70 Surprising Foods That Start With F (2023 Edition!)

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Here’s a fun game for a long car journey, see if you can name all the foods that start with F! Take this fascinating collection of sweet and savory F foods as a head start to give you food for thought.

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!

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 is a mushroom native to North America and Europe. They are sweet in taste, and 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

This seems to be a Marmite plant. It is cultivated in some parts of the world, whereas it’s considered a weed elsewhere. 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 quinoa.

Its species name is Chenopodium album.

Fava Bean

Fava beans are also known as broad beans. They are shelled before being steamed or boiled and have been part of the diet in the Mediterranean region since 6000 BCE.

The species’ name is Vicia faba.

Feher Ozon Pepper

This is a paprika pepper variety which is native to Hungary. They emmit a mild heat and can be roasted, fried, stuffed and dried to make paprika powder.

They are part of the Capsicum annuum family.

Fennel Plant

Fennel is a flowering plant that is actually part of the carrot family. It has long feathery leaves that are a bright green color. Fennel seeds are a popular spice with a strong aniseed flavor.

Its species name is Foeniculum vulgare.

Fenugreek

The fenugreek seeds and 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. If not cooked fully they can be toxic. They are predominantly consumed in Asian, Indian, North American, Maori, and Nepali cuisine.

One species’ name is Pteridium aquilinum.

Field Blewit

Well this is an odd name, isn’t it? They are a variety of wild mushroom which grows commonly across Britain and Ireland. They are 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 eaten by both human and stockfield. 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 flower looks very similar to a dandelion. 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, they begin as a blue-purple colour which ripens intoa deep red colour. As they ripen they lose their heat so for a hot pepper it is 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. They are great for dipping and 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 are 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

This is a small variety of pepper that produces chilis from light green all the way through to deep red in color. They are hot pepper that originated in the Caribbean.

The scientific name is Capsicum annuum.

Flat Beans

Flat beans are a close relative of runner beans, however, they are flatter and less stringy.

They can be eaten raw, are a great addition to coleslaw and salads, and 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 an unusual look as it appears squashed. 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 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 grown from flax seeds, similar to cress. They are rich in omega-3s and proteins. They are easy to grow and home and easy to add to your diet.

The species name is Linum Usitatissimum.

Flint Corn

There are various types of maize and this 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 vegetable grows mainly in West African countries. The seeds can be boiled or eaten whole and if ground into flour they can be put into 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 going into lots of familiar dishes they can also be 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 unlike wild purslane, so it’s 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 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 is good at tolerating most weather 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 Italian chili pepper, which is called pepperoncini in the United States. It is mild in taste 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 is part of the chicory family. It has a spikey-looking leaf that is slightly bitter 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 melon shaped, but has yellow skin. It has orange flesh which is in an unusual flowery shape you’d see this if you cut and intersection.

It is really sweet to the taste and has a crisp texture.

Fairchild Tangerine Fruit

This sweet fruit is a cross between clementine mandarin and Orlando tangelos. As citrus fruits go they are 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 which has a gummy pulp inside. 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 snacked on 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 and is native to South America. It is not often eaten and 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 can mainly be 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 named after the farmer Michael Fascell. Its flesh is sweet and fiberless and it often appears heart-shaped.

The species name is Mangifera indica ‘Fascell’.

Fazli Mango

This variety of mango is grown mainly in Bangladesh and is quite large in size. It can weigh up to one kilo and they even have a giant statue of fazli mangoes on a roundabout in Rajshahi.

The species name is Mangifera indica ‘Fazli’.

Fe’i Bananas

Although similar to regular bananas, you would be forgiven for thinking 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

Native to the highlands in South America this fruit is similar to guava. It is sweet in taste and has a flavour of pineapple, apple and mint – 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 taste sour and are used in confectionery and jams.

The species name is Syzygium fibrosum.

Field Cucumbers

Field cucumbers are exactly what they sound like, cucumbers that are grown in a field (as opposed to a greenhouse).

They are shorter in length than greenhouse cucumbers but larger in diameter. Although they have seeds and thicker skin.

The scientific name is Cucumis sativus.

Fig

The fig tree is ornamental, and the fruit has been used since ancient times. Fresh figs can be eaten raw or dried and placed into jams, cakes, and biscuits.

The species name is Ficus carica.

Finger Lime

This is found in Australia and is 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 big beefsteak tomato variety which is a rich red colour and is ribbed in shape. Although firm, it has a sweet flesh.

Its species name is Lycopersicon esculentum.

Five-leaved Bramble Berry

This is a species of raspberry found mainly in Asia and North America. It 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 and reach up to 20 feet in height. It is found across the United States and 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 Italian Renaissance gardens.

Its species name is Citrus × limonimedica.

Florentine Crabapple

This tree is native to Italy. Found centuries ago in the Rennaissance gardens it 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. It is found mainly in South America and is used in jams predominantly.

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 southern Mexico. It gets its name from the seeds germinating around the base of a host tree.

The fig fruit is edible but is also used for other commercial items such as dye.

The species name is Ficus aurea.

Fony Baobab Fruit

This is a deciduous tree that is indigenous to Madagascar. The 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. They are the small common type you may find 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 ‘foxy’ in the fox grape relates to the foxy musk aroma that comes from the fruit, which is earthy and sweet. The skin slips off when the fruit is squeezed 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 from Fujisaki in 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

This cherry tree is found in Japan and gets its name as it grows mainly around Mount Fuji.

The species name is Prunus incisa.

Fukushu Kumquat

This plant originated in 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 fruit are yellow-orange in colour and slightly squat in shape. They harvest in mid-winter and have a sweet taste similar to cinnamon, pears, dates and brown sugar.

The species name is Diospyros kaki ‘Fuyu’.

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!