The 11 types of fruit (explained with their characteristics).

A classification of the types of fruit, explaining their nutritional properties and taste.

Fruits, along with vegetables, are an essential part of any healthy diet because they provide high levels of nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals and fiber that the body uses to maintain its organic functions.

The diversity of fruits that exist on the planet is very high, so much so that it is surprising that we do not consume the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables despite the fact that they come in all types, shapes, colors and flavors.

As a dessert, in the form of juices, purees, in salads or even as a starter, fruits are very versatile in the kitchen and, below, we are going to see how many types of fruit there are in the world, we are going to see how many types of fruit there are according to different classifications..

The main types of fruit (classified)

We have all heard that we should eat about 3 pieces of fruits and vegetables a day. Humans cannot do without the vegetable kingdom, since it provides us with all kinds of foods full of many nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, fiber and even a little protein.

We must not forget to incorporate these foods into our diet that, in spite of being very diverse and having them of all types and conditions, there are not few people who do not take absolutely nothing of fruit in their day to day.

Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables helps us to prevent diseases, including high cholesterol and diabetes. Fruits are the best sweet and they are offered to us by nature.They are much more suitable for children than ice cream, candy or any other sweet. And not only can they be eaten as a dessert or snack, but they can also be combined with savory dishes, in the form of salads, side dishes or taken in a refreshing juice or jam. The possibilities are endless!

If we were to classify fruits according to different characteristics, we would never finish. There are fruits of all colors, shapes, hardness, with or without seeds, more tropical and more polar. There are those that are only eaten in powdered form, such as cocoa, or in their juiciest form, such as strawberries and melon. Here we have chosen to base ourselves on two main criteria: according to their degree of acidity and according to the characteristics of their fruit.

Classification according to their degree of acidity

This is the classification of fruits according to their degree of acidity.

1. Acid fruits

Acid fruits have many beneficial acids, which influence their flavor.. These acids contribute to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and other substances whose accumulation is quickly harmful. Within this group we can find fruits such as:

• Kiwi
• Lemon
• Orange
• Pineapple
• Apple (depending on its variety)
• Grape
• Grapefruit
• Blueberry
• Tamarind

2. Semi-acid fruits

Semi-acid fruits have a mild, slightly acidic taste, and are considered a source of protein.Within the fruit group, they are considered a source of protein. Most of the fruits in this group contain essential amino acids in the amount necessary to meet human Biological needs and are therefore considered of great importance. Among them we find:

• Strawberry
• Plum
• Quince
• Loquat (depending on its variety)
• Raspberry
• Peach
• Mandarin
• Mango
• Tomato

3. Neutral fruits

In general, neutral fruits are fruits rich in vitamins and minerals. Many of them are considered fundamental for our health because they contribute to the functioning of the immune and muscular system. In this group we find hard shell fruits and nuts.

• Coconut
• Avocado
• Olives
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts
• Peanuts
• Walnuts
• Cocoa
• Chestnuts

4. Sweet fruits

Actually, most fruits belong to this category. In this group we find all fruits that do not have acids or have them in minimum levels.

What we do find in these fruits are high levels of vitamins, among which we highlight vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. The following fruits are part of this group:

• Banana
• Cherry
• Figs
• Melon
• Pear
• Watermelon
• Custard apple
• Pomegranate
• Currants
• Dates

According to the characteristics of the fruit

The other classification of the types of fruit is made according to the characteristics of the fruit once it is ripe. In this sense, we can differentiate between drupes, pome fruits and grain fruits. Added to this classification, we find fruits that share certain characteristics that are classified in turn in another category of fruits, being citrus, berries and tropical fruits.

1. Drupes

Drupes are fruits that have a hard stone inside, covered by an edible fleshy layer. The term comes from the Greek expression "drupa oliva", which translates as "ripe olive".

Among the most common stone fruits are:

• Peach
• Apricot
• Plum
• Cherries
• Coconut
• Mango
• Olives
• Lychee

2. Pomaceae

Pome fruits are fruits that have pips protected by a fleshy extension. They differ from drupes in the fact that pome fruits do not have a hard stone containing their seeds or being a seed itself.

Among the pome fruits we find fruits such as:

• Apples
• Pears
• Medlars
• Quince
• Rose hip

3. Grain

The third type of fruit within this classification is that of the fruits of grain. These fruits present as a striking characteristic that their true fruits have the appearance of seeds and are contained in a fleshy interior. Among these we find:

• Strawberries
• Figs
• Pomegranate

4. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits have their own group and are characterized for being fruits that have an intense acidic flavor due to the fact that they are very rich in citric acid. because they are very rich in citric acid. They also contain high levels of vitamin C, a very beneficial nutrient for our body because it strengthens our defenses. Among them we find:

• Lemon
• Orange
• Grapefruit
• Tangerine
• Lime

5. Tropical fruits

Tropical fruits are native to regions located in the tropics. This category also includes fruits that do not necessarily grow in tropical regions, but do meet certain characteristics, such as requiring high humidity and a warm temperature in order to grow. meet certain characteristics, such as requiring high humidity and a warm temperature in order to thrive..

Due to the type of ecosystem in which the plants that produce these fruits grow, with very frequent rainfall and a temperature suitable for many types of trees, they tend to be relatively large and juicy.

Among the tropical fruits we find:

• Pineapple
• Kiwi
• Coconut
• Banana
• Custard apple
• Mango
• Pomegranate
• Guava
• Persimmon
• Avocado
• Papaya
• Lychee

6. Fruits of the forest

We call fruits of the forest those that are obtained from wild plants and not from cultivated crops.. They are small fruits typical, above all, of cold or temperate regions. Most of them are berries and among them we find:

• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Cherries
• Currants

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7. Dried fruits

A dried fruit is any fruit that, in its natural composition (i.e., without human manipulation), has a percentage of water lower than 50%..

They are usually very energetic foods, with a higher concentration of calories compared to other fruits. They are also characterized for being rich in fats, proteins and trace elements, ideal to eat them as a snack or in vegetable shortening.

Among the nuts and dried fruits we find:

• Pistachio
• Hazelnuts
• Chestnuts
• Macadamia Nut