60 Surprising Foods That Start With L: 2023 Edition!

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If you’re looking for a list of foods that start with L, then this is the list for you. I’ve included a list of fruits, vegetables, and other popular food items to boost your knowledge today!

Before you go any further see how many foods you can list that begin with the letter L.

Why not let me know in the comments below if I’ve missed any?

Here are 60 foods starting with an L!

Get stuck in and enjoy this list of foods so you can impress all your friends on the next quiz night. You may recognise the fruit and vegetables but keep reading to find some extra bonus foods!

Whole foods that start with L

From citrus fruit to tropical fruits, and lots of veggies in between, they all have great health benefits and high nutritional value so they’re definitely worth getting into your diet.

Just think what they could do for your immune system!

Lablab Fruit

Although purple on the outside, the seeds inside can be white, brown, red, or black.

They are also known as the hyacinth bean, this fruit has to be boiled thoroughly to avoid toxicity when consumed.

The species name is Lablab purpureus.

Lacinato Kale

You may also recognize this vegetable by the name cavolo nero. It has been used in Italian and Tuscan cuisine for centuries.
This leafy green vegetable has also been called dinosaur kale.

The scientific name is Brassica oleracea var. Palmifolia.

Lagos Bologi

Also known as waterleaf, this herbaceous perennial plant produces pink flowers and is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, West Africa, and Central and South America.

The species name is Talinum fruticosum.

Lakota Squash

This squash has an orange skin with dark green stripes up the side of it. This variety took over a century to evolve and is a close relative to the pumpkin.

The species’ name is Cucurbita maxima ‘Lakota’.

Lamb’s Lettuce

Lamb’s lettuce, is also called cornsalad, and is part of the honeysuckle family. This leafy vegetable has a strong nutty flavor similar to cress.

The scientific name is Valerianella locusta.

Landang

Landang is a type of tapioca and is used commonly in Filipino cooking. It comes from the Buri tree, which sadly only flowers once in its life before it dies.

The species’ name is Corypha.

Land Cress

This biennial herb has been cultivated in England since the 17th Century. It doesn’t need as much water as watercress and is used in salads or cooked like spinach.

The species’ name is Barbarea verna.

Langsat Fruit

This fruit has a beige shell and a clear-white seed inside. They can be eaten raw or bottled into syrup.

They are produced mainly in Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The scientific name is Lansium parasiticum.

Laver

Laver is an edible seaweed, which is consumed mainly in Wales. It is high in both iron and iodine, which gives it a similar taste to oysters and olives.

The scientific name is Porphyra umbilicalis.

Lawyer’s Wig Mushroom

Well you’ll find it does actually look a bit like a lawyer’s wig. Also known as Shaggy Mane, it commonly grows on lawns and along gravel roads.

They are the perfect breakfast mushroom and are best eaten straight after picking.

The scientific name is Coprinus comatus.

Lebanese Wild Apple

These fruits come from a white flowering tree. The fruit blooms in April or May, and in Lebanon, they grow in the mountains with heights of up to 4,900 ft.

The species’ name is Malus trilobata.

Leek

Leeks are related to the onion, scallion, shallot, and garlic plants. They can be eaten on their own or in soups, stews, and pies.

The scientific name is Allium ampeloprasum.

Legumes

If you dry out a legume it turns into a pulse. Pulse cultivation dates back to 3300 BCE! Legumes are not only for human consumption but can be used in oil production too.

The species’ name is Fabaceae.

Lemon

The evergreen trees that grow lemons are native to Asia. It is a popular fruit flavoring, and the pulp, rind, and juice are all used in cooking. They are super sour in taste with an acidic PH level.

The species’ name is Citrus limon.

Lemonadeberry

The lemonade berry is native to Southern California. Becareful most of the plants in this species are considered toxic, although apparently some can be used to make lemonade-flavored drinks.

The scientific name is Rhus integrifolia.

Lemon Aspen Fruit

This fruit is rich in antioxidants, and tastes a bit like grapefruit or lime. It is commonly used to make drinks, confectionary, and fruit sauces and is native to Queensland in Australia.

The species name is Acronychia acidula.

Lemon Drop Mangosteen

A fruit produced mainly in Central and South America. They have a lemon-like shape, and skin is rough and yellow while there is a white stone in the middle.

It tastes similar to a lemon but it’s not as sour. The species’ name is Garcinia madruno.

Lemon Drop Melon

The lemon drop melon is a hybrid developed from the Galia melon. It has similar-looking netted skin and green flesh inside.

It was developed to contain less sugar, but be sourer in taste than the original melon.

The scientific name is Cucumis melo.

Lemon Drop Pepper

This is a lemon-tasting pepper from Peru which is a hot one. It grows up to 60mm in length and 12mm wide.

If you like hot ones, the lemon drop is 30-50,000 on the Scoville scale – you might need a glass of water on standby (or should that be milk?)

The species’ name is Capsicum baccatum ‘Lemon drop’.

