Berries, grapes, and citrus fruits come in all shapes and sizes.
So from ugli and ugni to umbu and umbra, here are ten fruits that start with U!
You know that guessing game where you have to identify items that start with a specific letter?
Well, if the category is fruits that start with U, I’ve got you!
Apparently, there aren’t that many naturally occurring fruits under this umbrella. And chances are, you’re not familiar with most of them.
But that’s okay – that’s what I’m here for.
And it’s always fun to learn something new, right?
10 Fruits That Start with U
1. Ugli Fruit
Don’t judge a fruit by its name and appearance!
The ugli fruit may not have the most appealing monicker, but wait until you hear what it has to offer.
Ugli fruit is a unique citrus hybrid grown in the Caribbean. And unlike other citrus fruits, ugli has thick, bumpy, and wrinkly yellow-green skin.
But once you peel into it, you’ll be greeted with juicy segments that’re bursting with flavor.
It tastes sweet and tangy, like a cross between an orange, grapefruit, and tangerine.
Not only is it delicious, but it boasts nutritional benefits as well – with plenty of Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Ugli fruit can be eaten raw or added to salads for a burst of flavor.
The thick skin also makes it perfect for baking pies or making jams and jellies.
2. Ugni Berry
The ugni berry, also known as the Chilean guava or strawberry myrtle, is a small edible fruit with a sweet flavor.
They originate in Chile and Peru, where they’ve been grown for centuries.
They have an acidic taste similar to those of green grape, tangerine, and passionfruit.
You’ll usually find them dried or frozen, but they’re also available as juices or preserves.
Bakers put them in jams and pies due to their unique, standout flavor.
And, because of their nutritional benefits, ugni berries have recently become popular among the health-conscious.
3. Umbu Fruit
Umbu fruit, or ‘sour apple’, is a Brazilian fruit with a somewhat similar appearance to an orange persimmon.
The fruit is juicy, with a sweet and tart flavor combination.
Its wonderful taste profile makes it a popular ingredient for chefs looking to add variety to their dishes.
Umbu fruit is often used to accompany meats to add a hint of sweetness. It can also be infused in desserts for added flavor dimension.
4. Urava Fruit
Urava is a type of berry native to South Asia.
The fruit itself is roundish with a variety of colors, including purple, orange, and light yellow.
It has a thin outer skin that’s slightly bumpy and an inner hard pit containing small edible seeds.
People often use Urava in salads or add it to drinks for a uniquely tart flavor.
Urava is highly regarded for its health benefits, including aiding digestion and treating joint pain.
Its unique taste and nutritional value make it one of the most sought-after exotic fruits.
5. Uva Rara Grape
The Uva Rara grape is a rare, sweet, and aromatic variety of grapes originating in Piedmont, Italy.
It has an intense ruby red color, with a fantastic fruity aroma that hints at sweet wild berries and spice.
In the mouth, it’s round, full-bodied, and surprisingly fresh.
It’s traditionally used in late-harvest sweet wines, such as the Barolo Chinato or Brachetto d’Acqui.
However, its potential goes beyond that use. Its complex flavors make it ideal for enriching any type of wine.
6. Uva Tosca Grapes
The Uva Tosca grape is a bright, sweet, and juicy Italian variety with a distinct and unique flavor.
Its origins are believed to be from the city of Arezzo in Tuscany, hence its name. However, it is now grown in many places throughout Italy.
This grape has an intense golden-greenish color when ripe, and the skin is tough enough to withstand transporting over long distances.
It has historically been used to make wine, but more recently has exploded in popularity as table grapes.
Its thick pulp and sweet flavor make it ideal for snacking.
7. Uvalino Grapes
Uvalino grape is a variety of white wine-producing grape grown primarily in Ukraine and Moldova.
Sometimes referred to as ‘Uvalino Bianco’, it has an interesting flavor profile with citrusy and herbaceous notes.
Its versatility and scrumptious taste make it an increasingly popular choice among winemakers.
Its light body pairs well with spicy food. And its high acidity makes it ideal for blending with other robust varietal wines.
8. Ume/Umeboshi Fruit
Although there are fresh versions available, the umeboshi fruit mostly comes in pickled form.
Its tart and salty taste may seem unusual at first, but once you get acquainted, you might just fall in love.
Umeboshi is incredibly popular with the Japanese and is often served as part of a traditional breakfast.
Eating umeboshi on an empty stomach can help reduce nausea and indigestion. It also helps cleanse the body by ridding it of harmful toxins.
9. Usuma Fruit
Usuma fruit, also known as peanut butter fruit, is a rare treat grown mostly in Central and South America.
This peanut butter-flavored fruit has an exterior resembling a pear. But the taste will leave any peanut butter fan salivating.
Usuma fruits have an array of health benefits due to their high levels of vitamin C and minerals.
If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon an usuma, you should definitely give it a try!
10. Umbra Fruit
Umbra fruit is an exotic delicacy grown in areas of Southeast Asia.
It has a sweet taste, likened to honeydew melon, and a crunchy texture similar to that of an apple.
It’s known for its vast nutritional benefits; it is rich in vitamins A & C, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Due to its rarity and many health benefits, the umbra is gaining popularity with those looking for healthier fruit alternatives.