Top 34 Foods That Start With P

The other day I found myself thinking about foods that start with P, and I soon realized, I don’t know that many. That is why I decided to look more into it, and here is the result of my investigation. Enjoy this list and start your journey with foods that start with P!

Here is our list of fruits, vegetables, cooked food, and whole foods that begin with the letter P:

Condiments, Spices, and Additives

#1. Pepper

There is almost no dish in the world that does not have pepper. This spice is the dried fruit from the flowering plant in the family Piperaceae. The spicy flavor is a product of the piperine, which produces a different taste than capsaicin.

#2. Pesto

Pesto, or sometimes called pesto alla Genovese, is a condiment originally from Genoa, Italy. It consists of garlic, pine nuts, salt, basil, and hard cheese, such as Parmesan. Pesto is an incredibly versatile sauce that can be added to pasta, salad dressings, chicken, and vegetables.

See More: Pesto Shelf Life

#3. Pico de Gallo

Sometimes called salsa Fresca or salsa cruda, this is a type of salsa used in Mexican dishes. Pico de gallo consists of chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, salt, lime juice, and cilantro. This salsa is often served with dishes like tacos, fajitas, carne asada, and more. 

#4. Persillade

Persillade is a sauce consisting of a mixture of parsley blended along with garlic, herbs, oil, and vinegar. This seasoning is used in many dishes and makes part of the preparation process in many recipes.

Persillade is part of French cuisine, and French-inspired cuisines of New Orleans and Quebec.    

#5. Perilla Oil

This oil comes from perilla seeds, which have a very distinct nutty aroma and flavor. Perilla oil is traditionally used in Korean cuisine for flavoring and seasoning. The perilla seeds grow in warmer areas, so it is commonly used in the south of Korea. 

#6 Pindjur

Pindjur is a spread, or relish, from Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia. This food is made with red bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, vegetable oil, and salt. Making pindjur is not an easy task, as it involves baking and roasting. 

#7. Palapa

Palapa is a sweet and spicy condiment from the Philippines. It consists of chopped scallions, ginger, turmeric, labuyo chili, and toasted coconut. The ingredients are mixed, then cooked until they become dry. 

Fruits and Vegetables

#8. Papaya

The papaya, also known as papaw or pawpaw, is a fruit from Central and Mexico. Once ripened, the skin is very soft and the skin is very orange. Papaya tastes sweet, and its texture is very creamy, however, some people detest the flavor. 

#9. Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is widely grown across South America. Both the flesh and juice are used across many cuisines and in various dishes, including juices, sauces, meat, and more. 

You may be familiar with a famous cocktail known as the pina colada, which contains primarily pineapple, coconut cream, and rum.

See More: How to Ripen Pineapple

#10. Potato

The potato is a root vegetable native to the Americas, and there are thousands of species across the continent. This food has been used for over 7,000 years, and it was the main ingredient in native traditions across the Americas. 

Some common species of potatoes are Russet, yellow potatoes, red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, and purple potatoes.  

#11. Peach

The peach is a fruit native to China but now grown across the world. This fruit is not just delicious, but it is also important in cultural traditions, like art, paintings, and folk.

Most people are surprised to learn that peaches and nectarines are the same species, but they are sold commercially as different foods.   

#12. Pumpkin

The pumpkin is a species of winter squash that is round, with orange skin and orange-yellow smooth flesh. This vegetable is native to North America and has been used for centuries in many different cultures.

Pumpkin pie and other pumpkin products are considered to be fall and winter staples.  

#13. Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a fruit originally from Iran and India but cultivated for centuries across the Mediterranean. This fruit grows from October to February, however, it may grow in the southern hemispheres from March to May.

Pomegranate is common in juices, cocktails, sauces, and syrups. 

#14. Pistachio

Pistachio is a nut related to the cashew that grows in a tree from Central Asia and the Middle East. The pistachio is a relatively healthy food with a high amount of fiber and protein.

As a bonus, the pistachio contains saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats.   

#15. Prune

A prune is a dried plum that is often used in desserts, cookies, and as a supplement to help digestive health. The dried fruit, though, contains more sugar and carbohydrates than regular plums. More than 1,000 types of plums are used to make prunes.  

#16. Plum

Plum is a fruit with a waxy pink or red coat and a juicy, yellow-orange flesh. This fruit is considered one of the first fruits domesticated by men. Plums are tart and sweet, but the flavor ranges depending on the species of plum and its ripeness.

#17. Pea

Peas are one of the most common vegetables across North America, and they come from a seed-pod plant. Surprisingly, this makes the pea a fruit, but it is referred to and sold as a vegetable.

While peas contain a high amount of starches, they are also a great source of vitamins and minerals.  

