Well, we have been chasing the alphabet for a while, and now it’s time to talk about the foods that start with Y, the penultimate alphabet in the game. There are many unique, tasty, and amazing foods that start with Y.

Some foods that start with Y are yams, yautia, yuzu, youngberry, yellow eye beans, yellow dragon fruit, yellow layer cake, yakitori, and yellow pea soup.

You might be shocked to learn that more than 40 foods start with Y. But these foods have so much to offer your brain and palate! So, shall we start exploring the list of foods that start with Y?

Fruits, Vegetables, Legumes, and Drinks That Start With Y

Let us first talk about the fruits, vegetables, legumes, and drinks that start with Y:                     

1. Yacon

Yacon is a tuber that is related to sunflowers and Jerusalem artichokes. It is ovate and cylindrical in shape with creamy flesh. It has a sweet, juicy flavor similar to apple, watermelon, pear, and celery.

Yacon is also known as Peruvian ground apple, yacon, jacón, arboloco, yacuma, aricoma, earth apple and ancona. You can enjoy Yacon, both raw and cooked.

It can be grilled, fried, baked, sautéed, and marinated. It helps lower blood pressure and promotes liver health.

2. Yali Pear 

Yali pear is an Asian cultivar that is tear-drop shaped with a large base. It has cream-colored flesh and smooth skin. It is softer than Asian pear and has a sweet, tart, juicy flavor.

Yali pear is also known as Ya Li and Chinese White pear. It is suitable for both raw and cooked applications. It can be used in soups, salads, pasta salads, and fruit salads. It helps in lowering cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.

3. Yam Bean 

Yam bean is more commonly known as Mexican turnip or jicama. It is an edible tuber or a root vegetable that has a white-colored flesh and a papery exterior. It has a nutty flavor which is a cross between potato and pear.

Yam bean has a skin and texture similar to a potato; thus, it is also known as the tater twin of a potato. It can be baked, boiled, steamed, or sauteed.

It is used to prepare salads, soups, fries, and chips. It is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, helps boost heart and gut health, and reduces cancer risk. 

4. Yam

Yam is also known as a sweet potato. It is cylindrical in shape with a tapered end. It has smooth skin and dense, firm flesh, which can be both orange and white colors. It has a sugary, sweet flavor with subtle hints of earthiness and nuttiness.

Yam can be used in both sweet and savory applications. It can be baked, roasted, steamed, or boiled. It can be used to prepare soups, casserole dishes, lasagna, and curries. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

5. Yangmei 

Yangmei is a fruit from a subtropical tree that is native to China. It is round in shape and purple, similar to a berry, which is why it is also known as Chinese strawberry. It has a sweet, tart flavor and a smooth texture.

It is also known as Chinese bayberry, red bayberry, yumberry, and waxberry. Yangmei fruit can be consumed fresh and can be canned, dried, and pickled. It is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. 

6. Yardlong Beans 

Also known as Chinese long beans, asparagus beans, snake bean, and long-podded cowpea, yardlong beans are actually a type of legume. It has a smooth, grooved texture with a grassy, sweet flavor. It has a bolder bean flavor than that traditional green beans.

Yardlong beans come in purple, red, green, and Yellow colors. It can be stir-fried, sautéd, grilled, and deep-fried. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, fibers, and minerals. It helps in delaying aging and fighting cancer.

7. Yautia

Yautia root belongs to the Araceae family. The root has an elongated shape with a large, rotund base. It has brown-colored skin with a rough, uneven texture. It has a nutty, earthy flavor and a starchy consistency.

Yautia root can be grilled, baked, steamed, and boiled. You can also ground this root and use it as flour in puddings. It also finds uses as a thickening agent in soups. It is considered one of the least allergenic foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is good for enhancing brain health and curing anemia.

8. Yuca 

Yuca root is the root of the cassava plant. It has a tapered shape similar to a sweet potato in shape and size. The flesh is starchy and white with a grainy texture. It has a mild, sweet taste with a nutty flavor.

Yuca root can be boiled, mashed, roasted, and pureed. It is a popular staple food for many people and can be used to prepare dishes, soups, salads, and stir-fries. It is a good source of carbohydrates, calcium, dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamins.

9. Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are native to Canada. They have an oblong, flattened shape with an even shape and texture. They have moist, waxy flesh, which is golden in color. They have an intense, buttery, earthy flavor.

Yukon gold potatoes can be roasted, boiled, grilled, sauteed, and fried. They are used to prepare French fries. They are a good source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals. They help in boosting the immune system and maintain blood sugar levels.

10. Yuzu 

Yuzu is a lime that has a small, flattened, oblate shape. It has a yellow-colored juicy flesh with numerous cream-colored seeds. It has a rich aroma and a sour, sweet, and floral taste.

Yuzu lime is a hybrid between satsuma mandarin and the ichang papeda. This lime is used in the preparation of sauces, marinades, and dressings. The rich aroma is used to make cosmetics, candles, and bath products. It is replete with antioxidants and helps in regulating blood flow.

11. Youngberry 

Youngberry is a type of blackberry that is considered a bramble fruit. This berry has a solid core that is surrounded by fleshy drupes. It has a sweet, succulent flavor and a delicate texture.

Youngberry is a hybrid of a blackberry variety and Mayes Dewberry. It can be used to prepare jams, jellies, sauces, and pie fillings, just like any other blackberry. It is a good source of vitamin A and helps boost digestion and improve eyesight. 

12. Yongchak 

Heard of stinky beans? Well, yongchak is its alias. Yongchak is a long-twisting bean from the bean family. It has a ribbon-like, twisted shape and green-colored pods which comprise seeds. It has a rich, pungent flavor and a crispy, soft texture.

The presence of amino acid in yongchak causes a smell in urine that is similar to asparagus and thus the name stinky bean. It is also known as the smelly bean, tree bean, bitter bean, peteh, parkia, and sator. 

13. Yellow Beans 

Yellow beans belong to the family of beans, pulses, and peas. They have yellow-colored pods with tiny, green-colored legumes. They have a sweet, nutty flavor. 

Yellow beans are native to Central and South America. They are used in the same way as other varieties of beans. These are impressive protein sources and help boost heart health, treat iron deficiency, and reduce the risk of heart diseases.

14. Yellow Bell Pepper

Yellow bell pepper is a variety of bell peppers that belong to the nightshade family. It is large in size with a round shape. It has smooth, shiny skin and a crisp, succulent texture. It has a mild, sweet, juicy flavor and a crunchy texture.

Yellow bell pepper can be roasted, sauteed, grilled, and baked and are suitable for raw and cooked applications. It can be used in salsas, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, pasta, and side dishes. It is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins. It helps in mitigating the risk of many chronic diseases. 

15. Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is an edible vegetable that belongs to the family of zucchini, melons, pumpkins, and cucumbers. It has soft, yellow-colored skin and white-colored flesh. It has a bittersweet flavor and a crunchy texture.

Yellow squash is of two varieties – straight neck and crookneck. It can be used similarly to other squash varieties. It can be used in salads, ratatouille, casserole dishes, gratins, and soups. It is a good source of potassium, fiber, phosphorus, and folate. 

16. Yellow Watermelon 

Yellow watermelon is a variety of watermelon that lacks the characteristic antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is responsible for the reddish, pink color of watermelon, grapes, and tomatoes. It has a sweet taste with a flavor similar to honey. 

Yellow watermelon is available in both seeded and seedless varieties. It can be used to prepare salads, smoothies, desserts, and summer treats. It is a good source of vitamins A and C. It helps in boosting the immune system and improves skin health.

17. Yellow Grape Tomato

Yellow grape tomatoes are a brand name given to naturally mutated tomatoes. It has an oval shape with yellow, glossy skin. It has two seed cavities, a mild, sweet taste, and a low acidic flavor.

Yellow grape tomatoes are used to prepare jams, salads, snacks, compotes, soups, salsa, and sauces. This tomato variety is also used as a substitute for cherry tomatoes. It is replete with a natural oxidant named lycopene. It helps in reducing the risk of prostate and stomach cancer.

