When it comes to how many foods there is that start with the letter M, the possibilities are endless.
From fruits to meats, and condiments to desserts, you will find an M food in any food group.
Here are 43 foods that begin with the letter M.
Contents
1. Mango
Mangoes are tropical fruits and have a “fresh” season that lasts from April through August.
They are normally harvested when their skin is green, but they are ripe when the skin turns a beautiful shade of yellow.
They have a rich, sweet taste and are packed with nutrients.
2. Mandarin
Mandarins are small, oblong-shaped citrus fruits that are believed to have originated in ancient China.
Their exterior is a deep orange color and they have sweet and juicy flesh on the inside.
Like many citrus fruits, mandarins are very high in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
3. Macaroni
Macaroni is a tubular pasta that is short in length and may have a curved shape.
Due to the thicker walls that macaroni has, it is an excellent type of pasta to use in pasta salads or to make a classic macaroni and cheese dish.
4. Mahi-Mahi
As a signature dish in any Hawaiian restaurant, mahi-mahi is a delicious fish. It has a firm texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Some say that different methods of cooking will affect the taste, but you’ll just have to try it out for yourself!
5. Mackerel
Mackerel is known for its oiliness and distinct fishy taste. It can either be grilled, baked, or pan-seared, but is also commonly served raw in ceviche or tartare.
6. Malabar Spinach
Allegedly, Malabar spinach is not a true spinach but it does look like a green leafy vegetable.
It thrives in conditions that are warm and humid. Malabar spinach needs constant moisture or else the leaves will turn bitter.
7. Marlin
Marlins are ocean predators and are at the top of the food chain.
Because of this, they can contain toxins from other fish that they consume. It is advised to avoid eating striped marlin and most blue marlin as well.
8. Malt
Malt is a cereal grain that is germinated by soaking in water and then dried out with hot air.
Essentially it is sprouted grains and it releases enzymes to further process some foods and beverages, including beer and liquor.
9. Maple Syrup
This natural sweetener is made from the sap of maple trees.
It is used as a topping for various breakfast foods and can be used for baking as well. The US state of Vermont produces nearly half of the country’s crop.
10. Mallard
The mallard is a wild male duck whose meat has a gamey taste.
It is recommended to cut the breast in half and then put them in a saltwater brine for at least 24 hours before cooking it. It tastes great either fried or grilled.
11. Macadamia Nuts
These delicious nuts are a type of tree nut and are native to Australia, but can grow in tropical climates.
They have a buttery flavor and a creamy texture. It is common to use them in certain desserts, such as cookies, or as a topping.
12. Mamey
Mamey is a tropical fruit that is native to Central and South America.
The way it’s sliced and eaten is similar to an avocado. This tasty treat has a creamy texture, also like an avocado, and is not overly sweet.
13. Margarine
Margarine is similar to butter, but the main difference is it is made with vegetable oil. It can be spread onto toast or used for baking desserts.
14. Mamoncillo
Also called “mamones,” these little tropical fruits are native to Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
Their exterior looks like a lime and the inside flesh are tangy with a hint of sweetness.
15. Marmalade
Marmalade is preserved citrus fruit that is similar to jam. What makes it unique, however, is it typically includes the fruit peel.
This gives it a slight bitterness but makes it incredibly aromatic. It is usually made with citrus fruits.
16. Marang Fruit
The marang fruit is very popular in the Philippines. It is quite large and looks similar to jackfruit.
It has a sweet, exotic flavor and contains many antioxidants.
17. Medlar
Here is yet another delicious fruit. The medlar flesh turns brown and soft when it is ripe enough to eat.
What makes it unique is that it can be harvested in the winter, unlike many other fruits.
18. Meat
Meat is the flesh from an animal that is prepared and eaten. It is an excellent source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals.
19. Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic American dish. It is made with ground meat (usually beef), onions, breadcrumbs, and various sauces and spices. All the ingredients are combined and baked in a loaf pan.
20. Meatballs
Meatballs are simply ground meat that is rolled into balls. It’s possible to use ground beef, turkey, or chicken in any meatball recipe.
They can be served as an appetizer or added to a pasta dish.
