Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Botany

Ugli Fruit

Ugli fruit is a Jamaican citrus fruit and a type of tangelo, produced by natural hybridization between a tangerine or orange and a grapefruit or pomelo.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Ugli fruit is a Jamaican citrus hybrid, a type of tangelo known for its rough, wrinkled skin and sweet-tart flavour. It offers a juicy, flavorful alternative to grapefruit with fewer calories.

What it is

Ugli fruit is a natural hybrid of tangerine or orange and grapefruit or pomelo, originating in Jamaica. It has thick, loose, wrinkled skin that peels easily, and its flesh is juicy and less bitter than grapefruit. The fruit grows on evergreen trees in tropical, sunny conditions.

Nutrition and benefits

A 100-gram serving of ugli fruit has about 47 calories and is a good source of vitamin C. It also provides fibre, potassium, folate, and calcium, along with antioxidant flavonoids. Its low calorie count and nutrient density make it a healthy citrus choice.

Uses and flavour

Ugli fruit is commonly eaten fresh, added to salads, or juiced. Its flavour is sweet-tart and citrusy, often described as a mix of orange, grapefruit, and pineapple. In Canada, it is available in grocery stores and specialty markets as an imported citrus fruit.

In short

  • Natural Jamaican tangelo hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit
  • Thick, wrinkled skin that is easy to peel
  • Sweeter and less bitter than grapefruit
  • Low in calories, high in vitamin C
Canadian angle

Ugli fruit is available in some Canadian grocery stores and specialty produce markets, where it is usually sold as an imported citrus fruit.

Quick questions

What is an ugli fruit?
An ugli fruit is a Jamaican citrus fruit and a type of tangelo, usually described as a natural hybrid of tangerine or orange with grapefruit or pomelo.
Is ugli fruit good for you?
Yes. It is low in calories and a good source of vitamin C, with fibre and other nutrients such as potassium and folate.
What does ugli fruit taste like?
It is typically sweet-tart and juicy, with a flavour often described as between an orange and a grapefruit, sometimes with pineapple-like notes.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaican_tangelo
    Supports: Ugli fruit as Jamaican tangelo; natural hybrid origin in Jamaica; citrus parentage.
  2. Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ugli-fruit
    Supports: Nutrition profile, low calories, vitamin C content, and calorie estimate.
  3. Food Republic — https://www.foodrepublic.com/1384698/what-is-ugli-fruit-flavor/
    Supports: Physical description, growing conditions, flavour notes, and calorie estimate.
  4. Specialty Produce — https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/UGLI_Fruit_296.php
    Supports: Classification, flavour description, and nutritional notes.
  5. Gardening Know How — https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/ugli-fruit.htm
    Supports: Origin, tree characteristics, growing conditions, and taste description.
  6. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/ugli_fruit
    Supports: Hybrid citrus description, skin appearance, and taste profile.