List of national fruits facts for kids

A national fruit is a special fruit that a country chooses to represent itself. Sometimes, a country officially declares a fruit as its national symbol, like a flag or an anthem. Other times, a fruit becomes a national symbol because it's very popular, important to the culture, or grows a lot in that country. These fruits often have interesting stories or unique qualities that make them special to their home countries.

Fruits from Around the World

Many countries have a fruit they are proud to call their own. Let's explore some of these amazing national fruits!

Asia's Sweet and Thorny Treasures

Asia is home to many unique and delicious national fruits.

Afghanistan's Pomegranate

Pomegranates are full of juicy seeds!

In Afghanistan, the national fruit is the Pomegranate. This fruit is known for its many juicy, jewel-like seeds inside. Pomegranates have been grown for thousands of years and are important in many cultures.

Bangladesh's Mighty Jackfruit

A large jackfruit hanging from a tree.

The Jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh. It's one of the largest fruits in the world, growing right on the tree! Jackfruit is very popular in tropical areas of Bangladesh and is used in many dishes, both ripe and unripe.

India and Pakistan's Beloved Mango

A ripe, juicy mango.

Both India and Pakistan share the Mango as their national fruit. Mangoes are often called the "King of Fruits" because they are so popular and delicious. In the Philippines, where mango is also the national fruit, it's called Mangga. The mango season there is usually from March to June.

Indonesia and Singapore's Spiky Durian

The durian fruit, known for its strong smell.

The Durian is the national fruit of Indonesia and Singapore. It's famous for its spiky outside and very strong smell, which some people love and others find too much! In Indonesia, "durian" means "the thorns." It's also called the "King of Fruits" there. Indonesia has two main durian seasons, from October to February and another from June to September.

Japan and South Korea's Asian Pear

A Japanese persimmon, a type of kaki.

In Japan, the Japanese Persimmon (also called Kaki) is the national fruit. It's a sweet, soft fruit when ripe. South Korea also considers the Asian Pear as a national fruit, along with persimmons and apples. Asian pears are crisp and juicy.

Thailand's Queen of Fruits

Mangosteens, showing the purple skin and white flesh.

The Mangosteen is the national fruit of Thailand. It's often called the "Queen of Fruits" because of its delicious, sweet, and slightly tangy white flesh hidden inside a dark purple rind. You can find mangosteens in Thailand from May to August. In Thai, it's called Mangkhud.

Europe's Classic and Unique Fruits

Europe features a mix of common and distinct national fruits.

Germany's Favorite Apple

A bright red apple.

The Apple is a very popular fruit around the world, and it's the national fruit of many European countries, including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Apples are versatile and grow well in many climates.

Greece's Ancient Olive

Green olives on a branch.

In Greece, the national fruit is the Olive. Olive trees have been grown in Greece for thousands of years and are a very important part of Greek culture and food. Olives are used to make olive oil, which is a staple in Mediterranean cooking.

Serbia's Important Plum

Ripe plums on a branch.

The Plum is the national fruit of Serbia. Plums are incredibly important to the Serbian people and are part of many traditions. There's even a Serbian saying that the best place to build a house is where a plum tree grows best! A region in central Serbia called Šumadija is famous for its plums and for Šljivovica, which is a national drink made from plums.

Spain's Many Grapes

Bunches of dark grapes.

The Grape is the national fruit of Spain. Spain is well-known for growing many different types of grapes. There are over 400 different kinds of grapes grown in Spain, mostly used for making wine.

Americas' Diverse Flavors

The Americas offer a wide range of national fruits, from tropical delights to common berries.

Antigua and Barbuda's Sweet Pineapple

Fresh pineapples ready to eat.

The Pineapple is the national fruit of Antigua and Barbuda. This tropical fruit is known for its sweet and tangy taste and its spiky, rough skin. Pineapples are a symbol of hospitality in many cultures.

Canada and the United States' Blueberries

Fresh blueberries on a plant.

Both Canada and the United States recognize Blueberries as their national fruit. These small, sweet berries are native to North America and are loved for their taste and health benefits. They are often used in desserts, jams, and eaten fresh.

Cuba's Unique Mamey

A mamey sapote fruit, cut open.

In Cuba, the national fruit is the Mamey Sapote, often just called Mamey. This fruit has a reddish-brown skin and a soft, sweet, orange-red flesh inside. It's often used in milkshakes and desserts.

Haiti's Juicy Mango

A ripe mango.

The Mango is also the national fruit of Haiti. Like in India and Pakistan, mangoes are a very popular and important fruit in Haiti, enjoyed for their sweet and juicy pulp.

Mexico's Creamy Avocado

A whole and a halved avocado.

The Avocado is the national fruit of Mexico. While often used in savory dishes, the avocado is botanically a fruit. It's known for its creamy texture and healthy fats, and it's a key ingredient in guacamole.

Africa's Tropical Delights

Africa boasts a variety of tropical fruits as its national symbols.

Algeria and Saudi Arabia's Dates

Dates hanging from a palm tree.

In Algeria and Saudi Arabia, Dates are the national fruit. Dates grow on palm trees and are sweet, chewy fruits that have been a vital food source in desert regions for thousands of years. They are often eaten dried.

Cameroon's Safou

Safou fruits on a tree branch.

The Safou is the national fruit of Cameroon. This fruit, also known as African pear, has a soft, buttery flesh when cooked and is a popular food in many parts of West Africa.

Kenya's Sweet Mango

A bright yellow Hapus mango.

Like several other countries, Kenya also has the Mango as its national fruit. Mangoes thrive in Kenya's climate and are a widely enjoyed fruit.

Nigeria and South Africa's Ackee

Ackee fruit, showing the black seeds and yellow arils.

The Ackee is the national fruit of both Nigeria and South Africa. This fruit is famous for its unique appearance when ripe, with black seeds surrounded by a yellow, creamy aril. It's important to know that ackee must be prepared correctly, as unripe parts can be harmful.

Seychelles' Giant Coco de Mer

The large, unique coco de mer fruit.

The Coco de mer is the national fruit of Seychelles. This is a truly unique fruit, known for being the largest seed in the plant kingdom. It grows on a special palm tree found only on two islands in Seychelles. Its shape is quite unusual!

Images for kids

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  A cherry, the national fruit of Albania.

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  Palm fruits from Angola.

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  Riberry, Australia's national fruit.

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  Cupuaçu, the national fruit of Brazil.

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  Chicken egg banana, Cambodia's national fruit.

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  Borojó, a fruit from Colombia.

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  Bananas, national fruit of Central African Republic, Cyprus, and Egypt.

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  Fuzzy kiwifruit, national fruit of China, Morocco, and New Zealand.

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  Strawberries, Denmark's national fruit.

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  Pears, the national fruit of France.

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  An orange, the national fruit of Hungary.

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  Cox's Orange Pippin, a type of apple from Ireland.

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  Sabra or Prickly Pear, Israel's national fruit.

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  Coconut, the national fruit of Maldives.

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  Oranges, the national fruit of Nepal.

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  Asian Pear, also a national fruit of North Korea.

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  Cloudberries, Norway's national fruit.

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  Sultana Grapes, Turkey's national fruit.

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  Watermelon, Turkmenistan's national fruit.

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  Water Elder, Ukraine's national fruit.

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  Pitaya or Dragon Fruit, Vietnam's national fruit.