Let’s play a game of guessing. We’ll mention 10 fruits and vegetables that start with the letter ” U.” Oops! You can’t think of any fruits or vegetables starting with ” U” aside from the common Upland cress and uvilla fruits.
I’ll be listing some names of fruits and vegetables just for you. Most of the varieties may sound new, while you might also be familiar with others. Make sure you read to the end to know them all.
Fruits that start with U (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)
You may have the million dollar question: Are there even fruits that start with U? The answer is yes, though they are not very common, they do exist. As a matter of fact, that’s what this article is all about, uses and health benefits inclusive. However, if you have an underlying ailment or condition, consult a doctor before consuming any unfamiliar fruit.
Most of the benefits mentioned were gotten from experiments and research.
Fruits starting with the letter U include
- Ububese fruit
- Ugli fruit
- Ugni berry
- Umbra fruit
- Umbu fruit
- Umeboshi fruit
- Urava fruit
- Usuma fruit
- Uvilla fruit
1. UBUBESE FRUIT (Annona stenophylla subsp. nana)
This fruit is of African origin and is predominantly grown in Botswana, Angola, Tanzania, The Gambia, etc. This fruit may be identified by a variety of names, like dwarf custard apple, ground sop, or muroro. They have an oval or round shape with a dark yellow or reddish color, with their outer surface patterned. The fruit also has quite a number of flat, brown, and oval-shaped seeds inside with a caruncle at the end.
This fruit may be eaten raw or used for juice. They may also be consumed, cooked, or preserved. They are available at Minnesota Apple Orchard, Miami Fruit Market, Etsy, etc.
Ububele fruits have health benefits. They are:
- They are rich in carotenoid-lutein, which is essential for vision health.
- This fruit contains potassium and magnesium, which are essential for the regulation of blood pressure.
- Ububese is rich in fiber, making it good for digestion.
- They possess anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
2. UGLI FRUIT (Citrus reticulata Paradisi)
This fruit is the result of a cross between the Seville orange, the grapefruit and the tangerine family and is mostly grown during the season from December to April. They are often characterized by a light green coloration with a thick wrinkled skin that turns orange when fully ripe. They are kind of larger when compared with the grapefruit, with a sour tasting juicy pulp with a little sweet touch. Instacart is one of the very few sellers of this fruit.
The juice extracted from this fruit may be used for your salad as dressing. It may also be processed for jam, jellies, desserts, or piquant drinks by Latin Americans.
Health Benefits of Ugli fruit.
- Ugli fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals. These vitamins may also function as antioxidants, which may help combat disease-causing free radicals in the body.
- Ugli fruits are rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ugli fruit is a good source of dietary fiber and has a low calorie content.
3. UGNI BERRY (Ugni molinae)
They are predominant in Latin American countries like Chile, Mexico, and Argentina. The ugni tree is a medium-sized tree growing up to 5 meters in height, and its fruits are mostly red or purple. The taste of the Ugni berries is like strawberry with a chewing gum texture.
This fruit may be used for producing jams or for topping pancakes with its original sweetness, thanks to its high sugar content.
The health benefits of Ugni Berry
- Ugni berries help in reducing cancer risk.
- Tackle cataract development.
- The antioxidants in ugni berries have a number of benefits for the health of humans, like taking care of cardiovascular disease, gastric and duodenal cancers, allergies, and viral and bacterial infections.
4. UMBRA FRUIT (Spondias dulcis)
This fruit is mostly common in the tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is often described as a hard-skinned green fruit with a sour taste and crunchy texture. They are also identified as June plum, dwarf golden plum, makok faring, golden apple, etc.
Uses of UMBRA fruits
- It is a fruit with flavor, hence it is often eaten raw as food. It may also be introduced for the treatment of coughs like its leaf extract.
Health benefits of ambarella or UMBRA.
- The fruit is often regarded as a powerful source of the A vitamin, which plays a key role in visual perception.
- They are also rich in vitamin C, which is essential to boost the immune system.
- Free radicals are one of the causes of premature aging, and apart from immune health, vitamin C is also necessary for the protection of molecules like protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids from damage caused by free radicals.
- Umbra fruit has proven to be a reliable source of dietary fiber, making it an essential food for digestion and bowel movements.
- The water composition of umbra fruits gives a satisfactory feeling, thus reducing the high quantity of food intake. It is also low in fat and calories and rich in fiber, so the fruit is ideal for weight loss.
5. UMBU FRUIT (Spondias tuberosa)
This fruit is predominant in northeastern Brazil and may also be known as the Brazil plum. It may also be likened to gooseberry but with a less transparent green or yellow skin. The umbu fruit has a round shape and a hard outer skin with a light yellow color that turns red when ripe. The fruit may be small, like a cherry, or large, like a lemon.
This fruit may be eaten raw or used to make juice. It may also be used for jam or preserved, like Indian chutney.
The Health Benefits of Umbu
- This fruit has a high fiber content, making it suitable for weight loss.
