Looking for fruits that start with M? This handy alphabet food guide covers the familiar ones you will spot in UK supermarkets, along with a few unusual fruits you may only find in specialist grocers, world food shops or on holiday.

From sweet mango and juicy melon to medlar, mulberry and mangosteen, there are more M fruits than you might expect. Some are brilliant for lunchboxes, some work well in puddings, and a few are worth knowing about simply because they are so unusual.

Fruits That Start With M: Quick List

Here is a quick look at some of the best-known fruits beginning with M.

Common Fruits That Start With M

Mango

Mango is probably the first fruit that comes to mind when people search for fruits that start with M. It has soft orange flesh, a large flat stone and a sweet tropical flavour that works in both sweet and savoury dishes.

In the UK, fresh mangoes can be pricey when bought individually, especially if they are perfectly ripe. For better value, look for:

• Frozen mango chunks for smoothies and desserts
• Tinned mango in juice rather than syrup
• Reduced fresh mangoes that are ripe and ready to eat
• Multipacks when you know you will use them quickly

Use mango in fruit salad, curry salsa, overnight oats, sorbet, chutney or a quick yoghurt bowl. If you have a very ripe mango, blend it and freeze in an ice cube tray for adding to drinks and smoothies.

Mandarin

Mandarins are small citrus fruits with thin, easy-peel skins. They are sweet, juicy and popular with children because they are less messy than larger oranges. Clementines and satsumas are closely related and often used in the same way.

Mandarins are one of the most budget-friendly M fruits when bought in bags during the winter months. They are ideal for lunchboxes, after-school snacks and easy puddings. Add segments to salads, jelly, yoghurt or couscous for a sweet citrus lift.

Store mandarins in a cool place and use any soft ones first. If you have too many, juice them, freeze the segments, or simmer them gently into a simple compote.

Melon

Melon is a broad fruit family rather than one single fruit. In UK shops, you will usually see watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and Galia melon. All are refreshing, water-rich fruits with a mild sweetness.

Whole melons are often better value than pre-cut tubs. A large melon can stretch across several meals if you portion it yourself. Serve it at breakfast, add it to fruit salad, blend it into smoothies, or pair it with salty foods such as feta or ham.

Once cut, keep melon covered in the fridge and eat within a few days. Wash the outside before slicing, as the knife can transfer bacteria from the rind to the flesh.

Muskmelon

Muskmelon is a fragrant type of melon with sweet orange or pale flesh, depending on the variety. Cantaloupe is often classed as a muskmelon. It has a distinctive aroma when ripe and works beautifully in summer fruit bowls.

Choose a muskmelon that feels heavy for its size and smells sweet at the stem end. If it has no scent at all, it may need a little more time at room temperature. Once ripe, move it to the fridge.

Mirabelle Plum

Mirabelle plums are small golden-yellow plums with a sweet, delicate flavour. They are especially popular in parts of Europe and sometimes appear in UK farmers markets, farm shops or specialist greengrocers.

If you find a glut of mirabelles, they are excellent for jam, compote, crumbles and tarts. They also freeze well once washed, dried and stoned. Freezing fruit when it is in season is one of the simplest ways to save money on puddings later in the year.

British And Garden Fruits Beginning With M

Mulberry

Mulberries look a little like long blackberries and can be red, black or white depending on the variety. They are soft, juicy and sweet with a gentle tartness. Fresh mulberries are rarely cheap in shops because they are delicate and do not travel well, but you may come across them from garden trees or local growers.

Use mulberries in the same way you would use blackberries: crumble, jam, compote, muffins, pancakes or stirred into porridge. They stain easily, so do not wear your best white top while picking them.

Medlar

Medlar is an old-fashioned fruit that was once much better known in Britain. It is small, brownish and related to apples and pears. The unusual part is that medlars are not usually eaten straight from the tree. They need to soften first through a process called bletting.

Once properly softened, medlar flesh becomes rich, sweet and slightly spiced, with a flavour sometimes compared to apple sauce, dates and dried fruit. Medlars are often used for jelly, cheese, chutney and traditional puddings.

