33 Foods That Start With J

Which foods begin with the letter J?

There are many varieties of dishes available, some of which you are familiar with and enjoy at home as well as others you did not even realize existed such as jaboticaba fruit or juneberries.

Although it’s impossible to list all the foods available in the world we can assist by helping you get better acquainted with various foods beginning with J!

Below are 33 dishes that begin with the letter J. We’ll also provide some brief information on each of them to increase your knowledge of food.

1. Jaboticaba Fruit

Jaboticaba fruit is part of the jaboticaba tree. It has a red-violet hue, and one particular flavor tastes like blueberry yogurt!

There are several kinds of jaboticaba fruit – the white variety tastes similar to sour lychees and the Grimal varieties taste like sugary grape and sweet candy.

2. Jackfruit

Jackfruit is produced by the Jack tree. It resembles a big spikey fruit but, surprisingly it is used primarily in savory dishes as well as of it as a vegetarian-friendly substituting for pulled pork!

The flesh of the jackfruit is extremely tasty and has a flavor that is similar to pulled pork. Its flavor is a blend of kimchi and pineapple, that can make some intriguing meals.

Jackfruit is a popular vegetable and principal ingredient in numerous dishes that are prepared in a variety of ways.

3. Jaffa Cake

Jaffa cakes are a cherished sweet treat that is traditionally served in Britain but are now accessible across the globe. Jaffa cakes are tiny, biscuit-sized cakes that have three layers. The base layer is the Genoise sponge base. There is the orange jam, and then a top layer of chocolate.

They may appear like tiny biscuits, but in reality, they are tiny chocolate-covered cakes!

4. Jalapeno

Jalapeno is medium-sized chili pepper. Once mature, the pod-type plant of the Capsicum annum grows to 5-10 cm in length.

Jalapenos are very similar to that of a serrano but they’re not as spicy. They possess a refreshing, green flavor and their low levels of heat are a major reason why they are used in many recipes. When cooked, jalapenos possess the most intense, smoky, and earthy taste.

5. Jam

Jam is a food item that is typically made with sugar, pressed fruit, and sometimes pectin. Jam is typically cooked and has the same amount of sugar as it is with fruits. The fruit and sugar are cooked to create a thick consistency. It is then cooled down before being bottled.

Jam is typically used for spreading on toast, sandwiches, and muffins, however, it can also be used on cakes as well as to bake and create a variety of desserts. A variety of fruits can be used to create a jam. You can even create the sweetest bacon jam!

6. Jam Roly-Poly

A jam roly-poly dessert is a classic British dessert. It is made of suet, which is then layered with jam, then wrapped up, and then cooked or baked.

It is then separated and enjoyed warm. It’s even more enjoyable serving it with freshly creamed or frozen ice cream!

7. Jambalaya

Originating from New Orleans, Jambalaya has French, African, and Spanish influences, drawing inspiration from paella, Jollof, and jambalaya.

This dish is one pan and has a long tradition and is served as a mainstay in many homes throughout New Orleans and its surrounds.

It is usually made from andouille sausage either chicken or pork and seafood like shrimp or crawfish. It’s a mouthful when you add peppers, celery, and onions.

8. Jambon

Jambon is meat taken from the thigh of a hog which is generally smoke-smoked. The pork is typically preserved either through dry or wet curing and is also smoked. The ham is generally eaten cold and may be consumed on its own or as part of sandwiches

9. Japanese Plum

The Japanese plum fruit is a result of the Japanese plum tree. The fruit is similar to an ordinary plum. It also has a sweet and tart flavor.

Many people enjoy eating Japanese plums due to their numerous health benefits. In addition, the plums can also be used in the making of delicious jams that are sweet and tangy.

10. Java

Java is often used to refer to coffee, however, it is referring to a specific type of Arabica coffee bean.
Java Arabica beans are produced in the islands of Java. They produce a rich and buttery coffee that is a deliciously sweet smell. But, it’s not as sweet as Indonesian coffee.

11. Jawbreaker

Jawbreakers are also referred to as gobstoppers. They are a form of hard candy which is typically round and measure approximately 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter. However, some jawbreakers are larger than 8 centimeters.

