Fruits prove to be an integral part of our day-to-day life. No matter what our culinary experiences are, where we reside, or what food culture we follow, there happen to be fruits in our food habits one way or the other. There exists a wide range of fruits that we come across every day while others are exotic that are found once a year or maybe not even found in our origin country.
Well, that being said, let us explore the world of fruits that start with U and find out what all kinds of such fruits are present across the globe, and let’s see how many of them we know about.
So, let’s get started right away!
15 Fruits that Start with U
Here’s an overview of popular fruits that start with U:-
- Ugli
- Ugni Berry
- Umbu
- Ububese
- Usuma
- Uvilla
- Ume
- Umbra
- Umbrella Squash
- Ula
- Udara
- Uvalino Grape
- Urava
- Utu
- Umari
| Fruits | Alternate Names | Calories |
| Ugli | Jamaican Tangelo, Uniq Fruit | 47cal |
| Ugni Berry | Murta, Uniberry, Strawberry Myrtle | 75cal |
| Umbu | Imbu, Brazil Plum, Sour Apple | 34cal |
| Ububese | Muroro, Dwarf Custard Apple | 94cal |
| Usuma | Peanut Butter Fruit | 480cal |
1. Ugli
Ugli is one of the most popular fruits that start with the letter U. It is a hybrid between grapefruit and orange and has a tear-drop appearance. The fruit possesses greenish-yellow skin and has a juicy inside. It has a sweet and tangy taste with a slight bitterness.
Usually, an Ugli fruit seed takes around 4-5 months to attain maturity and turn into a fully-grown plant.
Origin- Native to Jamaica
Scientific Name- Citrus × tangelo
Alternate Names- Jamaican Tangelo, Uniq Fruit
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 47cal
- Fat- 0g
- Sodium- 0mg
- Carbohydrates- 12g
- Fiber- 2g
- Sugars- 8g
- Protein- 1g
Health Benefits-
- Promotes weight loss
- Help reduce inflammation
Varieties- None
Allergies (if any)- Can cause allergic reactions in some people
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used as a snack or dessert
2. Ugni Berry
Ugni Berry is one of the most delectable fruits that start with the letter U. An edible berry, it has a purplish-red appearance, which has a striking resemblance to berries. It possesses a sweet flavor but with acidic undertones quite similar to passionfruit, green grapes, and tangerine.
This evergreen plant has a medium growth rate. It requires moist yet well-drained soil for its growth.
Origin- Native to Western Latin America, Chile, and Argentina
Scientific Name- Ugni molinae
Alternate Names- Murta, Uniberry, Strawberry Myrtle
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 75cal
- Fat- <0.2g
- Carbohydrates- 17g
- Fiber- 0.32g
- Sugars- 9.7g
- Protein- 0.9g
Health Benefits-
- Help maintain skin health
- Aids in improving cognitive function
Varieties- Chilean Guavaberry
Allergies (if any)- None Known
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used for the preparation of jam
3. Umbu
One of the well-known fruits that start with a U is Umbu. It is a juicy item, which resembles an orange persimmon. Umbu has a sweet and tart flavor with aromatic dimensions. It is because of this quality, chefs use this fruit in a wide variety of dishes to give a unique hint of flavor to them. Umbu can be consumed raw. The tree of this fruit has a slow rate of growth and is usually found in semi-desserts.
Origin- Native to Northeast Brazil
Scientific Name- Spondias tuberosa
Alternate Names- Imbu, Brazil Plum, Sour Apple
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 34cal
- Fat- 0g
- Sodium- 0mg
- Carbohydrates- 8g
- Fiber- 0.5g
- Sugars-
- Protein- 0.4g
Health Benefits- None (no medicinal use)
Varieties- None
Allergies (if any)- None Known
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used in jams
4. Ububese
Amongst fruits that start with the letter U, Ububese is a popular fruit that has a fan base of its own. This fruit has a round or oval shape with a reddish or dark yellow color. Ububese has a sweet pulp that is extremely delightful and the most enticing part of this item. One can consume it raw or make a juice per one’s liking.
The Ububese tree is small and often referred to as a dwarf tree, commonly found in Africa. They grow about 60-100 cm tall.
Origin- Native to Africa
Scientific Name- Annona stenophylla
Alternate Names- Muroro, Dwarf Custard Apple
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 94cal
- Fat- 0g
- Carbohydrates- 23.6g
- Fiber- 4.4g
- Protein- 2.1g
Health Benefits-
- Promotes cardiovascular health
- Boosts eyesight
Varieties- African Pride, Pinks Mammoth
Allergies (if any)- Can lead to weight gain
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used in the preparation of sweet dishes
5. Usuma
One of the most enticing and popular fruits that start with letter U is Usuma. The fruit grows in clusters just like grapes and has a pointed shape. It does not have transparent skin. An oval-shaped item, when ripe it has a red color with a fruity, somewhat berry-like taste. It is also similar to peanut butter in taste with an undertone of sourness.
You can relish this fruit fresh or raw and can even add it to different items for added flavor and taste.
