If you previously read our blog, you know we’re big on quirky exotic fruits and ugli is just the perfect specimen.Ug-what, you might ask but don’t worry if you never heard about it because in this article, we’ll teach you everything there is to know about this tasty fruit, including its origin, nutritional value, preparation tips, and of course- how to eat ugli fruit.
Let’s start from the beginning…
Brief Overview Of Ugli
Before we tell you how to eat ugli fruit, let’s cover some basics. Its name might be a bit misleading but don’t let this turn you away from trying this citrus charmer. This Jamaican-born fruit is an accidental but tasty offspring of a tangerine and a grapefruit, making it one of the most unique exotic fruits and one of the tastiest “botanical oops inventions”.
On the outside, the fruit has a mottled, greenish-yellow rind and a slightly wrinkled appearance (like it just got out of bed). But beneath that not-so-attractive exterior lies a sweet, tangy, and slightly floral treasure trove of flavor that can be described as a sweeter, tangier version of grapefruit.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our lulada recipe (it’s a citrus-based drink).
Origin And Uniqueness
This tropical fruit was invented in Jamaica, in the early 20th century as a mixture of a tangerine and a grapefruit and even though that wasn’t the primary intention of the experiment, this new fruit quickly became a hit in Jamaica and started gaining popularity due to its addictive flavor.
The Ugli fruit, with its audaciously ‘ugli’ name, has a mottled, greenish-yellow rind that looks wrinkled in places which isn’t the most appetizing thing to see but as you know in the culinary world, appearances can be deceiving! That imperfect skin conceals a treasure of juicy goodness, a cocktail consisting of the sweetness of tangerines and the tangy kick of grapefruits.
Nutritional Profile & Health Benefits
One of the first and most important things you’ll want to know before learning how to eat ugli fruit is the fruit’s nutriotional value. Under its wrinkly, “I’ve-seen-better-days” facade, this Jamaican fruit is a packed with vitamins and minerals. More than anything, it has vitamin C, making it a natural immunity booster. It also has antioxidant properties and high fibre content that’s perfect for people who have digestion problems.
How To Choose The Best Ugli Fruit
Before learning how to eat ugli fruit, let’s show you how to choose the best ones. Firstly, the squeeze test! Gently press the skin; it should yield slightly, much like a ripe avocado. If it feels like you’re pushing against a brick wall, it’s not ripe yet. On the other hand, if it’s too squishy it’s overripe and you don’t want that one either.
Next is the color check- aim for a happy blend of green and yellow. Too green means it’s still not ripe, too yellow means it’s past its prime.
Sniff it out! Good Ugli fruits have a mildly citrusy scent. If it’s aroma-less, it’s probably flavorless too. But if it smells like it’s fermenting its own fruity cocktail, it’s been partying on the shelf for too long.
Lastly, don’t be too judgy. Remember, it’s called ‘Ugli’ for a reason. Wrinkles, splotches, and blemishes are its badges of honor, doesn’t mean that the fruit itself is bad. But that being said, do avoid fruits with noticeable soft spots or dark blemishes.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our guide to other exotic fruits, including bushukan fruit, Santol fruit, Lulo fruit, araza fruit, kumquat fruit, and cempedak.
Tips For Storing Ugli Fruit
If you plan on consuming your Ugli fruit in a couple of days after purchase , leaving it at room temperature is perfect. But if you plan to keep it for more than just a few days, it’s recommended that you store your fruit in the crisper drawer, preferably in a produce bag. Just ensure your Ugli fruit is dry before storage, if not it might join the premature rot party.
Preparation Tips
Give it a proper rinse under cool water. While it might not be visibly dirty, it’s been on quite the journey to get to you. Post-rinse, pat it with a soft cloth or paper towel, you don’t want your fruit to remain wet for reasons we already explained above. When cutting, you want to use an extra sharp knife that can help you peel its rough exterior while not wasting its juicy interior.
It’s a fruit great for the juicer, and you can use its juice in combination with a lot of other drinks and even cocktails. And yes, you can use the peel to adding a zesty sprinkle to your cooking.
How To Eat Ugli Fruit?
You’ve done your homework, sourced the ideal Ugli fruit, and prepped it like a pro and now, it’s time to finally answer the question “How to eat ugli fruit?”
The simplest pleasure is often the most profound- just peel off its Ugli jacket, cut into tiny pieces (not too big) and pop them in your mouth. It’s citrusy and slightly sweet.
Feeling thirsty? You can squeeze your Ugli and make a glass of a fresh, zingy juice that’ll make regular OJ green with envy.
You can also cut your Ugli fruit into generous chunks and toss them into a fruit salad. It goes well with other fruits like mango, papaya, and kiwi but you can also add it to a lot of green salads for a zesty touch.
On the Rocks: Yup, it’s a great addition to your cocktails, it likes a splash of gin (or vodka, if you’re so inclined), a hint of fresh mint, and some crushed ice.
Dessert? Why Not! You can make an Ugli fruit sorbet or add it inside pastries or cakes. It’s a sweet twist that will surely leave your guests wondering.
How did you like this guide to how to eat ugli fruit? Did you ever try this tropical delight? Let us know in the comments below.
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