If you see medlars at a farmers market, ask the seller whether they have already been bletted. They may look past their best, but that soft stage is exactly what makes them edible.

Mock Strawberry

Mock strawberry is a small red fruit that looks like a wild strawberry but has a much milder flavour. It is edible, but most people find it rather bland compared with proper strawberries.

You may spot mock strawberries growing in gardens or grassy areas. As with any foraged fruit, only eat it if you are completely sure of the identification and it has not been sprayed or grown where dogs are likely to foul.

Tropical Fruits That Start With M

Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit with a thick purple rind and soft white segments inside. The flavour is sweet, tangy and floral, making it one of the most prized tropical fruits. Despite the similar name, mangosteen is not related to mango.

In the UK, mangosteen is usually found in Asian supermarkets or specialist fruit shops. It can be expensive, so buy just a few to try rather than a large bag. Choose fruit that feels heavy and has a rind that gives slightly when pressed.

Maracuya

Maracuya is a type of passion fruit, often used in drinks, desserts and sauces. It has aromatic pulp with crunchy edible seeds and a sharp-sweet flavour. You may see the name maracuya on juices, yoghurts or imported fruit products.

A little goes a long way. Stir the pulp through yoghurt, spoon it over cheesecake, add it to homemade lemonade, or use it to brighten a simple fruit salad.

Mamey Sapote

Mamey sapote is a large tropical fruit with rough brown skin and deep orange flesh. Its flavour is often described as sweet, creamy and a little like pumpkin, sweet potato, almond and vanilla.

It is not a common UK supermarket fruit, but Caribbean and Latin American food shops may stock it fresh, frozen or as pulp. Frozen mamey can be better value and is handy for milkshakes and smoothies.

Mammee Apple

Mammee apple, also called mamey apple in some places, is a tropical fruit with firm orange flesh and a fragrant flavour. It is used in preserves, drinks and desserts in parts of the Caribbean and Central America.

This is not one you are likely to find in the average UK fruit aisle, but it is worth knowing if you enjoy exploring world foods. Always prepare unfamiliar tropical fruits according to reliable guidance, as some have parts that should not be eaten.

Mountain Apple

Mountain apple is a bell-shaped tropical fruit with crisp, juicy flesh. Despite its name, it is not the same as the apples commonly grown in the UK. It is also known as Malay apple in some regions, although names can vary.

The flavour is mild, refreshing and lightly sweet. It is usually eaten fresh, added to salads or used in drinks and preserves.

Malay Apple

Malay apple is a glossy red tropical fruit with watery, crisp flesh. It is related to rose apple and is eaten fresh in many warm countries. It can also be cooked into sauces or preserved.

If you are shopping in a specialist grocer and see Malay apples, buy one or two first. Unfamiliar fruit can be fun, but it is not money-saving if the whole family refuses to eat it.

Miracle Fruit

Miracle fruit is a small red berry best known for its unusual effect on taste. After eating the berry, sour foods can taste sweet for a short time. It is more of a novelty fruit than an everyday snack.

Miracle fruit is sometimes sold as freeze-dried berries or tablets. If you are trying it, keep it simple: lemon, lime, plain yoghurt or grapefruit are common foods people taste afterwards. Follow the product instructions and avoid anything you are allergic to.

Monstera Deliciosa Fruit

Monstera deliciosa, the popular houseplant, can produce an edible fruit in the right conditions. The fruit tastes tropical when fully ripe, with notes often compared to pineapple and banana.

However, unripe monstera fruit can irritate the mouth and throat. This is not a fruit to experiment with casually. Only eat it if it is correctly identified, fully ripe and prepared safely. Most UK houseplants will never produce edible fruit anyway, so treat this one as an interesting alphabet entry rather than a shopping list staple.

Berries And Smaller M Fruits

Marionberry

Marionberry is a type of blackberry developed in the United States. It has a rich, sweet-tart flavour and is excellent in pies, jams, sauces and ice cream.

