Fruits and vegetables beginning with Q are incredibly rare. Most people only know a few, if any, of these unique varieties. They are, however, highly nutritious, have interesting taste, and have many applications in modern day cuisine. Read on to learn more about these unusual fruits and vegetables. Listed below are just a few. Q stands for quince, quinoa, quassa, xigua, and quinine.
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Quince
A fruit beginning with a capital Q, the quince is an ovoid green fruit grown primarily for its edible pulp. Because of the many names of the fruit, quince is also known as ackee, Spanish lime, and guava. The scientific name of this fruit is Cydonia oblonga. Quince is native to the Hyrcanian forest area south of the Caspian Sea. It is not to be confused with flowering quince, which is often substituted in culinary dishes.
Although not a traditional food, quince is an excellent addition to many recipes. While it is not always edible raw, this fruit is excellent in apple crumble, pies, and sauces. In addition to its flavor and texture, quince also smells like perfume when cooked. As such, some people even use it as an air freshener! Here are some delicious ways to prepare the fruit:
Quinoa
A grain that begins with a ‘q’ is incredibly nutritious. It contains 72% water, 21% carbohydrates, 4% protein, and 2% fat, and a hundred grams of cooked quinoa contains 503 kilojoules (kcal), or about 120 calories. It is a rich source of manganese, phosphorus, and fiber, and is a moderate source of iron and zinc. Quinoa is an adaptable crop, and does well in a wide range of environments. When nitrogen is present, yields are maximised, but phosphorus is not necessary.
Another health benefit of quinoa is its high protein content, with all nine essential amino acids present in every grain. It is particularly high in lysine, which supports healthy tissue growth. It has a similar texture to couscous, and is just as versatile as rice. It can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, and holds well the next day. A quinoa dish is the perfect side dish for a busy weeknight!
Quassia
Trying to name a fruit or vegetable that begins with the letter Q can be challenging. You might think that the letter Q is reserved for fruit trees, but that is not the case! There are a variety of vegetables and fruits that start with the letter Q, and these are some of the most interesting and nutritious. If you’re unsure of which ones to choose, read on to learn about some of these unique foods.
The first fruit in the alphabet is the quince. It’s a golden, wrinkled fruit that tastes like a cross between a mandarin and grapefruit. Native to the Caribbean, it’s now grown widely in the US and is a great addition to salads. You can also eat it raw, and its flavor makes it a popular addition to smoothies, shakes, and desserts.
Xigua
Xigua is another name for watermelon. This melon actually comes from Africa, and it is also known as ximenia. Its scientific name is Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus, and it is a subtropical fruit native to China. This fruit has a similar appearance to watermelon, but has fewer seeds and is smaller than common watermelons. It is also sweet and can be used in popsicles.
Xigua is an African watermelon. It is often eaten raw or made into a popsicle. Its scientific name is Diospyros blancoi, and it looks like an apple with velvet-like skin. Xigua is also used as a vegetable in popsicles. The plant is related to carrots and parsley. It is also used to make popcorn.
