Aloe Vera for Health, Beauty and Luck Blog

$34 billion US market for products containing Aloe Vera.

2008-08-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

US Farms, Inc. intends to generate revenue from Aloe Vera bulk leaf sales, potted Aloe Vera plant sales, Aloe Vera produce, and Plant and Nursery sales. The Company currently grows over 250,000 full-grown Aloe Vera mother plants on approximately 70 acres in Imperial Valley, Ca, which it anticipates will produce approximately 4,000,000 "pups" annually. These Aloe Vera "pups" are then repotted and sold though retail and wholesale Nursery channels throughout the United States. It will divest its Tomato, Asparagus and Garlic operations. US farms plans to be a vertically integrated player in the $34 billion US market for products containing Aloe Vera."

Health-Diet-Superfoods

2008-08-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hi came across another list of superfoods in a french magazine

Blueberries (Mrytille)
Kiwis (however some people can be allergic)
Broccoli
Jerusalem artichoke (Topinambur)
Mango (My favorite)
Fennel (Fenouil)
Soya

So what are superfoods? Well they are foods that have more than fair-share of vitamins and health benefits. Wikipedia defines them as "foods with high phytonutrient content that some may believe confers health benefits as a result. For example, blueberries are often considered a superfood (or superfruit) because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre" Wikipedia even lists Aloe Vera as a superfood . Learn more at wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfood

Aloe Vera for Horses

2008-08-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

There are countless uses for Aloe Vera, and investigations by veterinary professionals have shown that Aloe Vera is effective in the treatment of a large range of skin problems, joint problems and internal disorders in equines.

Many trainers and riders now give Aloe Vera to their horses as a dietary supplement, significantly enhancing their stamina and performance, and reducing competitive stress and post-event fatigue.

A few years ago, international show jumper Liz Edgar fed Aloe Vera to her horses during a flu outbreak with good results. She now regularly feeds it to balance cell counts and uses the extract for minor injuries. People can also benefit. Aloe Vera Gel is taken as a drink by jockeys to improve energy levels and many event riders swear by it.

Learn more at www.aloeveraforhorses.com

A Surprise Superfood

2008-07-27T02:43:00.000-07:00

The real power to prevent and cure illnesses and diseases is not in prescription drugs but in eating healthy food. Raw fruit ranks especially high on the list of healing food. It is not widely known to the average person just how powerful these fruits can be in building a healthy body. Here are a few fruits that are noteworthy to mention.

Kiwis offer an unusual array of health promoting substances. They are extremely rich in vitamin C and offer folate, potassium, fiber, carotenoids, polyphenoids, chorophyll, gluthione, and pictin.anti-oxidants Although everyone might not be knowledgeable about what these various substances are, that doesn't really matter. What is really important is they can help us build, restore and maintain a healthy body.

Kiwis are super antioxidant all stars offering a rich bounty of vitamin C.- more than the equivalent amount of an orange- kiwis can help neutralize the free radicals that damage cells, ultimately leading to inflammation which in turn, can lead to cancer and other chronic diseases.

Vitamin C plays such an important role in so many bodily functions including the immune system. It's even associated with preventing many ailments such as asthma, atherosclerrosis, osteoarthritis and colon cancer.

I didn't realize until recently what a powerful punch this fruit has regarding your overall health. This next news is really important . Kiwis also promote health heart. It lowers triglycleride levels, it reduces platelet hyperactivity - which in turn seems to play a role in the development and stabilityof artherosclerotic vascular plaques. Kiwi's can also promote heart health by limiting the tendency of blood to form clots. Now let's move on to some other fruits with amazing health benefits.

Oranges might have been America's first health food. It's long been recognized as a potent source of vitamin C. While they are a little bit of an effort to peel they are tasty and juicy to eat. It doesn't seem that too many people get excited about oranges but they should. The power of the orange to support heart health and prevent cancer, stroke, diabetes and a host of chronic ailments (as well as the common cold) should be a significant component in a healthy diet.

It's important to know that 20 to 30 percent of America's adults have marginal blood levels of vitamin C and 16 percent are deficient in the vitamin. Humans and a few animals can't manufacture vitamin C in their bodies.