Fresh marionberries are not common in UK supermarkets, but you may come across marionberry jam or frozen berries online or in speciality shops. If a recipe calls for marionberries, blackberries are the easiest budget swap.

Maqui Berry

Maqui berries are small dark purple berries from South America. In the UK, they are usually sold dried or powdered rather than fresh. The flavour is tart and berry-like.

Maqui powder is often marketed as a premium health product, which means it can be expensive. If you are watching your food budget, everyday frozen berries usually offer better value for smoothies, porridge and baking.

Midyim Berry

Midyim berry is a small speckled fruit native to Australia. It has a sweet, aromatic flavour and is sometimes described as having hints of spice or blueberry.

This is a rare fruit in the UK, but it earns its place on a comprehensive list of fruits beginning with M. If you enjoy growing unusual edible plants, you may see it mentioned by specialist nurseries.

Muntries

Muntries are small Australian berries with a sweet, spicy apple-like flavour. They are used in chutneys, jams, desserts and sauces. Like midyim berries, they are not a common UK purchase, but they are an interesting M fruit.

Mora Berry

Mora is a blackberry-like fruit popular in parts of Latin America. It is used for juices, jams, desserts and sauces. In the UK, you are more likely to find mora in frozen pulp or drinks from Latin American shops.

If you cannot find mora, use blackberries, raspberries or mixed frozen berries instead.

Other Fruits Beginning With M

Maypop

Maypop is a type of passion fruit native to parts of North America. It produces oval fruits with aromatic pulp inside. The flavour can vary, but it is generally tangy and tropical.

It is sometimes grown ornamentally for its striking flowers. As always, only eat home-grown or foraged fruit if you are certain of the variety and that it is edible.

Mombin

Mombin is a tropical fruit from the Spondias family. Yellow mombin and red mombin are used in juices, jams, sauces and preserves. The flavour is often sharp, fruity and aromatic.

You may see mombin products in Caribbean, African or Latin American food shops. They are useful for adding tang to drinks and marinades.

Maprang

Maprang is a small orange tropical fruit from Southeast Asia, sometimes called marian plum. It looks a little like a mini mango or plum and can be sweet or sour depending on the variety and ripeness.

Sweet maprang is eaten fresh, while sour fruit may be used in salads, pickles or dips. It is a specialist fruit in the UK, so check ripeness before buying if possible.

Melon Pear

Melon pear, also known as pepino, is a pale yellow fruit often streaked with purple. Its flavour is mild and juicy, somewhere between melon and cucumber with a gentle sweetness.

It can be eaten fresh, added to salads or served with yoghurt. Choose fruit that smells sweet and feels slightly soft, as underripe melon pear can be bland.

Monkey Orange

Monkey orange is a name used for several fruits in the Strychnos family, found in parts of Africa. Some species have edible pulp, while others are not suitable for eating.

Because the name can refer to different plants, this is not a fruit to eat unless it has been sourced from a reputable food seller and clearly identified as edible.

Morinda Fruit, Also Known As Noni

Morinda fruit is better known as noni. It has a strong smell and bitter flavour, and it is usually sold as juice or supplements rather than eaten like an apple or orange.

Noni products can be expensive and are not necessary for a healthy diet. If you are on medication, pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, it is sensible to speak to a healthcare professional before using concentrated fruit supplements.

Mabolo

Mabolo, also called velvet apple, is a tropical fruit with reddish skin and creamy flesh. It has a distinctive aroma and a sweet flavour when ripe. It is eaten fresh or used in desserts in some countries.

As with many unusual fruits that start with M, mabolo is much more likely to appear in specialist shops than standard UK supermarkets.

Money-Saving Tips For Buying M Fruits

Some fruits beginning with M are cheap and easy to buy, while others are rare treats. Here are practical ways to enjoy them without wasting money.

