50 Red Fruits To Eat The Rainbow (With Photos)

ByRae Aflatooni

Red-skinned fruit provides some amazing health benefits. When eating the rainbow of foods provided by nature, red fruits offer a sweet and delicious way to get the nutrients you need. Both red fruits and vegetables should be on your plate daily, and if you need help discovering more fruits that are red to fulfill your nutritional requirements, you’re in the right place!

A variety of red fruits and vegetables, including grapefruits, strawberries, tomatoes, pomegranates, and bell peppers, are scattered on a wooden surface.

What are the health benefits of red fruits?

It seems like the health benefits of red fruits are extensive. Red fruits, their plant compounds, and nutrients can benefit both your physical health and your mental health. The vitamins and minerals and the quantities found in each red fruit vary greatly, so this section focuses on phytochemicals that are found in red fruits.

Physical Health Benefits

Red fruits get their bold color from phytochemicals called carotenoids and anthocyanins, including lycopene. 

Anthocyanins are responsible for the vibrant red in fruits such as cherries, cranberries, and raspberries. At the same time, lycopene determines the color of other fruits, including grapefruit, tomatoes, red grapes, and watermelon.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals and oxidative stress [1]. There have been many studies, including test-tube, animal, and human studies, regarding carotenoids’ ability to slow down or protect against certain types of cancers, including lung cancer [2], prostate cancer [3], breast cancer [4], and kidney cancer [5].

A 10-year study has shown that high serum levels of lycopene are associated with lower mortality in participants with metabolic syndrome [6]. Lycopene has also been shown to protect against stroke and heart disease [7], [8].

Mental Health Benefits

When it comes to red fruits benefiting mental health, one study found that a tomato-rich diet (which is high in lycopene) is related to a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms in older populations [9]. An animal study found that lycopene improves PTSD-like behavior in mice [10]. When it comes to anthocyanin, higher intake is associated with lower symptoms of depression in adults with major depressive disorder [11].

The List: 50 Fruits That Are Red

This red fruit list will help you broaden your horizons and search for more delicious ways to give your body what it needs to thrive in good health!

Traditional Fruits

These red fruits are perhaps familiar to you in some way. Maybe you’ve eaten them or seen them before, since they are more traditional red fruit options.

