The Sweeter Side of Ugli Fruit

If you’ve ever been curious about this funky little item while wandering through the produce department, this is your sign to give it a try!

Ugli fruit, known as a Jamaican tangelo, is in the citrus family. Named for its distinct, wrinkled appearance, it is a cross between a mandarin orange and a grapefruit. An ugli fruit is typically the size of a large grapefruit with a yellowish-green outer skin and many imperfections. Don’t let the surface fool you, though! What lies below is a real treat. They are easy to peel and tend to taste sweet like a clementine or tangerine.

One ugli fruit has about three servings of fruit for adults or six servings of fruit for preschool-aged children. Incredibly, it also provides enough vitamin C to meet the daily requirement! That makes it a powerhouse source of antioxidants to strengthen your immune system during cold and flu season.

Ugli fruit can be peeled and enjoyed on its own or using one of these ideas:

• Tropical Smoothie: Blend ugli fruit, banana, pineapple juice, milk, and ice.
  
  
• Fruit and Avocado Salad: Combine sliced ugli fruit, diced avocado, mixed greens, and a citrus vinaigrette for a sweet salad packed with bright flavors.
  
  
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with sliced ugli fruit and granola.

Ugli fruit is in season between December and April.