Ugni

Description

Ugni fruit, also known as Chilean guava or Murta, is a small, round fruit native to South America. It is about the size of a grape and has a slightly rough, dark red or purple skin. The flesh is pale green and contains many small seeds.

The fruit has a sweet and tangy flavor, with notes of strawberry, kiwi, and grape. It is commonly used in jams, jellies, and desserts, and is also eaten fresh. It is a delicious and healthy addition to any diet, and its unique flavor makes it a popular choice for culinary uses.

Wild ancestors

Ugni is a fruit-bearing shrub native to South America, particularly Chile and Argentina. The wild ancestors of Ugni are believed to be Ugni molinae var. molinae and Ugni molinae var. myrtillifolia, which are found in the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina.

These wild Ugni varieties grow as small shrubs, usually no more than 1-2 meters tall, and produce small, flavorful berries that are rich in antioxidants. The berries are an important food source for local wildlife, including birds, rodents, and even the endangered South Andean deer.

History

Ugni has been cultivated by indigenous peoples in South America for thousands of years, and it was later introduced to Europe in the 19th century.

The Ugni is a fruit native to the temperate forests of South America, particularly Chile and Argentina. The fruit has been consumed by indigenous people for centuries, and it was known as "Murta" or "Murtilla" by the Mapuche people of Chile.

In the 19th century, European botanists began to take an interest in the fruit, and it was introduced to Europe as a garden plant. It was first grown commercially in France, where it became known as "Chilean Guava".

Ugni fruit is now cultivated commercially in many parts of the world, including Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. It is a popular fruit for making jams, jellies, and sauces, and it is also used in the production of liqueurs.

Cultivars

There are several cultivars of Ugni fruit, which vary in fruit size, flavor, and productivity. Some of the most common cultivars are as follows.

1. Ka-Pow: This cultivar produces large, sweet fruit with a slightly spicy flavor. It has high productivity and disease resistance.

2. Flambeau: This cultivar produces medium-sized fruit with a slightly tart flavor. It is known for its vigorous growth and high productivity.

3. Tango: This cultivar produces small to medium-sized fruit with a sweet, tropical flavor. It has compact growth habit and high productivity.

4. Leaves of Murta: This cultivar is grown primarily for its ornamental value, as it has striking red foliage. Its fruit is small and tart.

5. Selva: This cultivar produces small to medium-sized fruit with a sweet, floral flavor. It is also known for its high productivity and disease resistance.

6. Poncho Negro: This cultivar produces small to medium-sized fruit with a sweet, spicy flavor. It has high productivity and tolerance to cold temperatures.

These are just a few examples of Ugni cultivars, and there may be others available in different regions.

Production

According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the total global production of Ugni fruit was estimated to be around 30,000 metric tons in 2019. Chile is the largest producer of Ugni fruit, accounting for over 90% of the world's production. Other countries that produce Ugni fruit on a smaller scale include Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay.

Ugni fruit is a small, red or purple berry. It is a popular fruit that is grown for its unique flavor, nutritional value, and medicinal properties. Here are some key points about the production of Ugni fruit:

Climate and Soil Requirements: Ugni fruit grows best in a cool, moist climate. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5.

Propagation: Ugni fruit can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. However, propagation through cuttings is the most common method used in commercial production.

Planting: Ugni fruit can be planted in rows or as individual plants. The spacing between rows should be 2 to 3 meters, while the spacing between plants should be 1 to 1.5 meters.

Care and Maintenance: Ugni fruit requires regular watering and fertilization to maintain healthy growth. It is also important to prune the plants regularly to promote fruit production.

Harvesting: Ugni fruit typically ripens from March to June, depending on the location. The berries should be picked when they are fully ripe and have a deep, rich color. They can be harvested by hand or using mechanical equipment.

Post-Harvest Handling: Ugni fruit is highly perishable and should be handled carefully after harvesting. The berries should be washed, sorted, and packed in a cool environment to maintain their freshness.

The production of Ugni fruit requires careful attention to planting, care and maintenance, harvesting, and post-harvest handling to ensure a high-quality crop. With proper techniques, Ugni fruit can be a profitable and sustainable crop for farmers.

Nutrients

Ugni fruit is a good source of various essential nutrients, including:

Vitamin C: Ugni fruit is high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. 100 grams of Ugni fruit provides around 32 mg of vitamin C.

Fiber: Ugni fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to promote digestive health and reduce the risk of certain diseases. 100 grams of Ugni fruit provides around 4.4 grams of dietary fiber.

Potassium: Ugni contains potassium, which is an essential mineral that helps to regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and muscle contractions. 100 grams of Ugni fruit provides around 164 mg of potassium.

Iron: Ugni fruit has a good number of iron, which is an essential mineral that helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. 100 grams of Ugni fruit provides around 0.8 mg of iron.

Calcium: Ugni also contains calcium, which is an essential mineral that helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. 100 grams of Ugni fruit provides around 14 mg of calcium.

Vitamin E: Ugni has vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. 100 grams of Ugni fruit provides around 0.6 mg of vitamin E.

Uses

Ugni fruit is a small, dark red or purple fruit that grows on the Ugni molinae shrub. Here are some common uses of Ugni fruit:

1. Culinary uses: Ugni fruit is often used in making jams, jellies, and sauces. It can also be added to desserts like pies, tarts, and cakes for a unique flavor.

2. Medicinal uses: Ugni fruit is believed to have several health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting the immune system, and preventing cancer. It is also used as a natural remedy for respiratory problems, such as coughs and colds.

3. Cosmetic uses: Ugni fruit is used in some cosmetic products, such as creams and lotions, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to be effective in treating acne and other skin conditions.

4. Beverages: Ugni fruit can be used to make tea, juice, or wine, which are popular beverages in some South American countries.

5. Ornamental uses: Ugni shrubs are also grown for their ornamental value, as they produce attractive white or pink flowers in the spring and summer, followed by the colorful fruits in the fall.