Ecuadorian fruit: uvilla
Ecuador is an ideal country for fruit tasting, located in the Andes cordillera, with dramatic changes in altitude and diverse regions.
When you visit some of our local markets, you will discover fruit that you’ve never seen or heard of before. And, although uvillas (goldenberries) are indigenous to the Andes Mountains (originally found in Peru and Ecuador), they can now be found in many countries, and you have probably eaten them before.
Today we have decided to write a post solely about uvilla, one of the many exotic fruits in Ecuador.
Where do uvillas grow?
Uvilla Physalis peruviana grows in a small bush like the one seen below. Its cultivation can be traced back to the Inca Empire.
If you are in South America, I would love to see your pictures.
What is uvilla, and how is it eaten
Uvilla, pronounced ooh-vee-yah, is a golden berry, also known as Inca berry,
Once you open this round smooth berry resembling a miniature yellow tomato 1.25–2 cm, you find bright orange flesh with small seeds.
What it tastes like
This fruit has a mildly tomato-like flavor, and it is sweet when ripe.
How and where to eat uvilla
If you are in Ecuador’s highlands, you can often find uvilla for sale on local markets or small fruterias (fruit shops).
If you are abroad and want to get dried golden berries online, CLICK HERE.
While doing research for this post, we found out that uvillas (golden berries) are considered a superfood, high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and carotenoids and that one serving of dried goldenberries provides 45% of your daily value of vitamin A, as well as vitamins C, B1, B2, and B6.
Have you tasted uvilla before? Let us know here!
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