25 Foods that Start with W

You may be surprised to learn that there are many foods that start with W. From watermelon to white chocolate, there are lots of exciting W foods.

Whether you are trying to eat your way through the alphabet or just curious about foods that start with w, take a look at our thorough list.

We have searched high and low to find 25 different foods that begin with the letter W. Some you may already know, but we are sure that a few of these foods will surprise you.

Foods that Start with the Letter W

Are you ready to learn about foods that start with W from around the world? Maybe you want to try them all! Each of these 25 foods is unique. Let’s get started!

1. Wild Rice

Wild rice is the first on our list of foods beginning with W. We chose rice first as it is a staple food in many cultures. Many areas of the world depend on rice as their primary crop.

Wild rice begins as semi-aquatic grass. It is grown around the world but is quite abundant in North America. Stalks of rice can grow up to twelve feet tall. It has a firm texture and a nutty taste.

Milled rice has an earthy taste. It is crunchier than regular white rice or brown rice. The dried grains of rice are slowly boiled in water or broth until tender. Wild rice makes a great side dish or base for a meal.

2. Winter Squash

Winter squash actually refers to multiple kinds of squash. Any squash species that are harvested in the late fall and winter are considered to be winter squash. This includes pumpkins, acorn squash, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash.

Winter squash is typically slow-roasted or boiled after the skin has been peeled. They have a similar texture to the sweet potato after being cooked.

3. Wheat Flour

Wheat flour is commonly used in baked goods. Wheat flour is made from grinding wheat. The wheat is harvested and dried before grinding, then packaged to sell. A bag of flour will stay fresh for about eight months.

Whole wheat flour still has the germ and bran of the wheat. White wheat flour has been blanched or bleached. The bran and germ are removed from white wheat flour, which means whole wheat flour is more nutritious.

4. Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is made by beating air into the heavy cream. The fats from the cream stabilize the mix. The result is a fluffy, light, airy cream. Most whipped cream is sweetened and served as part of a dessert. The buttery texture is a great addition to almost anything!

You can easily make fresh whipped cream using heavy cream, sugar, and a little vanilla extract. You can also buy a canned version in the grocery store. Use it to top fruits, ice cream, or puddings. The possibilities are endless!

5. White Turnip

White turnips look like large oversized radishes. They are delicate and sweet and are much milder than full-sized turnips. They can be chopped and sauteed to make the turnip soft. You can also thinly slice white turnips to eat raw.

6. William Pear

William pears are a classic, traditionally shaped pear. They have green skin and are slightly bell-shaped. A William pear may also be referred to as a European pear. The white flesh of the sweet fruit is tender and juicy. They are a delicious, healthy food on our list of foods that start with W.

7. Water Chestnuts

Water chestnuts are not nuts at all. They are actually aquatic tubers that grow in marshes, ponds, and paddy fields. The root of the plant is thinly sliced and usually canned in water.

The crunchy, mild taste is great in many Asian-inspired recipes. Small pieces of the water chestnut can be found in many Asian cuisines. Japanese cuisine uses water chestnuts frequently. That subtle, saccharine taste goes well with salty Chinese dumplings as well.

8. Wine

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes. There are many kinds of wine which are categorized into red wine, white wine, and rose. The types of grapes used to make the wine will dictate the varietal.

Wine can also be carbonated into champagne. Wine is commonly served with dinner. It is a popular drink around the world. Wine is naturally gluten-free and fairly low in carbs.

9. Waldorf Fruit and Nut Salad

Waldorf salad was first created at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. Professional chef Oscar Tschirky invented the salad. The fruit and nut salad is made with apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes.

A mayonnaise-based dressing is tossed with leafy greens. Plain yogurt or heavy cream can be used in place of mayonnaise. Add some honey to make the dressing sweeter. A touch of lemon juice will brighten the salad. Waldorf salads are eaten as an appetizer or light meal.

10. White Currant

White currants are small, sweet berries. They are a cultivator of the red currant, which is much more common than the white variety. Currants are often tart and will need to be cooked with a sweetener. Currants are most commonly used to make jams and jellies.

Different varieties of currants are found around the world. The small fruits are easy to pick as the bushes do not have thorns.

11. Wild Boar

Wild boar is popular, prized meat that comes from a wild pig. Boar is native to North Africa and Eurasia. Boar meat can be quite tough, so it is best when slow-cooked or roasted.

It is often made into a stew or served in a ragu sauce. The meat is tender and juicy when cooked correctly. It is also great served next to noodle dishes or rice.

12. Walnuts

Walnuts are actually edible seeds that are grown on the Juglan tree. There are several kinds of walnuts, including the eastern black walnut and the sweeter English walnut. Walnuts have a thick, hard outside shell. The nut inside the shell is very tender and flavorful. Walnuts can be eaten raw, toasted, or cooked as part of a meal.

13. Wasabi

Wasabi is usually eaten as a green paste, served alongside sushi. However, wasabi begins as a root. Wasabi is part of the horseradish family. The root of the plant is mashed into a pungent condiment that is quite spicy. Mix wasabi into soy sauce for a perfect sushi dipping sauce. The condiment has also been said to help clear up clogged sinuses.

14. Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener schnitzel is a thin piece of breaded veal. The thin veal cutlet is pan-fried and served with slices of lemon. Wiener schnitzel is a popular Swedish dish and also the national dish of Austria. It is an easy-to-make meal that highlights the tender flavors of the veal.

15. Westphalian Ham

Westphalian ham is a kind of ham that is made from acorn-fed pigs. The pigs are raised in Westphalia, Germany, where they live in the forest. Only pigs raised in this specific area in this unique way can be labeled under the Westphalian brand.

The meat from the pigs is dry-cured and smoked. Beechwood and juniper branches are used to smoke the meat. The result is a uniquely flavored, sweety, and nutty ham. The ham is ready for human consumption and does not need to cook further after being smoked.

16. Winter Melon

Winter melon is actually a gourd. It tastes more like a vegetable than a fruit. Winter melons are picked when fully ripe. The melons have a very mild, sweet flavor. They taste similar to a cucumber. The rind of watermelon has a similar taste and texture. The melon is refreshing and a little bit grassy.

17. White Chocolate

White chocolate is a very sweet type of chocolate. The pale, sweet treat is made using cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids, and sometimes a little bit of vanilla extract.

White chocolate does not actually contain chocolate solids. It gets the chocolate flavor from the cocoa butter used to make the dessert.

Many people do not consider white chocolate to be true chocolate since it does not have cocoa solids. No matter what, it is a delicious dessert and perfect food for our list of foods that start with w! It will satisfy any sweet tooth for sure.

18. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is next on our list of foods that start with W. Wheatgrass is the first freshly sprouted leaves of the wheat plant. Tender wheatgrass is harvested and used in foods and drinks.

Wheatgrass juice is a common drink that has lots of health benefits. Drinking wheatgrass juice can help detox the body by supporting healthy liver function.

You can grow wheatgrass in your home or buy the tender leaves in a local health food store. Grow your own wheatgrass to benefit from all the organic nutrients this letter w food has to offer.

19. Waffle Fries

Waffle fries are made with potatoes. The potatoes are cut using a mandolin slicer. The mandolin has a specific waffle cutting blade that slices the potatoes in two different directions. This alternating slicing method cuts the potatoes into a waffle pattern.

The waffle slices are then deep-fried to make crispy potato chips. Dip waffle fries in ketchup or toss them with a little salt and pepper. Deep-fried foods beginning with w are always a tasty snack!

20. Wakame Edible Seaweed

Wakame is a deep-sea vegetable. It is actually an edible seaweed that has a strong, salty flavor. The soft texture of wakame is similar to lettuce. Wakame can be used in soups and stir-fries.

The sea vegetable adds healthy omega 3 fatty acids and calcium to any dish. It may be one of the most interesting foods on our list of foods that start with W!

21. Watermelon

Watermelon is next on our list of foods beginning with W. We love a nice, juicy slice of watermelon in the summer! Watermelon is actually full of water, and eating it during the hot summer months is a great way to stay hydrated.

Watermelon is sweet with a crispy texture and mild flavor. It is a popular fruit around the world. The largest watermelon ever grown was 262 pounds! It is commonly found in the northern hemisphere. However, most countries grow known forms of watermelon as well.

22. Wolfberry

Wolfberries are related to goji berries. They are native to Tibet but also farmed throughout most of China. The small red berries are high in antioxidants.

You can eat wolfberries plain after they have dried. You can also add wolfberries to meat or vegetable dishes.

23. Whiskey

Whiskey must be included on our list of foods that start with W! It is a distilled alcoholic beverage with a long, rich history. Whiskey is made from fermented grain mash. Various grains such as wheat, rye, corn, or barley can be used to make whiskey.

The flavor of the whiskey will depend on the grain it was made from. Different varieties and brands will all have their own unique taste. A stronger flavor will develop as the whiskey ages.

24. Witlof

This leafy green vegetable is also called chicory. Witlof is mainly bitter and tough to eat solo. It is often served with fresh fruit and honey dressings. Witlof can also be baked or braised to give it a more delicate flavor. It can also be added to soups.

The leafy green veggie is common in salads and as part of other leafy vegetable mixes. Witlof is often packaged in containers labeled “mixed greens.”

25. Wattleseed

Wattleseed is the last of the foods beginning with W that we will cover. Wattleseed is an edible seed from the Australian Acacia tree. They are eaten either green or dried to make into bread. It has a nutty flavor and a coffee aroma. They pair well with chocolate and also raisins.

Foods Beginning with the Letter W

It is incredible how many foods beginning with W there are. From fish to fruits and everything in between, there is a letter w food everywhere you look.

We hope that you enjoyed our list of foods beginning with W. Hopefully, you learned a little bit about unique foods. Maybe you are ready to give some of these W foods a try.

If we missed your favorite W food, let us know by leaving a comment below. We are always looking to add to our list! Enjoy!