Purple is a popular and versatile color that can be found on many different items. From clothing and accessories to flowers and foods, various shades of purple add visual interest and vibrancy to our lives. But what are some of the most common purple items? Let’s explore some examples across different categories.
Fruits and Vegetables
Many fruits and vegetables contain anthocyanin pigments that give them purple or blueish hues. Some purple produce includes:
– Eggplants – Perhaps the most iconic purple food, eggplants are classified as berries and originated in India. Their deep purple skin and flesh lend great color when roasted or pureed into dips and sauces.
– Plums – Ranging from deep purple to red, there are over 2000 varieties of plums. Popular types include Black Beaut, Elephant Heart, and Simka plums. They make refreshing juices and jams.
– Purple Potatoes – Beyond the classic brown and white potatoes, there are over 3,000 types of potatoes worldwide. Purple potatoes get their color from antioxidants called anthocyanins. They have a nutty, buttery flavor.
– Purple Cabbage – This cruciferous veggie is actually red cabbage that’s been bred to contain more anthocyanins. It adds crunch and visual appeal to salads and slaws.
– Purple Carrots – In addition to orange carrots, purple carrots are an eye-catching, nutrient-dense variety. They have a sweet, earthy taste that’s similar to orange carrots.
– Purple Asparagus – When left to grow past its prime pick time, green asparagus takes on a violet hue. The stalks still taste tender and grassy.
– Purple Cauliflower – Thanks to a genetic mutation, this variant of white cauliflower contains anthocyanins for a vivid purple color when cooked.
– Purple Basil – Dark opal and purple ruffles are two purple basil cultivars. They impart aromatic flavor with a slightly spicy bite.
Fruits
In addition to purple-hued veggies, many fruits contain anthocyanin pigments or cultivars that result in purple skin or flesh:
– Blackberries – Sweet and tart blackberries get their inky color from anthocyanins. They make delicious pies, jams, and juices.
– Purple Grapes – Breeds like concord and red globe grapes can range from bold purple to practically black as they ripen. They’re perfect for juicing and wine-making.
– Plums – As mentioned earlier, there are over 2000 varieties of plums with purple skin in hues from reddish-purple to deep blue-violet.
– Purple Figs – Native to Asia and the Mediterranean, dark purple mission and black mission figs have a sweet, jammy taste. Their interior flesh is pinkish-purple.
– Passionfruit – Vibrant purple passionfruit offers tropical, tangy juices and pulps. Some types have deep purple insides too.
– Purple Mangoes – Tropical purple mangoes like raja puri and kesar have sweet purple skin and flesh. Their flavor is more aromatic than yellow mangoes.
Flowers and Plants
Many striking purple blooms originate from flowering plants, trees, and succulents:
– Lavender – This fragrant herb also produces gorgeous lilac purple flowers that symbolize grace and femininity. The essential oil is used for aromatherapy.
– Lilacs – Available in over 2000 cultivars, most common lilacs are light purple, but ranges like paler lavender to deep violet exist too. They represent youthful innocence.
– Orchids – Orchids come in every color, and vibrant purple hybrids include phalaenopsis and dendrobium orchids. They symbolize luxury and beauty.
– Violets – Cheerful purple violets represent faithfulness and humility. Their five-petaled flowers add delicate beauty to gardens.
– Iris – Stately bearded irises showcase intricate purple blooms in hues from pale purple to indigo blue, with fancy colorful markings.
– Wisteria – Lavender blue and purple wisteria vines produce long clusters of sweetly fragrant flowers. They represent good luck and new beginnings.
– Purple Heart Plant – Purple heart has velvety, deep purple leaves that shimmer in the sun. It’s a low-maintenance houseplant.
– Purple Dead Nettle – This perennial wildflower has purple hooded blooms in spring over minty green and purple foliage.
Gemstones
Regal purple gemstones have been prized since ancient times for jewelry and ornamental objects:
– Amethyst – As the birthstone for February, amethyst ranges from pale lilac to deep purple. It symbolizes peace, courage, and stability.
– Purple Garnet – Though most think of red garnets, rhodolite is a violet-pink to purple garnet. It provides vitality and inspiration.
– Purple Sapphire – Rare natural purple sapphires occur due to trace elements of iron and chromium. More affordable options are created by heat-treating blue sapphires.
– Purple Jade – Mined mainly in Alaska, purple jade is the rarest and most valuable type of jade thanks to its regal color.
– Sugilite – This purple stone ranges from light lavender to deep dark purple. It’s associated with awakening the third eye chakra.
– Charoite – Charoite is a stunning purple mineral with a pearly, swirling pattern. It promotes inner peace and healing.
