This list of foods is full of facts about fruits, vegetables, and other popular foods that begin with F. Although you may recognize some, I bet there are some that you’ve never heard of! Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up. I looked all over the internet to find the foods you’ll see here. It was a tricky job to come up with 70 so rest assured you have a comprehensive quiz resource for sure!
Get ready to boggle your brain with 70 foods starting with the letter F
So where shall we start? I’ve split these into sweet and savory food items so you don’t have to learn them all at once.
Savory Foods
Ok so I have to start here, you can’t have sweet foods before savory right? How many of these veggies have you tried?
Fairy Ring Mushrooms
This mushroom is native to both North America and Europe. They actually have a sweet taste and are traditionally dried and threaded together on a string. Its species name is Marasmius oreades.
Fajitas
Fajitas are a traditional Mexican dish usually made with chicken, peppers, and a spicy tomato sauce all wrapped in a flour or corn tortilla. You could easily add cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, or even make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken for more yummy veg.
Falafel
A lovely meat-free meatball made from herbs, spices, chickpeas, and sometimes broad beans. They originate from the Middle East however they are now readily available, especially in Europe. They are great to add to salads and sandwiches or just munch them on their own, I’m not judging!
Fat Hen
Although fat hen is cultivated in some parts of the world, elsewhere it’s considered a weed. It is mostly consumed in Northern India and Pakistan. Most of the parts can be eaten, and the seeds it produces are closely related to the quinoa grain. Its species name is Chenopodium album.
Fava Bean
Fava beans are also known as broad beans. They are usually shelled before being either steamed or boiled. They’ve been part of the diet in the Mediterranean region since 6000 BCE. The species’ name is Vicia faba.
Feher Ozon Pepper
This is pepper variety is native to Hungary, and a paprika variety. They have a mild heat and can be roasted, fried, stuffed, and also dried to make paprika powder. They are part of the Capsicum annuum family.
Fennel Plant
The flowering fennel plant is actually part of the carrot family. Like carrots, it has long feathery leaves. They are bright green in color. Fennel seeds are a popular spice with a strong aniseed flavor. Its species name is Foeniculum vulgare.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds and the green leaves of this plant are used in dishes over the Indian subcontinent. It has a strong maple syrup smell. The species name is Trigonella foenum-graecum.
Feta Cheese
Feta is a crumbly and slightly salty cheese that has no skin. It is usually made with goat’s, and sheep’s milk. It is great in salads and is a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.
Fettuccine
This is a traditional Italian pasta that dates back to Roman times. It translates as ‘little ribbons’ and is similar to taglitelle. It is made from egg and flour. Fettuccine Alfredo is a super tasty traditional pasta dish made with just parmesan and butter.
Fiddlehead Fern
Fiddleheads are the uncurled leaf of a young fern plant. Not sure I’d want to eat one mind you, If not cooked fully they can be toxic. They are mainly consumed in Asian, Indian, North American, Maori, and Nepali cuisine. One species’ name is Pteridium aquilinum.
Field Blewit
I wonder who named this vegetable? They are a variety of wild mushrooms that grows commonly across Britain and Ireland, and they’re reported to have a pleasant taste and a strong smell. The species’ name is Lepista saeva.
Field Peas
The field pea is one of the oldest crops and is eaten by both humans and livestock. In 2002 there were 300,000 acres of fields that contained pea plants in the United States. The scientific name is P. sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Asch.
Field Sow Thistle
This plant grows up to 1.5 meters in height and the yellow flowers that grow on it look similar to dandelions. Young leaves can be used in salads with another leafy green vegetable. The species name is Sonchus arvensis.
Filet Mignon
This is the smaller end of the tenderloin. Although traditionally a cut of meat from a cow, in France they prefer to eat pork tenderloin. As it is such a small piece it is one of the most expensive cuts of meat.
Filius Blue Pepper
An ornamental pepper plant, these peppers begin as a blue-purple colour which ripens into a deep red colour. As they ripen they lose their heat so if you want a hot pepper it’s recommended to harvest them when young. The scientific name is Capsicum annuum var. annuum (Longum Group) ‘Filius Blue’.
