Uganda’s tropical fruits. 9 fruits to eat on your Uganda Safari
By: Exclusive African Safaris
Tags: Travel, Food, Foodies, Fruits, Uganda

As the number 1 fruit producer in Africa, you can describe Uganda as having abundant fresh food and fruits all year round. The daily sun and fertile volcanic soils give the fruits of Uganda a richer and fuller taste.

There is a variety of fruits that are grown locally and sold in all parts of the country. Most of Uganda’s farms are small and medium-sized family-owned farms. This means that you will always find fresh fruit that was picked from the farm very recently.

We have taken a look at some of the top fruits of Uganda that we think you should try. This isn’t the entire list, but a good starting point.

These are common tropical fruits can easily be found in most parts of Uganda. Some fruits might be unavailable due to seasonal changes but there will always be enough fruit to indulge your taste buds.

Here are some of the fruits you should check out;

1. Pineapples

Locally called ‘Enanansi’, pineapples are grown across the country and sold in almost every trading centre and corner street. There are three types grown in Uganda ie Smooth cayenne, Queens, and the red Spanish.

Pineapples are not endemic to this country but have thrived due to the conducive climate and soils. They are planted at the beginning of the two dry seasons of (June to August and January to March).

Ugandan pineapples can grow to 2.5 kilograms and is sold at $ 1.09 each. At the restaurants you eat, they will always be complimentary of the fruit salad provided but if you wish to have a fill of them, getting one from the market is a better option.

2. Mangoes

It is one of the most widely grown fruit trees in the country also venturing in dry areas and tropical sub-regions. There are mainly three types ie Small canopy (Duncan, Early Gold, Paivin, Glenn) Medium Canopy (Zillate, Kent, Keitt, Alfonso, Pinero) and Large Canopy (Boribo, Bure, Ssu, Kate, Ssejjembe).

They can be a tasteful addition to the fruit salad or blended to make fresh full-flavoured mango juice. If you are travelling upcountry and want to try the local way, a mango in one hand and knife in another is the way to get that tropical original taste. The choice is really up to you.

3. Citrus

These include Lemon, Oranges and Tangerines. They are mostly grown for commercial purposes which is why you can see them almost in every trading centre and kiosk.

Oranges originated from Asia and widely grown in Uganda. There are two major types Valencia (Big succulent fruits with lots of juice) and Hamlin (small fruits with smooth shiny skin) Others you can find in markets are the Kuno navel, Minneola and Nova types.

Citrus Lemon varieties include Eureka, Limoneira, Genoa, Fino, Verna, Meyer and Seedless Lisbon among others. These are grown all year round and provide a flavorful blend to the mango and pineapple juice.

4. Bananas

Uganda is dubbed the banana Republic of Uganda for obvious reasons. It is among the top 10 banana-producing countries in the world producing about 4.5m tonnes yearly. It is the staple food in the country and more than 75% of farmers grow bananas. There are several types of bananas ie Matooke (green bananas) for cooking, Dessert bananas (Yellow bananas) and exotic red bananas.

The yellow bananas are found in plenty mostly in the Central, southern and southwestern parts of the country. They further vary in taste and sizes providing quite a variety to taste and enjoy on your trip. One cluster can be bought for as low as $1 in all local markets.

5. Pawpaw

Varieties include the solo variety, the mountain variety, the sunrise variety and red royale all of which are soft and tasty. The oval-shaped and vibrant coloured fruit has quite a number of health benefits.

They serve as great complements to other fruits like pineapple and watermelon for desserts or early morning treat.

6. Passion fruit

Passion fruit is grown all over the country but most especially Masaka and Kasese. Three types; the yellow passion, the purple Granadilla that is locally known as Kasese is very popular for its rich colour, scent and flavour.

The kawanda hybrid is a crossbreed between the purple granadilla and yellow passion fruits. All these have distinct tastes and are highly succulent. The Kawanda variety was made here in Uganda by the Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute.

Passion fruit juice is available in all restaurants with complementary options of ‘cocktails’ blending passion with mango, pineapple or watermelon.

7. Watermelon

This 92% of water fruit is very common in Uganda. With dark green stripes and deep red/pink interior, this fruit is perfect on a hot sunny day. You can get one watermelon at $1.37 from any market.

8. Jackfruit

Scientific name Artocarpus heterophyllus, Jackfruit is a type of berry the size of a watermelon. With seeds embroidered in pod-like delicious fruits, jack fruit is a crunchy soft textured snack you can eat any time of the day.

It is largely grown in Uganda, especially the Eastern and Central parts of the country.

Conclusion

Those are some of the fruits we love and would love for you to try when you visit Uganda for a safari. Even the fruits that you commonly know and are used too, you will find that the Ugandan grown ones have a different kind of sweet richness to it.

As you try these fruits, we invite you to try local Ugandan food as well. We believe you will like it.

Remember to consider your dietary restrictions before trying any of these fruits or foods. If you have some allergies, you should consult your doctor about what you can and cannot eat.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Uganda’s fruits. We do hope you get to taste them soon. We also hope that you decide to come to Uganda, you will choose to do so with us.

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