#18. Parsnip

The parsnip is a root vegetable that is related to the carrot and parsley. This root grows year-round, and it has cream-colored skin with many green leaves that can also be used. Parsnips are sweet but also have a slightly earthy flavor to them.

See More: Parsnip Substitutes

#19. Pepper

When you hear the word pepper, it is most likely being used to refer to the bell pepper. This vegetable comes in many colors, but the most popular ones are orange, yellow, red, and green. 

Peppers are native to Mexico, Central America, and South America, but they are used across the world.

#20. Passion Fruit

The passion fruit is a seedy, sweet, and sour fruit that comes from a long vine with beautiful flowers. This fruit is grown in South America, Australia, Hawaii, California, Florida, South Africa, Israel, India, and New Zealand. 

Passion fruit is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.   

#21. Pitaya

The pitaya is the fruit of various kinds of cactus across the Americas. You may know this fruit referred to as dragon fruit, and the flesh is often enjoyed raw or in desserts. The flavor is often described as a mix between kiwi and pear.

#22. Pear

This yellow, brown, or green fruit comes from the pear tree and usually flowers between summer and fall. The pear tends to be longer on top with a narrow stalk and a wider body. The flavor of pears varies, but it tends to be sweet and juicy.

See More: Can You Freeze Pears?

#23. Popcorn

Popcorn is a kind of corn kernel that when heated will expand and puff. Prepared popcorn is a favorite in movie theaters, festivals, carnivals, and as a snack. These days, you can find popcorn with many flavors, including caramel, sugar, or spicy.

See More: Does Popcorn Go Bad?

Prepared Dishes

#24. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a dish consisting of boiled potatoes and many other ingredients, including mayonnaise, spices, peas, and carrots. 

This dish is often considered a side dish and served cold. In some instances, potato salad can be prepared with yogurt, sour cream, celery, and onions.

#25. Pizza

Pizza is an Italian dish consisting of a round, flat base made of wheat flour and topped with tomatoes, cheese, and other toppings. 

Nowadays, you will find pizza with lots of ingredients, including mushrooms, chicken, pepperoni, anchovies, ham, pineapple, and more. This dish is classic fast food in North America.  

#26. Porridge

Porridge is a breakfast food usually made with oatmeal but sometimes other grains, and water or milk. This dish is often cooked with sugar, honey, or syrup. Other types of porridge may have different names, like polenta, grits, or kasha. 

#27. Pretzel

A pretzel is a German baked good that is baked into a knot or stick and has salt. This food can be served with both savory and sweet dishes and often accompanies a beer. You may also find commercial pretzel chips sold as a snack.

#28. Pickles

Pickles are cucumbers that are pickled in a brine, vinegar, or another acid solution. This food is available commercially to accompany burgers, hot dogs, and as a relish. There are various ways to pickle cucumbers, which can alter the flavor as well.

See More: Pickles Shelf Life

#29. Parmesan Cheese

This Italian cheese known as Parmigiano-Reggiano is a hard cheese made from cow’s milk and aged for at least 12 months. 

Parmesan cheese is usually served to accompany meat-based pasta but can be an ingredient in soups, sauces, and stews. This cheese is often served grated, in slices, or cubes.

See More: Does Parmesan Cheese Go Bad?

Fish, Poultry, Meat, and Others

#30. Pork

Pork is the meat that comes from hogs, and it is a popular food across many countries and during the holidays. Pork is also a staple of BBQ joints in North America with dishes like pulled pork or brisket. You may also find pork products, like ham and sausages.

#31. Pepperoni

Pepperoni is an American variation of the traditional salami, and it comes from cured pork and beef. This food contains paprika or chili pepper as seasoning, which gives it its signature spicy flavor. Sliced pepperoni is a favorite in pizza across North America.

See More: Pepperoni Shelf Life

#32. Pancetta

Pancetta is made from pork belly meat, and it is an Italian delicacy. It is usually added to pasta, soups, and salads to add flavor. Pancetta is a slice of soft, decadent meat that tastes salty and is dense.

See More: Pancetta Alternatives

Cocktails and Beverages

#33. Pina Colada

This cocktail consists of rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple.  It is served blended or shaken with ice, and it is a Caribbean staple. The pina colada is originally from Puerto Rico.

#34. Pepsi

The word Pepsi refers to the brand of cola, but this carbonated soft drink is known across the world. It is a staple drink at restaurants, cinemas, fast food joints, and stores in North America. There are many variations to Pepsi, and many flavors are released periodically. 

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FAQs

Conclusion

Did you think of all these foods by the letter P before? I certainly had not seen these many options, and I’m so grateful to include them in my repertoire from now on. Try one or many of these items today!