It's water soluable and not retained in the body, so we need a constant replenishment from dietary sources to maintain adequate cellular and blood levels. What's even more alarming is a high percentage of children consume only minimal amounts of vitamin C. Because many people are so deficient in vitamin C we are seeing epidemics of heart disease, hypertension and cancer. Vitamin C along with other nutrients can play a major role in reducing these high levels of chronic disease.

Let's talk about another fruit now that is not so commonly known. I really never knew much about it myself but I'm now interested in giving it a try..

One of the joys of the autumn season, pomegranates are not only beautiful and exotic looking, but they also have health benefits that have long been known. Pomegranates can range in color from yellow to red to purple. They are rich in potassium, vitamin C, polyphenols and vitamin B6.

Pomegranates juice may have two to three times the antioxidant power of equal amounts of tea or red wine. As low as one quarter cup of pomegranates juice daily may improve cardiovascular health by reducing oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Pomegranates posesses yery potent anti-flammatory phytochemicals and consumption of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure in hypertension volenteers.

Studies of several fruit juices and wine have reported the highest polyphenol concentration in pomegranate juice followed by red wine and cranberry juice.

The last fruit I want to tell you about is one who most people think of as a decorative gourd rather than a highly nutritious and desirable food ... it's the pumpkin. Usually we buy a pumpkin at Holloween to carve out and use it as a lighted decoration by putting a candle inside it and placing it in an appropriate place for people to look at and enjoy it. We usually only eat it once a year in a Thanksgiving pie.

This is unfortunate because the squash known as pumpkin is one of the most nutritionally valuable foods known to man. (By the way, pumpkin is not a vegetable, it's a fruit) It's also very inexpensive and available year round in canned form, incredibly easy to incorporate into recipies, high in fiber and low in calories. Pumpkin really is a nutrition super star.

The nutrients in pumpkin are really world class. Pumpkin packs an abundance of disese fighting nutrients, including potassium, pantothenic acid, folate, magnesium, niacin, and vitamin B1,C and E. The key nutrient that boost pumpkin to the top of the Superfoods RX list is the synergistic combination of carotenoids.

Pumpkin contains one of the richest supplies of bioavailable carotenoids known to man. A half-cup serving of pumpkin gives you more than two times the recommended daily dietary intake of alpha-carotene and 100 percent of the recommended daily dietary goal of beta-carotene.

Well these four fruits should give you some idea of just how powerful nature's medicine can be. I know there are plenty other fruits that have some remarable healing qualities too.

It will be interesting to find out at a later date about other fruits also I will be anxious to review them and when I do I will write another article about them.. In the meantime why not experiece any of these fruits you haven't already experienced and see what they might do to enhance your overall health condition. You might be totally surprised what they might do for you.

To your health,

Sonny Julius www.HealthyAsCanBe.net

Who Is Googling for Aloe Vera?

2008-07-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Or rather what are they searching for? Here is some of my research.

Using the famous WordTracker Keyword Tool these were the top non-trivial search terms
health benefits of aloe vera
medicinal uses of aloe vera
care of aloe vera plants
benefits of aloe vera

From Google "Related Searches"
aloe vera drink
aloe vera acne
aloe vera sunburn
aloe vera care
benefits of aloe vera
history of aloe vera
aloe vera recipe
aloe vera pills

Ask.com "Narrow your search" suggested
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera
Benefits Drinking Aloe Vera Juice
What Is Aloe Vera Good for
Aloe Vera Plant

So this is what people are looking for nothing too surprising if unless that people are looking for Aloe Vera Pills and Recipes.

