14 Foods That Start with X | Fun Foods From A to Z
When you live with picky eaters – whether they are your children, your spouse, or maybe even yourself – you have to get creative with how you introduce different foods into your meals. Eating a variety of foods can be fun when you turn it into a game. We decided to try a new food from A to Z, and created this list of foods to have options to choose from. Here is our list of foods that start with X, including fruits, vegetables, and other fun things to eat!
Why eat foods from every letter of the alphabet?
When you step outside of your food comfort zone, you have the opportunity to discover a new food that you never knew you could enjoy. There are so many foods that we haven’t tried, for various reasons – because our parents never cooked them, they weren’t available in our area, they are popular foods in different cultures, or just because we didn’t know they existed!
Trying different foods, especially fruits and vegetables, can provide our bodies with a variety of nutrients that we wouldn’t normally have. It can also get us out of the “what’s for dinner” rut when we get bored of eating the same old things over and over again.
These food lists are also great when teaching the alphabet, or when looking for a fun food for show and tell day at school!
If you’re looking for a little flavor in the kitchen, or a way to spice up your life, try one – or all! – of these foods that start with the letter X. (There aren’t many though!)
Vegetables that start with X
Sorry to disappoint you, but there actually aren’t any vegetables that start with the letter X! Or at least there aren’t any that we’ve found.
There are some fruits that start with X, and other foods too, so let’s move on to those!
Fruit that starts with X
Xigua
Xiqua stands for ‘Western Fruit” and is also known as the Chinese watermelon. They are simply delicious. Very refreshing and juicy. These large green melons contain the bright pink fruit that we all enjoy on those hot summer days. Slice it or cube it, or just cut it in half and eat it with a spoon. Some people like to sprinkle a bit of salt on top, however, I prefer mine plain and chilled.
Xinomavro Grapes
Xinomavro grapes are Greece’s most used grape for making wine. These dark skinned, tart but sweet grape makes some of the best tasting red wine, similar in taste to pinot noir, making it a great wine to pair with many dishes. Yummy! Aside from making great wine, these grapes are also great to eat by themselves or to include in a fruit salad or a jam.
Xoconostle Cactus Fruit
This acidic and refreshing fruit is very similar to a prickly pear and a dragon fruit. As described in its name, this fruit is grown on a cactus. This fruit originated in Mexico, but is now found across the United States in grocery stores.
It can be used in a variety of ways. It can be eaten fresh, or even added to drinks or used as a garnish. It can be dehydrated and enjoyed as a popular natural food snack. It can also be grilled and chopped with garlic, jalapenos, and onions to make a fresh salsa.
Other food that starts with X
Xacuti
This Indian curry dish is prepared in Goa, India. This curry takes it a step further than the traditional style, adding more intense spices and an array of ingredients including coconut, cinnamon, cloves and onion.
The meat used in xacuti calls for lamb, but you can substitute with chicken, beef. This creamy spicy dish is deliciously rich and enjoyed by many!
Xalapa Punch
Did someone say cocktail time? Here I come! Do you love a good sangria? Then you will absolutely find this mix delicious. A perfect mixture of black tea, red wine, brandy, oranges and lemon are just the right ingredients to help you relax while you cook dinner or enjoy a nice book.
Xanthan Gum
This is a thickening agent that has no taste, but is a gluten free option that is used in place of many recipes that include cornstarch and flour. This products isn’t made from grains, instead it comes from the sugars produces after fermenting different vegetables such as cabbage and corn.
Xanthan gum isn’t only used in foods. It’s used in makeup and shampoos to help thicken the product. I don’t recommend eating that though!
Xavier Soup
Oh me, oh my! This dish is the Italian version of chicken and dumplings, which is one of my favorite dishes of all times. This dish isn’t quite as thick as my Mama’s chicken and dumplings, but it calls for fresh Parmesan Cheese to be added in, so I think that calls for a good trade.
Xavier Steak
This Xavier guy brings on some good food. Let me tell you about this dish. First off, they caught my eye with steak. But in this recipe, they stack the ingredients on the steak after it is grilled to perfection. Steak, topped with perfectly cooked and seasoned asparagus. Lastly it’s covered with Swiss cheese and broiled until the cheese is melted. How awesome does that sound?
Xia Mi
Xia mi is like rice, but it isn’t rice. It’s dried shrimp. This ingredient packs so much flavor and is used in many Asian dishes. A little goes a long way. You can crush them down into a powder form and use them just for their flavor, or you can presoak them before cooking and add them into your soups or stir frys.
Xi Gua Loa
The Chinese name Xi gua loa means watermelon jelly. It is a type of Chinese traditional dessert that is made from watermelon. The watermelon’s juice is combined with cherries, sugar and agar, which is a gelatin like substance, and chilled. This treat with a refreshing sweet taste is enjoyed during the summertime.
Xingren Doufu
Also known as Annin tofu, only looks like tofu. It is a sweet jellylike dessert, originating in Bejing. It is made up of Apricot milk, agar and sugar.
Did you know, the Chinese do not set a specific time to eat their sweet dishes? You don’t have to follow the rules that we were raised with: “Eat your supper before dessert!” Their dessert dishes are part of their supper. They can eat them as their meal. I’m jelly for xingren doufu.
Xnipec
A fancy pico de gallo, is what I like to call it. Instead of lime juice, it calls for sour orange juice. The orange juice gives it a nice tang with a bit of sweetness. Just like pico de gallo, this dish is typically served with chips, or can be used as a topping for tacos or a salad dish.
XO Sauce
XO Sauce, to me, is best described as top shelf Ol’ Bay seasoning. It isn’t a powder, it has more of a jellied consistency and is made up of dried shrimp (xiz mi), dried scallops and fish, cooked with chili peppers, onions and garlic.
XO sauce is used to aid in flavoring many dishes while cooking or used as a condiment.
Xocolatl
This drink dates back to the Aztecs and Mayans. Chocolate was known as a drink for the gods. That being said, you know this drink must be exquisite. It is a semi sweet, rich hot chocolate brewed with cinnamon or chili.
Which “X” food is your favorite?
Do you have a favorite food that starts with X that isn’t on our list? Or even a favorite recipe? We’d love to hear about it, so leave us a comment below!