What are the list of fruits that are berries? This page will give you a list of berry fruit and berries. Berries are juicy fleshy fruit with seeds held inside a saclike membrane. A berry contains many seeds. Examples of common berries include cherries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blackberries. there are many other types of fruits that can also be considered berries. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular fruits that are berries around the world.
Different Types of Berries (and Why You Should Be Eating Each and Every One of Them)
You’re no stranger to blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. But there are tons of berry species you won’t find on grocery store shelves. If you go by the botanical meaning—that a berry is a pit-free, fleshy fruit produced from a single flower containing one ovary—everything from bananas to chili peppers to watermelons falls under that definition. So, with a meaning that broad, what is a berry, really? Colloquially, we tend to use the word “berry” for nutrient-rich, juicy, round, soft-fleshed fruits. They generally contain seeds, plus a slew of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can boost your memory, reduce inflammation and more. Here are 25 types of berries to use in baked goods, jams, smoothies and beyond.
How Many Types Of Berries Are There?
Despite the slim pickings at the supermarket, there are dozens upon dozens of different berry species in the world. (More than 400 of them, to be exact.) They range in size, color, flavor and utility, plus come from all over the world. While many of them are safe to eat, some wild berries contain toxic compounds that could cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping or even death. So be sure to do research on the berries you’d like to nosh on before eating them. (However, if you buy them at the grocery store or farmers market, it’s safe to assume they’re OK to eat.)
What Are The Healthiest Berries?
It’s tough to say if any are objectively healthier than others. Most berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Their superpowers differ (for instance, strawberries are teeming with vitamin C, while blackberries boast more than 7 grams of fiber per serving), but none of them are unhealthy. Studies show that berries in general can help control blood sugar, support eye and heart health, reduce inflammation and even protect against Alzheimer’s.
1. Strawberry
Scientific name: Fragaria x ananassa
Taste: sweet, juicy, slightly acidic
Health benefits: Bring on the antioxidant, polyphenol and anti-inflammatory perks. Due to their abundant flavonoids (which are natural compounds found in plants that protect the body against everyday toxins), eating strawberries on the regular may help curb cognitive decline. You can eat more than just the berry, too: Strawberry tops (aka the leaves) have been proven to aid gastrointestinal discomfort and joint pain. Try infusing water or vinegar with strawberry leaves, tossing them in a smoothie or steeping them in boiled water to make tea.
Recipes: Overnight Oats with Chocolate and Strawberries, Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Strawberries, Strawberry Pie with Strawberry Crust
2. Blueberry
Scientific name: Cyanococcus
Taste: sweet, floral, sometimes sour
Health benefits: Blueberries are loaded with heart-healthy potassium, folate, fiber and vitamin C. Like strawberries, blueberries boast plenty of memory-boosting antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that they might delay cognitive aging as well, thanks to their high flavonoid levels.
Recipes: Blueberry-Ginger Smoothie, Skillet Blueberry Cornbread, Grilled Angel Food Cake with Blueberry Sauce
3. Raspberry
Scientific name: Rubus idaeus
Taste: tart-sweet
Health benefits: Not only do raspberries have 8 grams of fiber per serving, but they’re packed with diverse antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Research shows that they can help better manage type-2 diabetes and obesity. Their leaves are also loaded with healing properties that have been used to reduce pregnancy side effects for centuries, including nausea and vomiting. Red raspberry leaf tea is touted to strengthen the uterus, shorten labor, reduce complications and prevent postpartum bleeding.
Recipes: Sourdough with Whipped Cottage Cheese and Raspberry Chia Jam, Raspberry Soufflé, Raspberry Prosecco Ice Pops
4. Blackberry
Scientific name: Rubus
Taste: tart-sweet, sometimes sour
Health benefits: One cup of blackberries contains about 2 grams of protein and an impressive 8 grams of fiber. Each serving also boasts half your daily recommended amount of vitamin C, as well as antioxidants and brain-boosting polyphenols.
Recipes: Blackberry-Peach Grilled Cheese, Berry Galette, Blackberry Plum Upside-Down Cake
5. Cranberry
Scientific name: Vaccinium subgenus Oxycoccus
Taste: tart, bitter
Health benefits: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of raw cranberries is reported to boost the health of the urinary tract, digestive system and immune system. They could also potentially reduce your risk of cancer, ulcers and degenerative diseases rooted in cell damage.
