Sometimes, I wonder where I’ve been. I don’t recall ever seeing this fruit in the grocery store before. Maybe it’s new or maybe it’s been there for years and I just assumed it was some sort of lumpy orange.
It’s called an Ugli fruit.
It’s supposed to look that way. And it’s not very attractive. But it was screaming, “Try me!” And so we did.
The Ugli skin is rough and wrinkled, but very easy to peel. The rind is wrapped so loosely around the fruit that it almost floats inside the skin. Because it’s barely attached, there’s no mess when you peel it.
After peeling, you can pull the sections apart, as you would with an orange. The only negative for me was that the membrane around each section was a little thick, more like a grapefruit than an orange. I liked it better after I peeled the membrane away.
The Ugli was very, very juicy and there were only a few seeds in the entire fruit. It was about the size of a small grapefruit, so it was enough for two of us to share. The flavor is citrusy – a cross between an orange or a tangerine and a grapefruit. Not as sour as a grapefruit, but it definitely has a little tangy flavor. I liked it. I’m glad we tried it and I would definitely buy another one.
Do you like any uncommon fruits? If so, which ones?
It’s time to make dinner. Instead of preparing the Duck à L’Orange (Canard à L’Orange) that I had planned, I think I’ll make an Ugli Duckling!
Bon Appétit!
French Twisted Woman
French Twisted Woman 
I have never seen an ugli 🙂 fun name
I don’t know whether it’s the fact that I just started noticing or if these uncommon fruits have been here all along, but it seems like every time I go to the grocery store, there is something new. It’s fun to try new things. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Merci!
It reminds us that what may look ugly exteriorly is actually beautiful and delicous from the inside. The amazing lessons we learn from a humble fruit. Great post.
Yes, or beautiful exterior may hide an ugly interior. Thanks for adding that thought. Merci!
Never heard or seen it neither – found this over the net – “a citrus fruit created by hybridizing a grapefruit (or pomelo), an orange and a tangerine”, so you where on the right track. They are suppose to look “out of date”. Interesting – when or if I run into one I will now think about you *smile
Thanks for the information. I’m on a mission now to try a new fruit on each trip to the grocery store. Merci!
These are actually fairly common in one of the grocery stores near me, but I haven’t ever gotten around to trying one. So glad you decided to post about the experience so I know what to expect when I do try it! 🙂
Strange fruit that, unfortunately, we don’t ever have in the local grocery stores are lychees. I don’t remember when I discovered them, but they’re so tasty! 🙂
I would definitely buy an Ugli again. I’d like to try one in a smoothie. I’ve never tried a lychee (litchi). Their flavor is described as a combination of watermelon, strawberry, and grape. From that description, I think the lychee could become my favorite fruit. Those three flavors together must be really delicious. I will be on the hunt for lychees now. Thank you for the comment. Merci!
Have you tried a blood orange yet? Very tasty and an interesting color—great for some special salads.
I have tried the blood orange, but it was a long time ago. Chobani yogurt offers a blood orange flavor, which I have not tried yet. Thanks for planting the seed. I will be searching for a blood orange at the grocery store soon. Merci!