18. Yellow Eye Bean

Yellow eye bean is a variety of bean that is ivory in color. It has a characteristic yellow splotch at its inner seam. It resembles black-eyed peas in texture. It has a mildly sweet flavor and a creamy texture. 

Yellow eye bean’s mild Flavor makes it suitable for cooking applications since it can hold its texture well. It can be used in soups, stews, and other dishes. It is a good source of antioxidants, protein, fiber, folate, and iron. 

19. Yellow Raspberry

Yellow raspberry or gold raspberry is a small, plump fruit with a conical shape. It is an aggregate fruit developed from drupelets that make a bubbled appearance. It has a sweet, floral flavor with subtle hits of tartness.

Yellow raspberry has low acidity and can be used for fresh and cooked preparations. It can be used to prepare smoothies, fruit punches, beverages, cocktails, jellies, jams, fillings, and sauces. It is a good source of antioxidants that helps lower cholesterol in the blood. 

20. Yellow Onion

Yellow onion is a popular storage variety of onions. It is medium to large in size with a globular shape and tapered ends. It has a mild, nutty flavor, subtle earthiness, and crunchy texture.

Yellow onion is one of the most commonly used onions and is suitable for raw and cooked applications. It can be grilled, caramelized, braised, and sauteed. It comprises sulfur compounds that help reduce cholesterol, blood clots, and heart diseases.

21. Yellow Passion Fruit

Yellow passion fruit is a variety of egg-shaped passion fruit with thick, yellow skin. It has a juicy pulp with numerous tiny seeds. It has a tropical, sweet, acidic flavor.

Yellow passion fruit can be used for raw, sweet, and savory applications. It is well-known for its gelatinous pulp that has a sweet-tart taste. It can be used in salads, cocktails, jams, sauces, beverages, and ice creams. It is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. 

22. Yellow Kiwi 

Yellow kiwi is a kiwi developed by Zespri International Ltd company based in New Zealand. It has a semi hard texture with fine, smooth skin. It is less rough than green kiwifruit. It is yellow with a sweet taste. 

23. Yellow Apple

A yellow apple or golden apple is a medium-sized apple with a conical shape and white-colored, firm flesh. It has a sweet-tart taste with a flavor similar to honey. The flavor changes depending on the area it is grown.

Yellow apples can be used to prepare salads, cakes, tarts, bread, sauces, soups, and galettes. It is a rich source of carotenoids, a powerful group of antioxidants, potassium, iron, and zinc. It helps in regulating blood sugar and lower cholesterol.

24. Yellow Plum 

Yellow plum, also known as lemon plum, is a variety of small, round plum native to South America. It is much smaller than the regular plum we are familiar with.

It has dense, yellow-colored flesh and a sweet, juicy taste. It can be used to prepare smoothies, jellies, jams, chutneys, juices, and shakes.

25. Yellow Moong Dal 

Yellow moong dal refers to moong dal, which is skinned and split. They look yellow, and thus the name yellow moong dal. Yellow moong dal has a sweet, buttery flavor and a soft texture. The other type of moong dal is olive in color and has the name green moong dal.

Yellow moong dal is majorly used to prepare many dishes in Indian cuisines, such as dal curry, dosa, Tikki, and kachori. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and iron and helps grow and maintain cells and tissues.

26. Yellow Tea 

Yellow tea is a drink that is native to China. It is prepared using the leaves of the camellia Sinensis plant, also known as the tea plant. It is a rare tea since it requires an extensive labor process. It has a mellow flavor similar to green tea, although it lacks a grassy taste.

Yellow tea is now available in many types, such as Huo Shan Huang Ya, Meng Ding Huang Ya, Mo Gan Huang Ya, and Jun Shan Yinzhen. Sealed yellowing is the process that is responsible for the yellow color. It is good for weight loss and has anti-aging properties.

27. Yellow Dragon Fruit

Yellow dragon fruit is a small-sized, oblong-shaped variety of dragon fruit. It usually comes in three different size groups. It has yellow skin, which covers a white-colored flesh, and tiny, numerous black seeds. It has a sweet, floral, tropical flavor with a crispy, juicy texture.

