Dive into the vibrant world of fruits that start with the letter “Z”! From the tangy bite of the Ziziphus to the rich sweetness of the Zhe lychee, these exotic fruits offer flavors and experiences unlike any other. Each “Z” fruit is a rare gem, bursting with unique tastes, vivid colors, and fascinating histories. Discover the allure of these lesser-known fruits through stunning images and explore the exciting variety that the “Z” section of the fruit alphabet has to offer. Get ready to expand your palate and find your next favorite fruit!
1. Ziziphus
Category
Details
Flower Name
Ziziphus
Scientific Name
Ziziphus jujuba
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, dried, or used in traditional medicine
Seasonality
Late summer to early autumn
Health Benefits
Supports immune health, aids digestion, and may improve sleep quality
Interesting Fact
Also known as jujube or Chinese date, often used in herbal remedies
2. Zucchini
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zucchini
Scientific Name
Cucurbita pepo
Nutritional Value
Low in calories, rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants
Common Uses
Used in salads, soups, grilled dishes, and baking
Seasonality
Summer
Health Benefits
Aids in digestion, supports heart health, and helps maintain eye health
Interesting Fact
Though commonly thought of as a vegetable, zucchini is technically a fruit
3. Zapote (Sapote)
Category
Details
Flower Name
Sapote
Scientific Name
Manilkara zapota
Nutritional Value
High in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and tannins
Common Uses
Consumed fresh, used in smoothies, desserts, and ice creams
Seasonality
Available year-round, peak season varies by region
Health Benefits
Improves digestion, boosts immune system, and promotes skin health
Interesting Fact
The latex extracted from the sapote tree is used to make chewing gum (chicle)
4. Zinfandel Grapes
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zinfandel Grapes
Scientific Name
Vitis vinifera
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and resveratrol
Common Uses
Primarily used in winemaking, but also eaten fresh
Seasonality
Harvested in late summer to early autumn
Health Benefits
Supports heart health, may improve cognitive function, and has anti-inflammatory properties
Interesting Fact
Zinfandel grapes are genetically identical to the Primitivo grape variety from Italy
5. Zig Zag Vine
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zig Zag Vine
Scientific Name
Melodorum leichhardtii
Nutritional Value
Contains vitamin C, dietary fiber, and minerals like calcium and iron
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in sauces, jams, and desserts
Seasonality
Grows year-round, with fruiting peaks in late summer
Health Benefits
Boosts immune system, aids in digestion, and provides energy
Interesting Fact
Native to Australia, the fruit has a unique tangy flavor similar to a mix of passion fruit and lime
6. Zwetschge (European Plum)
Category
Details
Flower Name
European Plum
Scientific Name
Prunus domestica
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, dietary fiber, and potassium
Common Uses
Consumed fresh, dried as prunes, used in baking, jams, and preserves
Seasonality
Late summer to early autumn
Health Benefits
Supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes bone health
Interesting Fact
Zwetschge is a specific variety of European plum, often used for making traditional German plum cake (Zwetschgenkuchen)
7. Zhe Fruit (Maclura)
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zhe Fruit
Scientific Name
Maclura tricuspidata
Nutritional Value
Contains vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in traditional medicine and herbal teas
Seasonality
Late summer to early autumn
Health Benefits
Antioxidant properties, boosts immune function, and may support eye health
Interesting Fact
Also known as the Che fruit, it is closely related to the mulberry and has a similar appearance
8. Zalzalak (Hawthorn)
Category
Details
Flower Name
Hawthorn
Scientific Name
Crataegus monogyna
Nutritional Value
High in vitamins C and B, antioxidants, and flavonoids
Common Uses
Used in jams, jellies, wines, and herbal teas
Seasonality
Late spring to early autumn
Health Benefits
Supports cardiovascular health, improves digestion, and reduces anxiety
Interesting Fact
Hawthorn berries have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat heart-related ailments
9. Zalacca (Salak)
Category
Details
Flower Name
Salak
Scientific Name
Salacca zalacca
Nutritional Value
High in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in salads, desserts, and traditional dishes
Seasonality
Year-round, with peak seasons depending on the region
Health Benefits
Boosts immune function, supports digestion, and helps maintain healthy skin
Interesting Fact
Also known as “snake fruit” due to its reddish-brown scaly skin
10. Zheeshe (Loquat)
Category
Details
Flower Name
Loquat
Scientific Name
Eriobotrya japonica
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamin A, dietary fiber, and antioxidants
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in jams, jellies, and desserts
Seasonality
Spring to early summer
Health Benefits
Promotes healthy skin, supports eye health, and aids in digestion
Interesting Fact
Loquat trees are often grown for ornamental purposes due to their attractive foliage and fragrant flowers
11. Zanghibar Fig (Zanzibar Fig)
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zanzibar Fig
Scientific Name
Ficus benghalensis
Nutritional Value
High in dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and potassium
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, dried, or used in desserts and jams
Seasonality
Year-round, with peak seasons depending on the region
Health Benefits
Supports digestive health, promotes heart health, and has anti-inflammatory properties
Interesting Fact
The fig tree has a unique pollination process involving a specific species of wasp, which is essential for fig fruit development
12. Zante Currant
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zante Currant
Scientific Name
Vitis vinifera
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and dietary fiber
Common Uses
Used in baking, cereals, salads, and as a snack
Seasonality
Harvested in late summer to early autumn
Health Benefits
Supports heart health, provides energy, and aids in digestion
Interesting Fact
Despite the name “currant,” Zante currants are actually dried grapes, not related to true currants which are berries
13. Zambian Mango
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zambian Mango
Scientific Name
Mangifera indica
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, dietary fiber, and antioxidants
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in juices, smoothies, salads, and desserts
Seasonality
Late spring to early summer
Health Benefits
Boosts immune system, promotes eye health, and supports heart health
Interesting Fact
Zambia has a variety of mangoes that are known for their sweet and tangy flavors
14. Zygocactus Fruit
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zygocactus
Scientific Name
Schlumbergera spp.