Recipes: 5-Ingredient Red-Wine Cranberry Sauce, Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pomegranate, Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken
6. Boysenberry
Scientific name: Rubus ursinus x Rubus idaeus
Taste: sweet, tangy, floral
Health benefits: Boysenberries—a cross between a raspberry, blackberry, dewberry and loganberry—are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals. Research shows that they can help lower blood pressure and aid in preventing fat absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Since they have lots of antioxidants like other berries, boysenberries can help you maintain a healthy brain and protect against cognitive aging, cell damage and Alzheimer’s.
Recipes: Boysenberry Jelly, Boysenberry Pie, Boysenberry Cheesecake
7. Lingonberry
Scientific name: Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Taste: sour, slightly sweet
Health benefits: Like most berries, lingonberries are high in antioxidants, flavonoids and anti-inflammatory agents. One serving packs a whopping 139 percent of your daily recommended manganese, a mineral that helps the body form connective tissue, bones and hormones. Lingonberries may also aid in gut, eye and heart health, promote healthy blood sugar levels and help with weight control.
Recipes: Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Sauce, Lingonberry Jam, Fried Herring with Lingonberries
8. Elderberry
Scientific name: Sambucus
Taste: tart-sweet, earthy, bright
Health benefits: Elderberries, which grow on the same tree as elderflowers, are most beloved for their immune-boosting properties. Elderberry syrup, tea and supplements are purported to shorten colds and reduce the respiratory symptoms that come with them. They’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A and C and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, iron and copper, so it’s no surprise they’ve been used as medicine for centuries.
Recipes: Elderberry Syrup, Elderberry Jam, Elderberry-Almond Pie
9. Huckleberry/bilberry
Scientific name: Vaccinium
Taste: sour, bitter, sweet
Health benefits: Huckleberries are similar to blueberries in appearance but contain less sugar, and hence have a bitterer flavor. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins A, B and C, antioxidants and iron. Huckleberries are also known for their ability to lower cholesterol and protect the body against heart disease, varicose veins, glaucoma and muscular degeneration.
Recipes: Huckleberry Fig Shrub, Grilled Salmon with Huckleberry Relish, Lemon Huckleberry Tea Cake
10. Goji Berry/wolfberry
Scientific name: Lycium barbarum
Taste: bittersweet when raw; tart-sweet and slightly bitter when dried
Health benefits: Hailing from Asia, goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese medicine since at least the third century. They’re most commonly sold dried in the U.S. and used as a health food, due to their containing 19 amino acids. Goji berries also have a ton of iron, zinc, calcium and antioxidants.
Recipes: Green Smoothie Bowl, Seeds and Goji Berry Granola, Roasted Butternut and Goji Berry Superfood Salad
List of Different Kinds of Berries
Are you looking for a list of different kinds of berries? This article will provide just that.
What Are Berries?
Berries are far more than just the berries you know – strawberries or blueberries, for example. Making a list of different kinds of berries can include any berry that meets the botanical definition of the term, as well as fruits that are commonly referred to as berries which don’t meet the classification. The botanical definition of a berry is any fruit that is produced from a single ovary. This group includes some fruits that are traditionally thought of as berries, and many other fleshy fruits.
Surprisingly, blueberries and cranberries, commonly known berries, are actually something classified botanically as “false berries”. This is because the fruit is formed not only from the ovary, but also from other parts of the flower. Strawberries and raspberries also don’t actually meet the botanical classification of a berry either, because they are formed from other parts of the flowers. As such, these “berries” fall into other classifications like drupes and aggregate fruits.
List of Different Kinds of Berries
Keeping the above definitions in mind, the following lists classify berries that meet the botanical definition, as well as other types of foods we refer to as berries. Unless indicated otherwise, all of the berries and fruits in the list of different kinds of berries are edible.
True Berries
True berries are fruits that meet the true, botanical classification of the word “berry”.