Yellow dragon fruit is usually eaten raw after it is cubed, balled, or sliced. It can be used to prepare sauces, syrups, cocktails, smoothies, and baked goods. It is a good fiber, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium source.

Cakes, Condiments, Dishes, and Seafood That Start With Y

Now is the time to discuss the cakes, condiments, dishes, and seafood that start with Y:

28. Yodels

Yodels are cream-filled cakes produced by Drake’s company, an American brand of baked foods. It is a velvety chocolate cake wrapped in vanilla and whipped cream covered in a shiny ganache. 

29. Yellow Layer Cake

A yellow-layer cake is a cake made of eggs, sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, milk, and butter. The frosting can be of any choice, but chocolate buttercream made of cocoa powder is the most popular frosting. Sprinkles can be used as a garnish on the cake.

30. Yogurt Muffins 

Yogurt muffins are sweet-tasting muffins that are fluffy, moist, and tender and are made using yogurt as a major ingredient. It can be prepared using all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, whole milk, plain Greek yogurt, maple syrup, unsalted butter, eggs, and pure vanilla extract.

31. Yogurt 

Yogurt is a dairy product obtained as a result of the bacterial fermentation of milk. The sugars in the milk are fermented using yogurt cultures which act on the milk protein to make yogurt. Depending on the type, it has a rich, sweet, savory, sour flavor and a creamy texture.

Yogurt is majorly used in baked goods to create a fluffy, moist, and tender texture. It is also used as a condiment and in marinades, dressings, and sauces. It is loaded with helpful bacteria, which is beneficial for treating vaginal infections and constipation.

32. Yeast

Let us talk about a very helpful organism in the list of foods that start with Y. It is none other than yeast!

Yeast is a single-celled organism named saccharomyces cerevisiae which converts its food into carbon dioxide and alcohol through fermentation. Carbon dioxide is responsible for the rise of baked goods. It has a fermented taste similar to meat.

Yeast can be categorized in two ways, and thus there are four types of yeast – brewer’s yeast, baker’s yeast, fresh yeast, and active dry yeast. Yeast is majorly used in preparing baked goods and alcoholic beverages. It is also used to add flavor. 

33. Yakhni Pulao 

Yakhni pulao is a rice dish commonly enjoyed in Pakistan and India. This rice dish is prepared using meat and rice cooked in a meaty stock. It is a famous rice dish consumed during Eid.

Yakhni pulao can be made in many ways, and the most popular variant is made using mutton. The meat is boiled in whole ginger, garlic cloves, onions, and spices, and once cooked, the stock is set aside for later use.

34. Yakisoba

Yakisoba is a Japanese noodle stir-fried dish. It is usually prepared using soba noodles made of wheat flour. These noodles are fried with pork and vegetables such as cabbage, onions, bean sprouts, and carrots and then flavored with yakisoba sauce.

Yakisoba sauce comprises oyster, soy, Worcestershire, and sugar. Yakisoba is usually served like a hot dog – a slice of bun in the middle of noodles. It is garnished with red pickled ginger and mayonnaise.

35. Yakitori 

Yakitori is a Japanese dish that comprises skewered chicken. The meat is skewered over a skewer and then grilled over a charcoal fire. After grilling, the skewered meat is seasoned with tare sauce or salt.

Tare sauce refers to the dipping sauce used in grilling. The seasonings of yakitori can either be salty or salty-sweet. Yakitori can differ based on the type of meat cuts and preparation method. Some types are chicken thighs, breast meat, and chicken meatballs.

36. Yellow Pea Soup 

Yellow pea soup is a popular winter soup made of yellow split peas. It is a very simple soup made using onion, celery, garlic, fresh ginger, and spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. 

Yellow soup has a natural savory flavor and thick texture. It can be garnished with yogurt, sour cream, cilantro, or pepitas. Yellow peas help regulate blood pressure and improve the count of red blood cells.

37. Yakimono

Yakimono refers to Japanese dishes that are cooked over direct heat. It is an umbrella term that encompasses such types of dishes. The word yaki means grilled or fried, while mono means thing. These dishes have a smoky, savory flavor.

