Fruits highest in vitamin c
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Fruits Highest in Vitamin C
Tropical Fruits Rich in Vitamin C
Tropical fruits are well-known for their high vitamin C content. A study conducted in Oyo State, Nigeria, analyzed various fruits and found that sweet oranges had the highest vitamin C content at 56.7 mg per 100 g of the edible portion. Other fruits such as lime, grapefruit, pawpaw, and 'agbalumo' also contained significant amounts of vitamin C, with values ranging from 43.2 to 48.0 mg per 100 g . Another study highlighted that watermelon, lime, and orange are also rich in vitamin C, with watermelon having the highest content at 12.40 mg per 100 g .
Seasonal Variability in Vitamin C Content
The vitamin C content in fruits can vary significantly with the seasons. For instance, oranges sampled in winter had a higher vitamin C content (616 mg/kg) compared to those sampled in summer (506 mg/kg) . This seasonal variability suggests that the time of year can influence the nutritional value of fruits, making winter a better season for consuming vitamin C-rich oranges.
Kiwifruit and Other Actinidia Species
Kiwifruit, particularly the A. deliciosa cv. Hayward variety, is another excellent source of vitamin C, containing 65.5 mg per 100 g fresh weight. Some cultivars of A. chinensis and A. arguta species have even higher vitamin C content, with certain varieties reaching up to 185 mg per 100 g fresh weight . This makes kiwifruit one of the top contenders for vitamin C-rich fruits.
Commercially Available Fruits
A comparative study of commercially available fruits found that strawberries had the highest ascorbic acid levels, ranging from 55.1 to 59.8 mg per 100 g, depending on the titration method used. Grapefruit, pear, and green apple also showed considerable amounts of vitamin C, making them good options for daily consumption .
Indian Gooseberry: A Vitamin C Powerhouse
Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) stands out as an exceptional source of vitamin C, with a staggering 478.56 mg per 100 ml of juice. When blended with other fruit juices, it significantly boosts their vitamin C content, making it an excellent choice for enhancing the nutritional quality of beverages .
Conclusion
In summary, fruits such as sweet oranges, kiwifruit, strawberries, and Indian gooseberry are among the highest in vitamin C content. Seasonal variations can affect the vitamin C levels in fruits like oranges, making it essential to consider the time of year when seeking to maximize vitamin C intake. Incorporating a variety of these fruits into your diet can help meet and exceed daily vitamin C requirements, contributing to better overall health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Seasonal variability of the vitamin C content of fresh fruits and vegetables in a local retail market.
Seasonal variation in vitamin C content in fresh fruits and vegetables can significantly overestimate or underestimate the actual content in a specific food supply.
Varietal difference in vitamin C content in the fruit of kiwifruit and other actinidia species.
Kiwifruit and other Actinidia species show wide variation in vitamin C content, with Sanuki Gold cultivars having higher levels than Hayward, and A. arguta fruit showing higher levels than other species.
Determination of Vitamin C in Seven Southern Fruit
Actinidia has the highest vitamin C content among southern fruits, followed by litchi, mango, pawpaw, actinidia,banana, musa, and pitaya.
Vitamin C and nitrates contents in fruit and vegetables from farmers' markets and supermarkets
Local market fruits and vegetables may contain more vitamin C and fewer nitrates than supermarket samples, with differences in ascorbic acid and nitrate content depending on the type of fruit.
DOI