If you’re a fruit fan, you’re probably delighted at the height of summer when tons of fresh fruit is available. Fortunately, fruits that are canned are ideal for enjoying summer’s bounty even in the dead of winter. Check out our canned fruit list to find out which of your favorites can be found on supermarket shelves, and where to find some more exotic flavors too!
1. Peaches
Sweet summer peaches are some of the most amazing fruits you can find canned. They’re even better if you can make them yourself, but the standard versions in light syrup are quite spectacular. Try them in creamy oatmeal, in smoothies, or on top of coconut ice cream.
2. Pears
Now, pears can get a bit mealy when they’re canned, but that’s okay. They’re still sweet and juicy, and maintain their amazing flavor. Use them in crumbles and pies, so you can enjoy all their flavor without having to peel and chop them yourself.
Related Article: 9 Best Fruits to Grow in Pots
3. Pineapples
Where would tropical smoothies and pina coladas be without canned pineapple chunks? Mix these with coconut milk, banana, and mango juice for a smoothie that can beat any winter blues. And toss some rum in there too, if so inclined.
Further Reading: What Does Pineapple Taste Like?
4. Cherries
You can get both regular sweet cherries and maraschinos in cans just about anywhere. Use the sweet cherries in pies, galettes, and other pastries, and the maraschinos in drinks and as garnishes.
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5. Blueberries
These aren’t as common as other fruits that are canned, and usually come in pie filling form. It’s a great way of preserving blueberries for wintertime, as they only last about three months when frozen.
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6. Mango Slices
Are you looking for fruits that maintain their structural integrity when canned? Because mangoes don’t. Not by a long shot. These babies get really squidgy when canned, but that’s okay! Use them in smoothies, desserts, ice cream, or just slurped right out of the container.
Read Also: Bittersweet Fruit List: 20 Fruits That are Bittersweet
7. Mandarin Oranges
If you’ve never eaten canned mandarin oranges, do so immediately. Dip them in chocolate and freeze them, or add them to spinach salads with dried cranberries and toasted almonds. Oh, and try them in a crunchy ramen noodle salad!
8. Prunes
Did you know that prunes could be canned? If you didn’t, ask your grandparents if they have a can at the back of the cupboard for you to try if you’re feeling adventurous.
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9. Pumpkin
While you’re not about to find pumpkin slices in a can any time soon, you will be able to find canned pumpkin puree or pie filling. Just don’t get them mixed up. You need to sweeten the former significantly for baked goods, and the latter is way too sweet for pumpkin soup.
10. Tomatoes
Remember that little talk we had about how tomatoes are fruits? Well, as the cornerstone of Italian cooking, you can bet that you’ll find canned tomatoes in just about every form imaginable. Whole, diced, pureed, seasoned… you name it.
11. Grapefruits
Grapefruit comes in canned form too! It seems like most of them are canned in sugary syrup, however, so that may cut down on their usual bitterness.
Related Article: 5 Fruits That Are Banned in the US
12. Cranberries
These normally come in sauce or jelly form, perfect for slathering on your Thanksgiving Tofurkey or nut roast. The sugar used to preserve them counteracts their natural sour flavor, making the sauce pleasantly tart instead of painful to eat.
Related Article: Where are Cranberries Grown?
13. Olives
Remember how olives are also fruits? They are, and you can get a number of different varieties in canned form. Black Spanish olives in particular are fabulous, and are as great for snacking as they are on pizzas.
14. Ackee Fruits
These are only legal in the US if they’re canned. Ackee fruits are toxic if they’re not completely ripe, so look for canned versions in Jamaican and other Caribbean food stores.
Related Article: 5 Fruits that are Banned in the US
15. Lychees
The great thing about canned lychees is that their texture really doesn’t change much from their fresh state. They stay fleshy and juicy, but also maintain that bit of crunch we love so much. These are usually canned in sugar syrup, but you can get low-sugar options as well. If you have trouble finding them at your local grocery store, try your local Chinatown or Little India instead.
16. Jackfruit
Unlike most of the other canned fruits here, jackfruit isn’t generally preserved in sugar. Jackfruit preserved in water makes a spectacular vegan substitute for pulled pork, especially in sandwiches. Sautee it with your favorite BBQ sauce, pull it apart with a pair of forks, and cram it into buns for a spectacular sandwich experience. Bonus points if you pair it with coleslaw.
17. Mangosteens
If you’re a fan of Asian fruits, head over to your local Chinese or Vietnamese grocery store. In addition to the lychees in syrup, you’ll also find mangosteens, and several other gems that may not be available at your supermarket.
Further Reading: What does Mangosteen Taste Like?
18. Mixed Fruit Cocktail
Last, but certainly not least, is the ubiquitous mixed fruit cocktail. Depending on what variety you get, you may have a mixture of peaches, pears, and cherries in here, or maybe there’s some pineapple and oranges tossed in as well. Either way, where would your great aunt’s ambrosia salad be without this stuff? That’s right, nowhere.
Remember that these are just some of these most popular canned fruits available. You’ll undoubtedly find others that aren’t on this list, especially if you visit food shops from around the world. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy them!
The Thrive Cuisine Team is dedicated to bringing you the best information on kitchen gadgets, food, garden veganism and much more. We’re a group of passionate food lovers that are dedicated to providing actionable guides and resources for our readers.