They are typically sucked on until the layers fall away till the center is reached which may contain gum. They’re loaded with sugar, and are not healthy for your dental health!

12. Jellied Eels

Jellied eels might not appear to be a particularly appealing dish however it’s quite a famous English dish that is made of eels chopped that have been cooked and then cooked in a spiced liquid before being allowed to cool before setting into an emulsion.

Jellied eel is eaten cold. The texture of jellied eel can be described as delicate and soft and has a pleasant and slightly salty flavor. It is typically served with vinegar and white pepper to intensify the flavor even though it’s considered to be a taste acquired.

13. Jelly

Jelly is a sweet treat made of pectin or gelatin and is prepared by boiling the juice of fruit and waiting for it to set in a mold, the pectin or gelatin thickening it, creating a flexible texture.

While the majority of jelly is served as sweet but there are also savory versions of jelly too.

14. Jelly Doughnut

A jelly doughnut can also be called a jam doughnut and is delicious! It’s a complete doughnut (with the absence of a hole in the middle) that is packed with jam or jelly.

There are a variety of variations of the jelly doughnut. These include that of the German Berliner or the British jam doughnut, each with the doughnut bread as well as the sweetness of the jam.

15. Jell-O

Jell-O is a jelly that can be made in a flash that is available in ready-to-use boxes or sachets at the supermarket. There are a variety of flavors of Jell-O to choose from.

Usually, you dissolve and combine the Jell-O powder with boiling water. Then, put it in cold water and put it in molds, and allow it to dry in the refrigerator. Jell-O is one of the brands of instant jelly that is perhaps the most well-known all.

16. Jerky

Jerky is a well-known snack. It is made of slim trimmed meat which is cut into strips and then dehydrated to keep the meat from breaking off. Jerky is cut thin and then cooked on an oven rack at a low temperature to allow the dehydration of the meat.

The meat is typically salt- and spiced before dehydration to give the jerky a distinct taste. Jerky is distinct from biltong in that it is cut into pieces and dried, while biltong is spiced and then marinated for 24 hours. It is after drying, it is hung in a big piece and then cut off after the dehydration.

17. Jellyroll

Jellyroll is an alternative term used to describe Swiss roll. It is a round cake which is filled with jelly. It is made of a rectangular sponge that is filled with jelly and then wrapped up.

This can be cut into slices and served during tea time or served as dessert. The sponge is soft and light but can hold up to jam inside.

18. Jerusalem Artichoke

Jerusalem artichokes form an element of the sunflower family of sunflowers. The flesh of an artichoke’s white flesh is nutty and sweet. It tastes like chestnuts when fresh.

They are baked in their skins. They possess the texture of potatoes cooked in the same way as well as the mild flavor of hearts of artichoke as well. They’re very similar to other tubers like potatoes or turnips.

19. Jesuit

Jesuit is a triangular flaky pastry usually filled with frangipane and then decorated with flaked almonds and powdered sugar.

The pastry was developed in France and is still enjoyed in its original shape. It has a fantastic airiness and flakiness, the sugar powder and frangipane cream provide a wonderful flavor to contrast with the almonds that are nuttily sprinkled over the top.

20. Johnnycakes

Johnnycakes are cornmeal flatbreads that were a popular food item in the early years of America. They can be made of yellow or white cornmeal, and then mixed with hot milk or hot water and salt. Sometimes, the cakes may be sweetened with sugar.

Leavening agents are employed in the making of Johnny cakes, which allow cakes to raise slightly and become soft after cooking.

21. Jollof Rice

Jollof rice is a very popular food that is popular in West African countries, such as Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Gambia. Jollof rice gets cooked in a fire and then allowed to smoke at the bottom of the pan, which creates a distinctive smokey flavor.

There are several varieties of Jollof rice, based on the region you are in West Africa it is being cooked, however, all of them have the same spicy, smoky flavor that it’s so loved for.

22. Jook

Jook can be described as an East Asian rice porridge, which is usually served as a savory dish. It is well-known among the people of Hong Kong and is also often referred to as congee.

