Growing up, we all have been instructed to eat the right food so that our bodies remain healthy, and these foods were always green, yellow, or red. What we weren’t aware of is that there are other colors in the food spectrum that offer just as many benefits to our health! One such color is purple. Purple foods are not unique and beautiful, but they are also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can help improve our overall health. Here are 41 purple foods that you can use to replace the other boring foods in your diet.
Outline
41 Foods That Are Purple
1. Eggplant
Eggplant, also commonly known as aubergine, is a vegetable often mistaken for a fruit. It has glossy, deep purple skin and spongy white flesh with seeds in the center. It is a beautiful substitute for meat in various meals, and its spongy texture allows it to easily take on tastes and seasonings.
2. Acai Berries
Fresh acai berries are a deep purple color and are about the size of a grape. They are native to Central and South America and have been used for centuries by the indigenous people there for their nutritional and medicinal properties.
3. Figs
Figs are a type of fruit that comes from the ficus tree. They have a sweet, slightly chewy texture, but they’re also very delicate, which is why they are often eaten after being preserved. Figs come in a variety of colors, including yellow, green, black, and purple.
4. Forbidden Rice
Forbidden rice is a variety of black rice that was once reserved for Chinese royalty. It gets its name from the fact that commoners were not allowed to eat it. This rice has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture with an intense hue.
5. Purple Cauliflower
Why eat the regular boring cauliflower when you can have the purple kind? This cauliflower variety has a milder taste than its white counterpart and can be enjoyed roasted, steamed, or raw.
6. Baby Purple Artichokes
Many people don’t believe it, but these palm-sized fruits can pack a good punch. These baby purple artichokes have a slightly sweeter taste than the larger ones. It is suggested to simmer them for the maximum flavor.
7. Purple Carrots
Purple carrots are a variety of carrot that was first cultivated in Afghanistan. They get their purple color from anthocyanin, which is also found in other blue and purple fruits and vegetables. These carrots have a slightly sweeter taste than their orange counterparts.
8. Black Currant
Also known as the cassis berry, black currant is a small, round berry that is deep purple in color. It has a tart and tangy taste that is often used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. Black currants are also a good source of vitamins C and K.
9. Purple Grapes
While green grapes are the most popular type, purple grapes should not be overlooked. These grapes get their color from anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant that can help protect against heart disease and cancer.
10. Blackberries
Despite their delicious-tart flavor, they are low in carbohydrates and can be eaten even when on a diet to help satisfy your sweet tooth. They are supposed to aid in healthy digestion, brain function, a strong immune system, and inflammation reduction.
11. Purple Sweet Potato
Purple sweet potatoes are native to South America and have been around for centuries. They were first brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century. These sweet potatoes have moist, fluffy flesh with a deep purple color.
12. Redbor Kale
Redbor kale is, in reality, purple kale with frilly, deeply colored leaves. It is a cross between red cabbage and Brussels sprouts. This kale variety is slightly sweeter than other types of kale and is often used in salads or as a garnish.
13. Purple Asparagus
Despite popular belief, the purple color in asparagus is entirely natural and is not the result of any type of genetic modification. These asparagus spears have a delicate flavor and are often used in salads or side dishes.
14. Star Apple
This apple is truly the star of fruits with its deep purple color and star-shaped interior. The flesh of the fruit is white with a tart, acidic flavor. The fruit’s skin is edible but can be a bit tough on the tongue.
15. Purple Basil
Also known as Thai basil, this type of basil has a slight anise flavor and a deep purple color. The flavor of this herb has basil undertones with a slight spice to it. Compared to common kitchen basil, the purple variety contains even more vitamins and minerals.
16. Purple Barley
Another purple variant of everyday food, purple barley, is a type of hulled barley. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture. This grain is often used in soups because of its ability to absorb flavors well.
17. Passion Fruit
Passion fruit is a round, purple fruit that gets its name because it is often used in desserts and cocktails. It has a tart, acidic flavor that is balanced out by the sweetness of the fruit.
18. Lavender
The lavender essential oil is utilized in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, calm the digestive system, and treat sleeplessness and anxiety. But the best part is its petals which can be used as a food coloring or to add flavor to many dishes like cake.
