to a cross between a kiwi and a pear, and its nutritional benefits, including being rich in vitamin C and fiber. Dragon fruit in general is a unique plant with a variety of health benefits.
Blue Marble Fruit
The Blue Marble Fruit, also known as Blue Quandong or Elaeocarpus angustifolius, is a striking tree fruit native to Australia, recognized for its vivid, electric-blue hue and large, hard seed. While the fruit itself is somewhat bitter and sour, making it less appealing for direct consumption, it can be used in sauces and jams or as a traditional bush food, and its unique, visually appealing seed is often used in decorative crafts.
Chokeberry
Chokeberries are small, dark fruits that grow on shrubs native to North America, known for their astringent taste which can make your mouth pucker, hence the name. Despite their tartness, they’re packed with antioxidants and are commonly used in wines, jellies, and baked goods.
Zinfandel Grapes
Zinfandel grapes are a red-skinned variety that produces a juice with a high sugar content, leading to robust, alcohol-rich wines. Known for their rich, dark color and bold flavors of ripe blackberry, raspberry, and plum, these grapes are used to produce a range of wines, from rich, spicy reds to the popular semi-sweet blush wine known as White Zinfandel.
Filius Blue Pepper
The Filius Blue pepper is an ornamental chili plant that boasts attractive blue-tinted leaves and small, round peppers that mature from blue to red. Despite its decorative appeal, the peppers are edible and offer a moderate heat that can spice up a variety of dishes.
Laurestine
Laurestine, also known as Laurustinus, is an evergreen shrub common in Mediterranean regions, boasting clusters of small, white or light pink flowers followed by dark blue-black fruit. While its berries are not typically consumed, the plant is cherished for its ornamental value, often used in hedges or as a striking garden accent.
Saskatoon Berries
Saskatoon berries, also known as serviceberries or juneberries, are small, round fruits native to North America, boasting a sweet, nutty flavor with notes of almond and cherry. Their vibrant purple-blue hue and nutritional benefits, including high levels of fiber, protein, and antioxidants, make them a delightful addition to pies, jams, wines, and more, or simply enjoyed fresh off the tree.
Nonna Angus Blue Beans
This is a variety of snap bean characterized by its beautiful bluish-purple pods. Although the vibrant color fades upon cooking, these beans deliver a robust flavor and crisp texture, making them a delightful addition to summer salads and stir-fries.
Ribier Grapes
Ribier grapes are a large, dark purple variety of table grape known for their impressive size, high juice content, and a flavor profile that’s sweet with a hint of tartness. They have a thick skin that encloses a juicy pulp, making them perfect for fresh eating, though they’re also often used in desserts, wines, and jellies.
Blue Tomatoes (Indigo Rose Tomatoes)
Blue tomatoes, specifically the Indigo Rose variety, get their color from anthocyanins. While their skin is a deep blue or purple, the flesh is red, providing a striking contrast. They offer a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and are an excellent source of antioxidants.
Bilberries
Often mistaken for blueberries, bilberries are smaller and darker with a more intense flavor. Native to Europe, they are high in antioxidants and are used in various dishes, including desserts and jams.
Sloes
Sloes are the small, dark blue to purple fruits of the blackthorn bush (Prunus spinosa), native to Europe and Western Asia, known for their tart, astringent flavor when raw. Despite their bitter taste when eaten fresh, they are traditionally used to make sloe gin, a sweet liqueur, and can also be used in jellies, preserves, and syrups when sweetened.
Juniper Berries
Juniper berries, known for their use in flavoring gin, are small, dark blue fruits with a tart, slightly sweet flavor. While not a true berry, they are packed with antioxidants and used as a spice in many savory dishes.
Lenoir Grapes
Lenoir grapes, also known as Black Spanish grapes, are a hardy variety characterized by their deep purple, almost black color, and resistance to fungal diseases. Originating in the American South, they’re often used to produce robust, full-bodied red wines and port-style wines, appreciated for their dark fruit flavors and earthy undertones.
Kastoree Mango
Kastoree Mango, also known as the “Musk Mango,” is a unique fruit, known for its distinct blue-green hue when ripe. Its pulp is aromatic and exceptionally sweet, making it a delight to eat fresh or incorporate into tropical desserts.
Pinot Noir Grapes
Pinot Noir grapes are a red wine variety renowned for their thin skin and delicate flavors, grown primarily in cooler climates like Burgundy in France and Oregon in the United States. The wines produced from these grapes are known for their rich color, complex flavor profiles, often featuring notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones, and their compatibility with a wide range of foods. Hello, steak, or even eggplant!