  1. Ambrosia Apple: This apple has only been around since the 1990s and originated in British Columbia. Take a bite, and you’ll enjoy a crisp texture with a honey-sweet flavor. This tasty apple would be perfect in this Vegan Apple Pie Recipe.
  2. Blood Orange: Blood oranges hail from Sicily and have been revered for centuries. The flavor is both tart and sweet, with a slight hint of cherry or raspberry. I used blood oranges in this Citrus Infused Water.
Halved and whole blood oranges on a white surface.
  1. Bing Cherries: These large, dark red-skinned fruits come from Oregon and remain popular in the Pacific Northwest. Taste bing cherries, and you’ll get a rich, sweet flavor with just a touch of tartness. These cherries are divine in these Easy Cherry Lime Popsicles.
Three red cherries on a white background, with one cherry in the foreground and two in the background.
  1. Chelan Cherries: Chelan cherries also come from the PNW. These cherries ripen early and have such a delectably mild and sweet taste. 
  2. Chokeberry: Chokeberries are a red fruit that also goes by the name aronia berries. These are native to North America and are known for having a very sharp and sour taste.
Close-up of bright red berries clustered on a branch with green leaves.
  1. Cranberries: Native to North America and always a classic on any Thanksgiving table, cranberries are red-skinned fruits that tend to be tart and a little bitter on their own. Use them in this Homemade Cranberry Lemonade.
  2. Desert Quandong – This red Australian bush fruit grows in the desert. Indigenous Australians eat it most often, but if you ever come across it, it tastes a bit like peaches and apricots, and it tastes tart when thrown in.
  3. Dragon Fruit: Dragon fruit grows natively in Mexico as well as Central and South America. When it’s ripe, it is mildly sweet in flavor, like the blend of pears and kiwi fruit. If you’ve ever had dragon fruit and been underwhelmed by the taste, it was probably under-ripe, which provides basically no flavor at all. Dragon Fruit Smoothies are so vibrant. They’re almost too beautiful to drink!
Pink dragon fruits with green tips surround a halved one, revealing white flesh with black seeds.
  1. Five Flavor Berry: Now, here is one interesting fruit that is often called Schisandra. It originated in Northeast Asia, in the countries of China and Korea. The name comes from its unique flavor profile that contains sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and pungent flavors all at once. 
  2. Gala Apples: Gala apples are a round red fruit that comes from New Zealand. They were developed in the 1930s by breeding Golden Delicious apples with Kidd’s Orange Red apples, giving them a distinctive sweet yet mild flavor with hints of floral touches. 
  3. Goji Berry: These berries come from Asia and are noted for having a sweet and sour flavor, especially when fresh. The dried version of these berries has more balance between the flavors.
A wooden spoon filled with dried goji berries, surrounded by scattered berries on a white background.
  1. Hala Fruit: If you love jackfruit, perhaps you’ll enjoy this red fruit. Hala fruit tastes similar, and it can be found in Australia, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia. 
  2. Java Apple: Some call the Java apple “the wax apple,” but it certainly doesn’t taste like wax. From the Southeast Asian islands, it has a sweet and juicy taste with just a slight hint of rose for added refinement. 
  3. Jujube Fruit: Found in the southern regions of Asia, jujube gets the nickname of “Chinese date.” It’s sweet, chewy, and tastes a lot like apples. 
Three ripe red jujubes with green leaves on a white background.
  1. Lychee: This tropical fruit from Southeast China has a texture much like grapes. The flavor is spectacular, often described as strawberry, pear, watermelon, or grape, with a slight touch of citrus.
Close-up of fresh lychees with pink textured skin. One lychee is peeled, revealing the glossy white fruit inside.
  1. Mangosteen: Sweet, sour, and juicy, mangosteens come from Southeast Asia. It’s similar to a peach in flavor, though it is sectioned, like an orange. 
A pile of mangosteens with a few cut open, displaying white segmented flesh.
  1. McIntosh Apple: The distinguished McIntosh apple comes from Ontario and is tender, juicy, tart, and sweet.
  2. Nectarine: You can thank China for nectarines, which are related to peaches. In fact, the only big difference is that the skin is not fuzzy like it is with a peach. If you enjoy peaches but aren’t a fan of the skin, try nectarines. 
  3. Passion Fruit: This South American fruit features a unique flavor that provides both sweet and tart notes. It is rather citrusy with just a touch of melon. Fresh passion fruit is noteworthy for its refreshingly tart taste.
Whole and halved passion fruits with purple skin and yellow, seedy pulp on a white background.
  1. Pluot: Plums and apricots were bonded together to become pluots, a distinctive fruit that comes from California. 
A whole and a halved red pluot on a white background.
  1. Pomegranate: Here’s a fun fact: pomegranates are among the oldest known edible fruits. Now that you know, it’s probably little surprise that they’re from the Middle Eastern region. The arils inside are sweet and tart, and their bright red color makes them a wonderful choice for the holiday season. Make this Pomegranate Chia Seed Pudding or Pomegranate Infused Water for a hydrating treat. Also, check out this video to learn the Easiest Way To Cut A Pomegranate!
A whole pomegranate and a sliced pomegranate with visible seeds are displayed against a white background.
  1. Prickly Pear Cactus: Found in the American Southwest and Mexico, prickly pear cactus ranges in sweetness from slightly sweet to a more syrupy and indulgent flavor. 

