Have you ever been stumped in a food trivia game when asked about foods starting with the letter “I”? Or perhaps you’re simply curious about expanding your culinary horizons? You’ve landed in the perfect spot! We’re diving deep into a fascinating list of over 60 foods that begin with “I,” showcasing a diverse range from everyday staples to exotic delights. Get ready to be surprised by the sheer variety – from vibrant fruits and vegetables to comforting meals, satisfying snacks, and refreshing drinks. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together and discover the incredible edibles that the letter “I” has to offer!
Whole Foods: Fruits & Vegetables Starting with I
Let’s begin our exploration with nature’s bounty – the fresh and wholesome foods that grow from the earth. This section is packed with fruits and vegetables, some familiar and some you may be encountering for the very first time. Prepare to be amazed by the “I” is for “incredible” variety!
Iboga
Venturing into the exotic, Iboga is a shrub native to Central Africa, known for its elongated yellow fruit. While technically edible, Iboga is more renowned for its psychoactive properties and traditional ceremonial uses in some African cultures. It’s definitely one of the more unusual entries on our list!
Icacina
Another African native, Icacina fruits resemble kiwis in their round shape but lack the fuzzy exterior. The inner pulp boasts a unique pink hue. This fruit comes from a plant found in countries like Angola and Congo, adding to the rich tapestry of African cuisine.
Icaco Fruit (Cocoplum)
Also known as Cocoplum, Icaco fruits are small, round, and typically exhibit a beautiful purple color when ripe. These tropical delights thrive in warmer climates, including Florida and the Bahamas. Beyond their culinary use, they also hold a place in traditional medicine practices.
Ice Apple (Sugar Palm Fruit)
These translucent, jelly-like fruits from South Asia are a refreshing treat, especially in hot weather. Resembling ice in appearance – hence the name – Ice Apples are the seeds of the sugar palm fruit. They offer a mild sweetness when ripe and are a good source of vitamins A and C, making them both tasty and nutritious.
Iceberg Lettuce
A quintessential salad staple, Iceberg Lettuce is known for its high water content and crisp texture. This leafy green vegetable is incredibly popular, particularly in the United States. Its name is rumored to originate from the way it was transported, packed in ice, resembling icebergs. Scientifically known as Lactuca sativa, it provides a refreshing crunch to salads and sandwiches.
Ice Cream Bean Fruit (Inga Edulis)
This fascinating fruit blurs the lines between fruit and vegetable. While technically a bean, the Ice Cream Bean fruit boasts a sweet, vanilla ice cream-like flavor, earning it the nickname “nature’s cotton candy.” The sweet pulp surrounds the seeds within a pod. Scientifically named Inga edulis, it’s a truly unique culinary experience.
Ice Plant
Don’t let the name fool you – Ice Plant is a charming, edible succulent. Both its flowers and leaves are edible, offering a slightly bitter or salty taste. This unique flavor profile makes it ideal for creating tart jams. In South Africa, it’s also valued for its medicinal properties, believed to aid digestion and offer other health benefits.
Ichigo (Strawberry)
Ichigo is simply the Japanese word for strawberry. These beloved red, sweet fruits are enjoyed globally, and Japan is no exception. In Japan, Ichigo mochi, a strawberry-filled rice cake, is a popular and delightful dessert. Scientifically known as Fragaria × ananassa, strawberries are a versatile and delicious fruit.
Idaho Potatoes
Idaho Potatoes aren’t a specific variety, but rather potatoes grown in the state of Idaho, USA, renowned for its ideal potato-growing conditions. This region produces a significant amount of potatoes, including popular varieties like Russet and Yukon Gold. These potatoes are known for their high quality and are staples in kitchens worldwide.
Ilama Fruit
The Ilama fruit is a visually striking fruit native to Central America with a unique, scaly outer skin. Its flavor is described as a delightful blend of tart and sweet, often enhanced with cream, sugar, and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to accentuate its tangy notes.
Illawarra Plum (Daalgaal)
Native to Australia, the Illawarra Plum is a fruit often used in condiments. The tree that bears this fruit is a type of pine, and its wood is also valued in joinery. This fruit represents the unique flavors of Australian native ingredients.
