What is an ugli fruit?
The Ugli fruit is a cross between a mandarin orange and a grapefruit. It was first discovered in Jamaica in the 1920s and owes its unusual name to its rather unattractive outer shell.
Unlike other citrus fruits, the ugli fruit has a very rough, uneven skin that often appears slightly wrinkled. Hence the name "ugly"—which translates to "ugly" in English. But don't let this outward appearance fool you; inside lies a true treasure trove of flavor!
Taste and nutritional values
The ugli fruit has a unique, sweet and sour flavor that lies somewhere between a tangerine and a grapefruit. It's less bitter than a grapefruit, but not quite as sweet as a tangerine. Many describe the taste as refreshing and balanced.
In addition to its great taste, the ugli fruit also offers a wealth of nutrients. It is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid, and also contains many secondary plant compounds such as flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
Where does the Ugli fruit come from?
As mentioned above, the ugli fruit was first discovered in Jamaica in the 1920s. There, it grew wild in the mountains and was quickly recognized by the locals as a special delicacy.
Today, the ugli fruit is cultivated mainly in Jamaica, Belize, and Mexico. It thrives best in tropical and subtropical regions with plenty of sun and warmth.
Unfortunately, the ugli fruit is not yet widely available in Europe and North America. Fortunately, there are suppliers like our Obstwelt shop that import this exotic fruit and make it available to their customers.
How do you eat an ugli fruit?
The ugli fruit can be enjoyed in many ways. The easiest way is to peel it like an orange and eat the segments individually. Be careful, though, as the skin can be very thick and sometimes even a bit sticky.
Alternatively, you can slice the ugli fruit and use it as an ingredient in salads, smoothies, or desserts. Its refreshing flavor pairs perfectly with avocado, spinach, or yogurt.
The ugli fruit also makes a wonderful addition to marinades and dressings. Its juice is also excellent in cocktails and lemonades.
Shopping and storage tips
If you want to buy ugli fruit, make sure it's heavy and firm. The skin should be as smooth and undamaged as possible.
Ugli fruits can be stored at room temperature for about a week. They can even be refrigerated for up to two weeks. However, they lose some of their flavor, so it's recommended to consume them as soon as possible.
Why you should try the Ugli fruit
Even though the ugli fruit may look a bit unusual at first glance, it's definitely worth trying. Its unique flavor combination of sweetness and acidity is simply delicious.
The ugli fruit is also very healthy. Thanks to its high vitamin and nutrient content, it can make a valuable contribution to a balanced diet.
So, don't let its unusual appearance put you off, but instead discover the benefits of this special citrus fruit! I'm sure you'll be amazed.
Have you had any experience with the ugli fruit? Let me know; I'm very curious to hear your opinion!
Ugli Fruit Cocktail (Ugli Citrus Spritz)
Ingredients (for 2 cocktails)
- 1 ugli fruit
- 100 ml Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine
- 50 ml gin
- 50 ml soda water
- 2 teaspoons sugar or agave syrup
- ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
preparation
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Preparing Ugli Fruit:
- Wash the ugli fruits thoroughly.
- Cut off the top and bottom tips.
- Remove the peel with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, peeling off only the thin skin and leaving the bitter white layer intact as much as possible.
- Squeeze the juice from the ugli fruits.
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Mixing a cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, add the freshly squeezed Ugli fruit juice, gin (if using) and sugar or agave syrup.
- Add some ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously until everything is well chilled and mixed.
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Serve:
- Strain the mixture into two glasses filled with ice cubes.
- Top up with prosecco or sparkling wine and add a splash of soda water.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
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Garnish:
- Decorate with fresh mint leaves and place a slice of ugli fruit on the rim of the glass.
Serving suggestion
This refreshing Ugli fruit cocktail is perfect for summer evenings, parties, or as a pre-dinner aperitif. The combination of the sweet and tangy Ugli fruit and sparkling Prosecco creates an aromatic taste experience.
The ugli fruit is a versatile ingredient that shines in both sweet and savory dishes thanks to its unique flavor and refreshing acidity. Whether as a fresh salad, aromatic cocktail, or creative dessert ingredient, you can enjoy ugli fruit in delicious ways with the recipes presented above. Have fun trying it out, and enjoy !