There are a variety of ways to serve it, but most often it is served as a savory food item.
If you’re sick, it’s said that you should eat the jook, cooked plain, with water.

23. Jordan Almond

A Jordan almond may also refer to as confetti or dragee. It is a small-sized sweet that is made of almonds covered in sweet candy. They are available in a variety of colors and are often presented as wedding favors.

The sweet confectionery on the exterior provides a nice background to contrast with the earthy almond-like interior.

24. Jostaberry

Jostaberries appear like currants, blueberries, or blueberries and have a flavor that is similar to that of blackcurrant with a distinct gooseberry taste. Its gooseberry taste is more intense when the jostaberry is not ripe, and the blackcurrant flavor is stronger when it is ripe.

The fruit is ripe in the latter part of summer. hanging from the tree that it is growing on The fruit is eaten raw or used for jams, chutney relishes, or desserts.

25. Juice

Juice is a drink that is made by pressing or extracting natural liquid from fruit and vegetables. It also refers to drinks and liquids which are flavored with specific concentrates or that are derived from other food sources, like the juice of clams.

Juice can also be produced when meat or any other food is cooked. Most of the time, cooking juices are kept to be used for gravy, a reduction, or sauce.

26. Jujube

Jujube is a small, slender fruit that is also referred to as the Chinese date. It is indigenous in Southern Asia but is also widely used throughout the world.

The fruit has an inside pit or seed inside. when it is ripe, jujube can be seen to have a dark red or purple hue and can appear wrinkled. It is a source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It is believed that it can improve the appearance of the skin and decrease acne.

27. Julep

Julep is a cocktail or mixed drink composed of mint, bourbon water, sugar, and crushed ice.
The beverage is served in a large glass. It could be served with spirits wine, liqueur, or even enhanced wine. There are specially designed julep tin cups to serve it in, however, Collins glasses can be used.

28. Julienne

Julienne is a method of using a knife to chop or cut fruit and vegetables. It is also known for its French cut. The vegetables, including celery, carrots, or potatoes are cut into thin, long strips that look similar to matchsticks.

Julienne vegetables are utilized in a variety of recipes and are popular in stir-fries that are made.

29. Jumbles

Jumbles are simple butter cookies made using sugar, flour eggs, butter, and flour. They are usually flavored with vanilla but they can be made with caraway seeds or anise as well as almond extract.

They are baked in different shapes and are perfect as decorations using frosting or sprinkles

30. Juneberries

Juneberries are also referred to also as Saskatoon berries. They are dark-colored fruit that grows within the Canadian prairies.

The taste of juneberries is quite like dark cherries or raisins, however, they are less sweet than blueberries. Juneberries are an excellent source of iron and contain an abundance of calcium, protein antioxidants, magnesium, and potassium.

31. Juniper Berry

Juniper berries are female seeds in the cones that are produced by a variety of juniper trees. They have a slightly piney taste and a hint of pepper and fruitiness.

Gin is typically made with the flavoring of juniper berries, and if you’ve experienced gin previously you are familiar with its flavor. Riper Juniper fruit is utilized in cooking and also to make preserves as well as other desserts.

32. Junket

Junket is a dessert made of milk that is made from sweetened milk, rennet, and. Rennet is the digestive enzyme that assists in curdling milk. In the past, the dessert was called curds and whey which is featured in a few nursery songs and rhymes.

Junket isn’t as popular as it once was it is sad since the custardy sweet made with sugar, milk, and flavors is tasty and should be enjoyed by a lot of people.

33. Jambu

Jambu fruit is also referred to for its wax apples, love apples, and java apple. It is shaped like a bell. Although it appears like a pear, with an emollient skin it tastes like an apple that is sweet and very succulent.

The fruit of jambu has a stunning reddish-pink hue with lighter flesh inside.

Norah Clark

Norah Clark

Norah Clark, the founder and editor of YummyTasteFood! She's a seasoned food writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry as a former pastry chef, sous chef, and barista. When not writing about food, she explores new recipes or travels the world for culinary inspiration.