• Buy seasonal citrus. Mandarins, satsumas and clementines are often better value in winter.
• Choose whole melon. Pre-cut melon is convenient but usually costs more per portion.
• Use frozen mango. It is often cheaper than fresh mango and there is no peeling or stone to deal with.
• Check world food aisles. Tinned mango pulp, passion fruit products and tropical fruit purees may be cheaper there than in chilled sections.
• Try one unfamiliar fruit first. Buying a whole box of mangosteen or maprang is risky if you have never tasted it.
• Rescue ripe fruit. Yellow-sticker mangoes, plums and melon can be chopped and frozen if you cannot eat them straight away.
• Turn soft fruit into puddings. Crumbles, compotes and smoothies are ideal for fruit that is ripe but still safe to eat.

How To Store Fruits That Start With M

Storage depends on the fruit, but these general tips will help reduce waste.

• Mangoes: Ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate once ripe. Freeze peeled chunks for smoothies.
• Mandarins: Keep in a cool place or fridge. Remove any mouldy fruit quickly so it does not affect the rest.
• Melons: Keep whole melons at room temperature until ripe. Refrigerate after cutting and keep covered.
• Mulberries: Eat quickly, as they are very delicate. Refrigerate and use within a short time.
• Medlars: Allow them to soften fully before eating or cooking, but discard any that smell unpleasant or show signs of mould.
• Tropical fruits: Follow the advice from the seller, as storage can vary widely.

For food safety, wash fruit before eating or cutting, use a clean knife and chopping board, and keep cut fruit chilled. If fruit is mouldy, slimy or smells off, do not eat it.

Easy Ways To Use M Fruits

If you have mangoes, mandarins or melon to use up, try these simple ideas:

• Mango and yoghurt breakfast bowls with oats or granola
• Mandarin segments in couscous salad with herbs and cucumber
• Melon cubes with feta, mint and a squeeze of lemon
• Frozen mango blended with milk or yoghurt for a quick smoothie
• Mulberry or blackberry crumble with a budget oat topping
• Mirabelle plum compote spooned over rice pudding
• Passion fruit or maracuya pulp stirred through plain yoghurt

FAQs About Fruits That Start With M

What is a fruit that starts with M?

Mango is one of the most common fruits that starts with M. Other examples include mandarin, melon, mulberry, medlar, mangosteen, mirabelle plum and maracuya.

What tropical fruits start with M?

Tropical fruits beginning with M include mango, mangosteen, mamey sapote, mammee apple, Malay apple, mountain apple, maracuya, maprang, mombin and mabolo.

Which fruits that start with M are easiest to buy in the UK?

Mangoes, mandarins and melons are the easiest M fruits to find in UK supermarkets. Mirabelle plums, mulberries and medlars are more seasonal or specialist. Mangosteen, mamey sapote and other tropical M fruits are usually found in world food shops or specialist grocers.

Are mandarins and clementines the same?

They are closely related citrus fruits, but not exactly the same. Clementines are a type of mandarin and are usually small, sweet and easy to peel. In everyday shopping, they can often be used in the same way.

Is melon a fruit?

Yes, melon is a fruit. Common types include watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe and Galia melon. They are usually eaten fresh but can also be used in salads, smoothies and chilled desserts.

What is the cheapest fruit beginning with M?

It depends on the season, but mandarins and whole melons are often good-value choices in UK shops. Frozen mango can also be a cost-effective option because there is no peel, stone or waste.

Can you freeze mango?

Yes. Peel and chop ripe mango, spread the pieces on a tray to freeze separately, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Frozen mango is excellent for smoothies, sauces and quick desserts.

Are all fruits beginning with M safe to eat?

No. Some fruit names can refer to different plants, and some unusual fruits have parts that should not be eaten. Only eat unfamiliar fruit if it comes from a reputable food seller or you are completely confident about identification and preparation.

A Handy M Fruit List For Alphabet Food Challenges

If you need fruits that start with M for a quiz, school activity, alphabet dinner or food challenge, start with the easy ones: mango, mandarin, melon, mulberry and medlar. For a more adventurous list, add mangosteen, maracuya, mamey sapote, mirabelle plum, maprang and miracle fruit.

For everyday eating on a budget, mango, melon and mandarins are the most useful M fruits to keep in mind. They are easy to find, simple to prepare and flexible enough for breakfasts, snacks, puddings and packed lunches.