From pears to papaya, more fruits than you might think start with the letter P. Some only grow in tropical areas, while others could grow in your own backyard. Some are sweet, while others are sour. These are just a few of the many fruits that start with P.
Pineapple
Pineapples look like one big fruit, but they are made up of many small fruits that grow around a central core. It was first found in Brazil and Paraguay, but now it is grown all over the world, even in places with cooler climates like Southern California and Southern Florida.
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is sweet, sour, delicious, and high in nutrients but low in calories. It is a good source of manganese, protein, fibre, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of vitamins A, B6, C, and K. The fruit also has the enzyme bromelain, which can help reduce inflammation and other conditions that are linked to it. Bromelain is even used in the business world to make meat more tender.
Pear
Pears can be grown in temperate parts of both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, but they are thought to have been domesticated for the first time in ancient Europe. Later, Spanish missionaries took them to Mexico and California, and they quickly spread all over the new world. When you go to an Asian country, you are more likely to find Chinese pears than regular pears.
Most pears, which are related to apples, are sweeter and softer than apples. Both fruits come from the rose family of flowering plants. Roses, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and even almonds are all in this family.
Pomelo
Given how much the pomelo (also called a pummelo) looks and tastes like a grapefruit, you might think it was made by crossing grapefruit with another fruit. But pomelos are not the ancestors of grapefruit. Instead, grapefruit came from pomelos. These citrus fruits are from Southeast Asia, but they are now grown all over the world in tropical areas.
Pomelo tastes can range from sweet to sour, just like grapefruit. Some can grow as big as a 25-pound watermelon, while others are only as big as a cantaloupe. The skin can be yellow or green, and the meat can be pink or very dark red.
Papaya
Papaya, or “paw paw” as it’s known in Australia, is a fruit that was first grown in Central America and southern Mexico. It’s now grown all over the world in hot, humid places. The papaya’s fruit is sweet, but the seeds can be eaten and taste a bit spicy.
Papayas are a healthy snack even by fruit standards. They have antioxidants that fight inflammation, fibre that helps with indigestion, and a lot of vitamins and other nutrients. They have less sugar than most other fruits, which makes them good for people with diabetes. They can also help ease menstrual pain and may even slow the signs of ageing.
Passion Fruit
Passion fruit is grown in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. It is called lilikoi in Hawaii, mountain sweet cup in Jamaica, and parcha amarilla in Venezuela, among other names. Under the tough rind, which can be yellow, purple, orange, or another colour, there are clear sacs filled with sweet, stinky juice and edible seeds.
This tropical fruit has a strong smell and is full of vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and more. Because it is high in fibre and has a low glycemic index, it is also a good choice for people with diabetes.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate trees were first found in Northern India and what is now Iran. They were soon tamed and spread all over the ancient world. On the outside, the skin is tough and leathery, with a mix of yellow, red, and pink colours. Inside, there are sacs of fruit pulp (like passion fruit) with tart juice and edible seeds.
Pomegranates are full of antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C, and fibre, which are all good for your health. The bitter white membranes that cover the edible sacks are usually not eaten.