Fioretto Cauliflower
This is an interesting little hybrid between broccoli and cauliflower. A great veg for dipping, they are milder in flavor than standard cauliflower. This is a branch of the Brassica oleracea family.
Fish
Fish have been caught and eaten as a good source of protein for humans for millennia. There are so many varieties available from kippers to swordfish, cod, salmon, and beyond. It can be eaten raw in dishes like sushi or cooked by baking, frying, or poaching. In the UK it is popular to batter it first, and fish and chips is the national dish.
Fish Fingers
Also called fish sticks, fish fingers are small rectangular pieces of cod or haddock usually that are then covered in batter or breadcrumbs. They have been a tea-time treat for the whole family for decades.
Fish Pepper
I’m sure this pepper doesn’t actually taste of fish. The chilis go from light green all the way through to deep red in color. They are a hot pepper that originated in the Caribbean. The scientific name is Capsicum annuum.
Flat Beans
Flat beans are the flatter and less stringy relative to the runner bean. They can be eaten raw, and are a great addition to coleslaw and salads. They work great as a side dish to most meals. The species name is Phaseolus vulgaris.
Flat Cabbage
Taiwanese flat cabbage is quite big and has a squat shape. It comes in varieties ranging from dark green to purple in color. It is available all year round and its species name is Brassica oleracea var. capitata.
Flat Italian Onions
These are squat-shaped onions that are used commonly in Italian cooking. This variety dates back to the 15th century. It has thin skin but a firm feel and a mild taste. The species name is Allium cepa.
Flax Microgreens
These are little seedlings are grown from flax seeds, and are similar to cress. They are rich in both omega-3s and proteins, and they’re easy to grow at home and add to your diet. The species name is Linum Usitatissimum.
Flint Corn
This is a pretty variety of maize that is similar to sweet corn and popcorn. It has a hard outer kernel which is where it gets its association with flint. They are often used for ornamental purposes at Thanksgiving, due to the variation of colored kernels. Its species name is Zea mays var. indurata.
Fluted Pumpkin
This gourd grows mainly in West African countries and the seeds can be boiled or eaten whole. If ground into flour they can be used to make high-protein bread. When used for medicinal purposes it is helpful in support of cardiovascular diseases. The scientific name is Telfairia occidentalis.
French Beans
French beans are also known as green beans and are commonly eaten in many countries. As well as being used in lots of dishes they are also pickled like cucumbers. The species’ name is Phaseolus vulgaris.
French Breakfast Radish
These are sharp-tasting taproots and come in a variety of colours including red, white, yellow and black. The scientific name is Raphanus sativus.
French Fries
French fries are thin and crispy potato sticks, usually fried and served hot. They can be eaten hot, cold, with lunch or dinner, and even on their own as a snack. There is a dispute as to whether they originated in France or Belgium!
French Onion Soup
This is a soup made from meat stock and onions. It tends to have croutons on the top. Although it has been around for centuries, it became popular in the 60’s when the US took an interest in French Cuisine.
French Purslane
This leafy vegetable grows upright which wild purslane doesn’t do. It makes it easy to cut. It has a mild flavor and makes a great salad. It has lots of health benefits including being high in vitamin C and it’s one of the only vegetables high in omega-3s. Its species name is Portulaca oleracea.
French Sorrel
This is a culinary herb that can be used in lots of soups, salads, and sauces. It can tolerate most weather conditions including hard frost and hot temperatures. The species name is Rumex alpestris.
Fried Chicken
A yummy treat in much of North America, and the UK, fried chicken is portions of chicken leg or thigh coated in a batter. It can be greasy and is often eaten without utensils, which is where the saying ‘finger licking good’ comes from.
Friggitello
This is a sweet chili pepper from Italy, which is called pepperoncini in the United States. It is mild tasting and slightly bitter. It is often pickled and used in salads, sandwiches, and compotes. Its species name is Capsicum annuum.
Frisée
This vegetable is also known as curly endive, and it’s part of the chicory family. It has a spikey-looking leaf that is slightly bitter in taste but great for salads. The species name is Cichorium endivia var. crispum.
Frogs Legs
Frog legs are a french delicacy and are said to taste a bit like chicken! Although well-known in France, frog legs are also consumed in Indonesia and South Asian countries. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, vitamin A, and protein.