Imbe Fruit (African Mangosteen)
Imbe fruit, also known as African Mangosteen, shares similarities with plums, featuring smooth, thin, bright orange skin. Primarily used in Florida to make refreshing drinks, Imbe fruit offers a balanced sweet and acidic taste, making it a thirst-quenching choice.
Incaberry (Goldenberry)
Incaberries, also called Peruvian groundcherries or goldenberries, belong to the nightshade family. These small, golden-orange fruits are versatile in the kitchen, finding their way into jams, chutneys, and pie fillings. Their ornamental papery husk makes them a popular garnish in restaurants. Scientifically known as Physalis peruviana, they offer a unique tangy-sweet flavor.
Indian Almond Fruit (Tropical Almond)
Found in Pacific regions like the Seychelles, Indian Almond fruit transitions from bright green to dark red as it ripens. The kernel inside is almond-like, though extracting it can be a bit challenging. It’s enjoyed both raw and cooked in its native regions.
Indian Corn (Flint Corn)
Indian Corn, also known as Flint Corn, is a visually striking, variegated corn variety. Its low water content makes it hardy and well-suited for colder climates. While edible, it’s more commonly used for ornamental purposes, especially during Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations due to its beautiful colors.
Indian Cucumber (Medeola Virginiana)
This unique vegetable’s roots are said to possess a cucumber-like aroma and taste. Part of the lily family, Indian Cucumber was a significant food source for Native American populations, highlighting its historical culinary importance.
Indian Fig Fruit (Banyan Fig)
The fruit of the Indian Banyan tree is round and orange. The Banyan tree itself is a “strangler fig,” known for its expansive growth and aerial roots. Remarkably, the Banyan tree is considered to have the largest canopy coverage of any tree in the world!
Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
These small, vibrant green gooseberries are native to India and the Middle East. Indian Gooseberries, also known as Amla, are celebrated for their potential health benefits, including helping to lower cholesterol. They are a powerhouse of nutrients.
Indian Hog Plum (Ambarella)
Introduced to the West Indies by the Portuguese, Indian Hog Plums are versatile fruits. They can be enjoyed fresh or transformed into juices, jellies, and even sherbet! Various parts of the plant also have applications in traditional medicine.
Indian Jujube Fruit (Ber Fruit)
Also known as Indian Plum or Ber fruit, Indian Jujube is a tropical fruit, typically green in color. It’s a rich source of Vitamin C and can be eaten raw, pickled, or made into refreshing drinks.
Indian Mango
India’s love for mangoes is well-known, and they boast their own distinct varieties. Indian Mangoes are incredibly versatile – enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies and juices, or pureed. Interestingly, the wood from the mango tree is even used to make musical instruments like ukuleles.
Indian Peas (Khesari Dal)
The Indian Pea, also known as Khesari Dal, is a legume with blue flowers. Consumed mainly in Asia and East Africa, it’s sold as a pulse in Italy and also used to produce flour.
Indian Prune (Rukam)
This small, pinky-red fruit is native to Southeast Asia and Polynesia. A unique feature of the Indian Prune is its star-shaped stone at the center.
Indian Sherbet Berry (Falsa)
A popular fruit in India, particularly during summer, Indian Sherbet Berries are used to make refreshing drinks. Their flavor is said to resemble sherbet, and they are also believed to aid digestion.
Indian Strawberry (Mock Strawberry)
Also called Mock Strawberry or False Strawberry, Indian Strawberry is primarily used for ornamental and medicinal purposes. While its fruit is edible, it lacks the intense sweetness of true strawberries.
Indian Wild Pear (Pyrus Pashia)
Classified as a pome fruit, Indian Wild Pear resembles a russet apple in appearance. Native to Southern Asia, it offers a sweet and tangy taste. The fruit transitions from green to dark brown with yellow spots as it matures.
Indonesian Lime (Kaffir Lime)
Also known as Kaffir Lime, Indonesian Lime is characterized by its bumpy, “brain-like” outer skin. It’s a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, but also used in perfume and essential oil production due to its aromatic qualities.
Irish Moss (Sea Moss)
Irish Moss is a type of red algae found along the Atlantic coastline. While not typically eaten on its own, it has interesting applications as a thickener in dairy products like ice cream, as well as in calico printing and paper marbling.
