What is the primary sugar found in fruits?

The primary sugar found in fruits is fructose, which is a simple sugar or monosaccharide. Fructose is naturally occurring in many fruits, contributing to their sweet flavor. It is distinguished from other sugars by its chemical structure and its sweetness level, which is often higher than that of glucose. This sugar plays a crucial role in providing energy and is easily absorbed in the body.

In contrast, glucose is another common sugar but is primarily found in foods like bread and pasta, and is a key component of many carbohydrates. Galactose is less prevalent in fruits and is mainly derived from lactose, the sugar found in milk. Ribose, on the other hand, is a sugar that is a component of nucleotides and is not commonly found in fruits. Understanding these differences highlights why fructose is identified as the primary sugar in fruits, making it an essential carbohydrate in fruit nutrition.