Lemon grass

This herb is also known as citronella grass or barbed wire grass. It can grow up to 2 meters in length. It can be cooked and brewed in tea to boost immunity. It is also used in perfumes.

The scientific name is Cymbopogon.

Lengkuas

This is an edible root native to Southeast Asia. This ingredient is commonly used in Thai soups and is either left in chunks or mashed into a curry paste.

The scientific name is Alpinia galanga.

Lentils

Who doesn’t love a lentil! They are a staple food on the Indian subcontinent and are a great source of veggie protein.

Lentils are self-pollinating. Did you know? In 2020 global production was at 6.5 million tonnes!

The species’ name is Lens culinaris.

Lesser Galangal

This plant is related to the ginger plant family and is also an edible root. They are used throughout Asia in curries, perfumes, and also used as herbal remedies.

The scientific name is Alpinia officinarum.

Lettuce

Who hasn’t eaten lettuce? This popular leaf is perfect for salads, and sandwiches. You can even use lettuce as a wrap like in our Korean lettuce wrap recipe.

It is rich in vitamins A and K and there are lots of varieties. They were first cultivated in Ancient Egypt.

The species’ name is Lactuca sativa.

Liberty Apple

The Liberty apple, as you might have guessed, was developed in New York.

It’s deep red in color but has yellow flesh and it’s both juicy and crisp.

Likok

A small, green vegetable, the Likok comes from the tomato branch of the nightshade family. They have a bitter taste but are great at thickening soups in particular.

The species’ name is Solanum aethiopicum.

Lilly Pilly Fruit

These little purple berries are also called bush food and originate from Australia.

A good source of nutrition for Aboriginal Australians, they can be eaten fresh or dried like raisins.

The species’ name is Syzygium smithii.

Lima Bean

More commonly called butter beans, lima beans are a good source of both dietary fiber and protein. They are not only rich in potassium, but also calcium, and vitamin B-6.

The scientific name is Phaseolus lunatus.

Lime

Limes are green and rounder in shape than a lemon. They are rich in vitamin C and sour in taste. You can use lime juice or zest in cooking or making drinks.

There are several varieties including Key Lime and Persian Lime. A popular dessert is key lime pie.

There are several species however most limes originate from Citrus medica.

SPOILER ALERT: they also stop scurvy in Return to Monkey Island

Limeberry Fruit

The fruit from this evergreen shrub is dark red in color. Limeberries are native to Indonesia and the Philippines and they are often used as a bonsai plant.

This tree loves hot climates and has to be kept in a greenhouse even in hot countries. The fruit is edible and can also be found in the Caribbean and Florida.

The species’ name is Triphasia trifolia.

Limequat

The limequat is a hybrid fruit of a Key lime crossed with a kumquat. They are bitter like limes but the skin can be sweet tasting.

They are used in making cocktails and fruit salads, and can withstand colder climates than a lime, but less so than a kumquat.

One of the main species is Citrus japonica × Citrus aurantiifolia.

Lingonberry

This fruit has different names including the cowberry. They are quite bitter in taste but if left on the plant through winter they eventually sweeten.

They can be made into jam but are also used to make a sauce which is eaten in Norway and Finland with elk and reindeer steaks (don’t tell Rudolph!).

The species’ name is Vaccinium vitis-idaea.

Little Gooseberry

Don’t confuse this fruit with the common gooseberry, these little edible fruits are purple-black in color.

They are also known as Sparrow’s Mango.

The species’ name is Buchanania arborescens.

Lobster Mushrooms

Ok, so this is a bit of a cheat entry, but hear me out. The lobster mushroom gets its name from the parasite that attacks certain species of mushrooms turning them a lobster red.

The mushrooms that are attacked have a seafood-like flavor and can often be found in the grocery store.

The species’ name is Hypomyces lactifluorum.

Loganberry Fruit

This fruit is a mix between the North American blackberry, and the European raspberry, and it’s dark red in color.

It originated in California and derived its name from Judge Logan who developed this cultivar.

The species’ name is Rubus × loganobaccus.

Lollo Rossa

Lollo Rossa is a dark red variety of lettuce. The leaves are frilly, and the redness gives a great pop of color to salads and sandwiches.

The species’ name is Lactuca sativa.

Longan

Longans are fruit from a tropical tree that are part of the same family that produces lychee fruit.

Originating in Myanmar, they are also found in countries such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The species name is Dimocarpus longan.

Long‑peduncled almond

This is a seed that is native to China, Mongolia, and parts of Siberia. The tree likes cold environments and the almonds are used for oil production.

The species name is Prunus pedunculata.

Loquat

Common in both China and Japan, the loquat fruit has now naturalized in many countries.

They are high in sugar and pectin and used for making jam, jelly, and smoothies among other things.

The species’ name is Eriobotrya japonica.

Loroco

Loroco is an edible flower that is a key food item in countries like Guatemala and El Salvador, and they’re used for a variety of cooking purposes.

The species name is Fernaldia pandurata.