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Close-up of a prickly pear cactus with green pads and clusters of ripe red fruit.
  1. Rainier Cherries: If you know what Mount Rainier is, then you know that Rainier cherries come from Washington state. Sweet, creamy, tart, and crisp all at once, these are some of the best red skinned fruits around, in my humble opinion! I made this Cherry Bruschetta with these tasty cherries!
  2. Raspberries: Experts believe raspberries came from Turkey. The sweet, tart, and aromatic floral notes of this fruit make it an elegant option, one that can garnish salads and desserts with ease. Try this Easy Raspberry Sorbet or Instant Raspberry Chia Seed Jam.
  3. Rambutan: Rambutan thrives in tropical climates. It was from Southeast Asia but is now cultivated in other similar climates around the world. It’s spiky and hairy, looking more like a sea urchin than a fruit. However, if you get a chance to taste it, you’ll find it’s a lot like lychee, though less acidic.
  4. Red Banana: Yes, there are red bananas, and when you peel them, the fruit is a creamy pink color. They taste like your regular yellow bananas only with just a slight hint of raspberry. These fancy bananas would be so tasty in this Banana Chia Seed Pudding.
  5. Red Currant: Western Europe’s red currants are sweet and tart, with the flavors of berry. They’re bright and acidic yet balanced with sweetness when you find them ripe. 
  6. Red Delicious Apple: These apples from Iowa are known not only for their red skins but also for their sweet flavor and juicy texture. However, it should be noted that some people find these apples bland. 
  7. Red Durian: If you’ve been to Southeast Asia or gone to an Asian supermarket, you’ve probably seen or smelled this fruit. It has such a strong smell that some Asian cities have banned people from eating it in public. Give it a chance and you’ll discover a sweet flavor that many liken to caramel. 
Close-up of opened durian fruits displaying their spiky outer shells and bright red seeds, tied with green bands.
  1. Red Grapefruit: This grapefruit comes from Barbados and is the result of crossing a pomelo with a sweet orange. The sweet and tart flavor, along with the distinctive red flesh, make it a popular fruit. 
A close-up of a halved grapefruit showing its pink interior, surrounded by whole grapefruits.
  1. Red Grapes: You’ll find red grapes growing natively from California to Chile and loads of places in between. There are many varieties of them, most with a sweeter flavor profile compared to green grapes.
  2. Red Kiwi: This New Zealand fruit is a sweet choice, one that provides berry-like flavors on the palate. Use this to make a Kiwi Mango Smoothie With Pineapple.
  3. Red Mango: Red mango grows in tropical locations, including Florida, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru. You’ll love the sweet, juicy flavors of this fruit! Enjoy it in this Mango Banana Strawberry Smoothie.
  4. Red Mulberry: Red mulberries are found growing along the Eastern portion of the U.S. They are related to figs and taste like blackberries. 
A pile of ripe mulberries, with a mix of dark purple and bright red berries, some with green stems.
  1. Red Pear: There are several red pear varieties, including Red Anjou and Red Bartlett from Oregon. They’re sublimely juicy and sweet. 
Four red pears with stems arranged against a white background.
  1. Red Plum: Red plums grow in temperate climates and have a range of flavors, from sweet to sour to tart. These red-skinned fruits also have a super-tart skin. 
  2. Strawberries: From North America, strawberries are a beloved red fruit. You may find them sweet, though some will have a tangy acidity to them. You can make this Easy Strawberry Oatmeal or Lemon Strawberry Water.
  3. Tamarillo: Tamarillos come from the Andean region of South America. They taste a bit like if you mixed a tomato with passion fruit, providing a tart and tangy flavor. With this red skinned fruit, you need to peel it as the skin is inedible. 
Two tamarillos, one whole and one halved, showing their red skin and fleshy orange interior with dark seeds, on a white background.
  1. Watermelon: Watermelon comes from South Africa, and the juicy red flesh of this fruit is a sweet summery treat for most people. The high water content makes it such a refreshing fruit on hot days. Enjoy this reddish fruit in this Watermelon Cantaloupe Salad or this Watermelon Popsicles Recipe.

Red Fruits Used As Veggies

There are some red-skinned fruits that are eaten as veggies. If you’re wondering what fruit is red that we commonly use as veggies, these will finish off our list of fruits in red.

  1. Ají Dulce Pepper: Sweet and smoky with mild heat, these peppers are native to Latin America and the Caribbean. 
  2. Beefsteak Tomato: These large, juicy, meaty, and sweet tomatoes are said to come from North Carolina and Virginia. They are truly best served in sandwiches or a vegan caprese salad. 
A pile of ripe, red heirloom tomatoes with ridged surfaces.
  1. Brandywine Tomato: The Brandywine Creek area in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is where this Amish heirloom variety came from. Gourmet chefs love this sweet, rich, and lightly spicy tomato. These classic tomatoes would taste incredible when used in this Vegan Bruschetta With Cashew Ricotta Recipe.
  2. Cayenne Pepper: From Central and South America, cayenne peppers are hot, earthy, fruity, and spicy all at once and can really amplify your dishes. Season these Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries for an extra kick!
A bowl of ground chili powder and a whole red chili pepper on a white surface, with scattered pepper flakes.
  1. Cherry Pepper: Cherry peppers are common in the Mediterranean region. With a mild spice and slightly sweet flavor, they offer a balanced taste. They look a lot like cherries, and their size and shape make them great for sandwiches and salads.
  2. Cherry Tomato: With a crisp bite that gives way to sweet, juicy flavors, cherry tomatoes are a true treat. These are said to originate in Peru or Mexico. You can use these in this Vegetarian Lentil Sloppy Joe’s recipe.
A large pile of fresh red tomatoes with green stems.
  1. Chili Pepper: Associated with Mexico, chili peppers are known for their spicy heat, though they can range in flavor depending on their type, making them fruity, earthy, or even grassy. Add these to this Lemongrass Pho Recipe. You won’t regret it!
  2. Fresno Chili: As the name suggests, this one comes from Fresno County, California. Smokey, fruity, and spicy, if you love jalapenos, you’ll love this chili!
  3. Grape Tomato: These Southeast Asian tomatoes are small and juicy bursts of delight. They’re amazing on salads!
  4. Red Bell Pepper: Mildly sweet, red bell peppers come from Mexico. You can use them in all sorts of ways and even stuff them and bake them for a delicious main dish. Red bell peppers are partially responsible for the robust flavor of this Vegan Tikka Masala.
Three vibrant red bell peppers are displayed: two whole and one sliced in half, revealing seeds and the interior. The background is plain white.
  1. Roma Tomato: If you’ve heard of a plum tomato, it’s the same thing. Sweet with just a hint of tang, these tomatoes are great for making sauces. These tomatoes are perfect in this Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup Recipe.

More Colorful Foods

FAQ

What fruits are red in color?