- The fruit is very nutritious as it has several nutrients necessary for body functioning.
- They contain antioxidants like polyphenols, which can help combat free radicals in the body that may cause diseases like heart problems, arthritis, cancer, etc.
- The fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
- Their leaves aid treatment of the eye.
6. UMEBOSHI FRUIT
The ume fruits are seasonal fruits very richly flavored for pickling, fermentation, and cooking. They are usually round and vary from smooth to wrinkled with a sour and salty taste due to the presence of high citric acid, though sweeter varieties also exist.
They may be used for the production of vinegar, a necessary ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Always bear in mind that the pip of this fruit is poisonous and should not be eaten.
Health Benefits of ume plum
- Ume fruits are a good source of polyphenols, which tend to reduce diabetes.
- They contain dietary fiber, which adds bulk and roughages that tend to ease stool movements and prevent constipation.
- This fruit has high iron content, which is essential for hemoglobin products and reduces oxidative stress.
- Studies show the umeboshi has antibacterial properties, which may help to stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
7. URAVA FRUIT (Sonneratia alba)
This fruit is a well-known mangrove apple, or perepat, and is widely cultivated in the mangrove region. It takes its likeness from a spherical hat with a thick outer layer of deep green skin.
Both the leaves and the urava fruits are edible. The fruit may also be blended with coconut milk to make a yummy milkshake. The whole tree may also be used for the construction of boats and household equipment like utensils and cabinets. In India, it may be used as a vegetable curry.
Health benefits of URAVA
- Though not medically proven, it is believed that the leaves are a source of remedy for diabetes.
- This fruit has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
- They contain antioxidants, which may be beneficial for skin.
- The fruit may be utilized for antimicrobial remedies.
8. USUMA FRUIT (Bunchosia argentea)
You may know this fruit but not by this name. Ever heard of peanut butter? Yes, usuma fruit is also called the peanut butter fruit and is native to South Africa but now available in Hawaii. This fruit has a compacted structure just like grapes but with a more pointed shape and less transparent skin.
The fruit is mostly used for different purposes, like the production of jams, juice, milkshakes, and smoothies, because of its unique flavor and taste. They can also be taken in their raw state.
Usuma’s health benefit
- They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and beneficial plant compounds.
- Their pulp contains plant compounds that are good for cardiac health and prevent oxidative stress.
- Research shows that they have an antimicrobial effect.
9. UVILLA FRUIT (Physalis peruviana), pronounced oo-vee-ya
This fruit may be identified by several other names, but when on the American market, it is commonly known as the golden berry. They have a sweet-tart flavor and a round and fresh body, so they are bright and taste like tropical citrus . Unlike ground cherries, they do not shed their fruits when ripe. Other names include ground cherry, Cape gooseberry, and Uchuva. Uvilla is of Spanish origin, which means “little grape” and is native to Peru and Ecuador. This dried fruit can be purchased on Amazon.
Uvilla’s Health Benefits and Uses
- Withanolide is a compound that has been proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and is present in uvilla.
- Human cell research proves that uvilla may aid the regulation of the immune system due to the presence of vitamin C.
- Uvilla is a rich source of the fat-soluble vitamin K, which is essential for bone health.
- Macular degeneration due to age is one of the leading causes of blindness. Carotenoids from fruits and vegetables aid in reducing the risk of this effect, and uvilla has lutein and beta-carotene along with several carotenoids, making it good for improvement of vision.
- These fruits are high in antioxidants, which are required for body functioning.
Vegetables that start with U (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)
Vegetables starting with the letter ” U” will be listed in this article. We’ll widen your knowledge of new things. Some may look and sound familiar to your regular vegetables. They might come from the same family or may not even be related. However, don’t get confused by thinking they are the same.
The list of vegetables includes
- Ube
- Ulluco
- Ulster emblem potato
- Umatilla russet potato
- Umbrella squash
- Upland cress
- Urad beans
1. UBE ( Dioscorea alata )
Ube looks more like a potato. It was given the names “purple sweet potato” and “purple yam.” This is because of the striking resemblance in color. It is famous for the deep violet color it has, but it also has another variety that is white in color.
The vegetable was introduced to America almost recently but is very popular with Asians. It is used in making ube ice cream, which is a sweet Filipino dessert. It can also be used as a recipe when preparing vegetable soup.
It has a number of health benefits. The starch it contains is resistant to bacteria found in the intestine. It makes these bacteria proliferate and helps your body system deal with constipation.
Other health benefits include
- Ube is a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins C, phytonutrients, and protein.
- It contains antioxidants like anthocyanins, which protect the cells against cancer and damage.
- Flavonoids in ube are nutritious, especially for patients with diabetes ( type 2 ). It has a low glycemic index.
- Vitamin A in purple yam aids the risk of having asthma.
You can purchase Ube from Amazon, Etsy, or order it from Instacart, Melissa, and Alibaba.