19. Purple Mangosteen
The mangosteen is a tropical fruit that has a deep purple color and a white, fleshy interior. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that is often used in desserts. Many people like to eat fruit fresh, but it can also be juiced or made into syrup.
20. Layered Blueberry Cake
Purple desserts are not a very common sight, but this layered blueberry cake is undoubtedly a showstopper. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, while the purple frosting is made with natural and delicious blueberries.
21. Purple Macarons
These delicate, pretty cookies are made with ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. The prominent flavor of the macaron is almond, but the purple food coloring gives these cookies a unique look.
22. Purple Inutak
Another popular purple food in the Philippines is inutak, a cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. This cake is steamed instead of baked, which gives it a chewy texture.
23. Prunes
Also known as dried plums, prunes are a type of dried fruit with a deep purple color. These fruits are often used in baking or as a snack. They are a good source of fiber and contain vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
24. Purple Cabbage
Famous for its role in salads and dressings, the purple cabbage is also a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. These cabbage heads have an enticing deep purple color and a slightly sweet flavor.
25. Elderberries
The elderberry is a dark purple fruit that grows on the elder tree. These berries are often used in pies or made into jams and jellies. They have a tart flavor with hints of sweetness.
26. Red Dragon Fruit
Even though it is called red dragon fruit, this tropical fruit is a deep purple color. It has white flesh with black seeds. The flavor of the fruit is sweet and often described as a cross between a kiwi and a pear.
27. Purple Broccoli
Looking for a change from the dull green broccoli? Then, try the purple broccoli, an heirloom broccoli type. These are slightly sweeter flavors than the green variety.
28. Purple Vienna Kohlrabi
The kohlrabi comes from the German words for cabbage (kohl) and turnip (rabi). This root vegetable has a deep purple color and a mild, sweet flavor. It is often used in salads or as a side dish.
29. Purple Yam
The purple yam, also known as the Ube, is a sweet potato with a deep purple color. This yam is often used in desserts and baking because of its sweetness. It is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
30. Vegan Radiant Orchid Alfajores
Purple color offers many varieties of foods, including vegan food like these alfajores. These cookies are made with purple corn flour called Maiz Morado and filled with dulce de leche.
31. Red Leaf Lettuce
A great counterpart to the more common green leaf lettuce, the red leaf lettuce has a slightly sweet flavor and is often used in salads or as a garnish. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
32. Red Onions
Red onions are anything but red in color; they are actually deep purple. These onions have a milder flavor than their white or yellow counterparts and are often used in salads and salsas.
33. Purple Corn
With its deep and dark hue, purple corn is one of the most striking foods that you will ever see. This corn is often used in making tortillas and chips because of its sweetness. It is also a good source of antioxidants.
34. Violets
Edible violets are a type of flower that has a deep purple color. You can use these flowers to decorate cakes or cupcakes. They have a slightly sweet flavor and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
35. Purple Pepper
Purple pepper is relatively new to the pepper world and is quickly gaining popularity because of its unique color. These peppers have a milder flavor than the more common red or green peppers.
36. Blackberry Popsicles
These popsicles taste as good as they look! Made with fresh blackberries, these popsicles have a sweet and tart flavor, perfect for a summer treat.
37. Ube Hopia
Originating from the Philippines, the ube hopia is a type of pastry made with purple yam. These pastries are often filled with a sweet bean filling and are a popular snack.
38. Sparkling Grape Lemonade
Give yourself a break from the everyday hustle with this sparkling grape lemonade. Made with fresh grapes and lemon juice, this drink is refreshing and has a hint of sweetness.
39. Purple Wheat
Used in various slices of bread and pastries, purple wheat is a type of whole wheat with a deep purple color. This wheat is often used in baking because of its sweet flavor. It is also a brilliant source of fiber and vitamins.
40. Purple Endive
A chicory family member, the purple endive is a type of lettuce with a deep purple color. These lettuces have a slightly bitter flavor and are often used in salads or garnish.
41. Blueberry Frozen Yoghurt
One of our personal favorites, frozen blueberry yogurt, is a refreshing and healthy treat. Made with fresh blueberries, this frozen yogurt is perfect for a healthy snack during the day.
From broccoli to corn, an abundance of healthy foods come in this vibrant hue. So next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some of these purple foods and add them to your cart!