Origin- Native to the Andean region of South America
Scientific Name- Bunchosia argentea
Alternate Names- Peanut Butter Fruit
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 480cal
- Fat- 10g
- Sodium- 300mg
- Carbohydrates- 83g
- Fiber- 3g
- Sugars- 72g
- Protein- 13g
Health Benefits-
- Help reduce cholesterol levels
- Promotes better nerve function
Varieties- None
Allergies (if any)- None Known
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used for the preparation of jam, smoothies, and milkshakes
6. Uvilla
Amongst fruits that start with a U is Uvilla, which is loved far and wide. Small in size, this fruit is round with a tart and sweet taste. Also described as a superfood, it can be consumed fresh or can be used in fruit salads per one’s liking. It can also be enjoyed in its dried form. The plant of this fruit grows in hot weather and requires minimum water to thrive.
Origin- Native to Peru and Chile
Scientific Name- Physalis peruviana
Alternate Names- Uchuva, Aguaymanto, Peruvian Groundcherry, Goldenberry
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 53cal
- Fat- 0.7g
- Sodium- 0mg
- Carbohydrates- 11.2g
- Fiber- 5g
- Sugars- 6g
- Protein- 1.9g
Health Benefits-
- Promotes bone health
- Aids in improving vision
Varieties- Downy Ground-Cherry, Cape Gooseberry
Allergies (if any)- Eating unripe fruit can lead to digestive upset
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used in the preparation of jams, fruit-based sauces, chocolates, and ice-creams
7. Ume
Amongst fruits that start with U, Ume is another delicious option for you. This fruit is closely related to apricots and it has the right undertones of both sweet and salty flavor. This fruit tastes somewhat like peaches and apricots. When unripe, it has a bright green color with firm and smooth skin.
Ume plants tend to have a short growing season. They usually flower in about 3 years from the seed and in 2 years from the graft.
Origin- Native to Japan
Scientific Name- Prunus mume
Alternate Names- Umeboshi, Preserved Plums, Japanese Plums, Umezuke
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 33cal
- Fat- 0g
- Sodium- 2mg
- Carbohydrates- 10g
- Fiber- 3.4g
- Protein- 0g
Health Benefits-
- Helps in reducing fatigue
- Promotes metabolism
Varieties- Bungo
Allergies (if any)- Can trigger allergic reactions in some people
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used in the preparation of sauce, jams, and syrups
8. Umbra
One of the most popular fruits that start with the letter U is the Umbra. This fruit has a hard and green skin with a sour flavor. It also has a crunchy texture. One can consume it raw by adding salt to it or can make juice out of it. The fruit grows well, especially in hot and humid climates up to a height of about 20 meters.
Origin- Native to Africa and Asia
Scientific Name- Spondias dulcis
Alternate Names- Hog Apple, Ambarella, June Plum, Kedondong, Buah Long Long
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 48cal
- Fat- 0.27g
- Sodium- 0mg
- Carbohydrates- 12g
- Fiber- 2.2g
- Sugars- 5.95g
- Protein- 1g
Health Benefits-
- Help treat eye inflammation
- Protects from cell damage
Varieties- None
Allergies (if any)- None Known
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used in the preparation of jams, soups, and stews, including juices
9. Umbrella Squash
Found in green, white, and yellow color, Umbrella Squash is one of the most unique fruits that start with the letter U. With a shape that resembles a flying umbrella, this item though believed to be a veggie is actually a fruit since it contains seeds and comes from a flower. This fruit has a mild flavor with a slight bitterness. One can enjoy it raw in salads or have it dipped in sweet vinegar.
The Umbrella Squash is fairly easy to grow but requires full sunshine and well-draining soil to flourish.
Origin- Native to Mexico
Scientific Name- Cucurbita pepo
Alternate Names- Pattypan Squash
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 21cal
- Fat- 0.4g
- Carbohydrates- 3.11g
- Fiber- 1.1g
- Protein- 2.71g
Health Benefits-
- Promotes better vision
- Boosts immune system
Varieties- Benning’s Green Tint
Allergies (if any)- None Known
Culinary Use- Suitable to be made into different dishes
10. Ula
Amongst fruits that start with U is Ula, which is extremely popular. The fruit has a bumpy and a starchy white skin. It is a large and round fruit with a taste that is quite similar to a potato once cooked. It also has a bit of sweetness. Ula fruit can be boiled, baked, or fried.
Depending upon the soil, and certain other factors, the Ula tree takes up to 3-6 years after being planted to bear fruit.
Origin- Native to New Guinea, the Phillippines, and the Maluku Islands
Scientific Name- Artocarpus altilis
Alternate Names- Rimas, Kamansi, Pana
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 103cal
- Fat- 0.23g
- Sodium- 2mg
- Carbohydrates- 27.12g
- Fiber- 4.9g
- Sugars- 11g
- Protein- 1.07g
Health Benefits-
- Aids in digestion
- Boosts immunity
Varieties- Havana, Paea, Aravei, Pucro, Maohi
Allergies (if any)- Can trigger allergic reactions in some people
Culinary Use- Suitable to be processed into baked items
11. Udara
Udara is one of the most luscious fruits that start with letter U. It is a seasonal fruit, which grows in the tropical region. It is a berry-like item with a color that is green when unripe which later turns yellow when ripe. Udara can be eaten fresh or even stewed. The plant of this fruit usually starts producing during the dry month, i.e., December to April.
