Calories in Ugli Fruit: Nutritional facts for Ugli Fruit Types

One hundred grams (3.5 oz) of raw Ugli fruit contains 47 calories.

One kilogram (1,000 g or 35.3 oz) of Ugli fruit provides 470 calories.

A large whole Ugli fruit weighing 300 g (10.6 oz) contains 141 calories. A medium fruit weighing 250 g (8.8 oz) provides 118 calories. A small fruit weighing 150 g (5.3 oz) contains 70 calories.

Ugli fruit provides some health benefits like boosting immune health and lowering inflammation due to its high levels of Vitamin C and limonoids. This fruit, also called the "Jamaican tangelo," is a nutritious citrus option. A list of the health benefits of Ugli fruit are shown below.

• Supports Immune System Function: The high Vitamin C content helps the body fight off germs. A study by Carr and Maggini (2017), "Vitamin C and Immune Function," found that this nutrient supports several cellular functions of the immune system.
• Reduces Oxidative Stress: Flavonoids in the fruit help protect cells from damage. Research by Lv et al. (2015), "Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites," confirms that citrus consumption is linked to lower risks of long-term illness.
• Improves Digestion: The fiber in the segments keeps the gut working well and helps prevent constipation.
• Promotes Heart Health: Potassium helps control blood pressure by balancing out the salt in your body.
• Aids Skin Health: Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, which keeps skin strong and firm.
• Controls Weight: The fruit is very low in calories but has a lot of water and fiber, which helps you feel full.

Ugli fruit has been known to cause some unwanted effects like drug interactions and tooth enamel wear due to its furanocoumarins and citric acid. A list of the downsides of Ugli fruit are shown below.

• Interferes with Medications: Like grapefruit, this fruit contains chemicals that can change how the body processes certain drugs. A study by Bailey et al. (2013), "Grapefruit-medication interactions," found that even small amounts of certain citrus hybrids can cause dangerous drug levels in the blood.
• Erodes Dental Enamel: The acid in the juice can soften the surface of teeth if eaten too often.
• Triggers Heartburn: The high acidity may cause pain for people with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.

Yes, Ugli fruit is good for you because it provides 59% of the DV for Vitamin C and essential minerals in every 100 g (3.5 oz) serving. Healthy people should eat 150 g (1 cup) per day to get the full immune and skin benefits. A study by Rampersaud and Valim (2017), "100% Citrus Juice: Nutritional Contribution, Dietary Role, and Health Benefits," shows that citrus fruits significantly improve overall health. It is an ideal snack for anyone wanting to lower their sugar intake while getting plenty of antioxidants.

The calories in Ugli fruit change based on the ripeness and if the fruit is processed. Fresh Ugli fruit has 47 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz), but if it is canned in syrup, the energy density increases to 85 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) because of the added sugar. Related hybrids like the Minneola Tangelo contain 51 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) because they have a higher sugar-to-water ratio. The energy count stays the same if the fruit is frozen, as long as no sugar is added.

The origin of the Ugli fruit is Jamaica, where it was discovered as a natural chance hybrid growing in the wild in the early 20th century. It is believed to be a mix of a tangerine, an orange, and a grapefruit. F.G. Sharp first exported the fruit from his Trout Hall estate in 1934 and trademarked the name "UGLI" due to its wrinkled and bumpy appearance.

The fruit became popular in the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1960s. It is still grown mostly in the parish of St. Catherine in Jamaica. Today, the Ugli fruit is known around the world as a premium seasonal citrus that is easy to peel and very sweet.