From ones you (hopefully) already know, like jalapenos and jelly beans, to new and unique foods like jackfruit! We’ll also answer the question: How did Jerky get its name? And the real difference between jam and jelly. Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 20 foods that start with J.
20 Foods That Begin With The Letter J
Here are 20 different foods that start with the letter J? Some of our favorites include jam, jello, and jerky! How many of these foods have you tried?
1. Jaboticaba
Jaboticaba is a purple Brazilian fruit that is slightly grape-like. They taste kind of like a combination of a sour grape candy and lychee fruit. Now you’ll have to look up lychee 🙂
2. Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a relative of a fig that grows in tropical places such as Southeast Asia, Brazil, and Africa. It looks somewhat like a melon, in size and shape, but has a bumpy, rough skin. Even though it’s a fruit, it tastes more like chicken or pork and can be cooked with whatever sauce or seasoning you like.
3. Jalapeno
Jalapenos are small red or green peppers that come from North America. They are fairly spicy and go great in Mexican and Latin American-inspired foods. Think spicy guacamole and tasty salsas. Jalapenos also go great with mild things like cheese or cornbread. Yum!
4. Jam
What’s the difference between jam and jelly you may ask? Well, I have the answer. Jam is made with chunks of mashed fruits or fruit pulp, while jelly is made from the juices of fruits. That’s why jelly is smoother and more transparent. I personally prefer jam. I just love that chunky goodness.
5. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a spicy Creole dish that originates from the French Quarter of New Orleans. It’s made up of ham, rice, chicken or shellfish, and sausage with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and celery. This is a classic comfort food sure to heal you body and soul.
6. Japanese Plum
A Japanese plum is a yellow plum found in semi-tropical locales that is used for wine or jellies.
7. Java
I know you know what java is! Coffee, baby! The strange, bitter liquid that comes from beans. Who can live without it? It’s called java because of the island of Java, one of the places where Dutch colonists planted and harvested coffee.
8. Jello
Jello is a weird, bouncy dessert made from gelatin. Serve it up in cool molds, fill it with fruits, or mix it with whipped cream. However you make it, jello is delicious though! Kids and adults can all appreciate this odd treat.
9. Jelly Beans
Jelly Beans, jelly beans the magical fruit… Hmm.. Is that how the song goes? Nevermind! Jelly Beans are sweet hard on the outside, jelly on the inside candies that are shaped like beans. They come in about a million flavors, even pepper and booger thanks to Harry Potter. My favorite controversial flavor is buttered popcorn. Weird or awesome? You decide.
10. Jelly Roll
A jelly roll is a thin, soft, and spongey cake that is smeared with jelly and then rolled tight into a log, creating a lovely little swirl on the sides. They can look similar to cinnamon rolls, but are a more gourmet dessert sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party.
11. Jerk Chicken
If you haven’t tried Jamaican Jerk chicken, go get some now. Jerk chicken refers to chicken coated in spices and slow-cooked over a fire or grill. It’s smokey, spicy, and oh so good. You certainly don’t have to be a jerk to enjoy Jerk chicken.
12. Jerky
Jerky is meat that has been cut into strips and dried. It originates from a South American Indigneous word (ch’arki) which literally means dried, salted meat. When you don’t have a refrigerator, drying meat is the best way to save it from spoiling!
13. Jerusalem Artichoke
A Jerusalem Artichoke, or sunchoke, is a species of sunflower native to North America. It’s tubers are used as root vegetables. Fun Fact: It’s not actually an artichoke at all, but tastes like a water chestnut and can be eaten similarly to potatoes.
14. Jicama
Jicama is pronounced HEE-kah-ma and originates from Mexico. It’s a root vegetable, but tastes more like an apple, and has similar consistency. In Central America it’s sold by street vendors with lemon or lime juice and chili pepper on top. Sounds delicious!
15. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
Oh how I love cornbread! And Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix is a great way to make cornbread in a jiffy! You can make a box of it in muffin tins for easy serving, or combine two boxes in a baking dish for thick, moist cornbread. And don’t forget to smother it in butter and honey! Yum.
16. Jonathan Apple
A Jonathon apple is widely regarded as one of the best tasting apples, with a great sweet and sharp flavor combination. It’s great for eating or cooking. It’s red and yellow with a creamy white interior and grows in the U.S.
17. Jordan Almond
Jordan Almonds are candy-coated almonds often seen at weddings. The “bitter” almonds and the “sweet” sugar symbolize the bitterness of life and sweetness of love. Plus, they come in just about any color so they can match your theme!
18. Juice
Juice is typically the liquid from a plant, usually a fruit. Squeeze an orange, you get orange juice! Cut open a lemon, you get lemon juice. These days you can get juice from just about any fruit, and even some vegetables. Go get yourself some beet juice if you need help lowering your blood pressure!
19. Julep
A julep is a sweet, syrupy drink that can contain medicine or alcohol. Though, a nice Mint Julep on a hot summer day is medicine enough for me. Mint Juleps are the most common julep and contain bourbon, sugar, water, crushed ice, and a sprig of fresh mint. Just divine!
20. Julienne
Julienne isn’t exactly a food, but a way to eat food. To julienne something is to cut it into long thin strips. It’s used on firm vegetables such as potatoes, celery, carrot, peppers, turnips, parsnips, and more. To make a fresh coleslaw, you’ll want to julienne your carrots and cabbage. Click on a star to rate it!
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