Are you here to learn some interesting facts about fruits that start with O? Or are you here to win that guessing game?
Regardless of the reason, there’s something for everyone on this list. Different tastes, various colors, and plenty of fun facts are waiting for you!
1. Orange
Oranges are not only a popular and delicious fruit, but they also have a fascinating history and some unique properties. One interesting fact about oranges is that they are actually a hybrid between the pomelo (Citrus maxima) and the mandarin (Citrus reticulata).
DID YOU KNOW? The orange fruit has been cultivated for thousands of years, and it was first grown in China. It was introduced to Europe by the Arabs during the Middle Ages and then spread to North America by European settlers in the 17th century.
2. Olive fruit
Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean region, where they have been cultivated for more than 6,000 years.
They are fascinating for several reasons, including their long history, impressive resilience, and significant cultural and economic value. Some olive trees are estimated to be over 1,000 years old and still produce olives.
Olives and their popular by-product olive oil, can be used in so many types of dishes, but are most popular as an ingredient in salads. Green salad, antipasto salad, macaroni salad, and feta cheese salad are some of the best sides for sandwiches.
3. Orangelo
Orangelo is a type of citrus fruit believed to have originated in Puerto Rico as a cross between an orange and a grapefruit.
Orangelos are usually larger than oranges, and their shape can vary from round to slightly elongated. The fruit’s color ranges from yellow to orange, depending on the specific variety and ripeness.
4. Ortanique
Ortanique is a citrus hybrid that results from the cross between sweet mandarin (tangerine) and sweet orange. This fruit was first discovered in Jamaica.
DID YOU KNOW? The name “ortanique” is derived from combining the words “orange,” “tangerine,” and “unique,” which highlights its special blend of flavors and characteristics.
5. Ozark blue plum
The Ozark Blue plum is a result of the cross between the Chickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia) and the American wild goose plum (Prunus hortulana).
This plum variety was created by plant breeder William Kerr in 1929 in Missouri, a state that is part of the Ozark Mountain region, hence its name.
6. Owari satsuma
The Owari Satsuma is a popular variety of the satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu), known for its delicious taste, and ease of peeling.
It is believed to have originated in Japan, where satsuma mandarins have been grown for centuries. The name “Owari” comes from the former Owari Province in Japan, which is now part of Aichi Prefecture.
7. Ooray
Ooray fruit, also known as Davidson’s Plum or Davidsonia, is native to the tropical rainforests of Australia.
Ooray fruits have a unique appearance with their dark blue-purple skin and bright red flesh. They are relatively small, about the size of a golf ball, and have a distinct oblong shape. The Ooray fruit is used for both food and medicinal purposes.
8. Orient pear
Another one on our list of fruits that start with O is her majesty – the Orient pear! This pear is a hybrid variety, resulting from a cross between a European pear (Pyrus communis) and an Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia).
Orient pears are versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved in various ways, such as in jams, jellies, and canned fruit.
They are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
DID YOU KNOW? The word “orient” comes from the Latin word oriens, meaning “rising” or “eastern.”
See also: 36 Fruits That Start With L: From Well-Known To Exotic Ones
9. Oil palm fruit
As the name implies, oil palm fruit is the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), which is native to West Africa.
Oil palm fruit is a drupe, similar in structure to fruits like peaches and plums, and grows in large bunches that can weigh up to 40 kg each.
The oil palm fruit has a unique composition, consisting of a fleshy outer layer called the mesocarp and a hard inner seed called the kernel. Both layers are rich in oil.
Oil palm is considered one of the most efficient oil crops globally. However, the rapid expansion of oil palm plantations has raised environmental concerns, such as deforestation.
10. O’Henry peach
The O’Henry peach (Prunus persica ‘O’Henry’) is a peach variety known for its delicious taste, large size, and firm, freestone flesh.
This peach variety was developed by breeder Grant Merrill in Central California. It is thought to have originated from an open-pollinated seedling of Merrill Bonanza peaches crossed with an unidentified nectarine.
11. OSO grande strawberry
While strawberries belong to the list of fruits starting with the letter S, this variety can be included on this list due to its specific name.