- Grapes
- Elderberry
- Currant
- Barberry
- Honeysuckle (some of these berries are edible and others are poisonous)
- Oregon grape
- Nannyberry
- Gooseberry
- Mayapple
- Sea buckthorne
- Black currant
- Red currant
- Wild rose
- Rose hips
- Citrus fruits (although these are referred to as “juicy berries” or “modified berries”)
Drupes
These berries are actually drupes. A drupe is a fleshy fruit with a small stone – commonly referred to as “stone fruits.” They do not meet the botanical classification of berry; however, they are commonly thought of as berries:
- Acai
- Hackberry
- Sugarberry
- Persimmon
- Barbados cherry
- Acerola
- Indian plum
- West Indian cherry
- Goji berries
Epignyous Fruits
A number of this type of fruit are called a berry while not meeting the botanical definition.
- Ligonberry
- Cranberry
- Bearberry
- Crowberry
- Blueberry
- Berries from the strawberry tree (not the same as actual strawberries)
- Huckleberries
- Bilberry
- Whortleberry
- Juniper berries
- Cowberry
- Foxberry
- Mountain cranberry
- Red chokeberry
- Black chokeberry
- Purple chokeberry
Compound Fruits
The berries in this classification contain multiple fruit seeds:
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Blackberry
- Dewberry
- Salmonberry
- Bayberry
- Boysenberry
- Mulberry
- Cloudberry
- Chehalem berry
- Loganberry
- Thimbleberry
- Wineberry
- Youngberry
- Ollalieberry (a cross between loganberries and youngberries)
- Juneberries
- Saskaton berries
- Service berry
- Shade berry
- Marionberry (a cross between olallieberries and chealem berries)
- Tayberries (a cross between blackberries and raspberries)
Poisonous Berries
Botanical classifications aside, there are some berries that are poisonous. Below is a list of berries that range from mildly poisonous (causing gastric upset) to extremely poisonous (they can kill you.)
- Holly berries – hard, bright red berries, that grow on a holly plant
- European holly berries – grown on holly plants that have white flowers and red berries
- Yew berries – bright red berries with a hard green stone in the center that grown on an evergreen stub
- Privet berries – purple or blackberries that grow on flowering shrub like bushes
- Pokeberry – also known as pokeweed, and poke, these purple berries grow on plants with a greenish white flower
- Daphne berries – these berries grown on sweet smelling daphne plants with green or pink flowers that grow in small clusters
- Elderberry – while elderberrys can be bluish red, red or blackberries with cream colored flowers. Only the bright red elderberries are poisonous. The purple elderberries are used medicinally and in food products. The roots, stems and leaves of the elderberries, are used medicinally and must be used correctly, so please use caution.
- Jerusalem cherry – berries with an appearance that is similar to a cherry tomato
- Actea Pachypoda – also known as doll’s eyes because their appearance is similar to a doll’s eye. The white berries have a black dot in them. The plant has white flowers.
- Ivy berries – small, dark purple to black colored berries that grow on a tall creeping ivy plant
- Mistletoe berries – small, hard, red berries found on mistletoe
- Baneberry – small, shiny, hard red or white berries common to the Pacific Northwest
- Red nightshade – red berries that grow on a weedy plant
- Green nightshade – green berries that grow on a weedy plant
As you can see, there are a number of types of berries – both true berries and those fruits that are commonly thought of as berries, but aren’t. With the exception of the poisonous fruits listed above, berries can be a healthy and delicious part of your diet.
Types of Berries: List of Berries With Their Picture and Name
There are many types of berries which are extremely tasty and have many uses. Many berry varieties are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Some of the healthiest types of berries are blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. There are also some exotic types of berries such as goji and acai berries that are praised for their health benefits.
What Fruits Are Berries?
We usually think of a berry as any type of small, pulpy, edible fruit without a stone or pit. However, by definition in botanical terms, a berry is “a simple fruit with seeds and pulp produced from a single ovary of a single flower.” This means that botanically, grapes, cucumbers, tomatoes, oranges, watermelons, pumpkins, and even bananas can be also classed as berries.
However, according to the definition of a “true” type of berry, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries technically aren’t berries.
Because most people think of berries as small, pulpy, edible fruits without a stone or pit, we will refer to them as such in this article. That means that the list of berries in this article is based on the definition given to berries in the culinary world rather than the botanical definition.