Origin- Native to Africa
Scientific Name- Chrysophyllum albidum
Alternate Names- White Star Apple, African Star Apple, Agbalumo
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 122.6cal
- Fat- 5.6g
- Carbohydrates- 10.4g
- Fiber- 4.5g
- Protein- 4.1g
Health Benefits-
- Promotes digestive health
- Help strengthen bones
Varieties- None
Allergies (if any)- Excessive consumption of the fruit can lead to heartburn
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used in the preparation of soft drinks, jams, juice, syrup, marmalade
12. Uvalino Grape
Of all the fruits that start with a U, Uvalino Grape is one of the most delectable. The word Uvalino refers to “small berries” and it is a late-ripening grape variety. It is more often than not utilized in the production of Italian red wine.
Usually, any grapevine takes about 3 years to bear fruit. Pruning plays a major role in the fruit production.
Origin- Native to Italy
Scientific Name- Vitis vinifera
Alternate Names- Lambrusca, Lambruschino, Cunaiola, Freisone
Nutritional Value Per 100g-
- Calories- 62g
- Fat- 0.3g
- Sodium- 2mg
- Carbohydrates- 16g
- Fiber- 1g
- Sugars- 15g
- Protein- 0.6g
Health Benefits-
- Help improve cognitive function
- Boosts immunity
Varieties- Moon Drops, Concord, Lemberger, Pinot Noir, Crimson Seedless, Kyoho, Cotton Candy, Riesling
Allergies (if any)- Can lead to diarrhea
Culinary Use- Suitable to be used for preparing jams, jellies, wine, vinegar, raisins
13. Urava
One of the most enticing fruits that start with U is Urava, scientifically known as Sonneratia alba. Round in shape, the fruit comes in a wide range of colors, including orange, purple, and light yellow. They are native to East Africa and Southeast Asia and are known by different names such as Mangrove Apple and Stone Fruit. Urava possesses thin outer skin and a hard inside that contains tiny edible seeds. The fruit has a sour taste and is usually cooked like a vegetable before consumption.
Urava trees are usually not cultivated rather they are planted in gardens for demonstration purposes. They are loaded with health benefits and are renowned for treating joint pain. These fruits even help in digestion. They are suitable to be used in Salads.
14. Utu
Utu (Landolphia owariensis) is one of the rarest fruits that start with a U. It is a seasonal fruit native to Tropical West Africa with a round rind and yellow-orange color, which might vary. This item has a sweet to somewhat tart taste along with a juicy pulp. Its seeds and nuts are edible too. Utu is not a perishable fruit unlike many of its counterparts, which makes it good for transportation purposes. It is also known as White Rubber Vine and Chiwo. One of its varieties is Guinea Gum Vine.
Utu trees are a major source of production in Nigeria and other neighboring countries such as Ghana. They are used in the treatment of malaria and even utilized in easing sprains.
15. Umari
Native to South America, Umari (Poraqueiba sericea) is one of the rare and unique fruits that start with the letter U. The fruit possesses yellow or orange skin along with a buttery texture. It also has an intense aroma. One can consume this fruit raw or use it as one of the ingredients in different recipes. Umari is also known as Yumari, Mary Negro, Madi, Caniba, and Yui. One of its varieties is Purple Umari.
It is a fast-growing tree whose fruits are collected from the wild and used in local food. The fruit is suitable to be used as a vegetable spread.
Also Read: The 7 Best Vegan Apps to Make Plant-Based Living a Breeze in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are some of the fruits that start with letter U?
Ans- Some of the popular fruits that start with the letter U are:-
- Ugli
- Ugni Berry
- Umbu
- Urava
- Ububese
2. Which of the fruit that starts with the letter U is the rarest?
Ans- Umbu fruit is one of the fruits with the letter U which is the rarest among all the other fruits.
3. What is a purple-colored fruit that starts with U?
Ans- Ugni fruit is one of the fruits that start with U which has a purple color. It is native to Western Latin America, Chile, and Argentina.
4. What is a yellow-hued fruit that starts with U?
Ans- Ugli fruit is one such fruit that is blessed with a yellow color. It is a hybrid between grapefruit and orange.
5. Are fruits healthy for the body?
Ans- Yes, fruits are a good addition to one’s diet since, they are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, they should be a part of a balanced diet that includes every other consumable.
Takeaway (Final Thoughts)
Indeed, fruits prove to be a versatile addition to one’s diet. From helping us all to kick-start the day to being a crucial element of various delectable desserts and cuisines, they indeed hit a perfect note of taste and health benefits.
As such, these were some of the fruits that start with U. In time, you can explore other options as well but to begin with, the mentioned fruits are a must-try!
Also, let us know which of the fruits you tried, and which one of them turned out to be your favorite in our comment section below!
