When it comes to fruit rich in vitamin C, many people immediately think of oranges. While oranges are certainly great sources of the nutrient, they’re not the only game in town.
In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the lesser-known vitamin C powerhouse fruits, including their benefits and how to incorporate them into your diet.
1. Guava
Guavas are a tropical fruit that are particularly abundant in vitamin C.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one medium guava contains around 126 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than double the amount found in an orange. In addition to their vitamin C content, guavas are also rich in fiber, potassium, and various antioxidants.
You can incorporate guavas into your diet by eating them raw or adding them to smoothies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use guavas to make jam, jelly, or even guava paste.
2. Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit, also known as kiwis, are small fruits native to China. One medium kiwifruit contains around 71 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than enough to meet your daily recommended intake.
In addition to their vitamin C content, kiwifruits are also rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Kiwifruits can be eaten by themselves or added to a fruit salad. They can also be used to make smoothies, sorbets, or even salsa.
3. Papaya
Papayas are a tropical fruit with a sweet, juicy flavor. One medium papaya contains around 95 milligrams of vitamin C, as well as a variety of other nutrients, including vitamin A, fiber, and potassium.
Papayas are also rich in an unique enzyme called papain, which can aid in digestion and reduce inflammation.
Papayas can be enjoyed by themselves or added to a fruit salad. They can also be blended into smoothies or used to make salsa or chutney.
4. Strawberries
Strawberries are a popular fruit that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. One cup of strawberries contains around 89 milligrams of vitamin C, as well as fiber, potassium, and various antioxidants.
Strawberries have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help improve heart health.
Strawberries can be eaten on their own or added to a fruit salad. They can also be blended into smoothies, pureed for sauces or used to top oatmeal or yogurt.
5. Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit known for its sweet and tangy flavor.
One cup of pineapple contains around 79 milligrams of vitamin C, as well as a variety of other nutrients, including fiber and bromelain, which may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
Pineapple can be eaten on its own or added to a fruit salad. It can also be blended into smoothies, diced and used as a topping for pizza or incorporated into savory dishes like stir-fry.
6. Acerola Cherry
Acerola cherries, also known as Barbados cherries, are a small fruit native to tropical regions of the Americas. One small acerola cherry can contain up to 40 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than half of your daily recommended intake.
Acerola cherries are also rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Acerola cherries can be eaten on their own or added to smoothies. They can also be dried and added to trail mix or used to make jam, jelly or even wine.
7. Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a small fruit with a tart taste. One small amla can contain up to 27 milligrams of vitamin C, as well as various other nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants.
Amla has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help improve digestive health.
Amla can be eaten raw or added to smoothies. It can also be pickled or used to make chutney.
8. Blackcurrants
Blackcurrants are a small, dark-purple fruit that are particularly abundant in vitamin C. One cup of blackcurrants contains around 203 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than twice the amount found in an orange.
Blackcurrants are also rich in antioxidants and may help improve immune function.
Blackcurrants can be eaten raw or used to make jam or jelly. They can also be added to yogurt or blended into smoothies.
9. Lemon
Lemons are a sour citrus fruit that are well-known for their vitamin C content. One medium lemon contains around 30 milligrams of vitamin C, as well as various other nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
Lemons are also rich in citric acid, which may help improve digestion and kidney health.
Lemons can be sliced and added to water or tea for a refreshing drink. They can also be used to make lemonade, sorbet or zest for baked goods.
10. Goji Berries
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are a small red fruit that grow on a shrub native to China. One ounce of goji berries contains around 28 milligrams of vitamin C, as well as various other nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants.
Goji berries have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help improve immune function.
Goji berries can be eaten raw or added to smoothies. They can also be used to make tea or added to oatmeal or trail mix.
Conclusion
When it comes to vitamin C-rich fruit, there’s far more out there than just oranges. From guava to goji berries, each of these ten fruits can be a delicious, nutritious addition to your diet.
So next time you’re in the grocery store, don’t forget to venture beyond the usual citrus aisle and try something new.