– Lepidolite – Shimmery purple lepidolite contains lithium and is believed to bring harmony and serenity when worn as jewelry.
– Tanzanite – After heating, the trichroic tanzanite displays vibrant violet-blue hues. It aids harmony and communication.
Household Items
For household goods, purple hues lend an elegant touch:
– Sofas and Armchairs – Rich velvet purple sofas create cozy lounging spaces, while eggplant or lilac armchairs add pops of color to living rooms.
– Sheets and Pillows – Lavender and purple bedding provides a soothing, peaceful ambiance for restful sleep.
– Table Runners – Vibrant purple table runners instantly dress up dining tables and kitchen islands.
– Flowers and Vases – Fresh purple roses or tulips and purple-hued glass vases elevate room decor.
– Picture Frames – Decorating with purple picture frames is an easy way to incorporate color throughout a home.
– Rugs and Doormats – Handwoven purple wool rugs and front door mats can anchor rooms while making a style statement.
– Curtains and Blinds – Hang deep amethyst velvet curtains or install eggplant-toned wood blinds to add warmth.
– Towels – Plush purple towels infuse bathrooms with a spa-like feel.
Fashion and Accessories
In clothing and accessories, purple projects luxury and creativity:
– Dresses – Elegant purple evening gowns, pretty purple sundresses, and trendy lilac shifts exude femininity.
– Shirts – Vibrant purple tees, fun lavender blouses, and rich purple button-downs showcase personal style.
– Pants – From pale mauve chinos to deep purple skinny jeans, purple bottoms offer everyday versatility.
– Shoes – Platform purple sneakers, printed flats, or suede boots demonstrate bold fashion sense.
– Bags – Luxe purple leather handbags, chic backpacks, and cute mini purses add practicality.
– Jewelry – Amethyst pendants, purple gemstone rings, and purple crystal earrings create dazzling accessorizing.
– Scarves – Lightweight purple scarves breathe life into neutral outfits while protecting the neck.
– Hats – Purple wide-brimmed sun hats, knit beanies, and fedoras make street style statements.
– Sunglasses – Glamorous cat-eye or oval purple tinted shades protect in style.
Foods and Beverages
Vibrant purple foods and drinks contain anthocyanins or natural plant pigments:
– Purple Sweet Potato Pie – Creamy purple sweet potato custard in a flaky pie crust makes a holiday treat.
– Forbidden Rice – This medium-grain black “forbidden rice” turns purple when cooked. It’s nutrient-rich and mild tasting.
– Acai Bowls – Made from acai berries, these bowls have deep purple bases blended with fruit and granola.
– Purple Smoothies – Blending blueberries, blackberries, and purple grapes creates antioxidant-filled smoothies.
– Ube Ice Cream – This Filipino ice cream is tinted purple from ube yams. It has a sweet, nutty vanilla profile.
– Purple Pancakes – Mixing purple sweet potatoes or ube powder into batter delivers colorful, fluffy stacks.
– Purple Cocktails – Vibrant violet cocktails are made by mixing blue curacao, grape juice, or creme de violette liqueur.
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Purple Wine – The skins of red grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir lend a purple hue to red wines.
– Plum Juice – Fresh pressed or bottled plum juice captures the tart-sweet flavor of plums in a glass.
– Elderberry Syrup – Elderberry syrup is a purple-black natural remedy praised for its immunity-boosting properties.
Other Purple Items
Beyond everyday essentials, purple can be found on:
– Crayons and Markers – Vibrant purple crayons and markers allow kids to get creative with projects and coloring books.
– Pens and Highlighters – Purple pens stand out for note-taking and editing. Highlighters call attention to key text.
– Paints – Rich purple acrylic craft paints, face paint, and watercolors open up tons of DIY possibilities.
– Balloons – Cheerful purple latex balloons and mylar balloons liven up parties and celebrations.
– Sporting Goods – Purple golf balls, tennis balls, boxing gloves, and more add color to sports.
– Toys – Purple plush animals, board game pieces, and baby teething toys appeal to kids of all ages.
– Candy – Grape and raspberry-flavored purple candies include lollipops, hard candies, gummies, and jelly beans.
Conclusion
Purple is prevalent across fruits, veggies, flowers, clothing, accessories, and home goods for its regal, creative vibe. Varying pigments, cultivars, and infusions using fruits like grapes yield lighter mauves to dramatic, vivid violet hues. From pale purple potatoes to deep purple plums, this multifaceted color brings visual richness to everyday life. So explore purple items to make cooking, decorating, gifting, and getting dressed a bit more vibrant and fun.