Italian Parsley (Flat-Leaf Parsley)
Italian Parsley, or flat-leaf parsley, is a widely used herb in cooking. It can be enjoyed fresh or dried, adding a bright, herbaceous note to dishes.
Italian Red Onion (Tropea Onion)
This sweet red onion variety hails from Tropea, Italy. Italian Red Onions are known for their aromatic profile, juiciness, and sweetness compared to other onion types. They are excellent for chutneys and adding flavor to various dishes.
Italian Sweet Peppers (Pepperoncini)
Italian Sweet Peppers, sometimes called friggitello or pepperoncini, are a yellow pepper variety. They are mild and versatile, working well in salads, sandwiches, and can also be pickled or sautéed.
Italian Plum (Prune Plum)
Italian Plums, also known as Prune Plums, are sweet and have a distinctive blue-black, cloudy skin similar to blueberries. They are popular in cooking, especially for making jams and incorporating into desserts and cakes.
Ita Palm Fruit (Moriche Palm Fruit)
Ita Palm Fruit has an intriguing, checkered shell. Inside, you’ll find edible pulp and a seed. The Ita Palm thrives in swampy South American regions and its fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, used to make jams, jellies, and even alcoholic beverages.
Ivy Gourd (Kundru)
When ripe, Ivy Gourd turns a vibrant red, unlike typical pumpkins. Popular in Indian cuisine, it is often stuffed or deep-fried. Young Ivy Gourds are also used for making pickles.
Iyokan (Japanese Orange)
Iyokan is a Japanese hybrid citrus fruit resembling a mandarin orange. Interestingly, in springtime, it’s featured as a limited-edition KitKat flavor in Japan, often with good luck messages for students taking exams.
Meals Starting with I
Moving beyond individual ingredients, let’s explore some complete dishes that begin with “I.” From global comfort foods to unique culinary experiences, this section offers a taste of international flavors.
Idiyappam (String Hoppers)
Idiyappam, also known as String Hoppers, is a South Asian rice noodle dish. Popular in Malaysia as a breakfast item, it’s often served with brown sugar and coconut, offering a sweet and satisfying start to the day.
Idli
Idli are soft, oval-shaped rice flour cakes, a popular breakfast staple in South India and Sri Lanka. These savory cakes are made from fermented black bean lentils and rice, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. They are often served with sambar and chutney.
Indian Curry
Who can resist the aromatic allure of Indian Curry? This globally loved dish comes in countless regional variations, from creamy Korma and Tikka Masala to spicy Rhogan Josh and Vindaloo. Birmingham, England, is even famed for its “Balti Belt,” considered a prime destination for authentic curries, even attracting celebrities like Tom Cruise.
Instant Oatmeal
For a quick and convenient breakfast, Instant Oatmeal is a go-to option. Ready in minutes with just hot water, it’s perfect for busy mornings or office breakfasts. Its ease of preparation makes it a popular choice for a warm and simple meal.
Irish Stew
Irish Stew is a classic, hearty meal traditionally made with mutton (sheep), onions, and potatoes. While the core ingredients remain consistent, variations can include celery, carrots, turnips, swedes, parsnips, leeks, and cabbage, creating a flavorful and warming stew.
Isi Ewu (Goat Head Soup)
Isi Ewu is a traditional Nigerian soup, and it’s not for the faint of heart! Made with goat head (or sometimes spicy cow feet), it’s a bold and flavorful dish within Nigerian cuisine, showcasing unique culinary traditions.
Italian Sausage
Italian Sausage, while called “Italian Sausage” primarily in North America, is a flavorful pork sausage seasoned with fennel and often sold in rings. It’s a versatile ingredient in Italian-American cooking, adding robust flavor to pasta dishes, pizzas, and more.
Snacks Starting with I
Time for treats and bites! This section is dedicated to snacks starting with “I,” perfect for satisfying cravings and indulging in sweet and savory delights.
Ice Cream
Ice Cream, a universally loved frozen dessert, comes in an endless array of flavors. From classic vanilla and chocolate to adventurous options like licorice, pistachio, bubblegum, and skittles, the possibilities for ice cream flavors are truly limitless!