Fusilli
Fusilli is corkscrew-shaped pasta. It is a good shape for holding onto lots of pasta sauce.
Sweet Foods
Well after frog legs I’m looking forward to the sweet list, aren’t you? I never knew there were 25 fruits starting with an F until I made this list for you. Let me know in the comments, have you heard of them all?
Faerie Watermelon
This is an interesting little fruit. It is shaped like a melon and has yellow skin. It has orange flesh which is in an unusual flowery shape you’d see this if you cut an intersection. It is really sweet to the taste and has a crisp texture.
Fairchild Tangerine Fruit
This sweet fruit is a cross between clementine mandarins and Orlando tangelos. This citrus fruit is not easy to peel. It is a juicy fruit with a sweet taste. The Chinese believe the stems and leaves are a sign of good luck. The scientific name is Citrus reticulata.
False Mastic Fruit
The fruit from this tree is small and orange in colour. It has a gummy pulp inside and a fun fact, the flowers are said to have a cheesy smell. The species name is Sideroxylon foetidissimum.
False Jaboticaba
The false jaboticaba, or blue grape, originates from South America. They are usually eaten as snacks but the stone isn’t edible. The tree can grow up to 15 ft and has long bright green leaves. The scientific name is Myrciaria vexator.
False Pineapple
This is a bright pinky-red fruit that is closely related to the pineapple. It’s native to South America and is not often eaten. It is harvested more for its ornamental properties. The scientific name is Ananas macrodontes.
Farkleberry
Also known as the sparkleberry (how cute is that!), the farkleberry is native to the southeastern and south-central states of America. It is usually found growing on sand dunes, meadows, dry hillsides, and rocky woods. The species’ name is Vaccinium arboreum.
Fascell Mangoes
This is a variety of mango that originated in Florida and is named after the farmer Michael Fascell. Its flesh is sweet and fiberless and it often appears heart-shaped- how ‘love’ly! The species’ name is Mangifera indica ‘Fascell’.
Fazli Mango
This variety of mango is grown mainly in Bangladesh and they grow quite large in size: they can weigh up to one kilo. There is even a giant statue of fazli mangoes on a roundabout in Rajshahi – they love their mangoes. The species’ name is Mangifera indica ‘Fazli’.
Fe’i Bananas
Although alike regular bananas, you might actually think they belong to the carrot family as they have orange-red skin and yellow/orange flesh inside. They are also high in beta-carotene just like carrots! Its species name is Musa × troglodytarum L.
Feijoa
Feijoa fruit is native to the highlands in South America and is similar to guava. It is sweet in taste and has a pineapple, apple, and mint flavour – which sounds delicious to me! The species name is Feijoa sellowiana.
Fibrous Satinash Fruit
This fruit comes from rainforest trees native to the monsoon forests of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. They can have a sour taste and are used in confectionery and jams. The species name is Syzygium fibrosum.
Field Cucumbers
Field cucumbers are exactly how they sound, they’re cucumbers that are grown in a field rather than a greenhouse. They are not as long as greenhouse cucumbers but are larger in diameter. They have seeds and thick skin. The scientific name is Cucumis sativus.
Fig
The fig tree is ornamental, and fig fruit has been eaten since ancient times. Fresh figs are usually eaten raw or dried and placed into jams, cakes, and biscuits. The species’ name is Ficus carica.
Finger Lime
Finger limes are found in Australia and are favored by gourmet chefs. It is being trialed as a commercial crop and is usually green or red in color. Its species name is Citrus australasica.
Fiorentino Tomato
This is a variety of beef tomato which is a rich red colour and ribbed in shape. Although firm, it has sweet flesh. Its species name is Lycopersicon esculentum.
Five-leaved Bramble Berry
A species of raspberry found mainly in Asia and North America, the five-leaved bramble berry is also known as the strawberry leaf raspberry and creeping raspberry. The species name is Rubus pedatus.
Flatwoods Plum
This plum tree can live for 40 years, which is quite a long time for a tree. It grows up to 20 feet in height, and can be found across the United States. The fruit is used mainly in jams and jellies. Its species name is Prunus umbellata.
