17 Fruits Beginning with U You Should Know About

Fruits that start with the letter U might not be common in your local grocery store, but they’re some of the most interesting foods you’ll find.

From sweet to sour tastes, these special fruits grow in different places around the world.

Some hide in tropical forests, while others grow in backyards.

Many of these fruits pack lots of vitamins and minerals that help keep you healthy.

You can eat them fresh, add them to smoothies, or cook them in tasty dishes.

Fruits Beginning with U

Let us look at these less-known but wonderful fruits that make our food world more exciting.

1. Ugli Fruit

Also known as ‘Jamaican Tangelo’, Ugli is a citrus hybrid with a wrinkled, greenish-yellow skin and sweet-tangy flesh.

• Origin: Jamaica
• Scientific Name: Citrus reticulata × Citrus paradisi × Citrus aurantium
• Culinary Uses: Ideal for fresh consumption or as a juice.
• Nutrition: High in vitamin C and dietary fiber.
• Season: Late summer, early fall.

2. Uva (Grape)

Sweet, juicy berries available in green, red, purple, and black varieties.

• Scientific Name: Vitis vinifera
• Origin: Cultivated worldwide
• Culinary Uses: Eaten fresh, made into raisins, juice, jelly, or wine.
• Season: Summer to fall (July to October).
• Nutrition: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber.

3. Uchuva (Cape Gooseberry / Goldenberry)

Small, round fruits enclosed in a papery husk, offering a sweet-tart flavor.

• Scientific Name: Physalis peruviana
• Origin: South America (Andes region)
• Culinary Uses: Eaten fresh, in salads, desserts, or dipped in chocolate.
• Season: Late summer to fall.
• Nutrition: High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.

4. Ububese (African Custard Apple)

Known for its greenish-yellow, scale-like skin and sweet, custard-like flesh.

• Scientific Name: Annona senegalensis
• Origin: Tropical Africa
• Culinary Uses: Eaten fresh, often used in desserts.
• Season: April to June.
• Nutrition: Rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

5. Udara (African Star Apple)

A sweet-tart fruit with a star-shaped pattern inside when cut open.

• Scientific Name: Chrysophyllum albidum
• Origin: West Africa
• Culinary Uses: Commonly eaten fresh.
• Season: Dry season (December to April).
• Nutrition: Rich in vitamin C.

6. Ugni (Chilean Guava/Ugni Berries/Ugni Blanc Grape)

Small, sweet berries that taste similar to strawberries and cranberries.

• Scientific Name: Ugni molinae
• Origin: South America (Chile and Argentina)
• Culinary Uses: Eaten fresh or used in jams and desserts.
• Season: Late summer to fall.
• Nutrition: High in antioxidants and vitamin C.

7. Ukrainian Heart Tomato

A heart-shaped, large tomato with a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor.

• Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Origin: Ukraine
• Culinary Uses: Great for salads, sandwiches, or making sauces.
• Season: Summer months (July to September).
• Nutrition: Rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene.

8. Ula

A lesser-known tropical fruit offering a taste of local biodiversity.

• Scientific Name: Artocarpus altilis
• Origin: Hawaii
• Culinary Uses: Varies based on regional availability.
• Season: Hot, rainy summer months.
• Nutrition: Nutritional profile varies.

9. Umari

A fruit with a hard outer shell and creamy, nutty interior.

• Scientific Name: Poraqueiba sericea
• Origin: Amazon region (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador)
• Culinary Uses: Consumed fresh or used in local Amazonian dishes.
• Season: Varies depending on location.
• Nutrition: Known for its rich, buttery texture and high energy content.

10. Umbrafruit (June Plum)

A small, oval-shaped fruit with a sweet-tangy flavor similar to mango or pineapple.

• Scientific Name: Spondias dulcis
• Origin: Southeast Asia, Caribbean, parts of Africa
• Culinary Uses: Consumed fresh or used in cooking.
• Season: Late spring to early fall.
• Nutrition: High in vitamin C and fiber.

11. Umbrella Squash

A squash with a unique shape, resembling an umbrella, and mild flavor.

• Scientific Name: Cucurbita spp.
• Origin: Tropical regions
• Culinary Uses: Used in savory dishes or as a vegetable.
• Season: Varies by region.
• Nutrition: Contains vitamins and minerals beneficial for health.

12. Umbu

Small, green fruit with a sour flavor, commonly used in juices and sweets.

• Scientific Name: Spondias tuberosa
• Origin: Brazil
• Culinary Uses: Made into juices and jams, or eaten fresh.
• Season: December to April (rainy season).
• Nutrition: High in vitamin C.

13. Ume

A sour plum used for making umeboshi (pickled plums) with a tart taste.

• Scientific Name: Prunus mume
• Origin: China (introduced to Japan)
• Culinary Uses: Used in pickling, sauces, or traditional Japanese dishes.
• Season: Early summer (June to July).
• Nutrition: Known for digestive benefits.

14. Urava

A green fruit found in coastal mangrove ecosystems, known for its sour taste.

• Scientific Name: Sonneratia caseolaris
• Origin: East Africa and Southeast Asia
• Culinary Uses: Eaten fresh or cooked as a vegetable.
• Season: Varies by region.
• Nutrition: High in vitamin C and A.

15. Usakhelauri

A rare grape variety used in winemaking.

• Scientific Name: Vitis usakhelouri
• Origin: Georgia (the country)
• Culinary Uses: Primarily used for making sweet wine.
• Season: Late summer to fall.
• Nutrition: Rich in antioxidants.

16. Utu

A fibrous fruit with a sweet or sour flavor, depending on ripeness.

• Scientific Name: Parartocarpus venenosa
• Origin: West Africa
• Culinary Uses: Consumed fresh or used in soups and stews.
• Season: Varies by region.
• Nutrition: Contains vitamins and fiber.

17. Uvaria

Latin uva meaning grape, likely because the edible fruit of some species in the genus resemble grapes.

• Scientific Name: Uvaria spp.
• Origin: Tropical Africa and Asia
• Culinary Uses: Eaten fresh or used in dishes.
• Season: Varies by species.
• Nutrition: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Conclusion

These amazing U-named fruits show us just how much there is to explore in the food world.

Each one brings its own mix of good-for-you nutrients and fresh flavors to your plate.

While you might need to look beyond your usual store to find them, trying these fruits can make meals more fun and healthy.

So next time you want to try something new, remember these special fruits.

They’re proof that some of the best foods might be ones you haven’t tried yet.

Who knows? You might find your new favorite fruit among them.