Jenipapo
Jenipapo (Genipa americana) is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America, recognized for its large, round shape and thick, brown skin. The fruit’s interior reveals a sweet and slightly tart pulp, traditionally used in desserts, beverages, and as a natural dye, while its medicinal properties have been valued in traditional medicine.
Jostaberry
The Jostaberry is a complex-cross fruit bush in the Ribes genus, resulting from a cross between a black currant and a gooseberry. The fruit is larger than a black currant, but smaller than a gooseberry, with a unique, sweet-tart flavor and deep blackish-purple color, often used in jams, jellies, and pies, or eaten fresh from the bush.
Blue Olive
Blue olives, such as Ceylon Blue Olives from Sri Lanka, are not your typical olive variety. They have a unique blue hue and offer a different taste experience with a slight flavor of sweetness. They are packed with beneficial plant compounds and make an interesting addition to your diet.
Giant Figs (Texas Blue Giant Fig)
Native to Texas, the Texas Blue Giant Fig is a blue-purple fruit known for its large size and unique skin color. Its sweet flavor and high fiber content make it an excellent choice for eating fresh or incorporating into desserts.
Blue Sausage Fruit (Dead Man’s Fingers)
Despite its ominous name, Blue Sausage Fruit, also known as Dead Man’s Fingers, is a blue fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a sweet and slightly tart flavor, similar to that of apples or mangoes.
Merlot Grapes
Merlot grapes are a dark blue, almost black, variety of wine grape, known for their large size, thin skin, and juicy flesh that offers a balanced, plummy sweetness. They’re used to produce Merlot wine, famed for its velvety texture and notes of black cherry and chocolate, and are often blended with other varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to add softness and complexity.
Blue Pearmain Apple
Blue Pearmain Apples, with their blue-tinged skin, are an old apple variety known for their sweet flavor and high nutrient content, including fiber and vitamin C.
Honeyberry
Have you heard of honeyberry? It’s also called haskap or edible honeysuckle, and it’s a robust shrub that produces dark blue, elongated berries with a distinct sweet-tart taste. These berries are similar to blueberries but with a bit more tartness. You can enjoy them fresh or use them in various recipes, such as jams, jellies, wines, and baked goods. Additionally, honeyberries are renowned for being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a healthy choice.
Honeysuckle
Blue Honeysuckle are elongated blue fruits that are sweet and rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They are used in a variety of culinary applications, including jams, pies, and juices.
Nutrition & Health Benefits of Blue Fruits
Blue fruits are not just visually appealing, but they’re also packed with a plethora of health benefits due to their rich nutrient content. Here are some of the key nutrition facts and health benefits of these vibrant fruits:
Nutrition Facts:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Blue fruits are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are responsible for their blue color. Anthocyanins help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals.
- High in Vitamins: These fruits are often high in essential vitamins, especially vitamin C, which support immune function and skin health.
- Packed with Fiber: Blue fruits like blueberries and black currants provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Good Source of Minerals: Many blue fruits, including damsons and blueberries, offer essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, and manganese, necessary for bone health, heart function, and metabolism respectively.
Health Benefits:
- Boosts Heart Health: The antioxidants, fiber, and potassium in blue fruits support heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels, and regulating blood pressure.
- Supports Brain Health: Antioxidants in blue fruits also promote brain health by reducing inflammation and delaying brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Aids in Digestion: The dietary fiber in these fruits helps promote a healthy digestive system by adding bulk to the diet and preventing constipation.
- Supports Weight Management: High in fiber and low in calories, blue fruits can help maintain a healthy weight by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake.
- Enhances Immune Function: The high vitamin C content in these fruits boosts the immune system, helping the body ward off illnesses.
- Promotes Eye Health: Certain antioxidants found in blue fruits, such as anthocyanins, are known to protect the eyes from damage and promote overall eye health.
Incorporating blue fruits into your diet can be a delicious and easy way to enjoy these health benefits. Whether you’re snacking on fresh berries, adding them to a salad, or blending them into a smoothie, these fruits can provide a significant nutrient boost.
Blue Fruit Recipes
Ingredients
Blue Fruit Recipes
- Currant Pancakes
- Fig and Banana Smoothie
- Black Currant Scones
- Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese
- Blue Olive Tapenade
- Banana Bread with Figs
- Blueberry Buckle
- Fig Muffins
- Pizza with Blue Olives and Goat Cheese
Instructions
- Choose recipe.