Take your Aloe Vera Plant on Vacation

2008-07-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

No I don't mean the whole plant, just one or of the thickest lower leaves. Remember it's on vacation everything seems to attack the skin insect bites and stings, sunburn, rashes, scratches. A little Aloe Vera gel may be enough to sooth or cure the problem, and no bottle to spill or leak. Just wrap the leaves in a cloth. Have a great holiday

Salt Pipes for Respiratory Relief

2008-06-25T03:29:00.000-07:00

A few years ago we visited the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland, they have have built a sanatorium underground for patients with respiratory complaints. For the visitor there is also an underground church built out of salt. It was very interesting and I can confirm you feel fantastic breathing in that salty air (even better than sea air) Well as popping down a salt-mine is not generally too handy you can now purchase "Salt Pipes". It is recommended to inhale from the pipe for 15 to 20 minutes daily learn more by clicking on either link below (US & UK)

Salt Pipe (UK)

Original Himalayan Crystal Salt Inhaler (US)

Can help to relieve:-

Asthma, Allergies
Sinus problem, Hay fever
Chest infections, Bronchitis, Emphysema, COPD
Persitent Cough and Sore throats
Cystic Fibrosis
Breathing difficulty, Shortness of breath
Respiratory problems caused by smoking

Benefits of Aloe Vera

2008-06-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

The benefits of aloe vera are manifold. Aloe vera is used to treat first-degree burns for speedy healing. Aloe vera is used to shrink warts and lessen the painful effects of shingles. The symptoms of psoriasis can be reduced with aloe vera. Taken orally, aloe also appears to work on heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain and asthma, and studies have shown that it has an effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. Other situations in which it appears to work when taken internally include congestion, intestinal worms, indigestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, liver problems such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, kidney infections, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, and as a general detoxifier. Lastly, many people who take aloe internally report just feeling better overall, which is in and of itself something of a testament to its remarkable properties.

Aloe Vera can trigger uterine contractions and must not be taken by pregnant women. Children should not be given aloe vera internally too.

Traditionally Aloe Vera has been consumed in liquid form, however Aloe Vera in capsule or tablet form has become popular recently as it is more convenient to carry and requires no refrigeration. Aloeride tablets have recently appeared on the market these have the extra benefit of removing the anthraquinones that are naturally present in aloe vera (which cause a laxative effect)

Aloe Vera Dessert

2008-06-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

Originally uploaded by Food Trails.

Aloe Vera is rich in minerals, vitamins and fibre. Take a thick chunky leaf and cut away the exterior. The green sap from the peeled Aloe Vera should be rinsed away with water. The chunky cubes should then be boiled and sweetened with rock/cane sugar. Then chill the mixture of Aloe Vera and serve with ice cubes and lemon.

This soulds great but I haven't tried this yet, will let you know when I do!

AloeRide and Crohn’s disease

2008-06-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Article quoted from Prima Magazine:-
I’d been suffering with Crohn’s disease since my eldest daughter, now 19, was a baby. It was diagnosed after a year in which everything I ate seemed to go straight through me, and I was passing so much blood from ulcers in my colon that I was too weak to climb the stairs without sitting down for five minutes at the top to recover. For three years, Bekki and I were prisoners in our home. Not only did I lack the energy to go out, but I dreaded not being able to reach a toilet fast enough if I needed one. When I got pregnant with my second daughter, my symptoms subsided. Like many other autoimmune conditions, where the body attacks itself, Crohn’s goes into remission in pregnancy. But, the symptoms came back with a vengeance soon after Ashli, now 15, was born. Terrified of “accidents”if we were out,I started wearing huge pads, like nappies – and I couldn’t go to the supermarket without my husband, Richard, 52, in case I needed to run to the loo while at the checkout.
Eighteen months ago, things were so bad that my consultant wanted to take out a large part of my colon, and leave me with a colostomy bag instead. Desperate to find an alternative, I searched the Internet and came across an aloe vera remedy, Aloeride. It claimed to be able to reduce inflammation wherever it occurs, be it the skin (eczema), joints (arthritis), or the bowel (as in Crohn’s). Supplements were said to work best alongside other treatments, such as a change in diet, and traditional medicines, too.
The change the Aloeride capsules made was astounding. By the third day, I had no tummy pain (and I had lived with pain for nearly 20 years) and, within weeks, I was going to the loo less often, and gaining weight. The aloe vera in these capsules is so effective at fighting inflammation that if I ever burn myself while cooking, I break open a capsule and rub the oil in – and the redness fades instantly. When I next saw my doctor he agreed I no longer needed a colostomy, and an examination proved that my bowel was much healthier.
A year on, I’ve halved my medication, my weight has reached 8st, and I feel as if I’m on the brink of a new life. I’ve always dreamed of a career in social work, and now I feel ready to start a college course. Richard and the girls are as delighted with the new me as I am. I’m more independent, more energetic – and I look so much better, too!
Article quoted from www.primamagazine.co.uk
Always consult your medical practitioner

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Aloe Vera Page

2008-06-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

US goverment Page on Aloe Vera http://nccam.nih.gov/health/aloevera/ . Read this for sober advice on Aloe Vera. I am an Aloe Vera enthusiast but freely confess I have no medical training. Always consult your medical practitioner.

