Red fruits are a fun and vibrant way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your diet. They are rich in antioxidants and look fabulous for fruit spreads, charcuterie boards, and themed events. Get the best red fruit ideas and how to use them!
Whether you need a fresh idea for eating, or to add some color to your red white and blue platter, here are the best red fruits to add to your life! From red pears to pomegranates, there are lots of delicious red fruits with unique flavors, textures, and health benefits.
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What to love about red color fruit
Eating whole fruits, especially with the flesh, on a regular basis can improve your overall wellbeing. From boosting immunity defense against illness or disease to improved digestion or lowered cholesterol levels—this red fruits list has something for everyone!
Fresh red fruit is also fun for kids! As a mom, I love when kid's eat their produce! Eating foods in rainbow hue is a favorite for the kiddos! Try adding some of these to your next outdoor or indoor picnic or snacks party platter for kids!
Best red fruits
Let’s take a look at 18 of the best red fruits and what they can do for you!
1. Watermelon
Known as one of the most refreshing summer fruits, watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamin A and C. It also contains lycopene which helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
How about making and sipping on some fresh watermelon juice and watermelon popsicles!
2. Red Cactus Pears (Prickly Pear)
Red cactus pears have a bright red center, not to be confused with red pears, which only have red skin. The prickly pear grows off a cactus plant and is safe to eat. The flesh of this fruit is sweet and contains anti-inflammatory compounds like betalains. It’s also high in fiber and vitamin C and may have beneficial effects on blood sugar control.
Enjoy it cut open scoop out the meaty center and serve it over a yogurt bowl!
3. Strawberries
Strawberries are not only packed with Vitamin C, but they also contain fiber which helps reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Plus, strawberries have antioxidants that help support cardiovascular health and healthy skin.
Blend frozen strawberries in the blender, add them to strawberry detox water, or turn them into a gluten-free strawberry crisp, strawberry jam, or strawberry compote.
4. Cranberries
High in antioxidants, cranberries can help reduce inflammation in the body and fight off bacteria that can cause infection. They can also help manage diabetes and due to their low glycemic index rating and high fiber content.
The tiny berries are great for cranberry sauce, but have you every had cranberries frozen and blended into a smoothie? Try this delicious cranberry smoothie bowl and cranberry bars recipe!
5. Red Pomegranate
Packed with phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, pomegranates are known for their many health benefits. This includes reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels in the body. They may even help prevent cancer!
These tiny red seeds are my kids favorite snack! Enjoy them as a snack, over smoothies bowls, and tossed in this roasted brussels sprouts salad.
6. Red Cherries
Red cherry fruits are high in fiber which helps reduce cholesterol levels in the body while their antioxidants may help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis or gout symptoms. Furthermore, studies suggest that cherries may even improve sleep quality!
Red cherries are like summer in every bite! They are fun to enjoy for red white and blue themed events. Try them in this simple red white and blue fresh fruit party platter and red white and blue fruit cheese plate.
7. Raspberries
Raspberries are another antioxidant-rich fruit that is believed to have anti-cancer properties as well as heart benefits such as lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels in the body when eaten regularly over time.
Add them as a fruit topping over pancakes and as a colorful decoration for cheesecakes. Also add a few to infused water for delicious flavor!
8. Red Currants
Currants offer plenty of Vitamin C which helps boost immunity while their flavonoids may help support cognitive function by speeding blood flow to the brain over time when eaten regularly.
Simmer some over the stove and turn it into a compote to enjoy with pork or chicken.
9. Red Apples
While green apples have a reputation for being good for digestion, red apples offer more antioxidants compared to green apples which makes them particularly helpful for preventing certain types of cancers and great for making apple cider vinegar.
Enjoy red delicious apples, honeycrisp, or your favorite kind of apple in this green machine juice, an apple cider vinegar drink, apple crisps, apple muffins, and try making the best apple pie filling with them!
10. Red Goji Berries
Goji berries are one of the most popular superfoods out there due to their high antioxidant levels , protein content , vitamins , minerals , amino acids , fatty acids , carotenoids , polysaccharides , flavonoids , terpenes - all which work together synergistically to promote optimal health!
I used to get goji berries all the time on my smoothie bowls. They add beautiful flavor and texture! Sprinkle goji berries on this matcha smoothie bowl, acai bowl, peanut butter oatmeal, and chia and hemp seed superfood oatmeal bowl.
11. Red Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is loaded with Vitamin C plus it is rich in dietary fiber which aids digestion while its antioxidants may provide protection against certain types of chronic diseases like cancer or heart disease.
Enjoy dragon fruit and its beautiful red color in a dragon fruit smoothie, and dragon fruit strawberry chia pudding smoothie!
12. Red Guava Fruit
Red guavas are plump and round with a green flesh and light red pulp or meat on the inside. They are high in vitamins A and C, thiamine, and riboflavin. You can even eat the rind too, which as 2 to 4 times more vitamin C than citrus fruit. Red guavas are a good source of lycopene and provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities, plus boosts the immune system.
Toss frozen red guava fruit in a tropical smoothie, or use fresh red guava as a topping for Greek yogurt bowls.
13. Red Kiwi Fruit
Yep, Kiwi is a common green fruit and also comes in the shade of red fruits! Red kiwi fruit has a red flesh and berry fruit flavor. Rich in antioxidants, kiwi also protects cells against oxidation stress and free radicals.
Enjoy red kiwi in strawberry kiwi popsicles and this winter salad.
14. Red Grapes
Red grapes contain resveratrol - an antioxidant found mostly in red wines that has been linked to numerous health benefits including improved cardiovascular health and better blood sugar control!
Enjoy red grapes in a broccoli grape salad, charcuterie board, grape frosé rosé (frozen rosé drink), and even learn how to make frozen grapes for slushies and snacks!
15. Red Grapefruit
Ruby red grapefruits are incredibly hydrating, ranking at 90% water. They have been known help boost the metabolism and support natural weight loss. It's low in calories and high in nutrients and fiber.
Try eating this citrus fruit in a homemade grapefruit juice, citrus detox salad, and citrus salsa!
16. Red Pineapple
Bazillion red pineapple - the leaves are red! It is so pretty, you just have to add to a table as decoration or to a fresh fruit plate for color!
Use the insides of the red pineapple for pineapple orange juice, pineapple coconut lime chicken, and this smoothie which is high in vitamin C and supporting digestion!
17. Acai Berries
Acai berries are loaded with powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals plus they are incredibly rich in vitamins & minerals like iron and calcium!
Sprinkle acai berries on smoothie bowls like this matcha smoothie bowl, acai bowl, and chia and hemp seed superfood oatmeal bowl.
18. Tomatoes
Yes, in fact tomatoes are a fruit! Although some botanists categorize them as a vegetable. To each their own. They are rich in vitamin C and supporting a healthy immune system.
Try them in homemade marinara sauce, tomato basil soup, and learn how to store fresh tomatoes!
Conclusion
Red fruits offer a variety of flavors along with important vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health! Eating a diet of fruits and vegetables is important to fight disease and keep you feeling vibrant and healthy. Moms who want to make sure their families get enough nutrients should be sure to stock up on these 18 amazing red fruits!
More fruits by color
Red fruit recipes
I hope you find this red fruits list helpful! Follow along with me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for more inspiration!
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