Nutritional Value
Contains vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in traditional medicines and occasionally in jellies
Seasonality
Typically fruits in late fall to early winter
Health Benefits
Boosts immune health, aids digestion, and provides antioxidants
Interesting Fact
Zygocactus is more commonly known as the Christmas Cactus, which bears small fruits after flowering
15. Zutano Avocado
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zutano Avocado
Scientific Name
Persea americana
Nutritional Value
High in healthy fats, vitamins E, K, C, and potassium
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in salads, sandwiches, guacamole, and smoothies
Seasonality
Fall to winter
Health Benefits
Supports heart health, improves skin health, and aids in nutrient absorption
Interesting Fact
Zutano avocados have a smooth, thin skin and are more cold-tolerant than other avocado varieties
16. Zhe Lychee
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zhe Lychee
Scientific Name
Litchi chinensis
Nutritional Value
High in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in desserts, salads, and drinks
Seasonality
Late spring to early summer
Health Benefits
Boosts immune function, supports healthy skin, and promotes digestion
Interesting Fact
Zhe Lychee is a lesser-known variety of lychee with a slightly different flavor profile, often described as more aromatic
17. Zucchini
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zucchini
Scientific Name
Cucurbita pepo
Nutritional Value
High in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, cooked, or used in baking and salads
Seasonality
Summer
Health Benefits
Supports eye health, promotes weight loss, and aids in digestion
Interesting Fact
Although commonly thought of as a vegetable, zucchini is botanically a fruit because it comes from a flower
18. Zig Zag Palm Fruit
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zig Zag Palm Fruit
Scientific Name
Carludovica palmata
Nutritional Value
Contains vitamin C, dietary fiber, and minerals
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in traditional dishes, and for making beverages
Seasonality
Fruits year-round, with peaks in certain seasons depending on the climate
Health Benefits
Supports digestion, boosts immune function, and provides energy
Interesting Fact
The leaves of the Zig Zag Palm are used to make Panama hats, not the fruit, which is often confused with the more famous coconut palm
19. Zuwara Pear
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zuwara Pear
Scientific Name
Pyrus communis
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in baking, canning, and making pear cider
Seasonality
Late summer to autumn
Health Benefits
Supports digestive health, boosts immune function, and promotes heart health
Interesting Fact
Named after the city of Zuwara in Libya, this pear variety is known for its juicy texture and sweetness
20. Zalzalak
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zalzalak
Scientific Name
Crataegus aronia
Nutritional Value
High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, dried, or used in teas and traditional medicines
Seasonality
Late summer to early autumn
Health Benefits
Supports heart health, boosts immunity, and aids in digestion
Interesting Fact
Also known as “Hawthorn Berry,” Zalzalak is widely used in traditional medicine for its cardiovascular benefits
21. Zhe Lemo (Wild Lemon)
Category
Details
Flower Name
Wild Lemon
Scientific Name
Citrus limon
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants
Common Uses
Used in juices, salads, marinades, and desserts
Seasonality
Year-round, with peaks in late winter and early spring
Health Benefits
Boosts immune function, aids digestion, and promotes skin health
Interesting Fact
Wild lemons have a much stronger, more acidic flavor compared to cultivated varieties, making them ideal for pickling
22. Zhe Berry (Ficus Sycomorus)
Category
Details
Flower Name
Zhe Berry
Scientific Name
Ficus sycomorus
Nutritional Value
High in dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and calcium
Common Uses
Eaten fresh, used in jams, jellies, and traditional medicine
Seasonality
Fruits primarily in late summer
Health Benefits
Supports digestive health, promotes heart health, and provides antioxidants
Interesting Fact
Zhe Berry trees are considered sacred in many cultures and are often associated with religious and spiritual significance