This will get you Flossing!

2008-06-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Will this finally Kill Smoking?

2008-05-31T06:42:00.000-07:00

Governments have spent millions over the years trying to persuade "young" people not to smoke without much success. Of course at the same time the cigarette industry was spending billions sponsoring cool sports and paying Hollywood to insert smoking scenes into top films. In these scenes and I am thinking of "Pulp Fiction" some of the most beautiful people on the planet are seen smoking in a seductive way. However now with the smoking ban operative here in the UK and many other countries, smokers are obliged to smoke outside often in the street and to be honest they look a bit silly. Young people have been drawn to smoking because it appears rebellious, adult and glamorous. Will smoking finally be exposed for what is really is a highly addictive drug which is increasingly consumed by losers?

Discover a New Fruit Today

2008-05-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

Somehow I'd never eaten a Mango until recently. Mangos are not particularly attractive they are large, greenish, bulbous and slightly misshapen. They contain a large flat stone which makes slicing/preparing them difficult. But oh the taste, I started eating and couldn't stop just like you might do with a tub of icecream. The difference is you don't have to feel guilty after eating fruit!! So next time you buy fruit try a fruit you don't know. By the way I was inspired to write this post by the wonderful Mango Smoothie I had in my local coffee store.

Juice Blend Mango Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:
1 large mango diced and chilled
1 banana
1/2 cup of yogurt
1 cup of orange juice
6 ice cubes

Fish & Fruit Diet

2008-05-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

Sounds ooky, but it's actually very easy, pleasant and even delicious. I am eating lots of fresh and canned oily fish for the Omega 3 so as to boost my concentration and ease my joints. Similarly I am eating/snacking on lots of fresh and canned fruit. I buy all this cheaply by buying the fish nearly out of date, the fruit from a market and buying the canned products in discount stores. Sardines, Mackeral, Pilchards, Anchovies, Haddock are fantastic. The tins are all recyclable. I throw away the juices from the canned fruit as I expect they are highly sugared. And of course I don't forget my daily dose of Aloe Vera! I feel great on it lets see if the scales agree!

(Author has no medical experience)

Simple Pick-Me-Up or Headache Cure

2008-05-19T04:12:00.000-07:00

If you are feeling run-down, peckish, thirsty or have a mild-headache take a good quality Orange and cut it into thickish slices, cut these in to two and then devour them, consuming all but the peel. The inportant thing is not to separate the Orange into segments. Eating an Orange in chunks will cause the taste to explode in your mouth (it can be a bit messy though). This way you are getting Vitamins, Fibre, Liquid and Minerals all in one go.
Even if you like fruit and veg it can be tough to ensure you consume 5 portions per day, this way of eating an Orange is a good trick, Oranges are so common-place that it is easy to forget that when they first arrived in the West they were a sensation.

Aloe Vera Tablets are now Available

2008-05-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Not everyone is very keen on drinking Aloe Vera Gel drinks, I can only drink Cranberry Flavoured Aloe Vera drinks but now you get Aloe Vera tablets!

Aloe Vera supplements - Have you tried them yet? You know the people who have, because they are bouncing around the place and they are full of life! Aloe Vera is used in a lot of our common everyday products, due to its amazing health benefits.

For the first time ever, 100% pure Aloe Vera tablets are now available. Because it is in tablet form, it makes it easier to get the health benefits everyday. Reported benefits of Aloe Vera include boosting your immunity, fighting ageing, improving digestion, helping with acne and helping you feel more awake and active during the day

Your glowing skin, smiling exterior and inside healthiness will be a key give away to others that you have started taking Aloe Vera supplements.

