Food that starts with U is always unique and has a different cultural appreciation. But most of them are kind of unknown to us.
And so today, I’m here to introduce you to those unique and uncommon nutritional foods that start with U.
So, buckle up and look forward to the next section because, as I said before, food that starts with U is waiting.
Food that Starts with U
Across the world, there is a lot of food that starts with U. And the bellow foods are the most unique and flavorful food you will ever experience.
So, what’s making you wait? Let’s dig in and get lost in the world of food that starts with U.
1. Ube
Did you ever get confused ube with taro root? I used to do it in my childhood. Basically, this is a vegetable also known as purple yam. It has a greyish-brown skin with purple flesh.
Fig 1 – Ube in food that starts with U
A fun fact about this fruit is when you cook it, this vegetable will become like a soft potato. And people of Filipino love it a lot.
But remember, if you are on a diet, this vegetable can’t help you with that because it’s a good source of carbs. Just one cup or 100g of cooked ube can give you 140 calories and 27 grams of carbs.
Talking about diet, if you are a health freak, then take a look at this article: 30 Most Appetizing Foods Start With A. Here, you will find some interesting and healthy foods that can help you flourish in your diet journey.
2. Udon
When I went to Japan to visit my elder brother, he took me to eat udon. Uff, the flavor of this Japanese cuisine is indescribable. Though, I’m trying to tell you about it.
Fig 2 – Udon
So, it’s a wheat-based noodle with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. The chewy texture of this food allows it to mix with the soup, and that is what makes it so unique. This flavorful dish is the powerhouse of iron, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.
3. Ugli Fruit
Sounds like ugly nah? But trust me, it isn’t, as it has a sweet, juicy, and tangy flavor. Ugli fruit is a cross between orange and grape. It’s also known as Jamaican tangelo.
The interesting fact about this fruit is that it’s really a brand name that plays on the word “ugly,” and there is a reason behind it. And the reason is it doesn’t really look appetizing so much.
No matter how it looks, in terms of nutrients, it’s unbeatable. Only half of Ugli fruit contains 0g fat, 2g fiber, 1g protein, 47 calories, vitamin C, folate, and calcium.
Talking about fruit, here is an amazing article on 31 Fruits That Start With O | Exploring Exotic Fruits.
4. Umeboshi
This one is also a Japanese food. It’s often called “sour plum,’’ “Japanese apricot,’’ or “Japanese plum’’ as it’s made from dried and pickled ume fruit.
Fig 3 – Umeboshi
This looks wrinkled and has a sour flavor because it has a high amount of citric acid.
In Japan, people love to eat this white rice or eat it inside a rice ball.
5. Urfa Biber
No, this isn’t Justin Bieber! It’s a medium-heat Turkish chili, also known as isot pepper. And the best thing about this food is it can bring an earthly and smoky eating experience to your coffee, tobacco, raisin, and chocolate.
It’s filled with nutrients like vitamins A and C and minerals like potassium and iron. It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may protect you from chronic diseases.
6. Ukha
Ukha is a traditional and ancient food of Russia, which is a soup made with different fish and vegetables like bream, wels, ruffe, parsley root, leek, potato, bay leaf, and many more.
Fig 4 – Ukha
This food is a perfect example of a low-calorie soup that is very high in protein, vitamins, and obviously minerals. The most good thing about this food is it helps to get rid of depression and anxiety.
7. Unagi
Unagi is a freshwater Japanese eel that is a popular ingredient in many cuisines, like stews, soups, and meat dishes.
Unagi is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as omega-3, fatty acids, and vitamin E. That helps to boost your memorizing function and work against heart diseases.
8. Upma
Upma is a popular and delicious food from South India. Without it, a morning doesn’t start for South Indian people. It not only tastes so good but is also very easy to prepare.
Fig 5 – Upma
This is a very versatile dish and low in calories. It can give you the energy to start a day with such a boost.
9. Urchin
Again, I’m going to talk about Japanese food, and that is urchin. It’s one of the most luxurious seafood items in the world. And people of many other countries also love to eat it.
It has a creamy and buttery flavor with a hint of saltiness. If you try it for the first time, it might feel you taste weird. But gradually, you will adopt this heavenly food.
Apart from the good taste, it’s a great source of vitamin A, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
10. Urad Dal
I know what’s going on in your mind. You’re thinking, what’s Urad dal? Okay, don’t worry, let me tell you. It’s a black lentil, or you can call it black gram. Now clear? In India, people call it Urad dal in their language.
It has been cultivated in India for over 4,000 years. Yes, it’s that much old. And if I’m not wrong, it’s the oldest legume in the world.