Lotus Root

The edible root of the lotus flower is consumed in Asian cuisine. They can be eaten fresh, or frozen, and canned. The texture is similar to raw potatoes and a distinctive taste.

The scientific name is Nelumbo nucifera.

Lovi-Lovi

Also called lobi-lobi, the lovi-lovi fruit is also known as the batoko plum and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is generally used to make jams and syrups.

The fruit is crunchy and has a sour taste. They grow in bunches like cherries.

The species’ name is Flacourtia inermis.

Low Juneberry

The pomes from this plant can be eaten raw or cooked. They are native to North America but are seen as an invasive species in Scandinavia.

They were originally called the pigeon berry.

Its scientific name is Amelanchier spicata.

Low Serviceberry

Similar to the juneberry, the low serviceberry is dark in color. They have a sweet taste and are said to have a slight apple flavor – that sounds yummy.

They are native to central Canada.

The species’ name is Amelanchier humilis.

Lúcuma

Lucuma fruit is an edible fruit. They are bright yellow in colour and have a unique flavor which is very sweet. They originate from South American countries such as Peru and Bolivia.

They are commonly used to flavour juice, milkshakes, and ice cream.

The species name is Pouteria lucuma.

Luffa

Luffa can also be spelt loofah. They are a similar size to the marrow and need to be harvested young to be edible.

They are generally eaten in India, China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

The species’ name is Luffa aegyptiaca.

Luóhàn Guǒ

This fruit is from Southern China, and is related to the gourd (pumpkin) family. The extract from this fruit is used as a low-calorie sweetener for drinks.

It is also used in Chinese herbal medicine but has to be dried out first.

The species name is Siraitia grosvenorii.

Lupin Beans

Also called lupini beans, these beans are traditionally pickled and then eaten as a healthy snack in the Mediterranean basin, Latin and North America.

Sometimes they are eaten without the skin as they’re high in protein.

One species’ name is L. albus.

Lychee Fruit

Lychee fruit has a pink shell, which is spikey in texture. The flesh inside is smooth and white in colour. Lychees have a fragrant (soapy) taste, and a stone in the middle.

They are 82% water and the main producers are China, followed by Vietnam, and India.

The species’ name is Litchi chinensis.

Processed foods

Here are some different foods that start with L. They are a combination of meat, fish, pasta and other sweet treats to excite your hunger for knowledge.

Lady finger

Lady fingers are made from a hard sponge and topped with granulated sugar. Unsurprisingly, they are also loosely shaped like a finger.

They are often used in desserts like trifle or tiramisu as they soften when they are soaked in a liquid.

Lamb chops

Lamb meat is popular, especially in a British roast dinner. The meat is referred to as lamb when the sheep is 1 year old or less.

It is more expensive than mutton and has a milder taste. Lamb chops are a favored cut and are on the bone.

Langoustine

Also called scampi, the langoustine is a slim lobster and it can grow up to 10 inches in length. They live commonly in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

In the UK scampi is breaded and served with chips in fish and chip shops.

Lasagne

Lasagne? Or lasagna? Tomato, tomato! This is the name of an Italian dish but also the name of pasta used to make it. Lasange is a main course that’s made from layers of pasta.

It is commonly made with minced beef in tomato sauce and white bechamel sauce. It can also be made with soy mince or vegetables for vegetarians.

Latte

This is a popular coffee drink that is made of espresso and frothed milk. It has a higher percentage of milk and so isn’t as strong as a cappuccino or americano, for example.

You can add syrups to make lots of different flavors including vanilla, hazelnut, caramel and festive gingerbread.

Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen are honey-sweetened and sometimes lightly spiced cookies. They are often covered in chocolate or glacé icing and are similar to gingerbread.

They originated in Germany in the 13th century.

Lemon Drizzle Cake

This is a classic zingy sponge cake made with lemon juice and topped with a crunchy sugar glaze. It has a lemony but sweet flavor and goes great with a cup of tea.

Lemon Sole

Native to the seas of Northern Europe the lemon sole is a popular consumable fish. It is a flatfish that is brownish-red in color.

Funnily enough, it doesn’t actually taste of lemons!

Lentil Chips

Lentil chips are fried snacks made from lentils, similar to tortilla chips. They most commonly come lightly salted in flavour and are crispy.

Linguine

The second type of pasta on our list, linguine is elliptical in shape not flat like tagliatelle or round like spaghetti.

It translates into English as ‘little tongues’.

Liver

The liver of an animal, fowl, or fish have been eaten by humans for centuries and is also called offal. It is particularly rich in iron, copper, and B vitamins.

Traditionally in England’s liver is eaten with onions, and in Hawaii, pig liver is eaten on New Year’s Eve.

I hope you loved reading this list as much as I did! Did you learn any new foods? Let me know down in the comments below.

We also have separate lists of fruits that start with L and vegetables that start with L if you need even more food words power!

The best way to learn these lists is definitely repetition I think, so don’t worry if you can’t remember it all right away.