The best product currently available is Aloeride. They are running a 3 for 2 offer on all purchases for a limited time. For more information visit www.aloeride.com.

Lighted Mirrors

2008-05-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine runs the www.montpellier-beauty.co.uk website dedicated to lighted shaving and makeup mirrors. These top quality lighted mirrors are illuminated using a halo light around the mirrored glass. This is ideal for those applying makeup or shaving in environments that are poorly lit or where there is no natural light. Due to the wonders of modern technology there are now battery powered versions these are ideal for traveling businessmen and women. They are lit by LED and require easily available AA Batteries. The mirrors magnify from 3 to 5 times most also offer true image ie no magnification.

So if you are thinking of buying a lighted mirror as a gift or for yorself then click here

Aloe Vera the Living First Aid Kit!

2008-05-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera is mentioned in many ancient medical texts and one of its many folk names was "Medicine Plant". Many of the minor ailments that we suffer from when outdoors involve our skin, sunburns, bites, stings, nettle stings, grass rashes, blisters, small cuts, scrapes, and lesions, nearly all of these can be soothed or cured by using Aloe Vera gel. Simply cut off a section of a lower thick leaf, splice it in two, shave off any tiny spikes and you are ready to apply it. The gel inside the leaf is translucent and will stick to your skin without being sticky and will dry and disappear leaving no trace. Simply lightly rub onto the affected area, the gel will have a pleasant cooling effect and acts as a mild anti-sceptic and soothing agent. I also use it on a spot which is driving you mad to itch it. If I have any gel left over I rub it into my gums or onto my face or neck. If you go away on a camping trip cut off a whole leaf to take with you; just wrap it in a piece of cloth.
So if you haven't this living Medicine Cabinet in your house or garden yet then buy some this weekend, Aloe Vera plants can be bought in most larger garden centers and are usually to be found in the succulent/cactii section.

Lavender oil

2008-04-22T04:58:00.000-07:00

Lavender oil
(quoted from Random Ramblings Blogspot who has been sending me nice emails)
I have been a fan of lavender oil for many years as it is something that you can grab and has a use for almost anything. Yes, it's old fashioned .... but what an amazing possession it is. It has anti-viral (not many things help kill viruses), anti-bacterial, soothing and healing, relaxing .... the list seems endless. You can apply a small amount to minor burns, place a few drops into bath water, add it to vegetable oil and use as a massage. Place a few drops onto a linen square and hang in a wardrobe, cloakroom, etc to ward away the little clothes moth .... well I won't go on - you get the picture.

And to Quote Wikipedia

Lavender has been used extensively in herbalism.

English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, yields a highly effective essential oil with very sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. Lavandin, Lavandula x intermedia (also known as French lavender), yields a similar essential oil, but with higher levels of terpenes including camphor, which add a sharper overtone to the fragrance. Spanish lavender, Lavandula stoechas is not used medicinally, but mainly for landscaping purposes.

Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors, walls and other surfaces.

An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation: Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water are recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink. Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) is claimed to heal acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel; it is also used in the treatment of skin burns and inflammatory conditions (it is a traditional treatment for these in Iran).

But see the Wikipedia article for possible Health Precautions wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender

Survive the Late Night Nibbles!

2008-04-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

You've been good all day, have eaten sparingly and healthily, then in the evening you crack you want to eat naughty sweet things! One trick is to have lots of healthy nibbles prepared carrots, fruit, a bowl of olives. Still want sweet stuff? then try canned fruit say fruit cocktail but throw away the juice. Nothing working? well at least try to eat quality chocolate that is in reasonable quantities actually good for you!

Please post as a comment your techniques for avoiding the LNN (Late-Night-Nibbles)

Risks of drinking Aloe Vera juice?

2008-04-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Any Side Effects Of Aloe Vera Juice?

Aloe Vera is not without possible side effects. Reported side effects include allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, nausea, dermatitis and strangely colored urine.

However, these side effects are rare and may well be the result of drinking too much of the juice. It is unwise to drink Aloe Vera juice as if it were orange juice. If you stay to the recommended dose, you should be fine.

Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to any side effects and stop drinking the juice if you detect a reaction. Aloe Vera juice is not a magic potion or a cure-all.

Indications

Indications that you should avoid Aloe Vera are if you are pregnant or breast feeding, have kidney or heart disease, or are allergic to garlic or onions. It is also inadvisable to give Aloe Vera juice to children as they can experience toxic reactions.

For most people, the health benefits of Aloe Vera juice outweigh any risks, however it is important to use this supplement wisely and pay careful attention to your body’s responses to it.

Original article from herbalnation.blogspot.com

Aloe Vera Cure for a Sore Throat

2008-04-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

A fellow blogger mentioned that she was a fan of Aloe Vera since it healed a particularly bad sore throat. Just gargle a good quality Aloe Vera Juice.

Here a few other Folk cures just in case you don't have any Aloe Vera juice handy

Honey & Lemon juice Take several tablespoons of this mixture several times a day. Let it sit in your throat a little while. This remedy will also help alleviate that irritating throat tickle

Mustard Grind one tablespoon of mustard seed and combine with the juice of half a lemon, one tablespoon of salt, one tablespoon of clear honey, and 1 1/4 cups of boiling water. Leave this mixture, covered, for 15 minutes and use as a gargle.

Thyme Make a tea by lightly crushing five fresh or dried leaves; place in a cup and fill with water cooled to just below boiling; cover and leave to infuse for five minutes; remove leaves and drink. May also be used as a gargle. Thyme has antiseptic properties.

Water/salt Mix a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of quite warm water. Gargle the whole mixture several times a day. This will increase the blood supply to the area by washing away mucus and dilating capillaries, thereby enabling better circulation of infection-fighting antibodies. (I've used this)

Healthy Uses for Your Old Teabags

2008-04-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

** Tea Shave – If you get razor burn when shaving, you can
use a wet tea bag to reduce the soreness. Place a soaked bag
on the irritated area and it will reduce the irritation.

** Refresh your eyes – If you’ve got tired and weary eyes and
the bags are swelling up because you didn’t quite get enough
sleep last night, a couple of tea bags can help. Douse them
in lukewarm water, place them over your closed eyes and relax
for a while. You’re eyes will soon look much fresher.

** Tea Feet – If you’re feet are a bit whiffy, fill a bowl
with warm water and diffuse a number of tea-bags in it. Once
they’ve diffuse and the water changes colour relax your feet
in the bowl. The tea will lessen the odour of your feet.

** Stinging Tea – If you sting yourself on ivy or nettles try
padding the irritated area with a cotton ball dipped in tea:
it will relieve the pain.

** Shiny Hair – After you’ve shampooed your hair, rinse it
with a beaker of herbal fruit tea. It will give your hair
added shine and a pleasant smell.

** Furniture polish – You can use lukewarm tea to clean wood
furniture. Soak a clean cloth in the tea and then rub down
the dirty furniture. The tea will give the wood a natural
shine.

** Rose Tea – Tea is great for aiding the nourishment of
rosebushes. Place a few used tea bags at the base of the
plant and the rosebush will gather the nutrients

From the Shortcut Bulletin

Ugli Fruit

2008-03-20T03:51:00.000-07:00

An ugli fruit is a citrus fruit created by hybridizing a grapefruit (or pomelo according to some sources) and a tangerine.It was discovered growing wild in Jamaica where it's mainly grown today. Its name derives from the unsightly appearance of its rough, wrinkled, greenish-yellow skin, wrapped loosely around the orange pulpy citrus inside. The light green surface blemishes turn orange when the fruit is at its peak ripeness (Wikipedia).

UGLI are remarkably juicy, and squeeze easily for refreshing drinks. A glass of UGLI juice makes a refreshing, flavourful change to fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit. The juice is delicious warmed as a hot toddy with rum, and sweetened with honey or brown sugar, or used to make ice creams and soufflés. Peel, slice away the pith and cut out the segments to use in a salad, as a cheesecake topping, or on its own as a dessert drizzled with sherry or Kirsch. The peel and juice together make marvelous marmalade.

Ugli Fruit are seasonal so you may not always find them in your market