The taste is also mind-blowing. It has a milder and sweeter flavor profile, which is perfect for soups and salads.
11. Utah Scone
If you have a little kiddo at home or you’re the one, then you must’ve heard about this food. Unlike the traditional crumbly and buttery pastries in Utah Scone is a perfect example of a deep-fried pillow.
Fig 6 – Utah Scone
Though most of the bread came from the British tradition, but this one is native to America and more like fried bread. With powdered sugar and airy pockets, it can satisfy your sweet tooth.
Talking about bread, check out How to Make Bread Soft and Fluffy: A Step-by-Step Guide, and say goodbye to brick bread forever.
And in terms of nutritional benefits, I want to be honest with you, buddy. We all know deep fried is not something that usually brings goodness to your health. But the Utah scone is not that bad, as it can boost your energy and give you a protein-packed snack.
12. Umbrella Fruit
Tired of eating apples and bananas? Then try this fruit that starts with U called Umbrella fruit. This Southeast Asian fruit is offering you a sweet and tangy taste that can please your tongue easily.
It has a good number of nutritional benefits also. This creamy textured fruit contains Vitamin C, high soluble and insoluble fiber, potassium and magnesium.
An interesting fact about this fruit is that it’s an organic and ideal solution for coughs, fevers, diarrhea, and wounds.
13. Uttapam
Uttapam is a South Indian food that has a thicker, fluffier texture, and it’s the brother of Dosa. It’s known as the “Indian Pizza.”
Fig 7 – Uttapam
It’s a great snack item that doesn’t add any unhealthy calories. It’s easy to cook and contains protein, fiber, vitamin B, iron, and calcium.
15. Uszka
It’s a Polish cuisine and has a traditional flavor. In every bite, the delicate, thin dough will melt in your mouth as smoothly as butter.
The fun fact about this food is that people consider it a symbol of luck. And what I love about this food? The mushroom filled the inside of its belly.
Polish people have this mouthwatering dish in their Christmas Eve feast, Wigikia.
16. Ukrainian Dinner Rolls
Ukrainian diner rolls have another cute nickname. It’s “Pampushky”. And this food is a popular bread item in Ukraine.
Fig 8 – Ukrainian Dinner Rolls
It’s small, round in shape, and soft in texture. With garlic and herbs, this food is fantastic in flavor.
Apart from the flavor, it’s very rich in nutrients. It’s low in fat and sugar and contains carbs and dietary fiber.
17. Ugali
Ugali is a cornmeal dish. For the East African people, it’s more than food. A cultural cornerstone indeed.
Even this food was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2017 as Kenyan’s most important food. Ugali is kind of subtle, but don’t worry; it can satisfy your taste buds.
18. U-No Bar
Who doesn’t love chocolate? I bet no one. And from the love for chocolate, let’s talk about U-No bar, a famous chocolate of the mid-20th century.
And why am I specifically talking about this? Because from my grandpa’s childhood to my generation, it has made a soft corner in the hearts of many people.
How? Through its heavenly combination of milk chocolate, ground almonds, and center-filled nougat.
19. Urgelia Cheese
Do you love aged-in-cave cheese? Then, this Sardinian gem is waiting for you. It takes around 3-6 months to reach its full form.
Fig 8 – Urgelia Cheese
The special thing about this food is it matures in the natural caves of Monte Limbara mountain.
It’s the house of protein. And if you eat it regularly, then osteoporosis won’t get a chance to have fun with your health.
20. Unsweetened Chocolate
After some sweet chocolate, let’s talk about some raw stuff. Yes, unsweetened chocolate is the purest form of chocolate that generally tastes bittersweet.
Fig 9 – Unsweetened Chocolate
This food that starts with U is a versatile one. It can be used in both savory and sweet dishes and can increase the taste of those dishes to the fullest.
21. Ububese Fruit
Ubsese fruit is a small wild fruit that has a sour and sweet taste. It’s also known as the wild custard apple. My mom used to make jam jellies with this fruit.
It’s high in vitamin C and potassium. Also, the fiber content of this fruit helps our digestive system and can make us feel full.
Want to know how to cut this fruit perfectly, then watch this: CUSTARD APPLE – AMAZING FRUITS CUTTING SKILLS.
Conclusion
So, here I’m concluding but leaving you with some of the same unique food that starts with U from different cultures.
Through completing this article, you have learned not only their names but also their nutritional benefits, interesting facts, and flavor profiles.
Hope that you have enjoyed it. And if you did so, why don’t you come and visit me sometime? Until then, let me cook for you about some other foods with another alphabet.