- Gather ingredients.
- Cook and enjoy!
Recipes Using Blue Fruits
Currant Pancakes
Transform your standard pancakes by adding fresh, tangy currants. Each bite comes with a burst of tartness from the currants, making your morning meal more exciting.
Fig and Banana Smoothie
Blend ripe figs with bananas, a dollop of yogurt, and a drizzle of honey for a nutritious and satisfying drink. The natural sweetness of the figs pairs wonderfully with the creamy bananas for a well-rounded flavor.
Blue Olive Bread
Utilize the distinct, salty flavor of blue olives in this unique bread recipe. The savory olives, combined with a hearty crust, create a surprisingly delightful savory bread.
Currant Scones
These delightful pastries, ideal for brunch or afternoon tea, balance the tartness of black currants with a sweet, flaky scone. A treat that adds a pop of flavor and color to your meal.
Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese
This gourmet sandwich pairs the creamy, rich Brie cheese with the sweet, earthy flavor of figs for an elevated lunch experience. It’s a unique spin on the typical grilled cheese sandwich.
Blueberry Buckle
Blueberry buckle is a traditional American dessert, brimming with fresh blueberries embedded in a tender, vanilla-scented cake, and crowned with a generous crumbly streusel topping for a delightful crunch. Its name stems from the irresistible buckle or crumble that forms on top as it bakes, creating a symphony of contrasting textures and mouthwatering blueberry flavor in every bite.
Blue Olive Tapenade
Take advantage of blue olives’ unique flavor by creating a tapenade spread. The savory, salty olives make a versatile condiment that’s perfect for sandwiches, as a dip, or served with cheese.
Banana Bread with Figs
Enhance a classic banana bread recipe with the addition of sweet, ripe figs. The figs lend an additional layer of sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture to the moist bread. If you like this recipe, you’ll probably also like our 2-ingredient pumpkin muffins.
Fig Muffins
Start your day with these sweet, tender muffins filled with ripe figs. They’re easy to make and result in a delightful breakfast treat that pairs perfectly with your morning tea or coffee. And if you like this recipe, you’ll probably also like our hot butter rum muffins.
Blueberry Custard Pie
This Blueberry Custard Cream pie is a nearly no-bake pie that is super easy to make. (Note: you can make this a fully “No Bake” pie if pre-made pie crust is used.
Pizza with Blue Olives and Goat Cheese
This gourmet pizza recipe pairs the salty blue olives with tangy goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. The flavor combination is both unusual and delicious, making this pizza an adventurous culinary experience.
Blue Fruit FAQs
What fruit is navy blue?
The fruit that comes closest to navy blue is the Damson, also known as Damson Plum. Its skin is a deep, dark blue color, almost appearing black or navy at times.
What fruits are blue and purple?
Many fruits have a blue-purple hue, such as Concord grapes, black currants, and blueberries. Additionally, there are fruits like the blue tomato (Indigo Rose variety) and Damson plums that also exhibit this coloration.
Which vegetable fruit is blue?
The term “vegetable fruit” refers to a fruit that is often used as a vegetable in culinary contexts. One such example that can be blue is the tomato. Specifically, the Indigo Rose variety of tomato has a striking blue color due to its high anthocyanin content.
What tropical fruit is blue?
A tropical fruit that has a blue variety is the banana, specifically the Blue Java Banana. Known for its blue skin and creamy, ice-cream-like texture, it offers a sweet flavor reminiscent of vanilla.
What vegetables are blue?
Blue vegetables are rare but they do exist. For instance, blue corn, although not a vegetable in the traditional sense, is often included in this category. It is used in making blue corn tortillas and chips.
Blue fruits, with their vibrant color and diverse flavors, offer a plethora of health benefits, making them a great addition to your diet. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, contributing to heart health and protecting against chronic diseases.
Whether you’re enjoying a handful of fresh blueberries, sipping on a glass of Concord grape juice, or trying out a new variety like the Blue Java Banana, blue fruits are a treat for both the eyes and the palate. So, next time you’re at the market, don’t forget to pick up some blue fruits and experience their unique taste and health benefits.
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Have questions or suggestions about blue fruit? Leave them in the comments below.
Very good article! Would love to hear your opinion on whether it make sense to get the organic versions of these?
Great question! Really depends on the food. There is something called the dirty dozen. These foods are more important to purchase as organic due to how they absorb pesticides. So bananas for instance have thick skin so are “ok” to buy non-organic. Would check with your healthcare provider, though. Everyone is different.