Ugli Fruit

The ugli fruit is a mix between a grape fruit and an orange or a tangerine and has been grown in Jamaica since the 1930s. As the name implies, the ugli fruit, with its uneven surface and green-yellowish color, does not have an attractive appearance. Although its surface can be discolored, dented, and unevenly shaped, one should not be fooled by these characteristics. The ugli fruit is a very tasty fruit with a tangy sweet flavor. It serves well as an appetizer, or in a salad, or as a dessert. However, the availability in the stores is limited and one can only enjoy the fruit between December and April. In addition, due to its limited supply, the fruit is expensive. The fruit is fairly large in size, 4 to 6 inches; however smaller fruits are more flavorful. Ugli fruits can be stored at room temperature for 5 days or in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. It is not advised to cook the fruit, since this will decrease its flavor. Like other citrus fruits, the ugli fruit is rich in vitamin C.

Nutrition information for 1 fruit (5 oz): calories: 36, carbohydrates: 8 g, protein: 1 g, fat: 0 g, cholesterol: 0 mg, sodium: 0 mg, fiber: 2 g