Types of Berries (With Picture and Common Name) – Identification Guide
Let’s look in more detail at some of the most popular types of berries you should try to include in your diet.
Cranberries
Cranberries are a sour-tasting type of red berry that are rich in vitamin C and are packed with fiber and antioxidants.
In the wild, cranberries grow on vines near ground level in bogs. Cranberry fruits are used to produce juice, jams, and are also sold as dried berries. Because cranberries have a very tart taste, cranberry products often contain added sugar.
Being a red berry, cranberries are rich in antioxidants such as flavanones, anthocyanins, and flavanols.
One of the most common uses of consuming cranberry juice is to help prevent urinary tract infections. It seems that cranberries have a mild antibacterial effect and may help to address issues with the urinary system.
Blueberry
Blueberries are usually top on the list of dark-colored berries because of their juicy flesh and sweet taste.
As with most dark berries such as blackberries, blueberries contain a lot of vitamins and antioxidants. Studies have shown that anthocyanins (the pigment that gives berries its color) in blueberries help promote good eye health. Blueberries are also low in fat and high in fiber as well as vitamins C and K.
Studies have also shown that dark berry fruits such as blueberries and blackberries have a good effect on cardiovascular health. One of the reasons why eating blueberries is good for you is that they help lower cholesterol.
Huckleberry
You could easily mistake huckleberries for blueberries as they look very similar. In fact, in some countries, they are called the European blueberry and are also referred to as bilberries.
Huckleberries are a type of wild berry that is rarely cultivated.
The notable difference between blueberries and huckleberries is the seeds. Compared to blueberries, huckleberries also have less sugar and, therefore, fewer carbs. However, just like most types of dark berries, huckleberries are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
You can use huckleberries in your diet in place of blueberries if you are looking to reduce your carb intake.
Chokeberries
Chokeberry (Aronia berry) is a type of sour berry that looks similar to blueberries but has a darker, almost black color.
The reason why chokeberries are one of the bitter-tasting berries is due to their high levels of tannins. Eating a few of these dark types of berries can leave your mouth feeling dry and bitter.
Because of their astringent taste, most people don’t eat fresh chokeberries. Rather, they use them to make jams, teas, syrups or put into baked goods.
Although chokeberries are a type of black-colored berry, you can also get red chokeberries.
According to some studies, chokeberries could be one of the healthiest berries for improving cardiovascular health. The antioxidants in these dark berries help reduce inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
If you find chokeberries too bitter to eat, then you can buy chokeberry extracts in the form of powder.
Elderberry
Elderberry is another berry on the list of dark berries that are healthy for you. However, unlike many of the other healthy berries, these tiny black fruits shouldn’t be eaten raw.
Elderberries may be among some of the healthiest berries to consume. Elderberries are rich in vitamins C and A and are a good source of healthy minerals.
To incorporate these small dark berries into your diet, you can make elderberry tea or syrup. In fact, there is some evidence that elderberry syrup can help treat colds and other upper respiratory infections.
Similar to the health benefits of other dark berries, the anthocyanins in elderberry are good for your heart health and can help boost your immune system.
Gooseberry
Gooseberries are a type of sour berry that grows on small bushes and are usually a green type of berry.
Even though gooseberries may be among the sourest berries you can eat, they are still not as sharp and tangy as lemons. There are also varieties of gooseberry bushes that produce red, purple, yellow, and white berry fruits.
Some types of gooseberry (botanically a currant) have been crossed with black currants to produce a dark berry called jostaberries.
As with most edible berries, gooseberries contain fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients. Various gooseberry cultivars are also a good source of antioxidants, although darker varieties of gooseberries typically have higher levels of anthocyanins.
Lingonberry
Another type of red berry is the lingonberry which has a bitter taste and grows on small bushes.
Because of their tart taste, these small red berries are often used to make jams, syrups, compotes, or added to smoothies. Their rich vitamin C content and trace minerals can help to improve the nutritional content of many foods.
To enjoy its health benefits, you should consume fresh lingonberries rather than powdered supplements. Studies have shown that the fiber content in lingonberries helps prevent blood sugar spikes. However, lingonberry supplements didn’t have the same positive effect.