There are lots of fruits that are red in color, as you can see from my list. I’ve put 50 on here, and there may very well be more. Some you’re likely to know very well, such as tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon, while others may be new to you because they’re not often found in your region. 

What is the most common red fruit?

By far, the red apple is the most common red fruit. When you picture red fruit, a red apple likely comes to mind. Most people know what apples are, while other red fruits might not be well-known in their areas.

Are red fruits healthier?

It is important to create a well-rounded diet of fresh fruits and vegetables of all colors. That said, red fruits are very healthy because they have nutrients and antioxidants that support your overall health. They tend to be high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, and potassium. Additionally, they have lots of fiber. 

How many red fruits are there in the world?

Ultimately, it depends on who you ask and if you’re considering just the fruits that we eat as fruits rather than fruits we eat like vegetables. Tomatoes and peppers are classic examples. When you look at fruits that you eat like a fruit, there are at least 39. When you include tomatoes and peppers, they bring this red fruit list up to 50. However, keep in mind this red fruits list is just the beginning. It also includes broad categories of things, like red pears, which can make your list of red fruits grow.

Final Words

Eating a rainbow can help you achieve your best health, and when you start with red fruits and vegetables, you’ll get a special category of antioxidants to support your wellness. Check out other fruit colors to round out your plate!

References

[1] Fiedor J, Burda K. Potential role of carotenoids as antioxidants in human health and disease. Nutrients. 2014 Jan 27;6(2):466-88. doi: 10.3390/nu6020466. PMID: 24473231; PMCID: PMC3942711.

[2] Michaud, D. S., Feskanich, D., Rimm, E. B., Colditz, G. A., Speizer, F. E., Willett, W. C., & Giovannucci, E. (2000). Intake of specific carotenoids and risk of lung cancer in 2 prospective US cohorts. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 72(4), 990–997. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/72.4.990

[3] Giovannucci E. (2002). A review of epidemiologic studies of tomatoes, lycopene, and prostate cancer. Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.), 227(10), 852–859. https://doi.org/10.1177/153537020222701003

[4] Assar, E. A., Vidalle, M. C., Chopra, M., & Hafizi, S. (2016). Lycopene acts through inhibition of IκB kinase to suppress NF-κB signaling in human prostate and breast cancer cells. Tumour biology : the journal of the International Society for Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine, 37(7), 9375–9385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13277-016-4798-3

[5] Sahin, K., Cross, B., Sahin, N., Ciccone, K., Suleiman, S., Osunkoya, A. O., Master, V., Harris, W., Carthon, B., Mohammad, R., Bilir, B., Wertz, K., Moreno, C. S., Walker, C. L., & Kucuk, O. (2015). Lycopene in the prevention of renal cell cancer in the TSC2 mutant Eker rat model. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics, 572, 36–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2015.01.006

[6] Han, G. M., Meza, J. L., Soliman, G. A., Islam, K. M., & Watanabe-Galloway, S. (2016). Higher levels of serum lycopene are associated with reduced mortality in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 36(5), 402–407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2016.01.003

[7] Li, X., & Xu, J. (2014). Dietary and circulating lycopene and stroke risk: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Scientific reports, 4, 5031. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep05031

[8] Jacques, P. F., Lyass, A., Massaro, J. M., Vasan, R. S., & D’Agostino, R. B., Sr (2013). Relationship of lycopene intake and consumption of tomato products to incident CVD. The British journal of nutrition, 110(3), 545–551. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114512005417

[9] Niu, K., Guo, H., Kakizaki, M., Cui, Y., Ohmori-Matsuda, K., Guan, L., Hozawa, A., Kuriyama, S., Tsuboya, T., Ohrui, T., Furukawa, K., Arai, H., Tsuji, I., & Nagatomi, R. (2013). A tomato-rich diet is related to depressive symptoms among an elderly population aged 70 years and over: a population-based, cross-sectional analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 144(1-2), 165–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2012.04.040

[10] Li, F., Xiang, H., Lu, J., Chen, Z., Huang, C., & Yuan, X. (2020). Lycopene ameliorates PTSD-like behaviors in mice and rebalances the neuroinflammatory response and oxidative stress in the brain. Physiology & behavior, 224, 113026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113026

[11] Mestrom, A., Charlton, K. E., Thomas, S. J., Larkin, T. A., Walton, K. L., Elgellaie, A., & Kent, K. (2023). Higher anthocyanin intake is associated with lower depressive symptoms in adults with and without major depressive disorder. Food science & nutrition, 12(3), 2202–2209. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3850

Hi, I'm Rae. The voice behind Raepublic. I have a Masters of Science in Nutrition and Functional Medicine. My aim is to assist people who have experienced trauma to live a more holistic, well-balanced life. Through nutrition, plant-based eating, sustainable living, mindfulness, and movement.

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