These dishes can be made of meat such as chicken, pork, and beef. Ingredients such as miso and rice wine can be used as flavoring agents. Gyoza, kushikatsu, okonomiyaki are some of the popular dishes in the yakimono category.

38. Yankee Pot Roast 

Yankee pot roast is a dish originating in America but based on a European cooking technique. The meat is cooked on its own and then simmered along with many vegetables in this dish. It was prepared in New England and hence the name Yankee pot roast.

Yankee pot roast makes use of vegetables such as carrots, onions, potatoes, celery, and mushrooms. Acidic ingredients such as beer or tomato paste can be used for additional flavors.

39. Yiros 

Yiros is more prominently known as gyros or gyro. It is the main course that has its origin in Greece. The food comprises cooked meat, tomato, onion, fried potatoes, and tzatziki wrapped in pita bread. 

The meat is usually cooked on a rotisserie, also known as spit-roasting. The meat can be chicken, lamb, beef, or pork. It is topped with tzatziki, ketchup, or mustard. 

40. Yassa 

Yassa is a spicy dish that is native to West Africa. The dish is made of meat such as lamb, poultry, or fish that has been marinated with lemon juice, spices, and onions. Yassa can be prepared with simple ingredients; thus, the choice of ingredients can vary.

Yassa made with chicken is called poulet Yassa, while that made with fish is called Poisson Yassa. The meat is marinated with lemon juice which helps in making it soft and tasty.

41. Yellow Curry 

Yellow curry is a type of curry prepared using cumin, coriander, turmeric, fenugreek, garlic, salt, bay leaf, lemongrass, cayenne pepper, ginger, mace, and cinnamon. It has a rich sweet taste with a mild flavor.

Yellow curry is one of the three popular Thai curries. It is less spicy and less oily than other curries. It is often used as an accompaniment to meat or starchy vegetables. 

42. Yamarita 

Yamarita is a Nigerian snack prepared using yam, eggs, and flour. The dough is prepared with flour, eggs, pepper, onions, thyme, and ginger. Boiled yam is then dipped in the dough and then fried in oil. It has a rich, savory flavor.

43. Yokan

Yokan is a Japanese snack made of red beans, sugar, and agar. It is called wagashi, which means Japanese confectionery. It has a strong sweet taste.

Yokan is of two types – neri yokan and mizu yokan. Additional yokan ingredients include chestnuts, figs, sweet potato, and persimmons. Honey, molasses, or dark brown sugar can also be used to replace sugar.

44. Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding is a pudding that has its origin in the UK. It is a simple pudding made of eggs, flour, milk, or water. It has a savory flavor and a crispy texture. 

Yorkshire pudding can be served in many ways. This muffin-like pudding is usually served before the main course of the meal and is served with meat and gravy. When served as a first course, it is served with onion gravy.

45. Yorkshire Teacakes

Yorkshire teacakes are made of flour, milk powder, butter, yeast, sugar, mixed peel, and currants. It has a sweet taste and a well-baked crust. It is commonly enjoyed as a teacake in England.

46. Yellowfin Tuna 

Yellowfin tuna is a species of tuna that is mostly marketed as ahi. It is found in subtropical and tropical waters in the pelagic zones. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a firm, dense texture similar to beef.

Yellowfin tuna is one of the largest species of tuna that is also incredibly versatile. It is often found canned, frozen, or sold as steaks. 

47. Yellowtail Amberjack

Yellowtail amberjack is a large saltwater fish found in the South Ocean. It is also known as yellowtail kingfish, hiramasa, or great amberjack. It has yellow-colored dorsal and pectoral fins. It has a rich, buttery flavor.

Yellowtail amberjack is highly valued in Japan and used in making sushi. It can be grilled or enjoyed as steak. It is one of the good sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. 

48. Yellow Oil Crab 

Yellow oil crab is a rare delicacy enjoyed in Hong Kong. Fatty female crabs get lined up in the mouth of Pearl River near Hong Kong.

During scorching summer days, the fat breaks up into liquid and spreads throughout the body, turning the body yellow. It has a rich, sweet, creamy taste and juicy texture.

49. Yabby 

Yabby, or common yabby, is an Austra