Ice Cream Cake
Ice Cream Cake is a layered frozen dessert, often featuring a sponge cake base and layers of ice cream. It’s a beloved birthday treat in America and a festive way to enjoy ice cream in a celebratory format.
Iced Gems
Iced Gems are nostalgic, bite-sized snacks consisting of colorful, hard icing pieces atop small biscuits. These sweet treats are a classic childhood favorite for many.
Icelandic Rye Bread (Rúgbrauð)
Icelandic Rye Bread, or Rúgbrauð, is a popular bakery item in Iceland. Traditionally baked in a pot, it has a dark brown color and dense texture. It’s often served with butter, toasted, or used for sandwiches, showcasing a unique bread-making tradition.
Ice Pops (Popsicles)
Ice Pops, or popsicles, are frozen ice shapes on a stick. They come in a wide range of colors and sweet or fruity flavors, providing a refreshing and cooling snack, especially during warmer months.
Icing
Icing, a sweet fondant, is used to decorate cakes and other desserts. It can range from runny glazes to solid sugar paste and can be colored to match any theme or design. Royal icing is a specific type that sets hard, perfect for decorating cookies with intricate designs.
Imarti (Jangiri)
Imarti, also known as Jangiri, is a beautiful and intricate sweet treat from India. Made by drizzling vigna mungo flour into hot fat in circular patterns, once cooked, they are soaked in sugar syrup, creating a delightful and visually appealing sweet.
Instant Noodles (Instant Ramen)
Instant Noodles, or Instant Ramen, are dehydrated pasta snacks that are incredibly popular for their convenience and affordability. Ready in just minutes with boiling water, they are a staple snack, especially favored by students.
Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread is a traditional Irish bread that uses sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) instead of yeast as a leavening agent. The simple ingredients typically include flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk, resulting in a dense and flavorful bread.
Italian Ice
Italian Ice is a sweet, semi-frozen dessert similar to sorbet. Flavored with natural or artificial flavorings, it’s a refreshing treat that is dairy-free and egg-free.
Italian Kisses (Baci)
Italian Kisses, or Baci (meaning “kisses” in Italian), are a beloved Italian confection. They consist of a hazelnut surrounded by chocolate ganache and coated in chocolate, often containing a love note inside the wrapper.
Drinks Starting with I
To round out our list, let’s explore beverages that start with “I.” From refreshing and caffeinated to creamy and alcoholic, this section covers a range of “I”-starting drinks.
Ice Cream Soda
Ice Cream Soda is a fun, non-alcoholic beverage typically made with fizzy soda and a scoop of ice cream. As the ice cream melts, it creates a creamy foam on top of the drink, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Iced Coffee
Iced Coffee is a refreshing and caffeinating drink, perfect for hot weather. Espresso is poured over ice and topped with cold milk. Flavor syrups like vanilla or caramel can be added for extra sweetness and flavor variations.
Iced Tea
Iced Tea is a classic beverage enjoyed for decades. Tea is brewed and then poured over ice, typically served without milk. It’s a cool and refreshing drink, ideal for summer days.
Instant Coffee
Instant Coffee is made from dehydrated coffee granules. It’s rehydrated with boiling water, and milk and sugar can be added to taste. Its convenience makes it a widely consumed coffee option globally.
Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a warming alcoholic beverage made with whiskey, hot coffee, and sugar, topped with a layer of cream. Despite its name, it’s believed to have originated in Vienna or Germany, not Ireland.
Irish Cream
Irish Cream is a smooth, creamy alcoholic liqueur. It comes in various flavors, including original, orange, coffee, and chocolate, offering a sweet and indulgent taste.
Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey is a whiskey traditionally produced in Ireland. It’s an amber-colored liquor, and the word “whiskey” itself comes from the Gaelic phrase “uisce beatha,” meaning “water of life.”
60+ Fantastic Foods Starting With I: A Culinary Letter Adventure
Who knew there were so many incredible foods that begin with the letter “I”? From everyday ingredients to exotic fruits and globally inspired dishes, this list showcases the amazing diversity of food. Hopefully, you’ve expanded your food knowledge and are ready to impress in your next food trivia challenge! Ready for another letter? Why not explore foods that start with “J” next?