The Oso Grande strawberry is a popular and high-yielding variety of strawberries. One of the interesting features of the Oso Grande strawberry is its size, as it produces significantly larger berries than many other strawberry varieties.
DID YOU KNOW? The name “Oso Grande” translates to “Big Bear” in Spanish, which hints at the large size of the fruit.
12. Orlando tangelo
The Orlando tangelo (Citrus × tangelo ‘Orlando’) is an interesting and unique citrus hybrid fruit, created by crossing a tangerine (Citrus reticulata) with a grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi).
The Orlando tangelo is valued not only for its delicious flavor but also for its nutritional benefits, as it is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and other essential nutrients. The fruit can be enjoyed fresh, juiced, or used in salads, desserts, and preserves.
13. Oullins gage plum
The Oullins Gage plum (Prunus domestica ‘Oullins Gage’) is a plum variety known for its sweet, golden-yellow fruit.
It was first cultivated in France in the mid-19th century, specifically in the town of Oullins, which is the origin of its name.
Oullins Gage plum has a rich, honey-like flavor, which is considered one of the best among yellow plum varieties.
14. Oroblanco fruit
Oroblanco, also known as “sweetie” is a citrus hybrid fruit created by crossing a pomelo (Citrus grandis) with a white grapefruit (Citrus paradisi).
It was developed at the University of California, Riverside, by breeders Robert K. Soost and James W. Cameron and was released in 1981.
DID YOU KNOW? Oroblanco literally means “white gold” in Spanish. This name reflects both the fruit’s pale yellow, almost gold-colored flesh and its sweet, refreshing taste that sets it apart from traditional grapefruits.
15. Orin apple
The Orin apple (Malus domestica ‘Orin’) is an apple variety that originated in Japan. It is a cross between a Golden Delicious and Indo apple, which gives it a sweet, mild flavor and unique appearance.
Orin apples are mainly used in salads and desserts. Their sweetness and low acidity make them particularly well-suited for dishes that call for a milder apple flavor.
16. Ozark gold apple
The Ozark Gold apple (Malus domestica ‘Ozark Gold’) is a flavorful apple variety. It was developed by the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station in Mountain Grove, Missouri, in the 1970s.
Ozark Gold apples are known for their sweet and tangy taste. This apple stands out for its well-balanced flavor and early ripening period.
17. Osteen mango
As the name implies, the Osteen mango (Mangifera indica ‘Osteen’) is a mango variety that originated in Florida, USA.
The Osteen mango tree is an evergreen tree that produces beautiful, fragrant white flowers in the spring, followed by fruit that typically ripens in mid to late summer, depending on the climate and growing conditions.
One of the notable features of the Osteen mango is its rich, sweet, and aromatic flavor.
18. Opal apple
Bright yellow skin and distinctively crunchy texture are “two” words that describe the Opal apple (Malus pumila ‘Opal’).
The Institute of Experimental Botany in Prague developed the Opal apple variety in 1999. They grew in orchards across Europe before being introduced in the United States in 2010.
DID YOU KNOW? Opal apples were originally called “Optrika” when they were first introduced in Europe. The name was later changed to “Opal” because it was more appealing and easier to pronounce.
See also: Fruits That Start With P: 36 Sweet Gifts Of Nature
19. Ozark beauty strawberry
The Ozark Beauty strawberry is a unique variety of strawberries that originated in Arkansas.
The Ozark Beauty strawberry stands out for its adaptability, and firm, juicy texture, making it a popular choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
20. Oval kumquat
The Oval kumquat (Fortunella margarita) is a citrus fruit known for its small size, distinctive oval shape, and edible skin.
Oval kumquat is believed to have its origins in China and is now widely cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
In addition to being enjoyed fresh, Oval kumquats are well-suited for salads, desserts, and jams. They can also be candied or used in marmalades and other preserves.
21. Okuzgozu grape
The Okuzgozu grape is a grape variety that is primarily grown in Turkey. The Okuzgozu grape has high acidity and tannins, which gives it a distinctive and complex flavor profile.