21. Melinjo Leaves
The leaves from a melinjo plant are dark green and glossy when fully mature. When cooked, they have a texture that is similar to spinach and can be used in many dishes.
22. Melon
The melon family is made up of honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon, just to name a few. Their flesh is sweet and packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it the perfect summer snack.
23. Merlot
Merlot is a grape that is used to make wine. The wine itself is known for being soft and easy to drink.
It can be paired with food or sipped on its own.
24. Methi
Methi is also known as “fenugreek.” Its seeds possess a wide variety of health benefits and they are often used in teas. It is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and accelerate metabolism.
25. Milk
Milk is a dairy product produced by the mammary glands of female mammals.
The most well-known milk comes from cows and is high in calcium. Non-dairy milk can also be made from almonds or cashews.
26. Millet
It looks like a seed, but millet is a cereal grain that is widely consumed in developing countries in Africa and Asia. It grows very easily, even in poor soil conditions and harsh environments.
27. Miso
Some Japanese dishes simply would not be the same without miso.
It is a fermented paste that is made by mixing soybeans with a mold called koji. Miso can be used to add a punch of flavor to soups or ramen noodles.
28. Mint
Mint is an herb that is highly aromatic and easy to care for. Its fresh leaves can be added to desserts, salads, or beverages and dried leaves can be used to make a delicious tea.
29. Mocha
Mocha is an espresso-based drink that is quite sweet since there is chocolate added to it.
It contains espresso, milk, and chocolate, but is customizable and can have flavored syrups or toppings added as well.
30. Molasses
Molasses is a product of sugar cane or sugar beets. It is a thick dark brown syrup that is used as a sweetener or as a baking ingredient.
31. Moi Fish
Historically, moi fish was only served to Hawaiian male royalty.
It is frequently eaten in Hawaiian cuisine and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Moi is an oily fish that helps to keep the meat moist while cooking.
32. Masago
Masago is the edible eggs of the capelin fish. It is used as an ingredient in sushi rolls and is sometimes dyed bright colors to make dishes more visually appealing. Their natural color is pale yellow.
33. Marjoram
Marjoram is very similar to oregano. They are the same genus, but not the same species. Marjoram’s flavor is sweeter than oregano’s and has a less pungent aroma.
34. Moussaka
This classic comfort dish is a Greek delicacy. Moussaka is similar to lasagna, but sliced eggplant is used in place of lasagna noodles.
A meat sauce is layered in between the eggplant and a thick coating of béchamel sauce goes on top.
35. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is an Italian cheese that is eaten fresh. It is traditionally made from the milk of a cow or water buffalo and used as a pizza topping or in pasta dishes.
36. Mussels
These small shellfish are packed with protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Mussels are also one of the simplest kinds of seafood to cook and can be steamed in just a few minutes.
Top them with fresh garlic, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon!
37. Muesli
Muesli is a mix of rolled whole grains, dried fruit, seeds, and nuts.
It is commonly eaten for breakfast and can be used as a yogurt topping or mixed with milk.
38. Mustard
Mustard is a popular condiment that is made from the seeds of a mustard plant. It has an earthy and tangy taste and can be spread onto a sandwich or used in a salad dressing.
39. Munjal Fruit
The Munjal fruit is very popular during the summertime in Southeast Asia. It has a hard exterior that is similar to a coconut. Their flesh has a chewy texture and a sweet yet slightly nutty flavor.
40. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are fungi that come in many sizes, shapes, and colors.
They are rich in B vitamins and add delicious flavor to dishes without adding extra calories. However, some are poisonous so it’s best to avoid eating wild mushrooms.
41. Mulberry
Mulberries grow on trees and taste best when picked fresh and eaten right away. Fully ripe ones are a dark blue hue. They are also delicious as a jam or baked into a pie.
42. Muffins
A muffin is an individually baked good that can have different ingredients added to it.
Some of the most common muffin flavors are blueberry and chocolate chip. They are commonly eaten as a breakfast food.
43. Mutton
Lastly, mutton is the meat of a sheep that is between two and five years of age. Since it comes from a mature sheep, it has a much deeper flavor than lamb does.
Hopefully, this list taught you something new about M foods.
How many of them have you tried?