Florentine Citron
A highly fragrant citrus fruit, which originated in the Renaissance gardens of Italy. Its species name is Citrus × limonimedica.
Florentine Crabapple
Another fruit found centuries ago in the Rennaissance gardens this is an ornamental tree by nature. The seeds of the crabapple contain cyanide and can be toxic. Its species name is Malus florentina.
Florida Cherry
The Florida cherry is also called the Surinam Cherry, and it is a small red-orange fruit that is shaped like a small gourd. This fruit is found in South America and is used to make jams. The scientific name is Eugenia uniflora.
Florida Strangler Fig
This fruit grows on a tree native to Florida, but it also grows in the Caribbean and the south of Mexico. It gets its name from the seeds that germinate around the base of a host tree. The fig fruit is edible but is also used for other commercial items such as fabric dye. The species’ name is Ficus aurea.
Fony Baobab Fruit
This is a deciduous tree that is indigenous to Madagascar. This hard-skinned fruit ripens in Autumn and has kidney-shaped stones inside. The species name is Adansonia rubrostipa.
Forest Strawberry
Forest strawberries are also known as wild strawberries or Alpine strawberries. Although small, this common type may be found in your garden. They are a lot smaller than regular strawberries but they are still edible. The species’ name is Fragaria vesca.
Fox Grapes
The term ‘fox’ in the fox grape relates to the foxy musk aroma that comes from the fruit, which is said to be earthy and sweet. When squeezed the skin comes off gently, removing the need for crushing. Its species name is Vitis labrusca.
Frangipane
A mixture of butter, sugar, ground almonds, and eggs, frangipane is often used as a base for tarts. It is referred to as a soft, spreadable custard and is similar to marzipan in taste due to the almonds. It is named after an Italian nobleman called Marquis Muzio Frangipani whose almond fragrance inspired French pastry chefs back in the 16th century.
French Toast
This lovely treat is made from bread soaked in a mixture of egg, milk, and cinnamon and then fried until golden brown. It can be served with fruit, honey, syrup, or whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast.
Fromage Frais
Fromage frais (Or ‘fresh cheese’ as it is translated from French) is a soft cheese that can be flavored with fruit and is similar to a thick yogurt product like quark. It is generally made from whole milk or cream.
Fruit Salad
A fruit salad is a classic dessert and is super simple to prepare. Just pick a selection of your favourite fruit and chop it all up into a bowl. It helps to add some orange juice if you’re using fruit that will brown in the air. It can be served with ice cream for an extra sweet treat.
Fudge
Fudge is a sweet treat that has been around for centuries. It is made by mixing sugar, butter, and milk at high temperatures. It is soft to bite into once set and can be made into many different flavors. It can be made at home or found in grocery stores and farmer’s markets.
Fuji Apples
The Fuji apple originated in Fujisaki, Japan, and is a sweet crisp fruit. It was originally a cross between a Red Delicious and the old variety Virginia Ralls Janet apples. It was introduced to stores in the 1960s. The species’ name is Malus domestica.
Fuji Cherry
In case you didn’t spot the connection with the previous entry, this cherry tree is also found in Japan and it grows mainly around Mount Fuji, which is where it gets its name from. The species name is Prunus incisa.
Fukushu Kumquat
The third on this list this plant originated in, you guessed it, Japan and although it is grown mainly for ornamental purposes, it bares sweet kumquat fruit. These kumquats are larger than the average ones. They make great salads, marmalades, and desserts. The species’ name is Fortunella obovata.
Fuyū Persimmon
These fruits are yellow-orange in colour and slightly squat in shape. It’s best to harvest them in mid-winter and have a sweet taste similar to cinnamon, pears, dates, and brown sugar. The species’ name is Diospyros kaki ‘Fuyu’. We also have separate lists of fruits that start with F and vegetables that start with F if you need even more food words power! Or try foods beginning with d and foods that start with e! Even with 70 foods starting with F I’m sure this list is not yet exhausted! I really hope you enjoyed learning all about these sweet and savory F foods. Are there any I left out? Let me know down below. If you want to learn more there are going to be loads more in this alphabet series to sink your teeth into so check them out!