The fruit is medium to large in size, with a thick, dark-colored skin that is high in antioxidants. The flesh is juicy and has a bold, fruity taste with hints of cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate.
DID YOU KNOW? The name “Okuzgozu” translates to “bull’s eye” in Turkish and refers to the grape’s distinctive dark-skinned berries with a bright red spot on the bottom that resembles an eye.
22. Opal plum
Opal plums are a type of fruit that belongs to the Prunus genus, which also includes peaches, apricots, cherries, and almonds.
They are known for their sweet and juicy yellow flesh and their red-orange skin that is covered in a thin layer of wax.
Opal plums are usually round or slightly oval in shape and are typically eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and other preserves. They are also a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
23. Ogallala strawberry
The Ogallala strawberry is capable of yielding big, chubby, and sturdy fruits that have a sweet taste reminiscent of wild strawberries.
This type of strawberry is an excellent choice for those who wish to grow their own fruit at home, particularly in soil that is not ideal for cultivation.
The plants themselves are robust, able to withstand drought and harsh conditions, and can produce a generous amount of fruit. Furthermore, they are resilient and can thrive in harsh environments.
24. Otaheite gooseberry
The fruit of the Otaheite gooseberry is small and round, similar in size to a grape. It has bright red, hairy skin and translucent, jelly-like flesh with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
Otaheite gooseberry is often used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. In some countries, it is also used in desserts, such as pies and tarts.
25. Olallieberry
Olallieberry is a hybrid fruit developed in 1949 at Oregon State University by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The berry was a selection from a cross between the ‘Black Logan’ developed by Judge James Logan in California, and the youngberry, which was developed by Byrnes M. Young in Louisiana.
See also: 30 Fruits That Start With R (+ Interesting Facts)
26. Oeillade noire
Oeillade Noire is a lesser-known grape variety primarily found in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of Southern France.
This grape variety is believed to be an ancient relative of the more famous Cinsault grape, which also originates from the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
DID YOU KNOW? The name “Oeillade” is derived from the French word “oeil,” which means “eye”. “Noire” refers to the dark color of the grapes.
27. Ogeechee lime
The Ogeechee Lime produces small, tart fruits that are similar in taste to limes or lemons. The fruits can be used for making jellies, sauces, and drinks.
The tree is also a valuable source of nectar for honey production, especially the highly prized tupelo honey.
28. Orleans grapefruit
Like many other grapefruit varieties, the Orleans grapefruit is thought to be a hybrid between a pomelo (Citrus maxima) and a sweet orange (Citrus sinensis).
Orleans grapefruits are known for their sweet and tangy flavor, and they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C.
Orleans grapefruits can be enjoyed fresh or can be added to salads, desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes.
29. Ogen melon
Ogen melons are typically smaller than other melon varieties, with a diameter of around 4-6 inches. They have a sweet and aromatic flavor profile with a hint of tropical fruitiness.
Ogen melons have a unique, netted, greenish-yellow skin with dark green sutures, giving it a striking appearance. The interior flesh is pale green with a succulent texture, similar to honeydew melons.
DID YOU KNOW? Ogen melons are sometimes referred to as “Israeli melons” or “Galilee melons” due to their origin in Israel. The Ogen melon’s development at Kibbutz Ha’Ogen highlights Israel’s innovative agriculture, adapting to its challenging climate.
30. Okra
Okra, classified as a fruit but consumed as a vegetable, has light green seed pods that can be cooked whole or chopped. Some people even eat okra raw.
Okra comes from an Arabic word for ‘thorny’ or ‘prickly’, which refers to its spiny exterior. The plant originated in Africa and spread throughout Asia and Europe with Muslim traders who used it as a food source on long journeys.
Okra is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
What Are Your Favorite Fruits That Start With O?
I hope that you’ve nailed that guessing game and that you have learned lots of interesting facts about fruits that start with O.
Fruits that start with O are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. They are also a great way to add some variety to your diet.My personal favorites from this list are Orient pear, Opal apple, and Orlando tangelo. What are yours?
