In Japan, square watermelons are grown inside boxes so they take on a cube shape. The idea behind this unusual practice is mostly for easier storage and stacking. I’ve always loved triangle shapes, and the first time I heard about square watermelons, I wondered if triangular fruits might exist naturally. The truth is, fruits generally grow in many forms—round, oval, oblong, or irregular—but none naturally form a perfect triangle. That said, if you look closely, some fruits come surprisingly close, with outlines, cross-sections, or features that resemble a triangle. Here are 12 fruits that tend to grow in triangular shapes, or at least show off some triangle-like elements in their appearance.
1. Trapa (Water Caltrop)
The water caltrop is one of nature’s most striking triangular fruits. Its hard shell often forms sharp angles, with some varieties resembling the head of a bull or even a flying bat. Found in still freshwater across Eurasia and Africa, it has been nicknamed devil pod and buffalo nut. Beyond its unusual shape, the starchy seed inside is edible once cooked, and in some regions it’s enjoyed as a festive snack.
2. Strawberry
Few fruits show a triangular outline as clearly as a strawberry. Its wide base tapers neatly to a pointed tip, making it look like a soft red triangle dotted with tiny seeds. Loved worldwide for their sweet flavor, strawberries are also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. They can be eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or added to desserts, proving that this fun-shaped fruit is as versatile as it is healthy.
3. Pear
Pears naturally grow with a broad bottom and a narrow neck, creating a shape close to a triangle or teardrop. This outline makes them easy to spot in markets and orchards. Juicy and subtly sweet, pears are excellent for eating fresh, baking into pies, or poaching in wine. Their soft flesh contrasts with the firm skin, and different varieties range from crisp and refreshing to tender and meltingly sweet.
4. Avocado
The avocado often hints at triangular form, especially when cut lengthwise. Its pear-like body narrows toward the top, while the creamy green flesh surrounds a large central seed. Famous for being rich in healthy fats, avocados are popular in salads, spreads, and smoothies. Whether mashed into guacamole or sliced on toast, this triangular-leaning fruit combines unique nutrition with countless uses in everyday cooking.
5. Papaya
Some papayas reveal a triangular look when sliced across the middle, thanks to the way their flesh and seed cavity are arranged. Larger varieties can show an angular cross-section, making them stand out among tropical fruits. Sweet and juicy, papayas are loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and digestive enzymes. Often eaten fresh or blended into juice, they bring both bright flavor and valuable nutrients to the table.
6. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit doesn’t hide its geometric beauty—the skin is covered with triangular flaps that give the fruit a striking, three-sided effect. Inside, the white or magenta flesh speckled with tiny black seeds is refreshing and lightly sweet. Grown mainly in tropical regions, dragon fruit is part of the cactus family. Its unusual appearance makes it a favorite for fruit platters, while its mild taste pairs well with other tropical flavors.
7. Physalis (Cape Gooseberry)
The cape gooseberry comes wrapped in a delicate papery husk that often dries into a triangular lantern shape. This natural packaging not only adds to its charm but also protects the small golden berry inside. Sweet-tart in flavor, physalis is rich in vitamin C and often used in jams, desserts, or eaten fresh. Its unique look and bright color make it a popular garnish in both sweet and savory dishes.
8. Okra
Okra pods, though often thought of as a vegetable, are technically fruits. When sliced, their cross-section usually forms a neat triangle or pentagon, making them perfect examples of geometric produce. Widely used in soups and stews, okra is valued for its natural thickening ability. Beyond its shape, it’s a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and folate, making this triangular little fruit both decorative and nutritious in the kitchen.
9. Otaheite Apple (Malay Apple)
The Otaheite apple typically grows in a bell-like or oval shape, yet from certain angles its tapered form creates a triangle-like outline. This tropical fruit, native to the Pacific and Caribbean regions, has a crisp, juicy flesh with a subtle sweetness. Often enjoyed fresh, it can also be turned into refreshing drinks or jams. Its striking red skin and unusual outline make it stand out in markets and gardens alike.
10. Canistel (Eggfruit)
Canistel, also called eggfruit, tends to form an oval body that narrows into a pronounced point, giving it a wedge or triangular appearance. The bright yellow flesh has a dense, custard-like texture, often compared to sweet potato or pumpkin. Popular in milkshakes and desserts, canistel is rich in beta-carotene and vitamins. Its unusual taste and triangular hint in form make it a distinctive fruit worth discovering in tropical regions.
11. Cashew Apple
The cashew apple, though often overshadowed by the nut it bears, sometimes displays a triangular outline due to the way the cashew seed attaches at its tip. Its juicy flesh is highly aromatic, with a sweet yet slightly astringent taste. Though delicate and rarely shipped far, in growing regions it’s used to make drinks, jams, and fermented products. This bulbous yet subtly triangular fruit is as versatile as it is colorful.
12. Chayote Squash
Chayote squash, while commonly treated as a vegetable, is botanically a fruit. Its wrinkled surface and deep ridges can give it angular sides that sometimes resemble a triangular outline. Typically pale green and pear-like, it has a mild, crisp flesh that works well in both raw salads and cooked dishes. Native to Mesoamerica, chayote remains a staple ingredient across Latin America and Asia, where its quirky shape adds character to local cuisine.