2. ULLUCO ( Ullucus tuberosus )
as a primary root plant and secondary leaf vegetable. The ulluco is a flowering plant specially cultivated for its roots. It relates to the basellaceae family and has the scientific name Ullucus tuberosus.
It is a very rich source of minerals and essential vitamins, which are very necessary for human growth. Among all the other properties, it contains carbohydrates, vitamin C, protein, magnesium, minerals, sodium, etc.
The ulluco has a low fat and sugar count. Ig offers so many health benefits, such as
- removing skin spots, early wrinkles, and bumps
- Regular consumption may help to reduce inflammation.
- The nutrients and antioxidants in ulluco combat some diseases that spring up with age.
- It gets rid of stretch marks, gut diseases, and improves the digestive tract.
You can always get it from Etsy, Amazon, or any grocery store around you.
3. ULSTER EMBLEM POTATO (Solanum tuberosum)
The Ulster emblem is also among the numerous varieties of potatoes all over the world. It was first cultivated in the northern part of Ireland. It has white flesh covered in a white skin. It is a flowering plant with a reddish-purple color.
It is rich in so many nutrients, which include so many minerals and vitamins. Among all the numerous nutrients, vitamins C and B6, niacin, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, fibers, proteins, and manganese are the most prominent.
This potato offers a variety of benefits to your health. They include
- It gets rid of free radicals that may lead to cancer.
- Prevents skin and cell damage and even repairs worn out cells and tissues.
- It stops cancerous cell growth.
- Regular consumption helps you maintain a normal sugar level.
- The fiber in the ulster emblem is good for a weight loss journey and, at the same time, works on your digestive tract.
4. UMATILLA RUSSET POTATO
As the name implies, the umatilla russet potato is also a type of potato. However, this variety takes more time to mature when compared to other types. It is from the family of solanaceae. Its name was derived from the Umatilla tribe.
It is packed with numerous nutrients, including vitamins such as protein, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins.
The health benefits of umatilla russet potato
- The antioxidants in this potato fight cancer-causing free radicals.
- It has no gluten.
- Consumption of the potato doesn’t trigger any allergies or symptoms.
- Diabetic patients can also eat this vegetable as it has a low glycemic index.
- Plant-based compounds in the root crop help the digestive tract function properly.
Get your fresh umatilla russet from eBay, order from Instacart, or buy it from your local preferred grocery store.
5. UMBRELLA SQUASH ( Cucurbita pepo )
The umbrella squash is also called the pattypan squash. It is a variety of summer squash. It is a round, shallow vegetable that has scalloped edges. Different varieties come in yellow, light green, orange, and white.
The flesh of the umbrella squash is used in cuisine as flavoring, together with garlic. It can also be used just for the purpose of decorating the food to make it look appealing and attractive.
The umbrella squash is rich in vitamin A, niacin, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, and has no fat. The antioxidants in Umbrella Squash help in minimizing oxidative stress and also prevent free radicals that cause cancer. It also contains vitamins C and beta-carotene that slow the rate at which the muscles and vision degenerate.
Not excluding the fact that this plant has enough water and fiber to keep you hydrated and improve your gut and digestive system. You can buy umbrella squash from Walmart supercenter, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods markets, and Amazon.
6. UPLAND CRESS ( Barbarea verna )
Upland cress is also known as bank cress, American cress, and land cress. It is scientifically known as Barbarea verna. It contains so many vitamins and minerals that are essential for the health of humans. They include phosphorus, copper, minerals, calcium, zinc, fiber, etc.
Health benefits of Upland cress
- It contains vitamin C, which improves the skin texture and treats acne and eczema.
- The vitamin A in Upland cress improves the eyes.
- Fiber in Upland cress is good for weight loss.
- It promotes cardiovascular health.
- Antioxidants help to resist free radicals and heal injuries fast.
Purchase Upland cress from Walmart supercenter, Amazon, Etsy, or order from Instacart.
7. URAD BEANS ( Vigna mungo )
The Urad bean is a black variety of bean. Its scientific name is Vigna mungo. It was classified under the genus Phaseolus but is currently in the Fabaceae family. It has other names which include: mash kalai, uddu, the black gram, black matpe, and so many others.
It provides the therapeutic body with so many nutrients that are very necessary for health. These nutrients include folates, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin, niacin, protein, etc.
The health benefits of urad beans
- The antioxidants prevent cancerous cells from growing.
- It aids pregnant women in cases of cell division.
- Urad beans contain minerals which develop the brain functions of a developing fetus.
- Adults who consume urad beans have a lower risk of having high blood pressure.
- It is very healthy to be eaten by diabetic patients.
You can purchase the urad beans from Spices & Beyond, Amazon, Walmart supercenter, or order them from Instacart.
In summary,
Over 15 new fruits and vegetables that start with the letter ” U” have been introduced to you. Now, add it to your vocabulary. Even though the fruits and vegetables may sound strange, maybe just a few are familiar and common to you. You are definitely going to love them once you have the chance to try them out. Don’t be a boring cook! A new recipe for the family is what everyone has been waiting for, right? Take your shots.